Welcome back, we hope you all had a wonderful Easter break. There’s a lot to look forward to this issue, as the Multicultural Society takeover the newsletter to tell you about Culture Day, what it means, and what you can look forward to. With exam season just around the corner, we ’ ve also teamed up with the Additional Learning Support department to provide some resources and information to help you get prepared for your exams. Coming up this issue:
Culture Day ��
Exam Resources
Art Exhibition ��
Charity Events ��
New Clubs ��
Autism Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Week
Much more!
Culture Day �� ��
Tomorrow, we invite you to participate in Long Road Culture Day 2025. Come and enjoy as we celebrate numerous cultures throughout the day alongside exciting festivities. Around the college there will be food trucks, henna, snack stores, a runway, photobooth and more. Students, this is a great opportunity to come dressed in your own cultural clothes. Events will be held mostly in the student centre and LRC, feel free to take part. Culture Day is for everyone so please come along and join the fun! There is a packed exciting schedule this year including...
IMPORTANT: To attend, you must bring your lanyard. Otherwise, you will be refused entry.
10:30 - 1:30
Student Centre: learn about different cultures and communities and get face paint and henna!!
Quad: try some foods from around the world!
Outside the sports centre: food trucks Manna Seoul (Korean corndogs), The Grill Plug (burgers and chicken wings), and GoGo Desserts (soft serve, cookie dough, and more).
12:30 - 2:30
Astro: 5-a-side football tournament.
Outdoor courts: Basketball Competition
2:40 - 4:00
LRC: Runway and 360° photobooth
Exam Resources
Exam season is not too far away, and although it may be daunting, there is a lot you can do to prepare. With help from the Additional Learning Support department and others, we ’ ve put together some exam resources that can help you feel prepared, relaxed, and confident going into exam season.
Organisational Tools �� ��
When most people think of getting ready for an exam, they usually think of cramming the night before or spending endless hours reading and rereading the content covered in their lessons. But studies show that being organised and consistent can be a key factor in performing well in an exam. Thanks to our Additional Learning Support department, we have some resources available on Moodle that can help you plan when you ’ re revising, what you ’ re revising, and help you develop a timetable so you don’t have to stay up all night, you can plan it all in ahead of time. Click here for info.
Be Prepared
Although this might sound silly, being prepared and knowing what to expect before an exam can help with anxiety and help you get into a good mindset when in that environment. That is part of the reason we do mock exams! Some things that can help include:
Reading your statement of entry and check for access arrangements
Check our website for exam dates and set reminders on your phone
Go through past papers in exam conditions
Pack everything you need for your exam the night before
Visit your exam room before your exam so you know where it is
Read through the JCQ regulations on what you can and can’t bring
gallen@longroad.ac.uk
csmith@longroad.ac.uk
Revision Methods �� ��
Although revising may seem straight forward, for some it may not be so simple. It’s easy to get distracted, difficult to find the motivation, and easy to procrastinate (I’ll just do it later). So here are some simple tips which can help:
Doubling - This is a phrase to describe doing something with another person/ people to help you concentrate. This can be particularly helpful for those who are easily distracted or neurodiverse. Having a like-minded person who has the same aims as you means you can help one another concentrating, as well as with the topics you ’ re revising.
Make your study space work for you - Whilst this one is a cliché, it’s also very important. For some, studying at home is ideal and may be the only way to get anything done. For others, this is a one-way ticket to Distraction City (I’m looking at you, video game enthusiasts). Utilise your resources as well as the college’s and think about what works best for you. For example, did you know the music in video games is designed to keep your attention focused? If you find studying at home means you end up on Call of Duty or Monster Hunter, plan your revision around the time you ’ re at college, bring your headphones, and stick on your favourite video game soundtrack.
Timetable your revision (including breaks!) - Humans are habitual animals, our brains respond well to routine! On the previous page we mentioned revision timetables. These can be extremely helpful in being organised, as well as relieving pressure (“I only have today to revise and I can’t concentrate!”). Timetabling in a set amount of time every day to revise and doing a different subject/ topic per day is a great way to start. Make sure to timetable in breaks - your exams are important, but so is your mental health.
Revision Apps �� ��
Our wonderful Psychology teacher Kate Parker sent through a list of revision apps that you can use in the lead up to your exams. These come in a variety of forms from mind mapping tools to game-based learning platforms, meaning no matter how you like to learn and revise, there’s something for everyone. None of these apps are associated with Long Road, and there are many more out there if you’d like to find something that fits you better.
