Issue No. 3 – Spring 2015
STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
NEWS SHOUT C’MON BORO
ON LOCATION
SUCCESS
AT THE BEEB EMPLOYMENT CHANCES
FUNDRAISERS
#NEWSSHOUTSRC
WELCOME WELCOME to News Shout, our fantastic magazine letting you know about the exciting things that have been going on at Stockton Riverside College and SRC Bede Sixth Form. It’s been a great start to the year so far and we hope that you enjoy catching up on our latest news, reading about our students’ success stories, and getting a taste of what you can expect when you start your journey with us. Enjoy!
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BBC
EVER considered a future career in journalism? English Language students from SRC Bede Sixth Form in Billingham were given an insight into life behind the scenes at the BBC when they paid a whistle-stop visit to the studios in Newcastle. Treated to a tour of Broadcasting House, the budding reporters got the chance to sit down on the famous Look North red sofas and even had a go at putting together
their own news bulletin and radio drama. Hannah Petheram, teacher of English Language and Classics at the College, said: “We organised the trip because some of the students had expressed an interest in a career in journalism.” The visit offered the perfect chance to find out what life is like in a working studio and learn more about what the job involves. “The students got a chance to put together their own Look North episode,” said Hannah, with the first year learners taking turns reading to camera from the Autocue, taking the reins on the technical side, and playing the part of sports reporter and weather reader. They also got the chance to put together their own radio drama, learning some of the tricks of the trade such as creating sound effects. “Everyone got involved and seemed to really enjoy it,” said Hannah. So much so in fact the students are now talking about putting together their own College-based podcasting enrichment activity.
LIVE GIG PUTS STUDENTS
TO THE TEST
WITH access to all the latest kit, SRC Bede Sixth Form Media, Film and Music Technology students are used to life in the recording studio… But taking to the road to record a live gig, proved a whole new challenge, for this ambitious young crew. A team of students were given the opportunity to help produce a live DVD for one of Teesside’s biggest up-and-coming bands, Cattle and Cane, taking key places on the cameras, sound and lighting. The band, which is selling out gigs, and is quickly gaining national recognition, put on a one-off performance at Wynyard Hall chapel, as part of their debut album due to be released in May. “It was quite daunting at first, but you just have to have the confidence in your own ability,” said Connor Alderson, 17, of Stockton.
Emily Bean, 17, of Bishopsgarth, added: “It gave us practical experience of something we have learnt in the classroom.” The difference is, she said, there was no room for errors. Sydney Gardner, 17, from Billingham, said: “When you are in a real life situation, like that, you have to get it right first time.” Dylan Nicholson, 17, from Fairfield, pointed out: “It was fun, but also challenging.” While Callum Rattray, 17, added: “It was a long day and quite tiring but we learnt a lot from it.”
The live DVD will now form part of Cattle and Cane’s album release package, produced by SRC Bede Sixth Form’s own Recruitment, Guidance and Support manager, Patrick Jordan. The College’s film and media teacher, Matt Fodor and Arts Technical Assistant, John Kirkbride, directed the DVD. Patrick said: “We regularly have bands in the College to work with the students, but this was our first off-site recording. There is something about doing something live that throws you in at the deep end.”
SUCCESS Computing student Yacouba Traore is celebrating award glory. The 20-year-old from Billingham was presented with the Resilience Award at Teesside’s first Black History and Youth Awards. Having moved to the UK just three and a half years ago, the then teenager spoke very little English. But, determined to succeed, Yacouba signed up for an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course at Stockton Riverside College. Inspired by the learning resources he quickly progressed, going on to study IT. Today Yacouba, who is originally from the Ivory Coast, is working towards his Level 3 Computing Practitioners qualification and, predicted to get Distinctions, he has received three university offers. He said: “Coming to Stockton Riverside College has given me a lot of confidence and encouragement, along with my family here and the support I have received.” Nominated for the Resilience Award by the College’s careers advisor, Carol Race, he said he feels proud to have his efforts recognised. Carol said: “Yacouba has overcome a lot to become a valued member of the College community. He has represented the College as an ambassador and he is a positive role model for any young person.”
