COLLEGE shaping futures changing lives
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studentMET May 2011
student newsletter
Cable launches over 600 engineering opportunities Business Secretary, Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP gave his support to the College’s biggest Apprenticeship initiative to date when he officially launched the Caterpillar Skills Development Academy. The Met has been working in collaboration with Caterpillar to recruit apprentices to meet the production demand for their backhoe loader product line. The Academy based in Desford, Leicestershire will provide first-class training opportunities for
more than 600 new apprentices being recruited by the College over the next three years. “Becoming a Caterpillar apprentice is an excellent career stepping-stone for me,” said apprentice, Anthony Wiggan. “It’s fantastic to be receiving training in these new facilities and to have met Mr Cable, who was very encouraging about all our career ambitions and hopes for the future.” The extra workers are required by Caterpillar after the consolidation of both side-shift and
centre-pivot backhoe loader production in Desford last year, as well as increasing demand. “One of my friends who already worked here described what a great place it was to be,” said fellow new recruit, Lucy Martin. “I had studied art and design in Leicester, but didn’t want to go to university. I felt ready to go into a business environment where I could gain lots of skills and grow as a person.” Following an intensive recruitment campaign, over 25 apprentices have so far begun their induction training.
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Message from the Principal Welcome to the latest edition of Student METnews. There are lots of successful stories about our students in this issue. I know that many of you will now be planning the next stage of your career development, whether it is to continue your studies at College, planning on going into employment or on to higher education. It is very important for you to think carefully about your future, particularly as we are nearing the end of the academic year. The economy has
Molly snaps a winner
been in recession, so it is more important than ever that you have the right skills and qualifications in order to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise in an ever changing economy. If you are planning on continuing your studies next year and are ready to start the next level of course, or to continue on your current course, you need to find out what options are open to you, and if you do want to continue your studies on to the next level of course, you need to complete an Application Form so that you can be interviewed for your new course. I hope you are planning your time carefully to get your assignments completed on time and if you are a student taking examinations, that you
are revising thoroughly. It will be hard work for you but the benefits of performing well on your courses will help set you up for a prosperous career in the future. You are part of a very successful College. During this term, we have been presented with an AOC Beacon Award. We opened a new Samsung Digital Appliance Academy at the James Watt Campus, and were delighted to open a Skills Development Academy at Caterpillar in Desford where we are currently recruiting for apprenticeship programmes in Engineering and Logistics.
Dr Christine Braddock CBE Principal and Chief Executive
Debating duo’s competition success
The ability to spot a good photograph opportunity led to student, Molly Sidwells winning a competition run by the city’s Colmore Business District. Molly’s winning picture, which features a window cleaner abseiling down one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings, Colmore Gate on Colmore Row will be seen throughout the year on different communication material. Explaining why she entered the competition, the photography student said: “We’re encouraged to aim high at college and when I read about the competition I thought it would be a great way to try and get my work out in the public domain. “Winning the competition was amazing and I was thrilled to see my image in print.” CBD Snapshot was open to anyone living, working in or visiting the District. Entrants were encouraged to submit their most interesting, inspiring or simply best looking pictures of the District. As part of her winning prize, Molly also won a book signed by international photographer, Brian Griffin.
The persuasion power of two A Level students resulted in them being named runners-up in the Sutton Coldfield Schools’ Parliamentary Debating Competition. Alice Keaveney and Jessica Pegg successfully impressed judges and showed off their debating prowess to a rapt audience during the annual competition in which eight sixth form and further education institutions based in Sutton Coldfield compete for a prestigious trophy. “We were really pleased at how far we came in the competition and felt we’d excelled ourselves,” said A Level student, Jessica after collecting the runners-up prize. “Our lecturer, Nigel Price gave us lots of support as well, so we wanted to make him proud of us. “Taking part in the competition was a great experience for us both and something we’ll remember for a long time.” In the first round, Alice and Jessica proposed the motion that ‘schools prepare students for a life of tests rather than the test of life’ and were opposed by Bishop Walsh School. In the
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second round, they delivered speeches opposing the motion that ‘all good leaders lie’ which was proposed by the eventual competition winners, Plantsbrook School. Teams were given their round one motion two weeks in advance, but then had only half an hour to prepare their responses for round two. “I’m hoping to become a barrister in the future, so an activity like this was a good way for me to get into this kind of mindset,” sparring partner, Alice commented. “Jess and I worked well as a team and we had lots of fun taking part. We utilised our strengths and used humour to get some of our discussion points across. We also involved the audience in our motions by addressing people directly and putting questions to them. Plantsbrook School were excellent speakers though, so they deserved to win.” Alice, Jessica and their competitors will shortly be paying a visit to the House of Commons hosted by competition organiser and judge, Andrew Mitchell MP where they can witness parliamentary debate in action.
