Dundee College News Test by Dundee College

‘Ring of confidence’ for college Dundee College has a now-found ‘ring of confidence’ with the news that the recent report from HM Inspectorate, the third in just eight years, is among the best received in Scotland! Being among the best in the country has become something of a tradition at Dundee College as the previous HMI reports placed the college firmly among the nation’s lead organisations. The HMI review procedure is now couched in different terms, the inspectors declaring they have: no confidence, limited confidence or that they are confident in a college’s ability – and they had plenty of confidence in Dundee College. This year’s report declared that the HMI were confident in all aspects in which they reviewed Dundee College, the three main areas being the quality of learning and teaching, student engagement and involvement in their learning, and how well the college is led. The inspectors arrived at their conclusions having sat in on 30 classes, seeing examples of all learning modes including evening classes; speaking informally to nearly 200 students; holding formal discussions with another three student groups; and meeting with the college’s external partners including: community organisations, employers, Dundee City Council, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, and Skills Development Scotland. The inspectors also interviewed nearly 200 college staff. “We were particularly delighted when, during the initial feedback session, the inspectors informed us that

Raising charity cash ...the ‘eyes’ have it!

HMI hat-trick of top reports they had nearly lost count of the examples of outstanding practice they had identified Dundee College,” said Assistant Principal Leslie Dick who acted as the nominated review co-ordinator and a first point of contact with the inspectors. The inspectors collated all the information they had gleaned from their visit and not only awarded a ring of confidence but also highlighted areas where Dundee College was leading the sector with certain innovative practices. The HMI report also indentified two areas of excellence: the work overseen by the Transitions Group, helping pupils make a smooth conversion from school to college; and the efforts made to increase employability particularly by through the Health and Social Care Academies which have seen over 60% of those taking part successfully gain jobs in their chosen industry. Even more impressive were the three areas named as being of sector-leading and innovative practice. These included the Student Mentor Scheme pioneered by the college’s Centre of Creative and Digital Industries where learners who lack confidence are supported by other students. The college has training materials for students and key staff have developed a mentor bank from which they can match a mentor to someone who will benefit from the additional support. Learner engagement in the work life of the college

through operational planning was also singled out in this category – this included learners themselves contributing to a review of the Students’ Association. The hospitality and tourism team’s Classroom to Industry programme was also praised. This sector leading innovation is aimed at helping young, vulnerable and disaffected learners develop skills through partnerships with established employers. Principal, Christina Potter, said “I am delighted at the outcome of this review. I came to Dundee College in 2007, knowing its reputation for excellence. I am very pleased that once again this reputation has been confirmed. “This success is not only down to the commitment of the talented and enthusiastic staff employed in the college but also to the leadership of the board of management and the encouragement they give to students to participate in the wider life of the college”. Professor Ian C. Colligan chairman of the college board of management said: “Naturally we are pleased to receive external independent confirmation of our view of the college both as a leader in its field and as one of Dundee’s major assets. “Key to this most welcome outcome is the mutual respect between students, staff, management and board, all of whom have contributed to our success. “

Laura McCafferty was just one of the hairdressing and beauty therapy students who raised a whopping £4366 by staging a hair/fashion show in Liquid nightclub - the cash went to Maggies, for story and pictures see Page 3

Plenty of room for growth Dundee’s green-fingered gurus have come together to create a brand-new course at an exciting city venue. NQ Botanic Gardening is the result of Dundee College taking over the educational arm of Dundee University Botanic Gardens. “Adding to Dundee College’s already successful portfolio of horticulture programmes this new course is more of a niche study, a plantsman’s course leading to the management of plant collections and gardens,” explained Gordon Croll, curriculum manager, horticulture. “Although retaining a

strong gardening element this new programme is heavily science related.” Since becoming involved at the west-end venue Gordon was quick to identify scope to deliver a brand new course based at, what he describes as, an unique outdoor classroom, an idea thoroughly endorsed by Botanic Garden curator Alasdair Hood and Dr Neil Paterson, education officer “We have had a warm welcome at the Botanic Gardens and are looking forward to working

closely with the staff who are equally keen to see this terrific collection of plants being used in a new educational way.” Students who opt for his new full-time programme will not only be working in a unique setting - a suberb plant collection set within a series of magnificent landscape features - but have the chance to learn how plants function; their origins; and how they can be used in a landscape. They will also study, among other things, botany, propagation, landscape theory, soil science, even photography

From left - Gordon Croll with Dr Neil Paterson of the Botanic Gardens educational office and curator Alasdair Hood.

and botanical illustration. “We expect individuals with a specialist interest in plants to be attracted to this new course which will be a delight for any one with a passion for plants!” While the NQ botanic gardening, which begins in September, is based mainly at the Botanic Gardens, students will also have the chance to work at the college’s horticulture facilities at Kingsway Campus and to visit other gardens and exhibitions. Even as the launch of this programme is getting underway, Gordon is already exploring the possibility of expanding the range of courses even further. “Once the NQ is underway I am convinced we could run advanced courses in future.” Meanwhile, horticulture students have been hard at work transforming a site at the other end of the city. A fairly drab industrial landscape in Dundee’s Dock Street was transformed into a feature garden thanks to students on the NQ hard and soft landscape gardening course. Working in partnership with Jewson Ltd a total of 17 students designed and created a display area. Using materials supplied by the company, the

The display garden, while still a work in progress. students set about creating the feature from their design. Starting work at the beginning of March the students utilised the hard landscape skills they learned at the Dundee College horticulture unit under brickwork lecturer Andy Carrie. The display garden includes a raised water

feature, walls, fencing, paving, as well as plants. “The students nade good progress and adapted well to working on a real-live project, said Alastair MacQueen, lecturer. “As well as working under the full public gaze, the students had to rise to what has been a challenging project, particularly

with the site having such a pronounced slope. “Nine cubic metres of concrete was needed just to make the site level before the students could even start on their design and their first task was building the shuttering which held the wet concrete in place.”

Ricky wins Xbox 360 Keen ‘gamer’ Ricky Shek was the winner of an Xbox360 courtesy of Dundee College. Ricky attended an IT the country under the showcase at The Space auspices of Learndirect and, although he was Scotland. only one of nearly 300 Under the banner of people who visited the Industry Alliance for event - each of them eliJobs Scotland: the project gible for the competition is supported by some of - it was the 20-year-old’s the IT industry leaders, name that ‘came out of including: Microsoft, the hat’! Oracle, CISCO and The event was aimed Randstad. at anyone interested in Ricky, who is studying finding out more about HND business adminIT and was the official istration at the college, launch of a project aimed was one of a number of at delivering IT skills students who saw the across the whole combenefit of attending this munity. event but, with his good Dundee College has been luck, admits to benefitdesignated as a Microsoft ting a bit more than his Academy Hub, one of classmates. six centres set up across “I really thought some-

Wendy presents Ricky with his prize.

one was having a joke when I was told I had won the Xbox, but now I am absolutely delighted,” laughed the former Monifieth HS pupil. Ricky was presented with his prize, worth about £350, by project manager Wendy McEwan. “Microsoft donated the Xbox360 and we also gave away £100 of gaming vouchers, courtesy of Interactive Tayside,” said Wendy. “These days, when there seems to be more and more news full of gloom and doom it is nice to spread a little cheer and we are confident that this project presents a real chance for people to get into an industry which can offer a rewarding career.” Those keen to take up training but who cannot attend traditional classes at college are catered for under the auspices of this project which ensures training is on offer throughout the community through four satellite centres - in Dundee these are: the Claverhouse Group, Craigowl Communities (who have several bases across the city), Dundee International Women’s Centre; and in Perth, Support Training.