FUNDRAISING FEVER NEVER let it be said at Stockton Riverside College and SRC Bede Sixth Form we don’t know how to do our bit for a good cause. Just take a look at our Children in Need celebrations, when staff and students turned out in their all-in-ones to join Stockton’s onesie party. There was lots more going on at the College as well, with brave staff and students rolling up their trouser legs, and one brave soul even baring his chest, for a charity waxing. While four plucky College managers also braved a 240m zip wire across Stockton High Street. Principal Phil Cook said: “Yet again Stockton Riverside College has come up trumps with students and staff getting involved in what is clearly one of the most important charity events of the year.”
JUST look at the fun our students have been having on the Prince’s Trust Team programme. The 12-week course is open to those aged 16 to 25, and could help boost your employment chances by giving you the opportunity to develop some of life’s essential skills. For details about the Prince’s Trust Team programme or to book a place call 01642 865 566 or email info@stockton.ac.uk
BOOST YOUR EMPLOYMENT CHANCES
The hands-on nature of the course obviously set him in good stead, as A J is now running his own production company, Mad as Bird Films, along with fellow Set Fire to the Stars crew members, Andy Goddard, Celyn Jones and Andy Evans. The independent film, which stars Hollywood actor, Elijah Wood, was nominated for both the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film and the Audience Award, during its debut at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
STUDENT NAMED ONE TO WATCH
“It’s so surreal, it is totally overwhelming,” said the young filmmaker, who is now seeing his first feature film, Set Fire to the Stars, touring the UK at a selection of independent cinemas.
Stockton Riverside College’s Creative Media, Film and TV lecturer Kelly Fairhurst said: “We are so proud of A J and all that he has achieved. “His success is a great example to all of our students looking to achieve their ambitions.”
“I couldn’t believe it, to be recognised by BAFTA so early in my career is incredible.”
IT looks like Stockton Riverside College’s own film producer A J Riach, is on the up and up.
Looking back A J remembers that it was a desire to get some practical experience that inspired him to study Film and TV at Stockton Riverside College.
The former Creative Media (Film and TV) student has been recognised by BAFTA.
Today he remains thankful for the support and inspiration he received at the College.
Labelled one to watch among the industry’s up and coming talent, A J has been named one of BAFTA’s 2014 Breakthrough Brits.
“I was really keen to get into the practical side of things,” he said. “I wanted to start making films rather than just talking about it.”
Picture by Ian Derry, courtesy of BAFTA.
BORO’S BACKING FOR STUDENT ENTERPRISE A team of footy fans at Stockton Riverside College has proven that they have a good head for business. Set the challenge to launch their own small enterprise the students came up trumps. Inspired by Teesside’s passion for football, and in particular Middlesbrough Football Club, Business student, Joseph Chitipulah, contacted the club to ask for their support. Happy to lend a hand the club donated a range of products for the students to sell. “We couldn’t believe it,” said Joseph. “We were so grateful for their support.” The Boro merchandise included mugs, diaries, finger pointers and hats, which the students sold from a stall in the College. Middlesbrough Football Club’s head of retail and ticketing, Jo-Ann Swinnerton, said: “Middlesbrough has always had a firm commitment to its surrounding community and, in particular, young people. Of the budding entrepreneurs, she said: “It is hard to approach a business, if you have never done that before, and so we felt the students’ efforts deserved recognition.”
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THE SKILLS ACADEMY It’s in your hands
New, opening in Billingham, September 2015 offering courses in Creative Arts, Media, Construction, Caring for Children and Vocational Skills. FREE TRAVEL www. stockton.ac.uk/skillsacademy t. 01642 607 464 info@stockton.ac.uk
WHEN YOU STUDY WITH US AT STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE & SRC BEDE SIXTH FORM
OPEN EVENING FIND OUT ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS TUESDAY 10 MARCH 6pm-8pm AT STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE HARVARD AVENUE, STOCKTON - ON - TEES,TS17 6FB