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Sharing an anti-knife crime message A group of Prince’s Trust youths became podcast producers and anti-knife crime promoters throughout schools in Birmingham. 11 young people on Prince’s Trust Team 60 which is delivered in partnership with the College and West Midlands Police produced and recorded the podcast at Birmingham’s Kerrang! radio and then shared their anti-knife crime message with Year 9 and 10 students at local schools. The team mixed their own music choices with a report on the murder of 16 year old Ben Kinsella in London in 2008 and an interview with the mother of a 29-year-old victim of knife crime. They also produced two short anti-knife crime adverts portraying the consequences of carrying knives and the effects on victims and their friends and families. The Team also had the opportunity to present
their podcast to actress, Brooke Kinsella, sister of Ben. “We spent two weeks putting the podcast together and wanted to make sure it focused on real-life scenarios such as the death of Ben Kinsella,” explained Team Member, Aaron Knight. “It was quite challenging to make our podcast sound good, but by working together we created a recording that was informative and also made people think about their behaviour and attitudes towards knife crime and gang culture.”
so spending time at Kerrang! radio was quite inspiring. I feel like I’ve worked on an important project that has also provided me with some useful work experience.”
The podcast will be used by other Birmingham Prince’s Trust Teams during their work in local communities.
“I also enjoyed being on the Team programme and working on the different community initiatives,” said Team Member, Antonio Johns. “I’ve been out of work for a while now,
Nail care service demonstrated
Money talk
Tuition fees, rising travel fares and changes to EMA - it’s no wonder that students are being encouraged to spend carefully and make savings whenever possible. This year’s Money Week which took place in March was promoted to over 90,000 students across the UK.
A group of trainee nail care therapists provided a lifeline to community residents at a Castle Vale day centre when they carried out a much needed nail clipping service on new clients. The students were assessed carrying out toe nail cutting procedures on community members at the Phoenix Day Care Centre. “This is the third group of nail care therapists that have undergone training to deliver this essential service to those that are unable
Brushing brides
“Our visit to the day centre was a tremendous success. Our learners ably demonstrated their skills and referred many clients to a local podiatry service where they can receive further foot care advice and support.”
Following the event, the College invited Money Week organisers, the National Skills Academy for Financial Services and event sponsors, Barclays to a celebratory lunch hosted by our financial services students. Fellow-learners from across the region that also took part in the event at their colleges showcased what they had achieved through the money management activities they had organised.
The certificate in nail care therapy course trains cosmetic, health care and welfare workers to provide a professional and affordable grooming service to those in need of treatment.
This gave everyone the chance to share money saving ideas and to demonstrate how these initiatives could be promoted to as many people as possible.
to manage the care of their own toe nails,” lecturer, Jo Hughes explained.
Kate Middleton may be the bride of the moment, but Met hairdressing students were focusing on other brides and their hairstyles for a spectacular show they organised for local salon owners and their stylists. As part of a course module to produce a creative look consisting of hair, make-up and clothing, the level 3 hairdressing students organised a bride and creative hair show where a catwalk demonstration presented various
wedding looks consisting of the classical bride, contemporary bride and grooms as well as bridesmaids. They also displayed brides through the ages. Alongside the stunning range of wedding looks that hit the catwalk on the night, the hairdressing students also proudly showcased their own inventive and artistic looks for the second part of their show; the creative.