Wigs ’n’ Warpaint boosts charity cash Hairdressing students at Dundee College came up with a colourful way to raise charity cash - while pinning down the support of Robbie Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo! As part of their HNC programme, the students staged an alternative charity hair show comprising: a catwalk

£4366 raised for Maggie’s Centre presentation of hair and clothes, raffles and an auction. The auction was a particular success with a gold disc signed by multi Brit Award winner Williams scooped a respectable £130, while the current season’s Man U shirt signed by Portuguese international striker Ronaldo was knocked down for a cool £800. In all the students raised an astonishing £4366 for city’s Maggie’s Centre. The students were working on a unit of their course which demands that they contribute to the organisation and presentation of a promotional activity. A total of 10 students decided to organise and take part in a glitz-filled evening of glamour in Dundee’s Liquid nightclub, raising money for the Maggie’s Centre on the way! The students starting planning ‘Wigs n Warpaint’, at the beginning of the college year, securing sponsors, chasing up support and, of course, working on the hair creations for the evening. “We chose to raise cash for Maggie’s as it is a great local charity and the hairdressing and beauty therapy department has forged strong links with the centre -

complimentary therapy students have been going there for years,” explained Jodie Milne, one of the students involved. Guests at the event were treated to a choreographed catwalk session by the students themselves and from their colleagues on the NQ hairdressing programme. The models featured garments supplied by Missy La La’s, Concrete Jungle and Peaches and Scream. While the hairdressing students utilised their own expertise to go wild with the hairstyles they also called on colleagues from other disciplines to help out. Hairdressing student Theresa McGlone and Rachael Murray, who studies at The Space, proved a successful sister act with Theresa persuading her sibling to choreograph the runway performance. Pictures show: top, left - Janet Murray cuts a dash on the catwalk; right - NQ hairdressing student Keiron Whitton makes a splash; bottom, left - Sarah Spitall,NQ hairdressing and beauty therapy, in the spotlight.

Lecturer has the write stuff! English students at Dundee College may find the work of their lecturer on their reading list some day, as Tam Samson, a keen writer when not in class, has once again seen one of his short stories make it into print. Entitled, Just Read it John the lecturer’s short story was published in New Writing Dundee 2009 - an anthology of works which, despite the title, showcases talent from around the world! Just Read it John actually touches on the theme of writing as it examines the relationship between two elderly men who meet each week in a Dundee pub and swap stories they have written - only one of them

seems to be bringing more to the table than the other, will their friendship endure? This is the second time Tam has seen his work in New Writing Dundee, Edith Through the Roots found its way between the covers a couple of years ago. Tam, who has lectured at the college for the past two years, laughs off notions of “greatness”, however, preferring to encourage others to pick up a pen or pencil and get on with it! “Too many people see writing as an inaccessible thing, I see it as the opposite. It should be accessible and more people should have a go,” asserts the lecturer. “People should not be put off; they should engage and see what happens.”

Based at Melrose Campus Tam has been practising what he preaches through his lecturing for over two years now. Having originally taken a degree in English, Tam went on to do community education and was a community development worker for two years in St Mary’s. And although he enjoyed the work Tam wanted to get closer to the discipline of English hence the change of career. Like a lot of authors, the lecturer declares he has no idea where his stories come from but admits to carrying a notebook at all times. “I confess I do carry a notebook just in case I have a good idea so I can write it down and not forget it later, but I can assure everyone it isn’t an obsession,

Tam Samson people I meet are not going to suddenly appear in one of my stories,” said Tam with a smile.

Honed their skills on catwalk! Shoppers in the city’s Wellgate Centre, caught some haute couture capers courtesy of local school pupils and Dundee College students. New Look, Wellgate, between 14-17, chose to was the venue where 11 stage a fashion show. young people representTo make sure the show ing Craigie HS, Menhad plenty of visual imzieshill HS and St Paul’s pact the pupils drafted six RC Academy, were Dundee College students staging a series of mini to act as models - all of fashion shows. them on the NQ fashion The three young men and retail programme. eight young women were The pupils created a all taking part in Skills catwalk event of 12 minfor Work, a nation-wide utes duration which was initiative launched in staged on the hour every Dundee last summer hour from 10am-2pm involving Dundee Colfive shows in total. lege in partnership with “This was a really Dundee City Council rewarding experience for education department. everyone involved,” said Drawn from S3 and S5 lecturer Gillian McKay. all of the pupils were part “Despite the fact that of Skills for Work Retail, there were three schools which involved them involved and that the coming to college one pupils were of varying afternoon a week instead ages, the young people of school. really pulled together to A unit of their course ensure a successful event concerns planning an and, in turn, became a actual event from scratch truly cohesive team.” and the pupils, all aged

Looking to the stars Dundee College lecturer Graham Young is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the invention of the telescope by continuing to run his highly successful astronomy course at the Constitution Campus. Running since 1994 this course has seen about 200 people take up an interest in the stars and planets. After finishing the course many go on to become involved with the city’s Mills Observatory. “2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and we are looking

forward to seeing a brand new cohort of students this year,” said the lecturer who is also closely involved with the observatory. “No qualifications are needed as the classes start from scratch so anyone with even a slight interest will fit right in.” The classes are held on Wednesday afternoons and last all year. Areas studied include: the solar system, stars, galactic astronomy and cosmology, astro-physics, observing techniques and the history of astronomy.

Students’ Italy trip

Taking steps to impress on the catwalk, two of the models are going up in the world (picture courtesy of Fotopress, Dundee).

Dundee College sports students enjoyed studying the silky skills of Italian football close up when they headed off for a four-day stay in Florence. A total of 11 HND sports coaching with development of sport students had been stashing their cash in a bid to fund this fact-finding tour when they will took in a Fiorentina v Roma match and visited the Coverciano, Italian football’s HQ. The students also had a cultural tour of the city, studyied the sports facilities at the Florence University of the Arts, who played host to the Dundee party, and also made use of a sports facility at Feisole, a hill-town overlooking Florence. “Trips of this sort are immensely valuable in terms of inspiring students in their own work,” said lecturer Ewan Peacock, who accompanyed the students to Italy. “It is particularly pleasing to see the commitment the students have already made by finding the money for this visit themselves.”

Joins fight for infection control Dundee College has struck a blow for infection control with the launch of a brand new course to arm care staff with the skills needed to ‘break the chain of infection’! The fear of infection has become a genuine

Approved by Maureen

concern across the country in recent years with outbreaks of e.coli and MRSA causing alarm. Dundee College is the first place in the country to deliver this course, recently developed by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, to combat these

outbreaks. The REHIS elementary control of infection programme is a one-day course aimed at all staff providing a care service including: care at home; care homes and nursing homes for the elderly; nurseries and early education and child care

establishments. People with minimum contact and contracted/ voluntary staff engaged in care work will also benefit from completing this course. Dundee College maintains strong links with REHIS and Christine Fraser, training and development

executive, has spent the past six months working with the institute supporting the development of this new course. “We ran a pilot programme with the Health Protection Team of the Public Health Directorate, NHS Tayside. “Called the Cleanliness Champions programme, this was a work-based learning package used to help teach infection control and best practice, primarily to NHS staff. “This was carried out in the care homes sector and had an 87% success rate.” Because this new REHIS control of infection course is crucial to best practice in such a wide variety of careers, there is a huge element of flexibility built in to ensure the programme meets the needs of all candidates. This new course attracted the attention of the Scottish Government with Shona Robison, the minister for public health, attending the launch with the first cohort of students at Dundee College Overgate Learning Centre.

