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Open days are ideal way THE best way to choose which by CHIARA GIORDANO universities to apply for is to Education Reporter attend an open day and get a first-hand experience of what is you’ll be working in. “There’s a lot to take in so if you take on offer to you.
There can be a lot to take in at a university open day but it is a chance to get a real feel for the place and to ask any burning questions you may have. It is important not only to look at the campus and surrounding area, but also to look at the accommodation on offer to you in the area and to speak to tutors and current students at the university. If you are interested in particular courses on offer, speak to course tutors and ask questions. Rob Young, student recruitment officer at The University of St Mark and St John, suggests finding out the specifics of the course you are considering and to take someone along to the open day with you. He said: “Find out the specifics of the course, for example, the University of St Mark and St John’s acting programme includes a chance to go on an international tour during the second year, which is a unique part of the programme. “The facilities available to you are important but you should also consider extra opportunities that the university experience can offer you – whether there are chances to study abroad, work placements or connections to the industry
someone with you it gives them the chance to ask questions and notice things that you may not. “Remember to make notes and take pictures and don’t be afraid to ask silly or unusual questions.” Some universities run active workshops at their open days as well as subject talks and sample lectures which will give you a better insight into whether you can imagine studying there. You can also expect to go on campus and accommodation tours and can speak to the university’s finance team if you have any questions about budgeting. Ruth Bennett, events and outreach manager at Plymouth University, believes it is also important to see what a university has on offer in the form of clubs and societies. She said: “At an open day you can visit the university’s students’ union where you can talk with student staff. “It is a chance to find out about the university’s clubs and societies and what the facilities are on the social side of things.” Ruth says it is also a good idea to meet current students and new students and
Student Jennifer Manning advises parent Martyn Gray at a Plymouth University open day
to begin building up a network if you are considering a university as an option. She said: “You can have a chat with students at the university first-hand which provides you with an insight into a course and also the reality of being a student in the day-to-day. “It is a chance to meet like-minded students and start to create networks of new friends.” Professor Iain Stewart, who is part of Plymouth University’s school of geography, earth and environmental sciences, added: “I love our open days.
“It’s when you really see the university come alive; the general buzz of excitement around the campus, all the showcases of the amazing breadth of subjects that we teach and the passion of the staff for what they do. “It a wonderful reminder that we’re more of a vibrant community than a dry place of learning.” To find out more about open days at Plymouth University or The University of St Mark and St John, visit their websites at www.plymouth.ac.uk or www.marjon.ac.uk
‘Be the best that you can be at ND!’
Notre Dame Plymouth
Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 3rd December 2015 4.30pm - 6.30pm t:
01752 775101
w: ndonline.org @ndplymouthsixth /NotreDamePlymouth
Take time to wander around and discover the campus, including the excellent sports facilities at the University of St Mark and St John
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to discover university
Welcoming students to an open day at the University of St Mark and St John
Its Not Its NotToo Too Late To Apply Late To Apply Enrolling now! Enrolling now! Beauty, Nails, Hair Animal Care IT Users Childcare & HSC Beauty, Nails Business Administration Call: 01752 202269 Or: 01752 202266 For more information. Rushing to register at a Plymouth University open day
info@achievementtraining.com www.achievementtraining.com 01752 202266 Achievement Training Norwich Union House, 2 St Andrews Cross, Plymouth, PL1 1DN
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Creating a new breed of sp THE future is looking bright for by CHIARA GIORDANO students at City College Ply- Education Reporter mouth where head of sport Charlie Legg is hoping to create degrees in both sports therapy and rehabilitation and strength cona new “hybrid sport profes- injury ditioning and sports coaching, awarded sional”. by Plymouth University.
Charlie, who is head of sport, public services and tourism at the college, hopes to equip students to go on to work as a combined professional in both strength conditioning and sports rehabilitation. The 43-year-old, who is also a football coach at Exeter City Football Academy, says there are great opportunities in the sports industry to work within a sports medicine team and the college’s curriculum is a reflection of this. He said: “We are really proactive and responsive to industry and national goals. There has been a massive shift into both sports medicine and health and wellbeing culture and many of my staff are experts and practise in these fields. We’ve got a contemporary sports therapy clinic where techniques such as acupuncture and spinal mobilisation are taught; it is also ran as a sports based clinic for the public, where learners gain entrepreneurial skills to back up their sport science knowledge. “We’ve also got a sports conditioning lab where we cater for elite athletes and where Plymouth Raiders train, and we are looking forward to the development of the new Regional STEM Centre of Excellence at Kings Road which will house the latest sports science equipment in a high performance training lab.” The college offers programmes of study at all levels including foundation
It also has strong links with Plymouth Albion, Argyle and Raiders, who run their academies at the college. This means that sports students at City College have the chance to gain first-hand experience working with real athletes in the city. “We have completely changed our delivery of sport in college with our students regularly in work placements with elite athletes and pitch side on match days at Albion.” said Charlie. “We are preparing our students for the world of work and have even employed some of them in the college gym so they are learning on the job and being paid at the same time.” The foundation degree courses attract people of all ages and the likes of Plymouth Raiders players Jose Malo, Jason Carr and Ryan Peard study at the college. Plymouth Albion’s Tom Putt also studies at the college and is enrolled on an apprenticeship programme launched earlier this year in partnership with Albion and Argyle. Charlie says the reason students are enrolling at the college is because of its growing and flourishing facilities and expertise, blended with excellent teaching and learning. He said: “We are not just a team of PE teachers; we are highly trained industry professionals who are passionate about what we do.”