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Building achievements
Bricklaying techniques aren’t a skill that everyone can master, but a group of construction students are well on their way to succeeding in this industry after working together at the Erdington Skills Centre. “In terms of teamwork, this is one of the most successful groups of learners I have spent time with,” said lecturer, Tony Holder. “They have met every learning goal that has been set for them and are all keen to progress to the next level of study and gain more experience of working in construction.” The course consists of units in bricklaying, block work, floor screeding, plastering and tiling. As a result of embarking on the course, learner, Alex Hodgen has been offered employment in the construction industry.
Fierce furniture A group of young construction apprentices created over 100 pieces of furniture for a public event held during the Fierce Festival that took place in Birmingham. The 15 and 16 year olds spent a week working with French artist and architecture collective, EXYZT (pronounced Exist) to create hundreds of wooden chairs, benches and tables for a public feast held at the Eastside Green space near Curzon Street station in the city centre. “The week was brilliant,” commented young apprentice, Connor Rendell. “We all took on different roles each day such as cutting frames down to size or screwing the pieces together. “This was our first chance to make something by ourselves for other people. It was a major achievement for us all.” Fellow learner, Ryan Haycox added: “I was able to finish the furniture pieces a lot quicker as time went on. I felt proud of what I had done. I’ve had a great time on the site. It’s exactly
the kind of place where I can see myself working the future.” The apprentices’ artistic venture was the result
BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing students created visually stunning costumes for a production of Twelfth Night starring their fellow HND performing arts students.
Dressing up the bard
The group were assigned the task of designing and producing costumes for nine of the play’s characters. After being split into teams of three and four, they were allocated one actor to create a wardrobe for.
Fashion students successfully mastered the art of multi-tasking after creating costumes for a Shakespearean theatre production. The
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Describing the process, student Karandeep Badesha said: “As two of the characters, Sebastian and Viola switch gender identities during the play, we customised jackets that gave them an androgynous appearance which also showed off their individual personalities. We also added Elizabethanstyle collars and cuffs so that there was a traditional look to the whole ensemble.” “I really enjoyed making the costumes,” added
of a collaboration between the College, Fierce Festival organisers and MADE, a not-for-profit architecture centre based in Birmingham.
student, Amy Nichol. “Until now, we’d all produced most of our work independently, so it was a positive experience for us to work more closely with others and to constantly receive feedback and input from the people that would be wearing our designs. “Working to deadlines also meant that we learned how to adapt some of our ideas while working to tight time constraints. “We’ve all gained a lot from this project. Hopefully we’ll get to do something like this again and next time our designs will be even better!” Twelfth Night was the debut production of Scene 16; the Met’s new Performing Arts academy. Following a tour of schools and colleges across the region, an outdoor performance will take place during the summer.
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Recipe for art
Summer study A group of student scientists and mathematicians who spent some of their summer holidays completing an Open University study module were congratulated for their successful efforts. As part of the YASS (Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme) run by the Open University, learners are invited to study a science or maths-related topic at undergraduate level to give them a taste of higher education in these disciplines.
The experts often say that good food is all about presentation, so art and design and graphic design students were delighted to be able to explore the visual impact of food and fine dining through an art and design competition commissioned by awardwinning Birmingham chef, Glynn Purnell. The students were invited to create a piece of artwork to represent the city. 45 imaginative and visually-stunning entries were submitted and judged by Glynn Purnell and college lecturers. From 10 short listed designs based on the theme of ‘representing Birmingham’, artwork created by art and design student, Dagmara Milosz and graphic design student, Ben Selby were chosen as the winners. Dagmara’s painting was inspired by a visit to Birmingham’s popular fish market which she knew was regarded by Glynn Purnell as being ‘the best in the country’. “To help us get some ideas for our artwork, my entire student group visited the fish market,” she said. “I produced a variety of different sketches before deciding to create a portrait of some fish on sale.
medicine and drugs. “At first the idea of studying something at a higher level does seem challenging, but once you get into it and work through it bit by bit, it soon comes together.
“I studied the empire of the microbes module which fitted in with my A level biology,” said student, Zoe Mayne. “It took me around two months to complete the work as I went at my own pace and was also working on another assignment at the same time.”
“The Open University provide you with all the learning materials, including books and cds. Once you’ve gone thorough these, you then complete an end-of-course assessment involving short and long essay questions.”
Mohammed Faridi focused on the discovery of medicine through his module; molecules,
17 modules are available for students to complete over their summer holidays.