College scoops top spot at UK - wide awards

Dundee College staff enjoyed three days of celebration when a number of projects were represented at three separate awards ceremonies held over three consecutive evenings. The Global Education and Training Gala Dinner was held at One Whitehall Place, London and saw the presentation of the GetEnergy awards which celebrate all the best of education and training in the oil and gas industry. A partnership between Dundee College and internationally renowned company Geoservices struck oil at the event with lecturer Bob Golden there to lift one of the top awards. Having gained prominence as a service company in the oil and gas industry, Geoservices identified difficulties in recruiting people with the knowledge and background to meet their needs - cue Dundee College! Training manager, John Batchelor, approached the college aiming to develop links by providing students with ‘taster’ days to training for the oil and gas industry. These taster days are augmented by visits from other oil and gas companies who are also seeking to attract our graduates into careers with them. “While developing their business with over 80 different nationalities, the company also pledged guaranteed interviews to our students who successfully completed HNC/D level engineering,” said Bob Golden, team leader engineering, who collected the Education Partnership 2009 Award. Little wonder the partnership

found favour with GetEnergy - with the company resolving its recruitment problems by attracting suitably-qualified applicants from the graduates of Dundee College Higher National Engineering programmes and the students receiving enhanced levels of training. “After cutting edge training at Geoservices our students know exactly what the oil and gas industry is all about!” asserts the lecturer who is has just arrived back at college “I left the awards Whitehall venue to head north to Scotland while John Batchelor was heading south - jetting off to Tunisia where Geoservices has a training base” This partnership has grown over the past three years with Geoservices now providing three days’ training for the students on the HNC Engineering Systems programme, resulting in a significant number of Dundee College students joining the company in 2007 and 2008. Meanwhile, recognising that 55 is the average age of a worker in the oil and gas industry, Dundee College has been involved in development of a suitable full time HN programme to fill the gaps across the industry. A Higher National Certificate and a Higher National diploma programme in petroleum engineering are now set to be launched in September this year. “This award recognises a truly

Bob Golden (left) with Nicky Inglis. successful partnership with our students gaining relevant and up-to-date knowledge thanks to the training and visits by guests speakers from Geoservices, and the company having technically competent and able individuals ‘on tap’,” said Nicky Inglis, curriculum manager engineering. While the college was being awarded the top spot in London, staff at Dundee College had their collective fingers

crossed in anticipation of the very first Business to College Awards being held in Edinburgh where Dundee College had been shortlisted in two categories -one of only 12 colleges to make the short list out of more than 70 entries. All the nominations for these awards were supported by the business community itself as the Business to College Awards is a joint partnership between Scotland’s Colleges

and The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The awards are unique in that they are from businesses to colleges and have been designed to recognise the many ways in which colleges support business sustainability. Dundee College was highly commended in the Impact Award category for a project with Worcester Bosch and commended in the Innovation Award category for a partnership with McGill Electrical. College staff responded to Worcester Bosch’s need to raise awareness of their micro-renewable energy heating systems and to ensure there were plenty of skilled and certified installers for these products The company, in partnership with Dundee College, set up a purpose-built training facility housed at the Kingsway Campus, to provide training and certification in the installation of their solar panels. So far, 250 operatives have been trained in Bosch products. Dundee College worked with McGill Electrical a multimillion pound company, based in the city, which is seeking to become a leader in the design, supply, installation and maintenance of micro-renewable energy and low carbon energy efficient products. The college established a Knowledge Transfer Partnership - swapping expertise - which has resulted in the company establishing a new operating division into its commercial and domestic building services activities, resulting in increased sales to new and existing customers. “Skills are even more impor-

tant during difficult economic times,” said Chris Ashe, head of the construction and built environment centre at Dundee College. “In this challenging period, I believe that the partnerships Dundee College has and is creating with business are the key to economic success of not only the city but the region as a whole” “Being recognised at these awards demonstrates the college’s commitment to job creation, and development of an innovative dynamic curriculum necessary to equip our learners with the essential skills and qualifications to gain employment and stimulate the local and regional economy.” Dundee College also took a commended slot at Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards which took place in Aberdeen. Described as the Oscars night for energy firms, this reception and dinner celebrates innovation, success and the achievements of individuals, companies and organisations from throughout the offshore energy sector. Dundee College was shortlisted in the Internationalisation of Scottish Skills category having taking engineering programmes and delivery strategies to the middle east. Concentrating on engineering in relation to oil production, college staff have generated interest from their opposite numbers in Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Dinner raises £1000 Hospitality staff and students at Dundee College lived up to their name, when they played host to a charity event.

Members of the international charity Unicef were looking for a novel fund-raiser and approached Dundee College staff who decided they could lay on a demonstration dinner party at the Kingsway Campus. “We were approached by Grace Henderson of Unicef who asked if we could help and I am delighted to announce that the staff volunteered to give up their free time to ensure a successful event,” said Louisa Kingham, curriculum manager hospitality. Hospitality students were also involved at the event which included a variety of demonstrations designed to give helpful hints for hosting a successful dinner party. Along with the college staff and students making a guest appearance was Alison Petrie who demonstrated flower arranging. Napkin folding was also on the agenda for the evening, with a mix of NC hospitality and HNC hospitality students showing off their skills. The students also caused a stir when they shook things up with a lively display of cocktail making. Chefs lecturers raised temperatures during a presentation of food preparation - ending with some flambé techniques. More than £1000 was raised on the evening

College serves up that bit more Dundee College is leading the way in terms of arming students with exactly the correct qualifications needed to find employment in the licensed trade.

Under the Licensing Scotland Act 2005 anyone wanting to manage licensed premises must hold the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders qualification (SCPLH) while, from September 1 this year, all employees working in licensed premises must have the Scottish Certificate for Licensed Premises Staff. “At present there is no compulsion for colleges to deliver training in these qualifications to their hospitality students or those on professional cookery or tourism course,” explained Louisa Kingham, curriculum

manager. “We decided, however, that all of our students in the newly-formed hospitality and tourism department at Dundee College should be offered the chance to gain these qualifications and substantially increase their chance of employment. “The legislation covers all licensed premises - pubs, clubs, hotel, restaurants, off-licences - so a lot of jobs, both full-time and part-time are effected.” Ensuring that all the students can take part proved a real team effort as it involved a number of separate disciplines, including: HNC hospitality; HND hospitality management; HNC tourism; first year professional cookery; second year NC hospitality.

“So far we have seen more than 50 students enrol for and gain one or other of these qualifications as well as continuing with their set course work,” said Louisa. “With this legislation coming into place over the last few years, we feel it is inevitable that in future the only courses recognised by industry will include the qualifications as demanded by law, therefore thanks to a magnificent team effort Dundee College is leading the way in terms of added value.” Picture show some of the students who have enjoyed that added extras on offer as part of their Dundee College experience.

Artist enjoys his brush with high society Dundee College artist Angus McEwan was delighted to see his work being ranked alongside such famous painters as Sir Edward BurneJones, John Singer Sargent and Sir William Russell Flint, having been accepted to the ranks of the Royal Watercolour Society.