Anki – Uses spaced repetition and active recall for long-term memory retention. 1. Brainscape – Smart flashcards with confidence-based learning. 2. Cram – Offers digital flashcards and multiple study modes. 3. StudyBlue – Lets you create and share flashcards with other students. 4.
Game-Based Learning Platforms
Kahoot! – Create interactive quizzes or join themed games 1 Sporcle – Find quizzes or create your own for study practice. 2. Quizizz – Like Kahoot! but self-paced, great for solo study. 3. Blooket – Turns revision into engaging games. 4.
Mind Mapping & Visual Tools
MindMeister – Helps create mind maps for linking studies to topics. 1. Miro – Digital whiteboard for drawing connections between studies 2
Self-Testing & Writing Apps
Notion – Can be used to create databases, flashcards, and self-testing notes. 1. Obsidian – Good for linking notes and testing yourself with active recall. 2. RemNote – Combines note-taking with spaced repetition flashcards. 3.
Memory Challenge Websites
Memory.com – Simple flashcard-style recall practice. 1. SuperMemo – Uses AI to optimize spaced repetition. 2. The Pomodoro Timer (Focus Booster, Pomodone, etc.) – Helps with structured study sessions
Further Reading �� ��
Below is a list we compiled if you’d like to do your own research into what might help you best. None of this content is affiliated with Long Road, so feel free to look online and see what you can find.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences: 10 Best Study Techniques
University of Portsmouth: Top 8 Revision Tips
How To Study for Exams - An Evidence-Based Masterclass
Making the Grade: A* Students Share Their Revision Tips and Secrets
Young Minds: Coping With Exam Stress
Centre 33: Exam Stress
Top 9 Brain Foods For Studying and Exams
Additional Learning Support
The Additional Learning Support team at college are amazing and always happy to help! You can use the Need Support? Teams Channel for help with revision, exam stress, underperforming in exams, and more. If you’d prefer to speak to someone in person, you can book in for a 121 session with one of our delightful Learning Support Assistants by clicking here. You can also visit them on the ground floor of C corridor and use one of their low-sensory study areas. Ask at reception if you don’t know where to go.
Exam Support Workshop
On Tuesday 29th April from 14:40 - 15:40 in M1 our Additional Learning Support team have organised an exam support workshop. This will be focusing on reducing exam anxiety and boosting your wellbeing. Click here to sign up!
Art Exhibition
It’s that time of year again, our amazing Level 4 Art and Design Foundation team have put together an Exhibition at the Cambridge Museum of Technology. A massive well done to the staff for organising this, and the students for doing the fundraising. That tasty cake you bought before the Easter break helped fund this! This is a great opportunity for any art students to get an idea of what the Level 4 course entails, but it is open to the public so anyone can come along!
gallen@longroad.ac.uk
csmith@longroad.ac.uk
Charity Events
Peak District Ultra
Rather fittingly, Kelcy Davenport is our Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator and she will be doing a 47km run of the Peak District on 29th June. This is to raise money for Médecins Sans Frontières, who provide emergency, impartial, and free medical aid in response to war. Link to fundraising page here.
Bantham Swoosh!
Bantham Swoosh is a 6km event down the river Avon in Devon in July. Maths A Level teacher Adriana Gonzalez, will be supporting Level Water, a charity that teaches swimming to children with disabilities. The target amount has already been met, but you can still support her by clicking here.
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Run
On May 18th, Cambridge Biomedical Campus will be hosting multiple runs, including 5k, 10k, and fun runs. Last year, over 700 people participated to raise at least £12,500. This year, they’d like to beat that and so there are new routes, cheaper entry, and all under 17s get free entry. If you’d like to know more, click here.
gallen@longroad.ac.uk
csmith@longroad.ac.uk
Enrichment Updates
New
The new Filipino Society is now here! This student-led club is open to all who have an interest in Filipino culture and society. Come to room D12 on Thursdays 12:20 - 13:05. Tayo'y magsaya!
Clubs
The sun is slowly making an appearance which means... Social Tennis is back on the college courts! Running every Thursday from 12:2513:05, equipment is provided and tennis equipment will also be available to loan out from the sports services desk.
