STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
Issue No. 5 – Autumn 2015
NEWS SHOUT HIGH FLYING WINNERS
A PIECE OF CAKE
SPLASHING FUN
SUCCESS ON A PLATE
AT THE BEEB
KILLER PERFORMANCE Join the conversation:
A CLEAN SWEEP
ADVENTURE TIME
A BIG HIT
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
#NEWSSHOUTSRC
WELCOME AT Stockton Riverside College there’s always lots going on and this magazine is our way of giving you a taste of College-life. Whether you are a current student, or thinking of joining us, we hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of our latest success stories and events. In this edition meet Patrick Jordan (pg3), our own indie guitar hero turned teacher at SRC Bede Sixth Form. The former Young Rebel Set lead guitarist and producer has just produced the debut album for one of Teesside’s biggest upand-coming bands, Cattle & Cane. Meanwhile over at Stockton Riverside College our Childcare, Education and Early Year students are planning an African adventure. Read about what they’ll be getting up to on page 7. Don’t forget you can keep up to date with all of our news stories at www.stockton.ac.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @srcinfo.
STUDENTS’ KILLER
PERFORMANCE ACTING students put on a show to remember in an evening of murder and mayhem at Preston Hall Museum. Performers from Stockton Riverside College took a step back in time as they brought the Victorian street to life in a one-off Murder Mystery Night. “The students worked really hard to put together a story that reflected their surroundings,” said the College’s Performing Arts Acting course leader, Sonya Curle. “They spent time researching the era and took names from the shop fronts to develop characters to build the plot around.” Part of a special event hosted by Stockton Mayor Councillor Ian Dalgarno, the students were invited to present their own murder mystery performance. Sonya said: “It was a really good experience for our students as it gave them the chance to do something completely different that they can now put on their CVs.
“It also offered the opportunity to work on something very site specific with a moving audience and to experience first-hand the demands that brings.” Praising the students for their hard work Councillor Dalgarno said: “The students’ fantastic performance certainly helped to make the event a memorable occasion. I wish them every success in their education and future careers.”
PATRICK IS AT HOME
WITH CHART SUCCESS
WHEN it comes to singing the praises of a career in the music industry there’s few better placed than SRC Bede Sixth Form’s Patrick Jordan. The former Young Rebel Set lead guitarist and producer may have walked away from his own touring days but the Music Technology teacher is still making his mark in the industry. Having produced the debut album for one of Teesside’s biggest upand-coming bands, Cattle & Cane, the much-anticipated Home album entered the UK Top 40 Indie Album Chart at number 26. But remaining level headed about his contribution as producer, mix engineer and even playing additional instruments on the album, Patrick said: “It was exciting to see it get in to the top 40 – that was very good news.” For the 33-year-old from Billingham it was more exciting to get the chance to share the glory with some of his students. The closing
track on the album, Dancing, was recorded by members of his class who volunteered to experience a day of recording during a live performance at Wynyard Hall. “It means that five of those students have already been involved in getting a song on an album,” he said. And with Cattle & Cane rapidly receiving national recognition, their work will no doubt be coming to the attention of many industry top names. “It’s great for the students to get real experience,” he said. “There are things that happen when you go out to record on location that you just can’t teach.” A former SRC Bede Sixth Form student himself, Patrick studied music, media and English at the college in Billingham before heading for the University of Manchester. His career began when he started working as an assistant sound engineer to Trevor Horn and Robert Orton at Sarm West Studios in London.
But it was after returning to Teesside and becoming a teacher that he formed indie rock band, Young Rebel Set, with friend, Matt Chipchase. Signed by Ignition Records, the band toured the UK as well as gigging across Europe. Looking back he said it was a hectic time, teaching by day and then hitting the road with the band on evenings and weekends. Patrick left the group in 2011. He said: “I realised that I preferred a warm recording studio and a cup of tea.” Patrick was delighted to be approached by Cattle and Cane to record their long-awaited debut album. “It’s great to have that first-hand experience to share with my students,” he said. And with the Home album on sale and immediately hitting the UK charts, he added: “It shows with hard work and determination the opportunities that are out there.”