Changing rooms-style project assigned to students Community-minded students successfully completed a ‘changing rooms’-style redecorating challenge at a local youth centre. The students with learning difficulties and disabilities spent one morning per week redecorating a recreational room at the Clifton Road Youth Centre, Sutton Coldfield so that visitors can participate in activities in brighter surroundings. The foundation learning group stripped walls and doors and then repainted the room so that it could continue to be used for adult classes and a provision of youth services, as well as advice and support services.
“It feels good to have done something to help the community,” said learner, David Howles. “Being involved in a project like this was also a way for me to get some work experience as I’m hoping to find a job as a painter when I finish college.” Fellow student, Wahid Hussain also enjoyed the opportunity to improve his team-working and planning skills. “I’d worked on a painting project at the college campus before now. I liked doing that, but being at the youth centre was much better because it meant I was doing something for the community. “I’m hoping to work in construction in the future, so I like being able to find out more about how different buildings are looked after and improved.”
“I was really pleased that my work was chosen as I had spent a lot of time making the shape and colour of each fish look right.” Using some of Broad Street’s landmarks as the basis of his design, Ben Selby successfully captured what he saw as the ‘face of Birmingham’. “I’d never designed anything like this before,” he commented. “I wanted there to be an ‘arty’ feel to the picture, so I experimented with a few things and then came up with this concept. It paid off as Glynn Purnell told me he liked the way that the edginess of the buildings was softened by the pastel colours I’d used.”
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EMA and ALG payments In order to receive payments during study leave and exams you must hand in a copy of your exam timetable to Student Services. If you are on study leave and your current attendance is below 85%, you will not be paid during the study leave period. Failure to hand in your exam timetable will result in payments being delayed. You must attend all mandatory revision sessions during study leave. EMA/ALG will only be paid up until the date of your last exam. Important information regarding Education Maintenance Allowance for next academic year The Government has recently announced the following information regarding EMA: If you applied for EMA for the 2009/2010 academic year and have been receiving it since then, you will carry on receiving EMA next year, as long as you are still aged between 16 and 18. You will receive EMA at the same weekly rate that you are currently getting your payment. If you applied for EMA during this academic year (2010/2011) and have been receiving it at the full rate of £30 per week, you will receive EMA for next academic year at a lower rate of £20 per week, as long as you are aged between 16 and 18. If you applied for EMA during this academic year 2010/2011 and are currently receiving it at the rate of £20 or £10 per week, you will not receive EMA next year.
There will be new funding available for some of those who would have been eligible for EMA, particularly those in severe hardship. For more information, visit: http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/ pressnotices/a0076112/180-million-new-
bursary-scheme-to-help-the-most-vulnerable16-19-year-olds Some of these proposals may be subject to change. We will keep you updated on any new developments.
10 Exam-taking tips for students • Have a Positive Attitude Approach the big test as you would approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way towards success. • Make a Plan The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Or class notes? Can you use a calculator? If you have been absent, talk to a friend about work you have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics. ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ • The Night Before Cramming does not work. If you have followed a study plan, you should do a review on the night before the test and get to bed early. Remember your brain and body needs sleep to function well so do not stay up too late.
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• The Morning of the Test Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? Do not skip breakfast on the morning of the test. Get to college early, do a ten-minute power study before the test, so your brain is switched on and tuned up. • Test Time Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you will need. Notepad, extra pens, pencils and calculator (if you are allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: do you lose points for incorrect answers? Is it better to make guesses when you are not sure of the answer? Read the instructions - you want to make sure you are answering questions correctly! • Manage Your Time Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. In addition, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the harder stuff. • I’m stuck! Those tricky problems can knock you off your balance. Do not get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it and try to solve it the best way you know
how. If you are still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. If you have no idea of the answer, review your options and make the best guess you can, but only if you do not lose points for wrong answers. • Multiple Choice Questions The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple choice question. Start by crossing off the answer that could not be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer. • Neatness Counts If your 4s look like 9s, It could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully. • I’m done! Not so fast! When you complete the last item on the test, remember that you are not done yet. First, check the clock and go back and review your answers, making sure you have not made any careless mistakes (such as putting the wrong answer to a question or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you hand in your paper.