The lecturer returned from the London on Friday March 20, where he saw three of his paintings hanging in the RWS exhibition, by way of confirming his status as an associate member of

the oldest watercolour society in the world. Established in 1804, the society accepts new members who are elected by their peers. In Angus’ case it was Aberuthven based artist

Ann Wegmuller who suggested that he seek membership. “We are already members of the RSW (Royal Scottish Society of Painters of Watercolour) so Ann encouraged me to apply to the RWS, saying she would act as a sponsor,” explained the Wormitbased artist. “The actual process went quite quickly, I had to

send three paintings and a portfolio containing 12 pieces illustrating support studies, to London, where they were examined by society members on Tuesday and, by Thursday, my paintings were hanging in their exhibition in the Bankside Gallery, right next door to the Tate Modern, and I had been accepted.” A total of 28 people submitted work and Angus was one of only six who were accepted by the RWS. The society will also keep one of the lecturer’s paintings, Illuminated Window, for their historic collection which includes works by Sir Laurence Alma Tadema, and Dame Laura Knight. The tradition of newlyelected members presenting a work on their election to the society has been running since 1860 and the collection now has about 900 items. This accolade is the most recent of a number of achievements that Angus has accomplished in his highly successful career. Having won the prestigious Alastair Salvesen travel scholarship in 1996, Angus travelled and painted in China for three months. Based at Dundee College

Angus with one of his works. Graham Street Campus, which celebrated the the lecturer’s work is Royal Botanic Gardens also well travelled having and their surroundings been involved in exhibiin Kew. tions all over the UK and In 2007 the lecturer won abroad. the £7000 second prize Angus is an elected a in the Kaupthing Singer member of the Internaand Friedlander/Sunday tional Guild of Realism, Times watercolour combased in Arizona, and petition. closer to home, participated in an exhibition

Learning Journey wins award An award-winning initiative took to the road again earlier this year when S2 pupils from two Dundee Schools embarked on the Learning Journey. The Dundee City Council and Dundee College partnership project involves the pupils being bussed around Dundee and experiencing opportunities the city has to offer for their future in education and employment.

So successful was the first Learning Journey in 2008 that the initiative scooped a national marketing award from Scotland’s Colleges. This second Learning Journey was equally suc-

cessful with a group of pupils from Grove Academy experiencing the city’s computer games industry at first hand, hearing for themselves how the audio experts at Real Time Worlds won a BAFTA for their sound work on the ‘Crackdown’ title. S2 pupils from Morgan Academy saw how the

local food industry operates when they visited the premises of Scotherbs. Both groups also learned how the Landmark and Hilton hotels offer job opportunities and took part in afternoon sessions at Dundee College to outline the courses available. Culture and history were also on the timetable, as the bus tour took in local

Students offered an insight into editing Top Los Angeles based TV producer, director and editor, Larry Jordon, received a warm welcome when he delivered a seminar entitled: PowerUP with Final Cut Studio: Final Cut Pro Workflow Secrets, at Dundee College Kingsway Campus The college is a partner in the innovative Creative Loop initiative aimed at helping people realize their ambition and find jobs in television, radio and other media industries. As well as Dundee College, Creative Loop involves five other Scottish colleges and key strategic partners SQA, Scottish Screen and Skillset Scotland and was awarded Skillset Media Academy status last year. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Corporate Producers in America, Larry Jordan has over 25 years experience as a televi-

sion producer, director and editor. A frequentlyfeatured speaker at conferences around the world the internationallyrenowned consultant is also an Apple-certified trainer in digital media but still manages to host two talk radio shows. His presence in Dundee attracted over 100 people - despite the worst snows of the winter falling that day in the city! Creative Loop is the first attempt in Scotland to create working partnerships between the media and Scotland’s colleges and having Larry Jordan host a seminar is in keeping with the

initiative’s aim of having world-leading academics, content creators, computer games developers, software programmers and creative artists helping develop talent, creativity and business ideas to exploit new technologies and opportunities in broadcast television and interactive media. “With Scottish Funding Council support, the purpose of Creative Loop is to enable partnership working between the colleges and industry to ensure the quality of students entering the

landmarks including: Discovery Point, Verdant Works, the Rep and Sensation. The Learning Journey is targeted at pupils in S2 who are about to take subject choices that will influence their educational future. “We were delighted again to be working in partnership with Dundee City Council’s education department and local employers to offer this exciting learning experience,” said Anne Hamilton, school and community liaison manager at Dundee College. “Seeing the Learning Journey win an award from Scotland’s College’s reinforces how valuable this initiative is.

“The Learning Journey focuses again on Dundee’s culture, employment and educational opportunities. “It is a fantastic way to widen the experience and knowledge of these S2 pupils at a crucial time in their schooling when they are beginning to make decisions for their future. “We are also extremely grateful for the contributions made by the local businesses who take part.” Dundee City Council education convener Cllr Laurie Bidwell was also quick to praise the Learning Journey “This is an excellent initiative that helps to highlight the many diverse

destinations that these young people can aim for in the years ahead,” said the councillor. “The council and Dundee College have been working together closely since last year’s pilot project to offer the experience to even more pupils this year. “It is important that pupils can get a sense of what is available in their own city, and I am sure many will be inspired by what they see on the Learning Journey.”

labour market is as high as possible,” said Dundee College Depute Principal Grant Ritchie “We have a range of strategies to help us transform the basis of creative media provision in Scotland’s Colleges. “These include developing staff and resources and ensuring both students and staff are up to date and linked to the modern creative media industries through work shadowing, industrial placement and industry mentors.”

Stopping off at Dundee College Kingsway Campus, some of the children on the Learning Journey.

Prior to the seminar, project manager Helliate Rushwaya receives a crash course in editing from Larry Jordan (courtesy of Fotopress, Dundee).

Science spelling success The subject of science remains a success story at Dundee College. While various commentators bemoan the dearth of young people opting for the discipline, Dundee College seems to be bucking the national trend with the various science courses all filled with eager students. So much so that one of their number was picked by the Smarter Scotland Campaign to encourage more people to study

science. Jillian Smith was in the college science block one day when she was asked to speak to someone from the Scottish Governmentsponsored campaign. “It was a real surprise when the head of science, Margaret Taylor, asked me to speak to someone from the Scottish Government,” explains the 17-year-old “But it was really dead easy as they asked me what I thought about

Sabrina Lundie

coming to college and I was delighted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “They also asked me to send a picture and I thought it was for some obscure website, imagine my surprise when I was visiting my cousin in Forfar and she showed me the local paper - with my story and picture.” In fact, Jillian’s story made its way in a number of local weekly papers! The student admits to being quietly thrilled but slightly embarrassed by the article - which did also appear on the Scottish Government website. The former Menzieshill HS pupil came to college straight from school to study for an HNC applied science. And the student has landed a place at university where she begins her degree course in September. Another Dundee College girl with plans for university is Sabrina Lundie, of Perth.

Catering for more!

Jillian Smith The 20-year-old studied for two years at the Kingsway Campus firstly on the Access to biomedical and biological science, then gaining an HNC applied science. The Perth Academy FP has once again returned to the science block but this time as a member of staff - as a lab technician. “I feel really lucky to have been accepted for this post, particularly as I am keen to go on and study for an HND biomedical science,” explained Sabrina. Resuming her studies in September Sabrina is confident she can fit in her classes with her part-time hours and gain the qualification. “Much as I enjoy my work at Dundee College my ambition is to go on and gain study for a degree and ultimately become a scene of crime officer.”

