College Connect: Summer 2022

College Connect Summer 2022

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Elsa’s Story

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Student Projects

Enrichment

wiltshire.ac.uk | 01225 350035 | info@wiltshire.ac.uk

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Hello, On behalf of everyone at Wiltshire College & University Centre, I hope you’re having a wonderful summer.

We can’t wait to welcome you as a new student in September to start this exciting next step in your journey. While the new term is still a few weeks away, I wanted to get in touch to help you prepare to start college life with us.

This guide aims to highlight all the important things to know before you join us as well as giving a look at the many amazing things that go on at the College across all of our campuses every day.

You should receive your GCSE results in the next few weeks. Once you have them, you will be invited to come into the College so we can check your grades and enrol you onto your course. Please be sure to bring your exam results with you.

If you don’t achieve the required GCSE results to do your course, don’t worry we can usually find a different course for you – this may be the same subject but at a lower level or a different subject. If your GCSE grades are better than predicted, we may offer you a course at a higher level.

Once you are enrolled, everything is in place and you are ready to begin life with us at the College. You’ll attend an Induction Day at the start of September, ready to start your studies the following week.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Iain Hatt Principal & CEO Wiltshire College & University Centre

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CONTENTS

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First Day

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Student Success Stories

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Student Projects

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Student Enrichment

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Our Community

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Student Life

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Travel & Funding

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Student Housing

FIRST DAY We understand that starting somewhere new can be a little daunting so we’ve got some top tips from a few of our existing students for the things you should know ahead of your first day with us: •

Your daily schedule or routine might be different to what it was at school, so it’s wise to wake up early and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the College.

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Make sure you have everything prepared and planned out – whether that’s the equipment you need to bring, your transport to and from the College and any money you think you might need.

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The early stages of all our courses are always relaxed. The most important aspect is getting you comfortable and familiar with your surroundings and expectations.

Once you have completed your enrolment form, you will be sent instructions about the College’s IT requirements – such as setting up logins, passwords and security – ahead of your first day. If you can read up on these before you start your course, it will really speed up the set-up process.

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Being a student at the College gives you much more independence than at school. You’ll be responsible for staying on top of your own workload and there is no need to call lecturers ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss’.

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You don’t need to worry about bringing cash for lunchtime.

Our on-site cafeterias and refectories also accept card and Apple and Android Pay.

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You will likely have free time on campus and although we have lots of options and plenty going on to keep you busy, you’re free to head off campus and into town.

That’s it – that’s all you need to know.

There is no need to be anxious, we can’t wait to have you with us and having the best time at the College.

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STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES Many people think the only route to university is to achieve A Levels but that is far from the case – studying at the College is just as likely to help you get there.

In fact, one of our summer 2022 leavers has even been offered a place at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK – the University of Cambridge.

Elsa studied an Access to Higher Education course with us at Salisbury. These courses help people who do not have traditional qualifications prepare for study at university Elsa signed up to study one of these programmes with us having failed to finish her A Level courses while at school and is now due to start at Cambridge.

Elsa said: “I am absolutely delighted and pretty shocked. It has been quite a challenging year of study but the lecturers at the College have been really helpful and their doors are always open if you need something explained.

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Elsa’s Story “It has also been a while since I have been in education, so that was a little daunting, but the staff are always very supportive and happy to make time if you have any questions.”

Every year our huge cohort of students across our Creative Arts & Media department get to showcase their work as part of an end-of-year exhibition.

This is a great platform to show off our students’ amazing and imaginative creations and there is always an incredible collection using all sorts of mediums, including paintings, illustrations, sculptures, graphic design, music, fashion, film and games.

Poppy finished a Foundation Art & Design course at Trowbridge this year and was one of hundreds of students to take part in the exhibition, which was also held in Chippenham and Salisbury.

Poppy’s piece was called ‘The Decline of Pollinators’ and she put together an animation sequence and a series of posters using a striking black and yellow colour scheme.

Poppy’s Story “I enjoyed my time at the College and it really helped me explore my creativity. I feel like I’ve really challenged myself as an artist and am proud of the work that I have produced.

“I’m now going to Falmouth University to study illustration. I’m really looking forward to it and trying to push myself even further.”