NEW SKILLS LEAD TO SUCCESS WANT to know what The Skills Academy can do for you? Just ask Nathan Watson. The 18-year-old turned to the learning centre in Billingham after struggling to secure an apprenticeship. Now, just weeks later, he is celebrating success having secured a position with a Middlesbrough solicitors’ firm. “I’ve been searching for an apprenticeship since leaving college in May last year,” he said. “Youth Direction pointed me to The Skills Academy.” Offering a range of introductory courses, help with job applications and employability skills, the Academy was able to offer Nathan some handy pointers when it comes to the application process. He was also given the chance to carry out a work placement. Six weeks later and about to start work as a Business Administration
SERVING UP SUCCESS
apprentice, he said: “Having some experience certainly made a difference. I felt a lot more confident and the placement gave me relevant experience to put on my CV.” Working on the front counter at The Skills Academy Nathan picked up some great transferable skills including customer service, administration, answering the phone and data inputting. Of the work placement he said: “I was nervous at first but once I got started and met the staff and students I found that I really enjoyed it.” Looking forward to starting work in a solicitors’ firm he said: “It isn’t an area I had considered working in before but now I’m excited and can’t wait to get started. I definitely want to learn more about the sector.” ARE you considering a career in the kitchen? Head along to Stockton Riverside College where our expert team can give you the skills you need to get started. “It’s not all swearing and shouting, like you see on the TV,” said Professional Catering student, Josh Franks, with a laugh. Though he admits, at times, it can get pretty hectic. Fortunately he enjoys the buzz of a working kitchen and says getting hands-on experience really suits his style of learning. It certainly set him in good stead for starting work at Starters. Helping to prepare and cook dishes at the Middlesbrough restaurant he said the college course is great preparation for the working world. Fellow student Jake Thomson agrees. Studying his Level 2 in Professional Cookery, he thrived on Level 1. Now working as a starter chef at Mohujos in Stockton he said: “There’s so much to learn. I was nervous at first but your confidence in the kitchen soon grows.” He added: “The teachers are amazing, you couldn’t ask for better and because they all have experience working in the industry they know exactly what they’re talking about.”
STUDENTS ENJOY SOME SPLASHING FUN NETA students made a splash as they got their first taste of student life as a partner of Stockton Riverside College. Around 40 new starters braved the chilly waters of the Tees Barrage in an afternoon of white water rafting fun. “The aim of the day’s activities was to welcome the NETA students and introduce them to the sports and enrichment opportunities that are now available to them through the College,” said Further Education and Sports Co-ordinator, Ron Booth.
With funding from Sports England, the event formed part of Stockton Riverside College’s ongoing commitment to the Get Active project – a national initiative aimed at getting more people to take part in sport. Ron said: “Students across the College are regularly encouraged to have a go at a range of new activities and sports.” NETA instructor Paul Johnson said: “The students really enjoyed themselves. While some were a little apprehensive at first you could soon see their confidence growing.”
Stockton Riverside College and the NETA Training Trust have joined forces in a move that will drive forward engineering and vocational training in Stockton and beyond.
NOW WITH WORKIN G N HAV E EX ETA WE PAN OU INCL R OFFER DED U OF E DE A R TO ANG NGI COU NEERINGE RSE S
FUNDRAISING... A PIECE OF CAKE RAISING money for a good cause proved a piece of cake at Stockton Riverside College. Students and staff indulged in some sweet treats as part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The event was organised by the College’s Business Development Team and the Staff Association. Apprenticeship Administrator, Nikki Thurston, said: “Cancer unfortunately affects most families in one way or another. We wanted to do our bit by taking part in this huge event, raising funds to support such a worthwhile cause and also raising awareness of Macmillan Cancer Support.” The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s annual flagship event and this year it celebrated its 25th year. The aim is to bring as many people as possible together over coffee and cake while raising money for those affected by cancer. At Stockton Riverside College everyone was keen to show they care and what better way to raise some cash than enjoying a slice of cake and a cuppa. Marketing and Events Officer Jennifer Walls said: “The event was a huge success. We were overwhelmed by how much support we received from both the staff and students.”
