lewes campus
wednesday 27 january, 4pm - 7pm
Welcome to the
NIKKI CISLYN
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE OPEN EVENTS 2016 I am delighted to welcome you to our Open Event. As a College we are very much committed to ensuring that you surpass your ambitions. The College has a ‘work hard, be nice’ atmosphere, and we want you to look back on your time at Sussex Downs with pride, a sense of achievement and great pleasure. Today will begin to prepare you for life after Year 11 and give you a real flavour of life here at Sussex Downs College. Explore the campus freely, see our learning resources, classrooms, IT facilities, workshops and studios, as well as our great social spaces where you are able to eat, drink and catch up with friends.
Look out for displays across the College in the subject areas you’re interested in. Some even include ‘have a go’ activities to give you a taste of College life.
Whatever your studies, we are committed to ensuring a ‘golden thread’ of employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship is at the heart of your College experience.
College staff from every department are on hand to answer any questions, so please take this opportunity to find out as much as you can about what we have on offer. Sussex Downs is a large College, with campuses in Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven, so there is lots to see and do!
We pride ourselves on being a College which is small enough to provide high quality individual care but large enough to deliver an exceptional learning experience. We are extremely proud of our students, and of their many and varied achievements; you will notice this as you look at student work and talk to teachers, tutors and support staff.
Ask existing students about their experience, and talk to teaching staff about the different subjects and wide variety of courses available, but don’t stop there! Look beyond further education by talking to staff from our Access to Higher Education, Higher Education and Employer Engagement departments to discover how Sussex Downs can help you reach your long-term academic and career goals.
SPECIAL GUESTS
I hope you enjoy your visit and that it will help you to make the very important decision about choosing a College and moving from school into adult life. I look forward to meeting you during your visit and welcoming you to Sussex Downs College in the near future. Mike Hopkins Principal & Chief Executive, Sussex Downs College
SDC Music Alumni Performing in Cliffe Café at 5pm and 6pm Nichole Marshall (aka Nikki Cislyn) studied Music Production & Creative Recording at the Eastbourne campus of Sussex Downs College.
most successful releases of 2014 and has featured in ad campaigns for top firms including Coca Cola and Marks & Spencer. Nikki, received a Grammy award for Best Dance Recording and scooped ‘Best Contemporary Song’ at the Ivor Novello Awards.
The Award winning singer/songwriter will be performing original songs from her amazing repertoire that includes ‘Rather Be’, a chart topping hit for Clean Bandit. The song sung by Jess Glynne was one of the three-year Part 1 course towards qualifying as an architect, which in the United Kingdom takes at least seven years.
JAMES THOMPSON SDC Architectural Alumni James Thompson, an ex Sussex Downs Student who progressed to the University of Brighton’s School of Architecture recently received a prize for excellence from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). James, 21, was the winner of the Degree Prize at Brighton. He received his Prize from Tony Foulger, Chair of RIBA Sussex Branch that represents nearly 800 architects across Sussex. James is from Eastbourne, and attended St Richard’s Catholic College in Bexhill and Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne. He has just completed his
During the College’s Open Events, James can be found at the Alumni stand. Along with a display of his award winning work he will be speaking to parents and prospective students about his time at the College and his current role working with YELO, one of the top architectural practices in the South East. YELO architects are sponsors of James’ display. They are a Brighton based Architectural practice who have won numerous awards for their cutting edge designs.
GENERAL INFORMATION STANDS VENUE: CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
Additional Learning Support ALS provides a range of support packages for learners with recognised learning difficulties and/ or disabilities, supporting and enabling learners to achieve at College.
Progress Tutors Come along and find out how we can guide, support and advise you throughout your College experience. We can help you set and meet achievable targets and discuss ways in which you can manage your workload.
Admissions, general advice and financial support Find out more about the application process, interviews, auditions and about financial help that you may be able to receive.
Adult Leisure courses We offer a wide range of full and part-time provision for adults. Courses are also available for those seeking work or currently not in employment and those seeking to improve their Maths and English skills.
Apprenticeships - Earn while you learn An Apprenticeship is a job with training, allowing individuals to earn while they learn, gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Come and talk to us on our stand or call the team on 030 300 38497.