She explained: “My piece explores the issue of the declining population of bees. I wanted to show how this decline has happened over time, highlight the dangers it creates for the wider world, and try to explain to people how they can help to prevent it.

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Louis’s Story Alongside a vast range of full-time courses, the College is also one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in the South West.

An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals while simultaneously gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Afterwards, you can progress into work, a degree-level apprenticeship or onto university.

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team, Student Recruitment Consultants and Careers Advisors are available to give you the support you need to be a successful apprentice, offer the right career advice and guidance, and match you with appropriate employers.

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One of our Business students, Louis, has chosen an apprenticeship as his next step after being offered a role following a successful Industry Placement. Louis aims to become a fullyqualified chartered accountant and will now combine work and studies with Chippenhambased accountancy firm Mander Duffill.

Louis explained: “I had two offers from university but when I got the offer for the apprenticeship it just sounded better. You get paid while you learn and it is perfect for the route I am doing. I will get on-the-job experience while getting the same qualification I would at university.

“I had a really good time during my placement at Mander Duffill. It really helped me and now they have offered me a very good apprenticeship, which is really exciting. I am going to do my Level 4 programme and my chartered accountant exams with them and I am very pleased to get the opportunity.”

We love it when our students secure places at university after studying but did you know you can do a universitylevel course right here at the College?

We offer degree courses in a wide range of sectors and many are validated by leading UK universities.

Chloe and Rhianna opted to stay on with us to study for their degree and are well on their way to becoming primary school teachers after completing their BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies.

Rhianna said: “I’ve been an Oxford Brookes University student studying at Wiltshire College & University Centre for the last three years, graduating from my Foundation Degree in Early Years last year.

Rhianna & Chloe’s Story Chloe added: “The course has enabled me to secure a place on an Initial Teacher Training course through Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) where I will be placed in different primary schools to gain different experiences and build up my confidence as a trained teacher in primary education.”

“I will also undergo further study at Bath Spa University and be ready to go into primary teaching, ideally in reception or Year 1.”

“I have recently been accepted onto a teacher training course for The Mead Academy Trust, where I will be able to gain a Post Graduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status. This is the necessary qualification to teach children aged 3-7, which will enable me to support their learning and development.”

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Joseph’s Story Some of our courses really are the best in the business.

Our university-level film programme – the BA (Hons) Film Production & Cinematography course at Salisbury – is a perfect example. Last winter, it won two prizes at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

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Student Joseph won the top prize at the Bill Vinten Guild of Television Camera Professionals (GTC) University Awards for his work as director of photography on the film ‘A Thread of Life’.

As well as his trophy, Joseph’s prize includes getting paid work experience and a year’s membership of the GTC. This prestigious event acknowledges excellent teaching of camerawork and craft skills within UK educational establishments and 12 films made the final shortlist for the top prize – the second highest number in the competition’s history.

In total, three films by our students made the final shortlist for the top award and the College also won the coveted Bill Vinten GTC University Trophy for scoring the highest with their portfolio of films out of the major institutions entered in the competition.

Our courses are all about getting you ready for the world of work.

Two of our Hair & Beauty students can agree to that as they achieved full-time roles on the back of undertaking work placements.

Tom and Faye are both now working with Newtown Barbers, who have salons in Trowbridge and Warminster, having got a first taste of life in the industry with the company as part of their Level 2 Hairdressing and Barbering course at Chippenham.

Faye explained: “My time at the College was very enjoyable. I met some really lovely new friends and the staff were really friendly and always more than happy to help.

“It was a challenge to try to study during the lockdown periods but I can now say it’s possibly the best move I have made. Every bit of coursework and revision was worth it as I am in full-time work and I’ve never been happier in my career. I never thought it was possible to come this far in a year or so!

Tom & Faye’s Story “My learning and understanding of the industry has really grown and I would recommend studying at the College to anyone who has a passion for creativity when it comes to hair and styling. You get the chance to meet new clients and build professional relationships right from the start and I’ve kept pushing myself and aiming higher and higher.

“I love this industry as you never stop learning and I am really thankful to the College for helping me achieve so much.”

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Keah’s Story Our students don’t just shine in the classroom – they are superstars in everyday life.