‘We are not just a team of PE teachers; we are highly trained industry professionals who are passionate about what we do’ – Charlie Legg
CASE STUDY Jose Malo Name: Jose Malo Age: 19 Height: 6’ 7” Place of birth: Huesca, Spain Team: Plymouth Raiders Studied: Plymouth Raiders Academy at City College Plymouth Plymouth Raiders forward, Jose Malo, began his time with the team at the Raiders Basketball Academy based at City College Plymouth. “It was a good experience because the academy team, coaches and Raiders’ players all studied together, trained and played together. In Spain it is like that – all together. I thought it would be hard for me, with the language, but some of the coaches speak Spanish which helped, and I have made good friends.” The Raiders players train at the college and many, like Jose, study courses in sport, coaching or strength and conditioning. This allows the players to gain qualifications whilst continuing their professional sporting careers. Jose suffered from injuries last year and had to rely on the staff and students at the college who provide sports therapy and strength and conditioning support for the Raiders players. “They’re a good support team and really helped me with my injuries. Now I’m playing for the Raiders first team, I am very happy. I just want to work hard and help the team do well.”
‘The biggest jobs in the sports industry are in sports medicine which is reflected in the curriculum at City College’
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port professionals
CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH Sporting roll of honour
Plymouth Albion’s Tom Putt
India Rojano
Our alumni are city champions in sport all over the world … Team GB: Kelsey Pillage (Modern Pentathlete) Tennis: India Rojano (County Champion) Basketball: Jose Malo (Raiders) Jason Carr (Raiders) Ryan Peard (Raiders) Football: Paul Quinn (Sweden International Contract) Ben Joyce (Swindon Town FC) Martin Horsell (Torquay FC) Seb Broomfield (Truro City FC) Supporting Elite Athletes: Tom Hunter (Plymouth Argyle FC - Sports Therapist) Kurt and Kyle Micallef (Malta FA Rehabilitation Sports Therapy Team) Angus Hogg (Welsh Rugby Football Union Strength and Conditioning Coach) Rich Kite (British Weight Lifting Regional Development Officer and Coach) Further Study with USA Scholarships: Dan Cooke Dan Fadida Tom Moody
Ryan Peard
cityplym.ac.uk/events I 01752 305300
CITY COMPETITOR
Kelcey Pillage … from City College student to British Modern Pentathlete
‘City College Plymouth has a fully functional sports therapy lab’
BE PART OF IT
COLLEGE OPEN DAY 7 NOVEMBER 10AM - 1PM | KINGS ROAD
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Caring environment and great academic record at ND Sixth ND Sixth is part of Notre Dame, a comprehensive school for girls (and boys in the sixth for m). Part of a worldwide network of schools founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame, it is a Catholic school that welcomes all those who want to learn in a supportive, caring and aspirational environment. If you want to belong to a Sixth Form where you can be successful, are cared for, known individually and where you are encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications, then ND Sixth is the place for you! ND Sixth has an impressive track record supporting the further education of students from a range of backgrounds and with a wide range of aspirations, but we know that qualifications alone are not enough. ND Sixth offers many opportunities: all students are
encouraged to take on a leadership role, such as part of the Senior Student Leadership Team, Senior House Captains, or be a part of the Social, Spiritual or Study Committee which give students a chance to make a difference in school and have their say. We are always open to new ideas: your time in the Sixth Form is what you make it. So far this year, ND Sixth students have arranged a coffee morning and barbecue for charity, have been to Boston USA, organised a ‘scary’ school sleepover for younger students, and took part in university visits. They also update and maintain ND Sixth subject Twitter feeds. For further information, please call 01752 775101
Attend Hele’s School and stand out from the crowd At Hele’s School we aspire to be an outstanding learning community where discovery is exciting, endeavour and creativity are nurtured and dreams and ambitions are fulfilled. We support students in achieving excellent academic results whilst providing a wide range of opportunities to prepare them for the competitive world, and to “stand out from the crowd”. We offer a wide range of courses, work experience and study skill programmes to fit each student’s specific needs.