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College ID cards Childcare funding Please remember that you are required to have your college ID card with you at all times while you are on any of the campuses. Security will approach you if your card is not visible, so you need to wear your pass at all times. This system has been put into place so staff can identify you as a student and that you are authorised to be on college premises - this is to keep you safe as well. If for any reason you forget your ID card, you will be asked to buy a Day Pass at Reception at the cost of £1.00 (you are allowed two day passes in an academic year). If you know you have lost your ID card, you will need to buy a new one at the cost of £2.00. This policy applies to all students so please do not be offended when you are asked to follow this procedure. Students who forget their ID card on more than two occasions may be asked to return home to collect it. Treat your ID card the same way you would your travel pass, your money and your keys; don’t leave home without it!
We currently have some childcare funding available until July 2011 for students doing further education courses. Please contact Student Services to find out how to apply.
Message from the Careers Team Are you planning to go to university this September? Now is the time to apply for your university student finance if you haven’t already done so. A new Guide to Financial Support is now available from your careers office. You will need to fill in and submit your application for student finance before 31 May 2011 to be sure you have your money when you start your course.
Progression forms What do you want to do in September? Progression application forms are available from your tutor, so you need to start thinking now about what you want to do next, if you are intending to move up to the next level here at the college. Speak to your tutor and if necessary, make an appointment or drop in to see a Careers Adviser.
You don’t have to wait until you’ve accepted a course to apply for student finance. If you haven’t accepted a place yet, create your student finance account and apply using your first choice of course. You can easily change your course or university details online later. If any of your details change after you have sent your application, don’t worry- it’s easy to update. Using your online student finance account you can make changes to; • Your course details • Your university details • Your loan amount • Your personal details So apply online now and have everything in place for starting your course in September. Go to www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Litter and wildlife
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All applicants to university should have a response to their five university choices by May 6. Please come to see the college Careers team if you need to consider alternative courses and universities. Similarly we can give you advice on jobs and Apprenticeships.
shaping futures changing lives
1:1 English Support / 1:1 Maths Support The amount of litter in the areas where we live, work and study should be a major cause for concern. There are some potentially serious problems created by litter which we should all be aware of. • Litter is unsightly. Litter creates a blight on the landscape. • Litter doesn’t just disappear! If litter is not picked up, items will take many years to decompose. Fruit peelings and cigarette ends can take up to two years to decompose. Drinks cans may take between 80 and 100 years while plastic bottles remain indefinitely. • Many litter objects present a very real danger to wildlife. Plastic bags, wrapping and other containers can ensnare a variety of animals. Glass can cause serious injuries and aluminium cans can also trap and injure wildlife.
• The rise in the urban rat population. A recent survey found that the rat population now stands at around 60 million. This rise has been partly attributed to an increase in the amounts of food litter found on the streets of our towns and cities. • The dangers of cigarettes. Smoking related litter such as cigarette butts, filters, matchsticks and discarded cigarette packets are often so small that they are too difficult to clean up. They accumulate around grids, gutters and other litter traps. The filters, which are composed of cellulose acetate can persist in the environment for a significant period of time. Smoking related litter can leak toxins into watercourses, posing a serious threat to wildlife. Clean and green spaces are important to people and their everyday lives. Please ensure you do your bit to keep the city tidy.
Problems getting ready for your exams? Need some help to complete your assignments? Entitled to extra time in exams?
Help is at hand!
Visit the Study Centre today Sutton Coldfield Campus - Above the LRC James Watt Campus - Library Matthew Boulton Campus - 319 Open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
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Policy discussions Business and enterprise students have been coming face to face with some of the region’s most prominent business leaders and representatives through events for the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Aiding the international community
During two Council meetings, students shared tables with council members where they talked about issues relating to Local Enterprise Partnerships such as transport and infrastructure and about access to finance. A second council meeting focused on elected mayors. Former MP for Erdington, Sion Simon addressed the Council on key issues surrounding elected mayors and put forward the case for electing a Mayor in Birmingham. “We all found both meetings really useful,” said student, Jessica Beeson. “Everyone we listened to had something interesting to say.