Higher Education: University courses at Sussex Downs College A foundation degree is a vocational university-level course. If you choose this route at Sussex Downs College, you will benefit from studying in the supportive environment of a leading UK college, as well as your degree being validated by the University of Brighton. Visit our stand for further information.
Engagement Programmes The College runs Prince’s Trust programmes at both its Eastbourne and Lewes Campuses with start dates throughout the year. These programmes provide intensive pastoral support and exciting and challenging opportunities to develop your confidence and independence, helping you become ready for work and/or college. Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for the latest details, or phone Camilla O’Niell on 030 300 38784.
Student Union and Student Ambassadors The students showing you around today are all members of our SDC Students Union and Student Ambassadors teams. These guys know all about the SDC college experience so take this opportunity to find out what SDC is truly like, you can count on them to give you an honest answer so don’t be shy, what do you really want to know about?
English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) Come and enjoy learning English for speakers of other languages at our Eastbourne or Newhaven campuses. English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses are for adults who are not fluent in English and want to improve their language for work, study or living in the UK. We offer a range of part-time ESOL courses at every level in the daytime or evening. Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for the latest details, or phone Camilla O’Niell on 030 300 38784.
FREE English and Maths Courses For ADULTS
course of a year. Project SEARCH is perfect for young people that are ready to work, but need a bit of hands on experience and help looking for their perfect job. Project SEARCH interns will acquire transferable skills and gain confidence, independence and selfesteem whilst meeting new people, gaining a qualification and receiving 1:1 instruction, coaching and feedback.
My future “MyFuture” is the name for events and activities organised by Sussex Downs College that help to give students information about progression
opportunities that are available to them. Students and parents can e-mail Myfuture@ sussexdowns.ac.uk for any help they would like regarding any aspect of their progression. We can help to arrange career guidance meetings, check CV’s, look at ways to help students find volunteering and paid work and lots more. If you have ideas for events that you would like us to organise to support students with their progression either onto work, training or University, then please contact us.
My
Future
We offer the following FREE courses, which all lead to nationally recognised qualifications: Entry Level Courses in Maths and English Level 1 and 2 Courses in Maths and English If you have any questions about our Level 2 offer or you want to discuss any aspects of the English and Maths delivery at SDC then please speak to Samuel Skevington on 03030038434
access to he Are you ready for a change of career? Or perhaps you want to advance in your current career, but don’t possess the required qualifications? Maybe you want to do a degree course, but don’t have the necessary entry qualifications? If any of the above applies to you, and you are a mature student (19 years +), our Access courses could be for you!
project search Project SEARCH is an innovative work experience programme for young people aged 18 - 24 with a learning difficulty or disability. We are based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, and provide our young people with three different placements in hospital departments over the
PRINCIPAL’S PRESENTATIONS Presentations by Mike Hopkins, Principal & Chief Executive
- 4:45pm & 5:45pm in the Lecture Theatre (Cliffe Building)
Meet the principal... Mike Hopkins will be available to talk to students and their parents and guardians in between the Principal’s Presentations.
Applicants in year 11 should apply online through UCAS Progress. Go to: www.ucasprogress.com to register, search for courses, complete and submit your application. You can apply for courses at both Eastbourne and Lewes on the same application. The link to UCAS Progress is also on our website. Once you have submitted your application online, you will receive an acknowledgement via UCAS Progress within a few days.
VENUE: CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
creative skillset
If you wish to make any changes to your application either before your interview or after, please contact the college directly or use the messaging service within UCAS Progress. For further information and advice, please talk to Student Services at their stand in Cliffe Canteen.
sussex downs college alumni association Launched in summer 2012, the Sussex Downs College alumni network offers ex-students the chance to keep in touch with the college and to find out what the college can offer students after they finish their studies. ‘Alumni’ simply means a group of ex-students of a particular school or college, and the SDC Alumni aims to benefit our students and our members by sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and creating a college community where past, present and future students can interact.
YOUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY SDC Alumni is free to join, open to all former students of Sussex Downs and its predecessor schools and colleges, and is a great opportunity to reconnect with your college and to find out what Sussex Downs can offer you today. To sign up, please fill in our online form. Or for more information please email alumni@sussexdowns. ac.uk
WHY JOIN? The alumni network offers former students of Sussex Downs College the chance to keep in touch with the college, find out about news, events and courses, receive updates on jobs and apprenticeships, volunteer, attend employability workshops, and gain access to exclusive alumni discounts and promotions locally.