Keah, who studies Health & Social Care at our Trowbridge campus, is so amazing that she received recognition from HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

Keah was named one of BBC Radio 1’s Teen Heroes 2021 for her incredible work as a young carer and got to meet the Duke at Kensington Palace, alongside appearing on the radio with Greg James.

Keah’s mum suffered a brainstem bleed in 2019.

While she was in the ICU, Keah’s father sadly passed away after a long illness.

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Since then, Keah has dedicated her life to helping others. She cares for her mum at home and also works part-time in a local care home helping young people with brain injuries as well as supporting other young carers in the area.

Keah explained: “After my mum came out of hospital, I became her full-time carer as she needed a lot of help. During that time, my dad also sadly passed away, but I managed to get through it.

“The College have been very helpful. They are really good and very understanding. I’m enjoying my studies and I would like to be some sort of nurse. It would be nice to work in the community.”

Lackham is our specialist campus for land-based study, and we run a wide variety of courses in the sector, from agriculture to horticulture and animal studies to engineering.

Set in 1,000 acres of Wiltshire countryside, the campus combines beautiful surroundings with an incredible range of state-of-the-art facilities.

We pride ourselves in developing the workforce of the future in these ever-evolving land-based industries which are so important to our community.

Hayden is one of a number of students who have translated their study programme into the workplace after he secured a fulltime position with his employer following the completion of a successful Industry Placement.

Hayden’s Story Hayden studied Land-Based Engineering at Lackham and after finishing his course this year, he has taken up a full-time role at Kennet Services – an Agricultural Technician covering Wiltshire, Gloucester and the surrounding areas.

He said: “My time at the College was good fun.

I really enjoyed my course and all the staff were really helpful and easy to get along with.

I knew a bit about working with tractors and machinery before I started the course but learnt a whole lot more to do with engineering during my studies. I enjoyed every single bit of it and it really helped me to start my career.”

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STUDENT PROJECTS Some of our students’ achievements are out of this world - literally in one case!

A group of Engineering students successfully launched a weather balloon capable of reaching the edge of space as part of an exciting enrichment project.

Craig, Abbie, George, Owen and Jacob spent weeks carefully constructing a payload and parachute before inflating and launching their giant balloon from the Salisbury campus.

The balloon was capable of travelling to a maximum altitude of around 100,000 feet in its ascent, during which time it inflated to around eight meters in diameter. At this point, it burst and safely parachuted back to Earth.

The project was all about proving a scientific experiment – that water would boil at 37C instead of 100C once it left the Earth’s atmosphere.

To achieve this, students fitted a hot plate inside the payload which regulated a flask of water at 37C, alongside filming equipment.

Flight commander Craig said: “We wanted to prove that water will boil at 37C at 64,000 feet.

The device controlled the water from 37.2C to 37.8C, which represented blood temperature.

The main thing we needed to consider was the weather and otherwise the balloon might end up in France or in the Channel.

“It’s great that we’re able to take part in exciting projects like this. The course is really hands-on and we’re always doing something practical.”

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STUDENT ENRICHMENT Trips and activities are a big part of our courses and enrichment projects outside the classroom really do help support everything our students learn on campus.

These can be short events over a couple of hours or can involve a few nights away, such as the excursion to Dartmoor for some of our Public Services students back in the Spring.

Students enjoyed a variety of adrenaline-fuelled activities such as kayaking and coasteering but also learned vital life skills and how to work together as a team.

Camren was one of the group to visit Dartmoor and loved every minute of it.

He said: “It was a really good trip and we all had a lot of fun. We went on some long hikes, climbed two tors, and did some great activities like kayaking and coasteering.

We had to push ourselves as I am not good with heights but that’s a big part of coasteering – climbing up and jumping into rivers – so you had to throw yourself into it.

“We were responsible for planning, preparing and cooking our own meals too and did all the cleaning ourselves so we learned some really valuable things like responsibilities and team work as everyone had to look after each other.

“I really like the course as it’s so practical and hands-on.

This was just one of loads of trips we have done. I want to join the Army when I finish the course and all the staff are really great at giving help and advice for the future.”

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OUR COMMUNITY We’re proud that our students show an eagerness to play a key role within their community and we are pleased to be able to support many good causes locally.

“These kinds of skills will be so important if they want to move into something like working in a shop or supermarket. We hope that they will keep coming back.”