The business of fundraising As part of their course, Level 1 Business and retail students had to organise and run an event for charity. They decided to sell an array of cakes and doughnuts and held a raffle and a ‘guess the number of sweets in a jar’ competition. By also collecting money from other staff and students, in just under four hours the group managed to raise £115 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. During a visit to the hospital, the students toured the cardiac ward and were told that the money they had raised would contribute towards the building of a new operating theatre for newborn babies with heart conditions. Written by student, Heather Judge
We were also encouraged to give our opinions during the group discussions which we all enjoyed doing.” Academy students also got to hear Chief Executive of Sainsburys, Justin King and Shadow Business Secretary, John Denham speak at the Chamber Group’s annual dinner held at the ICC.
Sporting hat trick Congratulations to the Met Sport Academy who proved what a leading force they are by claiming three major titles at the Sutton Coldfield Sports Awards. Met Sport took the SCSSA Evans Trophy for Secondary School of the Year and the Girls football team were awarded the title, BBT Senior Team of the Year. Basketball coach, Stephen Barnes was also named Birmingham City Council Coach of the Year. “Winning the awards go some way to proving that MET Sport is one of the leading providers of curricular and extra-curricular sport,” said a delighted Head of Met Sport, Jason Allen.
“I’ve been volunteering with Islamic Help for over three years now; both in their Birmingham offices and as a representative for them in Pakistan,” Aftab explained. “The charity does some amazing work in South Asia, the Middle East and Central and East Africa which is why I wanted to help raise awareness of them.” When head of fundraising and communications, Zaheer Khan met with the students to accept their cheque donation, he outlined some of the many successful projects the charity had recently been involved in. He also promoted the volunteering opportunities available at the organisation which include fundraising, event organisation and administration support. For details, visit www.islamichelp.org.uk
Match Report Birmingham Metropolitan College 10 Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College 2 This was another routine victory for BMC as they comfortably beat their opponents. This helped create a nine point lead over nearest rivals Worcester Sixth Form College, although Worcester has two games in hand. W&QE started the game very well, putting together some good passes and rarely giving the ball away. BMC then began to come back into the game more, creating some good goal scoring opportunities. The first and second goals of the game came from Christian Beck and from then on, BMC began to dominate the first half. Then the next goal came from Jack Knight with a good finish, making it 3-0 to the
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The selling of samosas by a group of business studies students raised £107 for the charity, Islamic Help. Aftab Mohammed encouraged his classmates to get involved in the fundraising initiative as he is an active supporter of the charity which provides aid to impoverished communities worldwide.
home side. Overall the first half was an easy one for BMC, although they could still improve on their passing as there were a couple of times where they needed to play the simple pass rather than playing through balls. The second half started with BMC on top. Jack Knight achieved a hat trick while Christian Beck, who is in the England Under-18 squad got his fourth goal of the game, making it 7-0. BMC started to become a little complacent which resulted in W&QE getting two goals. It was too little too late for them to get anything out of the game as Sam Bates, Christian Beck and Jake Nicholls scored another three goals to produce the final score. Terry Lavery, BMC’s coach said after the game: “It was a very scrappy game that had too much dribbling in some parts. We played the short corners very well although our defence would have been disappointed with the two goals we conceded.”
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Game on with Blitz
Games development students and computer games fans came face to face with two of the UK’s most prominent and successful computer games entrepreneurs at a Met FEED event. Philip and Andrew Oliver of Blitz Games Studios talked about their careers, discussed their rise to the top and gave advice to aspiring games developers. The twins co-founded Blitz Games Studios in 1990 following nearly ten years of designing and writing many number one UK games, including the hugely popular Dizzy series. “As part of our course, we’ve
explored the way the Oliver Twins have influenced the British games industry, so it was good to actually meet them both and find out what motivated them when they were my age,” said student, Tom Uddin. “I found it really useful to hear from them the kind of knowledge and ambition they had when they were younger so that I can try and follow their example and hopefully in the future, be as successful as they are.” Fellow-student, Megan Rice also enjoyed the event. “I found it useful to be able to network with other people and gain a better insight from ‘people in the know’ about how the industry really works. “We were the first college to host an event with the Oliver Twins, so it was an honour for us, especially as they got to see the awesome learning spaces that games development students get to work in.”