Things are hotting up at Dundee College Kingsway Campus with the addition of a brand new resource. Catering and hospitality students and staff are looking forward to the new term with a some excitement as, over the summer, work has been taking place at the Kingsway Campus resulting in a new training kitchen being opened. Not only will new students in the catering and hospitality disciplines be ‘cooking on gas’ but pupils from schools around the city will now also have the chance to experience, first hand, a cutting-edge catering facility, with an extra course planned for the menu. The Skills for Work initiative is designed to encourage school pupils to gain the skills needed for employment through practical experience.

This new kitchen equips Dundee College sufficiently to expand into taking part in Skills For Work, Hospitality allowing the college to work with local schools. “Building an extra kitchen had become a priority at Dundee College due to the increase in people keen to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Louisa Cunningham, curriculum manager. “We have experienced a huge surge in people enrolling on the SVQ II professional cookery and we are aiming for two streams of HNC hospitality in future. “Add to that our ambition to work more closely with school and take part in Skills for Work, Hospitality and this new facility becomes vital.”

Brush with Europe proves successful Painting and decorating is taking on an international dimension at Dundee College thanks to an EU-funded project. Dundee College was framework for training in invited to join DEMOP, painting and decorating. a project designed to At present the countries develop an European taking part are: Spain, standard modular training Finland, Germany, Romaprogramme for painters nia, Patras and Lithuania, and decorators, and has who are the lead partner since seen visitors from in the project. six countries come to the “It is perhaps significant Kingsway Campus to that the project is being inspect the Scottish model led by one of the newer of training. EU member states as it Funded by the Leonardo has been recognised for project which encourages some time that, although trans-European working there have been huge in education, the aim of areas of expansion among DEMOP is for each partthe emerging EU nations, ner to develop a teaching they do not all have the unit which, ultimately, long-established training will make up a European infrastructure that we have in Scotland, there-

Retail charity goal is acheived Dundee College HND retail management students staged a grand event when they once again persuaded a host of professional footballers to strip for action - modelling action - for a charity fashion show in Overgate shopping mall that raised over £1000! This was the third year that retail students have staged a charity fashion show and this year Diabetes UK and SSPCA, charities suggested by Overgate management, shared the £1036 total. Not only did the students rope in the help a total of 19 professional footballers from Dundee FC, Dundee United, St Johnstone and Raith Rovers, they also persuaded over a dozen top high street stores to support their efforts by supplying the garments. The sportsmen are studying football management at Dundee College and, as part of their course, are exploring ways to interact with the community, hence taking part as models! The event is designed to give retail students experience and stretch their organisational abilities. “This is a huge undertaking involving about 50 students in total with around 30 doing the actual modelling,” explained student Duncan Jones. “We were really grateful to all the retailers in Overgate who supported this project by lending us the garments for the event.” As in previous years the students raised the charity cash through raffles on the night and ticket sales - and, for the third year running, this was a sell-out event. Picture (courtesy of The Courier, Dundee © D C Thomson & Co Ltd) shows, from left Johnny Russell (Dundee United), Sian Louise Cane, Martyn Shields (St Johnstone), Julie Napier and Ross Grant (Dundee FC).

fore are keen to become involved in knowledge transfer of this sort,” said Bob Scott, curriculum manager construction crafts. “It is not all one-way traffic however as sharing best practice with countries such as colleges in Finland and Germany may well pay dividends for Dundee College.” Among the modules which will be developed are painting, wallpaperhanging, tiling, plastering, even an introduction to the labour market. This is the first time the constructions crafts unit at Dundee College has become involved in a project of this kind but it may not be the last. “We are always investigating avenues of innovative expansion whether national or international,” said Bob. “With the recession beginning to bite it is likely we will see a drop off in construction in future, working in partnership is one way in which we can bypass this downturn and maintain the high standard of training which is traditionally associated with Scotland.”

Catherine wired into college Getting back into class proved a novel experience for Catherine Rottger as she swapped office desk for a workbench, paper files for the real thing and her computer screen for a screwdriver. Having spent most of her working life in an office, Catherine changed direction when she chose to enrol on the pre-apprentice construction programme at Dundee College - a million miles away from her degree in marketing! And, having opted for this

Travellers’ tales After four weeks of eating elk, bear, wild boar and reindeer, six Dundee College students were excused for enjoying more traditional Scottish fare when they arrived home from work placements in Finland. Danielle Richiardi (27), students gave extremely Jade McLaughlin (19) positive feedback with and Jamie-Lee Morgan Neil and Barry hoping (24), who were studying to return to work in HelNQ early education and sinki during the summer, childcare, Barry Devlin while all six students said (32) and Neil Williams they had learned new (27), both access to nursskills and better ways ing, and Sammy Allen of working and would (25), from preparation to recommend European exnursing and midwifery, changes to other students. all travelled to Helsinki The students enjoyed tea to take part in European and sandwiches, nothing work placements as part as exotic as elk, when of the Leonardo da Vinci, they gave presentations Education and Culture on their experiences to an project which encourages invited audience at Melstudent travel across the rose Campus, when they continent. were also presented with During the four-week certificates to acknowlvisit the students atedge their achievements. tended Helsinki City Nearly 40 Dundee College of Social and College students are Health Care and worked currently undertaking in children’s day care work placements in six services or in the wards European countries. of Koskela Hospital. Representing science, They took part in cultural engineering, business and visits which included computing programmes, sailing to Suomenlinna the students are taksea fortress and spending ing the skills they have a day in Tallin. developed at college into And while we in Scotworkplaces in Germany, land were bemoaning the Austria, Italy, France, spring weather, the HelSlovenia and Portugal. sinki temperatures meant the students enjoyed skating out of doors and sailing across an almost frozen sea from Helsinki to the Estonian capital. On their return the

German students in driving seat Dundee College once again extended a warm welcome to a delegation of German students from Theodor-Litt Schule, Giessen, near Frankfurt. A total of 13 students and two teachers from TheodorLitt were in Dundee for a one-week visit, staying with Dundee residents. Dundee College has enjoyed a partnership with Theodore-Litt for over 17 years during which there has been a number of student exchanges and staff going back and forward to reinforce the links between the two colleges. The programmes on offer at Theodore-Litt are almost identical to Dundee College. While in the city the students undertook the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) at Dundee College.

change of pace, the student focussed on a pursuing a new career as an electrician. “Having spent all my working life in an office, I decided after my 50th birthday that it was time to do something I was really interested in,” said the student. “I had always been keen on home maintenance, ever since, as a little girl, I helped my dad around the house and, since then, in every house I have had I’ve been in charge of any home improvements. “This has always suited my

husband, Stephen, who, during his speech at our wedding, declared he would, ‘love, honour, even obey, but no DIY!’.” Having made the decision to leave her career in marketing, Catherine investigated what courses were on offer and decided that Dundee College’s full-time pre-apprentice construction course was by far the best. “This course offers the students tasters of all the construction trades: bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, painting and decorating,

electrical installation and joinery and in this way we decide what we like.” Catherine has proved a bright spark when it came to electrical installation, now seriously pursuing a career as an electrician. “I realise it won’t be easy landing a job at my age but I have received plenty of support from the lecturers here and am particularly grateful to Bob Scott, who is in charge of construction crafts, for giving me a place on what is often an oversubscribed course.”