STUDENTS FLY HIGH STUDENTS got the chance to experience airport life as Stockton Riverside College celebrated the achievements of some of its high flyers. More than 60 aviation students were joined by friends and family at the College’s Aviation Awards, hosted by Durham Tees Valley Airport. “We’ve seen many of our students, past and present, achieve success in the industry,” said course leader, Catherine Carney. With more students than ever progressing into jobs, she said: “It’s testament to their hard work and dedication.” The College’s annual aviation awards offer a chance to celebrate students’ achievements. Catherine said: “To hold the ceremony at Durham
Tees Valley Airport was particularly special, as our students could share with family and friends the type of environment they could go on to work in.” Award winners were Rising Star, Christopher Thomas, High Flyer, Sophie Hammond
and Student of the Year, Eloise Ross. Christopher, 30, of Stockton, said: “I have worked really hard so I feel really grateful to receive this award.” Sophie, 18, of Wensleydale, said: “It just goes to show if you put in the effort you can achieve.” Eloise, 17, of Middleton St George, said: “The tutors have had a massive impact on my life and I have absolutely loved the course.”
TIME FOR AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE IT’S all systems go for a squad of adventurous students off to explore the desert plains of Namibia. The enterprising students raised a whopping £26,000 to fund the mission that will see them work with local farmers and the surrounding communities to help them live in harmony with the region’s wild elephants. Spending two weeks without life’s comforts such as running water, electricity, and possibly most tricky of all, no mobile phones or internet access, will be a real test for the intrepid bunch, said the college’s Childcare course leader and Early years lecturer, Liz Maddison. But, having made the journey herself,
two years ago, she said: “None of that matters when you are there. It will be the most incredible experience.” Over the last year the students have taken part in a whole host of fundraising activities to make the trip possible. From elephant race nights to bag packs, a sponsored abseil to a bush tucker trial, Liz said the group has really pushed their imaginations. Now packing their bags and raring to go the plucky bunch can’t wait to get started. Working with Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) they will be painting children’s dormitories at a primary school and taking part in elephant patrols, monitoring the giants in their natural environment. “I’m extremely excited but also have that fear of the unknown,” said BA Hons Education and Training student, Aisha Robinson, of Thornaby. The 33-year-old mumof-three added: “It’s an amazing opportunity and it’ll be a real
adventure.” Richard Cairnes, 28, of Middlesbrough, who is also studying Education at the college, said: “I’ve always wanted to do something like this but never thought I would get the opportunity. “Everyone has been really supportive and wants to hear about what we will be doing.” The dad-of-one added: “I think we are really lucky, though I might not be saying that when I’m sleeping on the sand or some rocks.” Despite living without comforts, sleeping under the stars, taking turns cooking for the group and limited washing facilities, both admit the hardest part will be missing their families. Looking forward to sharing the experience with her students, teacher Liz said: “It has been hard work raising the money but everyone has been really kind. No matter how much you talk about it I don’t think anything can truly prepare the students for the experience they are going to have. This is a real once in a lifetime experience. It will change their lives.”
A CLEAN SWEEP FOR I.T.
IF you are thinking about studying Computing you might want to take inspiration from these guys. Robert Enright, Sukhjinder Singh and Yacouba Traore set the bar high as they each achieved the highest possible marks on their courses, all securing places at Teesside University. Their celebrations were shared throughout the College’s Computing and Media department where 100% of students achieved their qualification. And, of those, all who applied to university were accepted by their first choice. Now studying a BSc in Computing, Robert, 21, said: “I’ve been looking forward to going to university since I was at school.” Sukhjinder, 20, who is now studying IT Forensics, said: “It was pretty hard work but it has been well worth it.” Whilst Yacouba, 21, who has moved on to Computer Networking, added: “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of my time at college.”
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OPEN EVENING THURSDAY 28th JAN. 2016
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