Paintball experience International students have been encouraged by the College to spend more time socialising with local students so that they can improve their English and get to see more of the UK. UK students have also been given the opportunity to get to know students from other countries outside of the classroom. As well as going bowling and ice-skating, a paintballing outing also took place. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was surprised at how well we all got on,” commented one of the Home Students.
really nice and interesting,” added another learner. “I particularly enjoyed hearing about their cultures and everyday life back in their home countries.” Other social activities will take place over the course of the year.
“Meeting students from other countries was
Rachel returns Birmingham - Prague exchange Coldfield Campus to spend time in their studios. Describing her time in Prague, student Jennifer Whitmore said: “This was an amazing opportunity for us all; both academically and personally.
Many of the College’s former students continue to be an inspiration to current learners. Rachel Smith is someone who definitely fits this role after returning to the Matthew Boulton Campus to discuss her successful career in photography. As well as working for major international photographic agency, Rankin, she is also building a name for herself as a celebrity and fashion photographer. Rebecca gave a presentation to National Diploma Photography students, answered their questions and also spent a considerable amount of time giving them feedback on their work.
“I really enjoyed being in the city as it gave me the chance to experience another type of student lifestyle. I’d definitely like to do something like this again.” A unique historical and cultural scene, along with an alternative approach to learning was introduced to Met art students and students from the Secondary School of Applied Art in Prague when they embarked on an exchange trip. Six BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design students spent three weeks at the renowned art school before six of their students accompanied the group on the journey back to the Sutton
Fellow-student, Lewis Buckley also enjoyed spending time in the city. “Seeing all the traditional architecture in and around Prague made me more aware of Birmingham’s own building heritage and how this has been preserved with our more modern buildings.” The student’s exchange trip was arranged through the Leonardo Mobility Fund which provides support to vocational education and training professionals undertaking work placements across Europe.
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The funniest day of the year It’s not every day that you can come to college in fancy dress, treat yourself to an endless amount of tasty snacks and aim wet sponges and custard pies at your lecturers. This year’s Comic Relief proved to be one of the busiest and most successful at the College with a combined £2,000 raised across the campuses and satellite centres in aid of the worthy cause. Here’s a round-up of the some of the events that took place.
t-style talent A Britain’s Got Talen cked audience pa a d ha on competiti
Cookies and cake sale run by busi ness
studies students
Neelam Sumandar undertaking a sponsored silence n and Jamal Lee Hanso students, Sohail Khan Fancy dress worn by
Pyjama party at the Castle Vale Skills Centre
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Assistant Principal, itehouse take aim at Wh l nie Da d an o ng Arnal Do Adrian Humphries
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Bon voyage Grace
Salsa-style Shakespeare Lunchtime visitors and pedestrians walking through central Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square were treated to a burst of Shakespearean dialogue, salsa dancing and romany gypsy music courtesy of acting and dance students. The ‘spontaneous’ performance was part of a guerrilla marketing initiative to promote the students’ theatre production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors which was set among the romany gypsy community.
Around 20 BTEC National Diploma acting and dance students took over the steps at Chamberlain Square with a unique one-off performance based on what they had been rehearsing over the past six weeks.
Congratulations from ex-Villa’s Curtis The passport and suitcases of Grace Billingham will be used quite often by her over the next eight months as the student has just begun work as an overseas holiday rep. Grace was offered a job with Thomas Cook after being encouraged to apply for the position during a roadshow event held by the travel agents at the College. “This is a dream job for me; one that I’ve been working towards for the past few years,” said the BTEC travel and tourism student. “I’ll be spending a week in Mallorca receiving my induction training as a Thomas Cook travel rep. “After that I’ll start my job and carry on with my training - but I won’t know where I’ll be placed until after I’ve completed my first lot of training, which is quite exciting for me.” Birmingham Metropolitan College works in partnership with Thomas Cook to deliver skills training to travel and tourism students. “Even though I’ll be leaving college early, I’ve got a study plan outlined that will mean I can finish my course and still achieve the high grade I’m aiming for,” Grace continued.