Hottest ticket in town

The Vocal Showcase stars shone bright at The Space (picture courtesy of The Courier, © D C Thomson & Co Ltd). Dundee College music students once again made their much-loved Vocal Showcase the hottest ticket in town using a few tricks to freshen up the format during the four-night run at The Space. Hotfoot from London’s West End singing student engaged in the role for a whole month! Donna Hazelton hosted Since then Donna toured the evening! the UK in “Girls Behind” Donna is a former with Sue Devaney and winner of Channel 4’s Maureen Nolan and, ‘Musicality’ show - her more recently in “Girls prize being to perform in Night” with Lucy Speed Chicago, taking the role and Gwyneth Strong and of Mama Morton for one completed a European night only. tour entitled “Best of The Lochgelly lass, Musicals”. however, impressed Back from Europe Donna the show’s producers began studying at Dunso much that she was

On stage, David Anderson.

dee College music centre at the Graham Street Campus, in a bid to add a formal qualification to her experience. As well as playing host at the vocal showcase, the performer added her vocal talents to the impressive show that the students performed in The Space. Students from both the NQ Music and HNC Modern Musicianship courses took part in the event. The 20-strong group of singers presented a Motown medley, a selection of Beatles’ favourites, an assortment of songs from Jersey Boys, a musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a choice of the best from Mama Mia, and, of course, songs from Chicago. Soloists also sang a range of classic tracks including ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, ‘Walking in Memphis’, ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’ and ‘The Winner Takes it All’ sung by Donna, of course! The singers were supported by a 12-piece band with lecturer and

musical director Stuart Brand at the heart of things on the piano. This year, for the first time ever, the full production was musically staged offering the audiences a far more professional presentation. Like any big production the Vocal Showcase was a joint effort with students from many disciplines becoming involved. NQ Video Audio students were involved in this year’s show in a number of ways, filming the

event, producing a DVD and capturing a live feed which was projected in real time on to two large screens at either side of the stage. The students had five cameras present at The Space for the Vocal Showcase resulting in 14 tapes a night being filmed This was just one of the projects that the group were involved in throughout the year including filming, editing and producing a DVD representing all Dundee College satellite centres.

Rachel Baird, impassioned performance.

Course set girls on right wavelength Two students were certainly on the right wavelength when they enrolled on a media course at Dundee College. Leanne Blackwood and Laura Beats began NQ media last September and when they embarked on the radio broadcasting part of the course they quickly caught the ear of tutor Pat Kelly. “As soon as I heard their voices I suggested that both Leanne and Laura should consider getting into radio broadcasting as a career,” said the lecturer. Leanne was soon live on air with Wave 102, working in the station’s newsroom. “We made a demo disk at the college and sent it, with a covering letter, to Wave 102 and within weeks I was working at the station,” said student. “I must admit to feeling a bit nervous the the first weekend I was there but I am loving the experience.” After working for years with an insurance company the 27-year-old

Leanne and Laura in the Dundee College studio. low her classmate into decided that office work Adam Findlay of Wave the world of radio. was just not for her. 102, was also delighted “I first developed an “I actually enrolled on to have the students in interest in radio when I the media course with the station’s newsroom. was at Baldragon Acada view to doing video “Having Leanne and emy which was the BBC production and editing Laura on board was all Scotland Sound Town but as soon as I was in down to the work that School and has its own the studio at the Kingsgoes on at Dundee Colway Campus decided that studio,” explained the lege,” said the managing 19-year-old. radio broadcasting was director. “So I was really keen to for me. “This success is an come to Dundee College “I am really grateful to example of what going to my lecturer Pat for all the to study media and have college can achieve.” thoroughly enjoyed the encouragement and supcourse, and the chance to port he has given me.” gain some real broadcastLaura was quick to foling experience.”

Students go nuts about squirrels ‘Better red than dead’ took on a whole new meaning at Dundee College - and it had nothing to do with extreme political leanings and all to do with wildlife! Earlier this year a group of full-time fabrication and welding students were hard at work to ensure that Dundee’s red squirrel population are well fed in future, creating 24 aluminium feeders to be positioned around the city. Working in conjunction with Dundee Red Squirrel Project, the college made two prototype feeders just over a year ago. One of these was sited in Templeton Woods the other in the college’s horticulture unit’s gardens at Dundee College Kingsway Campus and staff were delighted to report that both attracted red squirrels. “Dundee is the only city in the UK to have a population of red squirrels but, across the UK, the species are under threat from the grey squirrels which were introduced to this country

from America about 100 years ago,” explains Nicky Inglis, engineering curriculum manager, at Kingsway Campus. “Dundee College became involved with the city council’s countryside ranger service and agreed to design and construct feeders as red squirrels can only breed when they have gained sufficient weight.” The design remit for the feeders was quite precise: they could only be accessible to red squirrels; easily replenished with food, cleaned and maintained; straightforward to mount on trees; and allow good views of the squirrels while they are feeding inside. “Red squirrels don’t eat while on the ground so it was obvious that the feeders would have to be fixed to trees, we made the entrance and exit holes 50mm diameter which excludes adult grey squirrels which can be as much as twice the size of reds and we used an aluminium construction to ensure that the greys could not gnaw their way into the food,” explained Nicky.

End-of-year art and design exhibition Members of the public, employers, and friends and family were impressed with the work of over 300 art and design students went on show at Dundee College annual end-of-year exhibition.

Graham Street was the venue to show off works from a range of disciplines within the department including contemporary art practice, folio preparation, graphic design, illustration, fashion, textiles, interior design, photography, creative learning, City and Guilds design and craft courses, multimedia and computer animation. “Dundee College is one of a only a few colleges that offers courses ranging from introductory level to Higher National Diploma and our Art &

Portfolio preparation students Callum Reid and Brodie Sim admire the work on show

HND graphic design student Jana Cekalova puts the finishing touches to her display.

Design Exhibition shows off the work of students studying at all of these levels,” said lecturer Dermot Curnyn, one of the exhibition co-ordinators. “For some of the students this event is a celebration before they go on to study at degree level for others it is getting into the world of work, so it is rewarding to see such a high standard of work on show, emphasising the personal development the students have achieved. “The standard is underlined by the number of

inquiries we received from employers who are keen to study the works on show with a view to recruiting new staff. “Once again we took taking calls from companies who were keen to put the exhibition dates in their diary so they can investigate the pool of talent at Dundee College.”

“The main problem we have is deciding how high in the trees to secure the feeders, we have to find a happy medium, high enough to encourage the squirrels but at the same time low enough to allow the rangers to restock the food with ease.” Two full classes of 12 students worked on the project - each student making a feeder. The feeders were handed over to Ken Neil of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project and are currently being installed at a number of locations around the city.

Always aiming for the best Dundee College staff are committed to improving the student experience across all areas of the college.

So much so, in fact, that this year saw the launch of a new initiative when the college’s customer care group conducted a How Are We Doing survey in a bid to find out what students, staff and visitors really thought of the college’s performance. About 200 people took part in the survey which was conducted over an eight-week period earlier this year. This, the first of what is set to be an annual exercise, was designed to encourage feedback on the facilities at Kingsway Campus and the results were very positive. “We owe a big thank you to the people who took the time to fill in and return the survey form,” said Lynsey Allan, of the customer care group. “We are constantly trying to improve the service we provide and listening to people is one way we can achieve this. “Although the majority of the responses was positive, the customer care group is currently examining the results in minute detail to determine if there is any area where we can make improvements.”

Ex-joiner nails opportunity as web designer Working with an external partner proved highly valuable for seven students on the HNC/D new media programme at Dundee College. Not only did the students gain experience but also a cash bonus!