One such instance recently saw a group of Foundation Studies students from Salisbury volunteer at a foodbank to help organise and distribute food donations for some of the most in-need people in the city.

One of the students involved, Kiera, said: “I really enjoy coming to the foodbank – my favourite part is packing the boxes as it’s what people will open.

It’s great that people will open the box I made for them. I hope it helps and makes them happier.”

Students visited the site once a week, helping volunteers and staff to process all the donations they receive and get them to those in need as quickly as possible.

Maria, Salisbury Foodbank Project Manager, said: “The students have been very welcome volunteers and it has been amazing to see their confidence grow each week. They are always very dedicated to their roles and they are making a fantastic impact, ensuring that we can get food to the people who need it.

Our students are never afraid to get their hands dirty.

A big group of them from Lackham – alongside many members of staff – got involved in an important sustainability project in the local community earlier this year, helping out with hedge tree planting at Lacock Alpaca – a small alpaca farm near the campus 16

The farm’s owners, Jane and David, have joined forces with their neighbours in a joint initiative that will see 84 acres of land planted with more than 35,000 native trees and 22,000 hedge trees.

Everyone at Lackham is always grateful for the support they receive from the villagers in Lacock and surrounding villages, and this was an ideal opportunity to give something back.

STUDENT LIFE At Wiltshire College & University Centre, we are sure we have everything available to ensure your enjoyment and participation in student life extends well beyond the classroom.

It’s likely you will have free time on campus and there are plenty of options to keep you busy.

As well as our Learning Resource Centres, we have common rooms and gyms on each site and there are lots of clubs and societies you can join.

You’re free to head off campus and into town but we do offer food and drink options on campus. Our canteens are home to Costa Coffee, while Costa Express machines are also dotted around each campus.

The College is home to its own Student Alliance. The Alliance is there to be a channel of transparent communication between the College and its students, ensuring the student voice is heard and acted upon. The Alliance is also there to promote, encourage and co-ordinate campaigns, student clubs, trips, sports, and social activities.

Here at the College, we are ambitious for all of our students and are committed to ensuring everyone gets the support they need to succeed.

Every student is allocated a personal tutor to help them adjust to life at college and provide support as required.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our students and our Safeguarding Team is available to support you if you have any problems or concerns.

Our Inclusion & Support Team is dedicated to ensuring students have equal opportunities regardless of any disability or learning difficulty.

Those who think they need additional support can let us know on their course application form.

Students will have the opportunity to discuss their support needs during their interview.

Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are designed for people whose first language is not English. The ESOL programme helps students develop their English, reading and writing skills, which will enable them to progress to other vocational courses available in the College.

Football Academy Training Day Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Football Academy is holding an Open Training Day this summer. Tuesday, 23rd August; 1pm-3.30pm; Stanley Park, Chippenham

Register to attend here

This is open to all new and existing students and is a great opportunity to meet new teammates and fellow students.

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TRAVEL & FUNDING Travel

Funding

Our campuses are served by the local public transport network and many students get to the College by bus or train.

For those under 19, tuition for Further Education courses is free. Students who live in a household with a low income or receive means tested benefits may be eligible for a college bursary to help with costs such as travel to college and course costs including equipment, trips and uniform. Students who are entitled to a bursary may be eligible for free meals whilst at college.

Wiltshire Council offers a bus pass to WCUC students who are aged between 16-18 and live in Wiltshire and more than three miles from the College. The bus pass allows you to make one journey to and from the College on days when it is open and costs £850 or a lower rate of £300 if your household income is less than £20,819.

To find out more about the options open to you please visit the Wiltshire Council website.

Scan here to learn more

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STUDENT HOUSING Accommodation Did you know we offer student accommodation at our Lackham and Salisbury campuses?

Living on campus offers a unique College experience and can be an ideal first step to moving away from home. You’ll gain confidence from a new-found independence and be surrounded by friends in the comfort of a safe environment. Our rooms are available to everyone, although students on our land-based and university-level courses in particular benefit from living on site.

Our Accommodation Team work hard to provide a safe environment for students living on campus as well as organising regular enrichment projects and activities to ensure there is always something going on outside of timetabled College hours.

Scan here to learn more

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