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE CREATIVE ALUMNI SDC Creative Alumni are available to talk to parents and prospective students about their experience at Sussex Downs College and their current occupations. EX
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LUMN
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Creative Skillset is an organisation that empowers the Creative Industries to develop skills and talent; they do this by influencing and shaping policy, ensuring quality and by securing the vital investment for individuals to become the best in their field and for businesses to grow. As the industry skills body for the Creative Industries, Creative Skillset works across film, television, radio, fashion, animation, games, visual effects, textiles, publishing, advertising, marketing communications and performing arts. Creative Skillset is supporting Sussex Downs Creative Alumni and helping to increase awareness of the opportunities for employment in the Creative Industries which many of our past students have been fortunate to embrace.
You will then be invited to attend an interview where your course choices will be discussed and a programme agreed. An offer letter will follow the interview. When you receive your offer letter you will need to accept or decline the offer within 3 weeks. You can do this through UCAS Progress or by returning the duplicate offer letter.
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how to apply for courses
Applicants not in year 11 can apply using the application form which can be downloaded from our website.
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VENUE: SOUTHOVER BUILDING
foundation learning Entry 1, 2, and 3 and level 1 programmes - S84 Foundation Learning programmes enable young people with a range of barriers to learning to develop their skills, independence and confidence in a very supportive environment. FL courses include a range of vocational tasters including Catering, Sport & Recreation, Enterprise, Practical Skills, Health & Social Care and Drama. All students also study English and Maths at a level to suit them. Students will receive support in developing their personal and social skills to ensure they are ready for their next steps. For further information please contact Charlie Brand on 030 300 39498.
above: Top: Science students conduct an experiment Bottom: Students and staff enjoy the sunshine outside Firle house
refreshments Tea, coffee and snacks can be purchased in Cliffe Building Café all evening. Entertainment will also be provided in the Café by Sussex Downs College alumni, Nikki Cislyn.
rooms
KEY: C = Cliff Building S = Southover Building PAC = Performing Arts Centre
subject
building/room
subject
building/room
ACCOUNTING
S1
FOUNDATION LEARNING
S84/85
ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
GEOGRAPHY
C241
ADMISSIONS, GENERAL ADVICE
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
GRAPHIC DESIGN
C121
ADVANCED EXTENSION PROGRAMME
C242
HAIRDRESSING
C100 A, B, C
ADULT LEISURE
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
S5
ADULTS MATHS & ENGLISH
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
HIGHER EDUCATION
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
HISTORY
C241
APPRENTICESHIPS
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
INFORMATICS
C302
ART & DESIGN
C120
LEARNING CENTRE & IT CENTRE
SOUTHOVER BUILDING
BEAUTY STUDIES
C200 A,B,C
JOURNALISM
182 PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
BIOLOGY
C233
LANGUAGES
C333, 334, 335, 312
BUSINESS
S1/2
MATHEMATICS
C331
CHEMISTRY
C122/123
MEDIA STUDIES
182 PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
CHILDCARE
S5
MUSIC
PAC 513
COMPUTING
C302
MUSICAL TECHNOLOGY
PAC 511
CREATIVE SKILLSET
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
MY FUTURE
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
DANCE
CLIFFE MULTI-PURPOSE HALL
PERFORMING ARTS
PAC 501, 509, 517, 561
DIGITAL DESIGN AND WEB DESIGN
C300
PROGRESS TUTORS
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
ECONOMICS
S1
PHILOSOPHY
C241
ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMES
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
PHOTOGRAPHY
182 PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
ENGLISH
C236
PHYSICS
C329
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
PRODUCTION ARTS
PAC 516, 517
PROJECT SEARCH
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION
C241
PSYCHOLOGY
C245
FILM STUDIES
182 PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
PUBLIC SERVICES
S4
FINANCIAL SUPPORT INFORMATION
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
SOCIOLOGY
C245
FINE ART
C116
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
C302
FOUNDATION LEARNING PROGRAMMES
S84
SPORT
S14
FREE ENGLISH AND MATHS COURSES FOR ADULTS
CLIFFE BUILDING CANTEEN
TEXTILES
C184 (ART BUILDING)
TRAVEL AND TOURISM L2 &L3
S58
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