Extra coaching Did you wish you’d had some extra help with your studies when you were about to sit your GCSEs? Pupils at Waverley School in Small Heath were in this position and help has come to them courtesy of a mentoring scheme set up between the school and the College. For the past couple of months, six A Level History and Sociology students have been helping up to ten pupils at a time improve their GCSE grades. Weekly sessions have consisted of revision quizzes and games, explanations of sociology definitions and discussions on methodology, concepts and research methods.
16 young people on a Prince’s Trust programme had the surprise of their lives when ex-Aston Villa FC defender, Curtis Davis attended their award presentation held at Villa Park and congratulated them on their success. Team 59 had completed a 12-week personal development programme in partnership with the College where they carried out individual and team challenges in the community in order to help improve their job prospects. As well as participating in team building activities, a week-long residential trip and a two-week work experience placement, Team 59 also spent a fortnight at Headway House in Moseley Hall Hospital where they worked hard to redecorate and refurbish many of the rooms including an education room, woodwork room and green room; all of which needed clearing out and painting. “Curtis was really easy to talk to and was genuinely supportive of everything we’d done on the Team programme,” said Team Member,
Siobhan Thornhill. “I wasn’t doing anything before I came on the programme, but now I’ve got a job at Villa Park on match days, which I’m really enjoying. I’m much more confident about talking to different people and believe in myself a whole lot more.” “I’ve had a great time on Team,” added Juneth Abdin, known as Jay Jay. “I’d been out of work for a while, so to be given the chance to get some work experience and gain some qualifications has been really useful for me. The Team programme helps you to find yourself and work out how to achieve your goals, so I now feel better about applying for jobs and being able to make something of my life.”
“Being a student mentor helps us out just as much as it helps the school students,” said mentor, Alice Flack. “Some of the theory and study techniques cross over, so in some ways, we’re reinforcing what we already know and can utilise this knowledge more effectively.” “The mentoring sessions are really relaxed,” mentor, Christine Hamilton added. “It’s made us more confident about our own abilities and was something extra to add to our UCAS applications.” If you are a humanities student who would like to be involved in the mentoring scheme contact, Bal Gill on bal.gill@bmetc.ac.uk
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studentMET
Slumber party
On a bitingly cold night, 14 BMet students and staff members bravely took part in the Big Sleepout; setting up camp outside the Sutton Coldfield Campus’ new sports hall. In -3°C conditions, the group who were raising money for St Basils Hospice, bravely experienced some of the challenges and hardships faced by the thousands of people across the UK that are without shelter. “This was the first time any of us had taken part in something like this and it really opened our eyes up to how difficult it is for people with very few possessions to survive outdoors,” said Assistant Principal, Adrian Humphries. “We were very grateful for the support of our friends and colleagues who helped us raise over £560 for the cause. “We also had some fantastic support on the night from BRMB radio, who provided us with food. Regent Security also ensured that one of their colleagues came to check on us regularly.” The College plans to participate in the next Big Sleepout which will take place on Friday 2 December 2011. To find out more about the event, visit www.stbasils.org.uk
Water boys and girls
Public services students have learned how to master the water after visiting the Royal National Lifeboat Institute’s (RNLI) largest base in Tenby. The 88 students were shown how volunteers operate the base and were given a demonstration of some of the resources they use as part of their lifeboat search and rescue service. They also undertook a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) level 1 speed boat course and participated in surfing lessons, climbing and some assault course activities that strengthened their skills in navigation, expedition planning, map reading and weather condition studies.
W/C
Teaching Week No.
Monday
Tuesday
09/05/11
29
Hair & Beauty Careers Event (JW) 7.00pm
16/05/11
30
Construction & Utilites Careers Event (JW) 7.00pm
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Interviews (SC/MB)
Ian Livingstone Games Event (MB) 7.00pm
19+ Interviews (SC, MB)
CPA Star 3 Review
Interviews (SC, MB)
A2 Students Finish
CPA Star 3 Review
CPA Star 3 Review
19+ Interviews (JW) 23/05/11
31
CPA Star 3 Review
Interviews (JW) CPA Star 3 Review
30/05/11
Half term
06/06/11
32
Bank Holiday
Interviews (SC, MB)
Open Day Saturday 18th June 10.00am - 2.00pm 12