Students excel in trainee placements
Our students enjoy the benefits of small teaching groups, personalised tutorials and specialised spaces for social time and private study. In addition, our exciting, new purpose-built Post 16 building will be ready for students from September 2016. Visit us at our open evening or contact either Chris Hall or Rob Farmer (01752 337193 Hall@heles.plymouth.sch.uk / f a r m e r @ h e l e s . p l ymouth.sch.uk) for an individual appointment.
From left, back row, Serena Bostock, Ashley Meads, Lauren King, Jack Davies, Jamie Harrison, Cody Tanner, James Howson, Jill Williams. Front row, Tyler Dixon,Charlie Kennard
ACHIEVEMENT TRAINING have had remarkable success delivering the South West’s first Make It Digital traineeship programme.
Working in partnership with the online programme creators BBC Academy, teaching basic digital skills, creating websites and short videos, supported by the DWP to encourage young people to get ready for work or to apply for an apprenticeship. The students worked with local business owners for three weeks and were presented their awards by Cllr Susan Mcdonald, St Peter and Waterfront ward and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Public Health.
The students said that prior to the course they would never have had the confidence to talk to large groups of people and were so pleased they made the effort to complete the course, it has given them a new perspective and real hope of having a bright interesting employment future. Achievement Training would like to thank the businesses who supported the work experience section of the programme; The Barbican Theatre, Shekinah Mission, Tin Digital, British Heart Foundation, Slice A Pizza and Radio Plymouth. All of the students expressed how positive their work placements had been. Cody will be retur ning to the Barbican Theatre to gain more experi-
ence following the course. Jack gained a placement with Radio Plymouth, he shadowed the presenters and on his last day was allowed to try his hand at operating the control desk! Jack can now put this experience on his CV and is inspired to follow a career in this media. Tyler worked for Tin Digital, the owner Mike Turner was involved right from the start, sharing his ideas about the course and volunteering to take a trainee immediately. Mike said “I was really fortunate to have Tyler on work experience; he worked unsupervised and made a positive impact on my business. Tyler had to use his own initiative and did a tremendous job creating a directory of Plymouth businesses.
Without Tyler, this would never have happened. So thank you to Achievement Training for giving me the opportunity and I will definitely be taking on another next time!’ Achievement Training are extremely pleased with the success of the course and are looking forward to the next one. Videos promoting Plymouth, unemployment, and teen pregnancy affecting men were created by the students as part of the traineeship, which can be viewed on our website. The next course starts on Monday October 26, followed by one in January 2016. Call 01752 202266/29 for more information.
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
Hele’s School
Post 16 Open Evening Tuesday 17th November 2015 4.00 - 7.30pm Tel: 01752 337193 www.heles.plymouth.sch.uk
A great place to learn. A great place to grow.
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Saltash Year 9s give Sir Richard Branson some technology tips 2015 is proving to be an exciting year for students and staff at saltash.net community school.
In March, two Year 9s had the opportunity to meet with Sir Richard Branson following their involvement in the national Digital Youth Council. The students had been asked to enlighten Sir Richard on the future of technology in education – something they did confidently and maturely, drawing on their excellent learning experiences at saltash.net. Supporting the Digital Youth Council members over the past year has been staff member Scott Wieprecht, who was the National Teaching Award’s South West Regional winner for the innovative use of new technologies in 2014. This year Mr Wieprecht has been honoured once again after being invited by Microsoft to be
‘In a year which sees the school celebrating 50 years of education in Saltash, it is especially fitting that its students and staff should now be excelling in skills which will prepare them well for the challenges of the next stage of the 21st Century’
part of its newly formed Worldwide Education Advisory Council. Mr Wieprecht is one of only three expert educators selected from across the world and the only UK representative. The reputation that saltash.net has for ICT excellence means that it regularly hosts visits from teachers near and far. During the month of May the school welcomed the principal of an outstanding secondary school in New Zealand. He was able to observe, first-hand, the Year 7s ‘one to one’ technology device initiative – which he described as ‘stunning’ – as well as speaking with the highly competent student Tech Team members. In a year which sees the school celebrating 50 years of education in Saltash, it is especially fitting that its students and staff should now be excelling in skills and competencies which will prepare them well for the challenges of the next stage of the 21st Century.
Start your journey here
2015
Open Day
53% A* -B 77% A* -C 99% A* -E
Friday 24th June 2016 Saturday 25th June 2016
Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 4th November 2015 at 6.00pm We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you details of our success story www.saltash.net | 01752 843715
enquiries@saltashcloud.net marjon.ac.uk 01752 636700
saltash.net Believe and Achieve ©LW
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Happy students at Saltash.net Community School
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STUDY WITH A TOP FIVE MODERN UK UNIVERSITY.* APPLY NOW! *2015 Times Higher Education 100 under 50
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