Chris Webster congratulates web-designer Rod Rice

Chris Webster, director of Blairgowrie-based company Webster’s Garden Machinery, chose Dundee College when he decided his firm’s website, WebGM, was in need of a makeover. The businessman approached the college to see if a student would be interested in doing the work and tutor Fiona Muhsin was delighted to use this as an opportunity to have the HNC class involved. “This looked like an ideal opportunity for the students to gain proper work experience with a real client,” explained the senior lecturer. “I decided to run a competition and seven students took part, each working individually on the project. “Chris visited the college on several occasions to discuss the brief with the students, giving them first-hand experience of working with a client.” At the same time as they were gaining this experience the students also had the support of college resources and their tutor. The result was a very high standard of web design with the client being impressed with the results.

Hat-trick at Creative Four pupils from Madras College scored a hat-trick at Dundee College recently when they took the Creative Spaces 2009 title. S2 pupils Michael Martin, Cameron McKay, Lucy Clift, Sara Valentine made up the Madras team which took first place in the design competition that attracted 72 pupils representing 18 schools from all over Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Fife. This year’s team matched the achievement of their counterparts from 2006 and last year when they took the winner’s trophy. Each team of four only saw the brief, to design an eco house of the

future, on the day of the event but were provided with professional support from the design professions and the construction industry. With that help they had to interpret a brief, produce a design and construct a scale model of the building they had created. To add to the drama, each school then had to make a presentation from the stage of the Space with all the other participating teams sitting in the

audience. The main aim of the competition was to design a house in a rural setting which was accessible for all, minimised the use of fossil fuels, avoided waste and pollution and was energy efficient. As well as being presented with a trophy, the winning Madras team was rewarded with £500, which must be expended in a manner that will contribute to the creativity of that school, while Michael, Cameron, Lucy and Sara were each awarded £50 for

themselves. Runners-up Menzieshill HS took £300 back to their school and keep £30 each while the thirdplaced Perth HS received £20 and £200 for their school. No one left empty handed as there were cinema tickets for every participating student plus other paraphernalia from the sponsors. Awards were also made to the school which had adopted the best ‘Clean Desk’ approach during the day Dunfermline HS.

So much so that as well as awarding £350 to Rod Rice, the winning designer, Chris also presented the other six students with £25. Rod was particularly pleased to have his work recognised in this way. Having trained as a joiner, Rod left his trade 10 years ago and tried his hand at a variety of jobs. Over the course of the past decade, however, he taught himself about computer hard-ware, firstly by upgrading his own PC then moving on to repairing and upgrading other people’s. “I also began to get involved with soft-ware packages and developed an interest in web-design,” commented the student. “To increase my skills and gain a recognised qualification I decided to come to college.” This decision coincided with the launch of the HNC/D new media course and, as one of the very first cohort on the programme, Rod has enjoyed his college experience. “I have been particularly impressed with the course leaders who are keen to receive input from us, the students.” Chris was also delighted with his decision to approach the college. “The work that the students produced was incredibly impressive,” commented the businessman.

16 The Space continues to build on its reputation as a centre for dance and drama in Dundee. With both home-grown talent and visits by companies, renowned the world over, the venue contributes to the vibrancy of the city

Students tackle killer of a play! Neworks using new music Guest lecturer Angus Balbernie introduced an innovation to this year’s Neworks production at The Space at Dundee College. The choreographer, who

is no stranger to The Space, returned once more to direct the production and mentor the 18 HND contemporary dance students. This year, however, Angus revealed a hidden

talent - his ability to compose music with the students to use in their choreography. Neworks comprises 10 pieces choreographed by the students themselves. Not content with just

using a variety of rock, pop and classical music, some of the students asked Angus for help to compose original ‘soundscapes’ to work with and keep Neworks as fresh as possible. “Each year I have come to The Space, the standard of choreography displayed by the students has become higher,” declared Angus. “For Neworks we had to choose nine pieces created entirely by students on the course and such was the standard of creativity it was a very difficult choice. “I was delighted to help with the music and watch what the students could create in their compositions.” Angus is an internationally-renowned choreographer - acting as a guest lecturer at Dartington in Devon, and Arnhem in the Netherlands. He is guest professor of choreography at the Korean National University for the Arts. As well as creating their own pieces - one of them on film - the nine choreographers also took to the stage when they performed in their colleagues’ dances. All of the students took part in a 10th piece.

Pictures: top Jennifer Bloe (left) and Jenna McGurk; bottom (courtesy of The Courier, Dundee © D C Thomson & Co Ltd) - Kieran robb (front) Emma Christie and Aaron Jeffrey.

Dundee College HNC acting and performance students tackled a tough play with the production of Roberto Zucco which, penned by influential French playwright Bernard-Marie Koltes, is inspired by a real-life serial killer.

While in keeping with the long tradition of violence in the theatre - Shakespeare’s tragedies tend to have more deaths than the average slaughterhouse - Roberto Zucco is no morality tale, offering a neutral view of the eponymous 1980s murderer who terrorised people across three countries after escaping from a mental institution. “The play examines the society around

the main character and poses the question: is it any surprise he became a killer?” explained director Paul Christie. The playwright saw the murderer’s face on a ‘wanted’ poster in the mid 1980s and became fascinated with his story, completing the play shortly before his own death in 1989. The play was first performed in Berlin the following year, when a Scottish link with Koltes was established when Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre premiered, The Struggle of the Dogs and the Black. While Koltes’ work remains something of an enigma in Scotland, the playwright is well established in his native France.

An arresting moment in Roberto Zucco as Brent Cosford, in the title role, is ‘nicked’ by Camila Barnett (left) and Emma

IndepenDANCE Day IndepenDANCE Day saw contemporary dance students on the degree course at Dundee College creating a unique production at The Space. For the first time ever at Even with each degree the Scottish School of course student being Contemporary Dance, the restricted to creating a students did not perform piece lasting no longer in their own production than 10 minutes, the but choreographed works result was two different for other dancers. shows being produced under the title IndepenDA total of 18 students, ANCE Day! the first cohort of the degree course which was Each production had nine launched last year, came pieces performed by 23 up with their own ideas students on the HNC and created their own programme. choreography which was “This was a really then performed by their eclectic production with colleagues on the HNC a widely diverse range of programme. dance styles utilising a

variety of musical genres and including mixed media with projected images and film on stage,” enthused Peter Royston, curriculum manager dance. “While the degree students were encouraged to work totally independently, creating dance pieces entirely from their own imagination, being inspired by their own experience, they were supported by a number of lecturing staff acting as mentors.”

Dancers ring the changes Dance fans in the city and surrounding area enjoyed an early treat this year when the Nearly End of Year Show opened at The Space at Dundee College.

Because of the huge amount of activity at The Space this year, the traditional end of year show was brought forward and this earlier event was even more spectacular than ever with nearly 100 dancers performing works choreographed by Nicola Herd, Lisa Bibby, Thomas Small and Linzi MacLaggan. Students on the introduction to contemporary dance course, NQ contemporary dance, and

HNC and HND programmes all participated in a fantastic show. The team of three lecturers and one guest lecturer each choreographed pieces for the production, while HND student Lyndsay Allan and Zoe McLinden, who is on the BA hons programme, also created pieces for the show. Taking overall charge of the production was lecturer Kim Elliott, who despite the demands of producing the biggest-ever production to be staged in The Space, remained enthusiastic about every aspect of the show. “Not only is this the biggest production ever to take place in The Space, this is one of the most adventurous in

terms of set design,” said the production co-ordinator. “Designed collectively by the choreographers, in collaboration with the production team who should be congratulated for transforming the lecturers’ vision into a reality, this is an incredibly ambitious set for a dance production.” The whole of the stage in The Space was transformed into a huge semi-circle of rough wooden panels, reminiscent of a bull-ring, complete with and intricate collection of alcoves, platforms and doorways allowing the dancers to climb, leap and appear and disappear. HNC contemporary dance students Tess Letham and John Henney try out the intricate set at The Space.