New Clubs
We’re excited to launch the New Debate Club a space to sharpen your speaking skills, challenge ideas, and engage in lively discussions. Whether you ’ re an experienced debater or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to build confidence, think critically, and meet likeminded people. This is a perfect opportunity for students wanting to study Politics, Law, Philosophy, History, English, and many more!
Dungeons and Dragons is back, and a new story with a new party has already begun! With a new theme for each campaign, there’s something to keep any keen players entertained. Taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes in C15, contact John Quilente at jquilente@longroad.ac.uk if you are interested in joining.
Clubs No
Longer Running ⚽ ⚽
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the Women’s Social Football and it will no longer be running. If you are interested in setting up a club, please email help@longroad.ac.uk and we will help you get started!
Christian Union Guest Speaker ��
On June 4th, preacher Scott Bamber will be coming in to do a talk on the parable of the lost son which is found in Luke 15:11. If you ’ re interested, come to the Christian Union in G11 at 2:40pm to learn more!
Learn to Row
Thanks to some generous funding from East Anglian Youth Rowing, we've partnered to set up a fully funded 6-week ‘Learn to Row’ program, hosted by City of Cambridge Rowing Club on the River Cam. No previous sport experience in any capacity will be required to get involved, and full qualified coaching and equipment will be provided. Click here to learn more.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is from 12 May. We know that Year 1s will be on study leave, and it’s exam season so reduced numbers of students on site. We will encourage everyone in college to wear green on Wednesday 14 May to show our support for mental health! �� th th
The theme this year is ‘Community’ –‘ to celebrate the power and importance of community. Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing’. We will be sharing online resources with students that week – different one each day, including:
Stretch and Breathe
Stretch and Breathe will be back soon! This is an opportunity to practice some mindfulness and relieve stress during the exam period. The wonderful Lisa Verrier will be running these sessions during May and June from 8:30am. More information will be emailed shortly regarding the first session.
gallen@longroad.ac.uk
csmith@longroad.ac.uk
Extras Pan Ability Football
Cambourne Town FC have just formed an adult pan-ability football team, and they’re looking for players to join their team. Pan ability football is becoming more and more popular, with teams such as Fleetwood, MK Dons, Derby County, Norwich, and more forming teams or participating in pan-ability events. All disabilities are welcomed, click the photo to find out more!
Music Video Questionnaire
One of our Media students is doing a music video project and would like you to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire is on Lady Gaga music videos, but please don’t worry if you haven’t seen any, anyone can fill it out. If you have the time, it would be greatly appreciated! Click here to fill out the form.
Open Mic
The most recent Open Mic featured a very special guest (yes, it was Steve Dann) along with a host of talented student performances. Click here to watch, and to get involved in the next Open Mic email erowlands@longroad.ac.uk.
Extras Autism Awareness Month
Our amazing Additional Learning Support team have again gone above and beyond to share some information on autism for Autism Awareness Month. This information is not simply aimed at students, but intended for staff, parents, and carers also. Raising awareness is vital in breaking down barriers and stereotypes, as well as aiding students in their academic and personal lives. You can access the information by clicking here.
The Long Lens Issue 12 �� ��
The next issue of The Long Lens has a theme of 'the passage of time' to mark the college's 50th anniversary and the 5th birthday of The Long Lens. We would love to have your contributions. You can write a 300 word film review, do a deep dive into the work of a director of your choice, a look at the breakthrough and latest film of your favourite actor, or a look into a technical element like cinematography or sound. The copy deadline is 2nd May at 4pm. Maximum word count is 1000 words. Email articles to thelonglens@longroad.ac.uk
VESPA Stand
Koray and Elle will have a VESPA stand in the Student Centre on Tuesday 29th April. Come by and learn how VESPA can help you with your exams!
Extras
University of East Anglia Trip ��
If you ’ re a year 1 student, you may be exploring the idea of going to university. On Monday 12th May there is a trip to UEA you could attend. You must sign up to attend, so please follow this link to register your interest.
Anglia Ruskin Advice Clinic ��
On 6th May and 9th June we will have Anglia Ruskin University in the LRC 10am - 2pm. If you have any questions about university or degree apprenticeships just drop-in any time and ask.
Peer Mentoring Project
Are you interested in becoming a peer mentor in the autumn term? Click here to learn more and click here to sign up!
Newsletter Feedback
If you ’ ve made it this far, thank you for reading! What would you like to see in the Student Services Newsletter? We would love to hear your thoughts. Please click here to provide feedback so we can improve your reading experience.