From laughter to tears

HNC acting and performance students at The Space covering some pretty big issues in Spring Awakening (courtesy of Fotopress, Dundee).

A scene from the UN Inspector.

A full catalogue of human who runs the country, along with his fawning frailties was on display when HND acting and per- but dishonest henchmen, mistake an incompetent formance students present-British businessman, ed the hilarious comedy with dubious aspirations, that is David Farr’s The for the eponymous UN Inspector. UN Inspector. Farr adapted his work from While the original examGogol’s 1836 comedy, The ined the fear and paraGovernment Inspector, but noia felt by a crooked the themes of greed, bribery, mayor and officials of a small town, Farr’s verimmorality, and political sion ups the stakes - with corruption, are as old as a whole country, while human-kind itself. being represented as a While Gogol’s play was set in Tsarist Russia, Farr democracy, experienchas updated the action to a ing human rights abuses contemporary setting in a under an evil dictatorship which is siphonsmall break-away, postSoviet state where the tyrant ing off IMF cash into secret bank accounts and exploiting whole regions for personal gain! With the regime having so much to hide they must go to farcical lengths to appease the man they believe to be from the UN. Meanwhile, there were some pretty raw emotions on show when HNC acting and performance students performed in the passionate tragedy that is Spring Awakening. Written in 1891 this was the first major play by German dramatist Frank Wedekind. Famed for his social satire, Wedekind’s works are well-known for their criticism of the bourgeois attitudes in Germany during the turn of the 19th/20th century. Under the direction of Mark Kydd 13 students took part in the production which lead the audience down a dark and treacherous path paved with hypocrisy, ignorance and frustration. Although this play has reputation - it was initially banned in Germany and did not receive its

first performance until 1906 - Mark was quick to point out how the work tackles complex issues in a positive manner. “This is a play that, with great humanity and insight, deals with the struggle young people go through as they try to make sense of the adult work - particularly in a climate of repression and

hypocrisy,” said the guest lecturer. “While the subject matter is of young people discovering the world around them and their own growing up it is easy to focus on the sensational and scandalous aspects but the play is really about far more complex issues.”

The Space welcomed Verve, the graduate performance company of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds Eleven dancers performed an exciting display of newly commissioned works which impressed both those new to contemporary dance and dance fans. Meanwhile, a performance not to be missed takes place at The Space on Thursday, September 8, when composer Giorgio Battistelli brings EXPERIMENTUM MUNDI to the city for a matinee and an evening performance. Curtain at 2.30 and 7.30pm tickets from The Space box office call (01382) 834934.

Picture: Verve dancer Robert Goodby.

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Therapy HNC Beauty Therapy HNC Fashion Make Up HNC Hairdressing HND Beauty Therapy ITEC Complementary Therapies HORTICULTURE Introduction to Landscape Gardening Introduction to Hard/Soft Landscape Gardening NQ Botanic Gardening NQ Hard and Soft Landscape Gardening HOSPITALITY Hospitality 1A Hospitality 1B Hospitality 1C Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality NQ Pathways to Tourism and Hospitality NC Hospitality SVQ Level 2 Hospitality HNC Hospitality HND Hospitality Management LAW & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION First Steps to Administration and Law NQ Law and Public Administration HNC/D Legal Services HND Legal Services MUSIC NQ Music HNC Music PROFESSIONAL COOKERY SVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery

RETAIL & ENTERPRISE Pathways to Fashion Introduction to Fashion Retailing NQ Fashion Retailing SCIENCE NQ Science HNC Applied Sciences HND Biomedical Sciences SPORTS & SPORTS COACHING NQ Physical Education and Sports Studies NQ Introduction to Sports Studies NQ Preparation for Entry to Uniformed Services HNC Police Studies SVQ Level 2 Activity Leader HNC/HND Sports Coaching with Development of Sport SUPPORTED EDUCATION Starting Out Certification in Lifeskills ESF PACE Phoenix The Gap Project THEATRE ARTS NQ Theatre Arts HNC/D Acting & Performance TRAVEL & TOURISM NQ Travel and Tourism HNC Travel HNC/HND Tourism HND Travel and Tourism VEHICLE ENGINEERING &

WELDING Vehicle Engineering Stage 1 C & G Certificate Level 1 VRQ Maintenance Repair and Vehicle Body Pre Apprenticeship Fabrication and Welding Fabrication and Welding: Stage 1 Fabrication and Welding: Stage 2 Fabrication and Welding: Stage 3 Fabrication and Welding: Stage 4 VISUAL COMMUNICATION NQ Computer Art and Design NQ Photography NQ Textiles and Interiors NQ Visual Communication HNC Photography HND Contemporary Art Practice HND Textiles HND Visual Communication (Graphic Design) HND Visual Communication (Illustration) HND Visual Communication (New Media)

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Passport (lift but with changed dates) Information and Enrolment session

Tuesday 25 August from 10am-7pm. at Kingsway Campus.

Host families lift from last year

Some of the advertised courses will be eligible for ILA funding. You must have applied for your individual learning account and received your account card and account number before booking a

Hottest ticket in town Dundee College music students once again made their much-loved Vocal Showcase the hottest ticket in town using a few tricks to freshen up the format during the four-night run at The Space. Hotfoot from London’s West End singing student Donna Hazelton hosted the evening! Donna is a former winner of Channel 4’s ‘Musicality’ show - her prize being to perform in Chicago, taking the role of Mama Morton for one night only. The Lochgelly lass, however, impressed the show’s producers so much that she was engaged in the role for a whole month! Since then Donna toured the UK in “Girls Behind” with Sue Devaney and Maureen Nolan and, more recently in “Girls Night” with Lucy Speed and Gwyneth Strong and completed a European tour entitled “Best of Musicals”. Back from Europe Donna began studying at Dundee College music centre at the Graham Street Campus, in a bid to add a formal qualification to her experience. As well as playing host at the vocal showcase, the performer added her vocal talents to the

The Vocal Showcase stars shone bright at The Space (picture courtesy of The Courier, © D C Thomson & Co Ltd). impressive show that the students performed in The Space. Students from both the NQ Music and HNC Modern Musicianship courses took part in the event. The 20-strong group of singers presented a Motown medley, a selection of Beatles’ favourites, an

assortment of songs from Jersey Boys, a musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a choice of the best from Mama Mia, and, of course, songs from Chicago. Soloists also sang a range of classic tracks including ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, ‘Walking in

Memphis’, ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’ and ‘The Winner Takes it All’ sung by Donna, of course! The singers were supported by a 12-piece band with lecturer and musical director Stuart Brand at the heart of things on the piano. This year, for the first

time ever, the full production was musically staged offering the audiences a far more professional presentation. Like any big production the Vocal Showcase was a joint effort with students from many disciplines becoming involved. NQ Video Audio students

were involved in this year’s show in a number of ways, filming the event, producing a DVD and capturing a live feed which was projected in real time on to two large screens at either side of the stage. The students had five cameras present at The

Space for the Vocal Showcase resulting in 14 tapes a night being filmed This was just one of the projects that the group were involved in throughout the year including filming, editing and producing a DVD representing all Dundee College satellite centres.