BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design - Rachel Kitchin

Rachel Kitchin successfully completed her BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design and has been accepted into Nottingham Trent University where she will be studying Furniture and Product Design.

Rachel enjoyed the freedom of the College experience, something that she felt was lacking in her school education. She was able to become more creative, making the most of a less regimented regime whilst also being able to turn to her tutors for any support she needed. One of Rachel’s highlights was seeing her final piece of work on exhibition at the Art and Design Diploma Show within the Rotherham Arts Centre where she was praised for her artistic flare. Before starting College, Rachel described herself as a very quiet person and she now feels much more confident and relaxed. Rachel would recommend the course to others, describing it as one which will “push you in the right direction and will give you a good insight into what you can achieve.”

Beauty Therapy - Christina Gilbert

Level 3 Beauty Therapy student Christina Gilbert began her studies with the College in 2006 and since then has successfully achieved her NVQ Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications and has also recently completed her Level 3 qualification where she is expected to pass with flying colours.

Christina was recently named ‘Student of the Year’ on her course for the hard work and determination she has shown throughout her studies. She explained how it felt great to receive the award and that she was really proud of her achievement. Whilst on her course, Christina was able to receive learning support with her dyslexia which enabled her to feel more confident when approaching her theory work and written examinations. Christina now plans to put her skills and confidence to good use by applying for employment on a number of cruise ships. We wish her well in the future!

BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts - Michael Turner

Performing arts student Michael Turner was rewarded for his hard work when he was accepted into one of the country’s top drama schools.

The Oxford School of Drama accepts just 18 people each year and is widely known within the industry, boasting the highest percentage of students who enter into employment within the first six months of qualifying. This was a fantastic achievement for Michael leaving him feeling privileged but also grateful for the experience he received on his college course. “It was great and I loved all the practical work. It is an intense course and there is a lot to learn, but if you are passionate about acting, I would definitely recommend it. The tutors are amazing and they really prepare you for what it’s like in the industry.”

National Diploma in Animal Management - Maegan Williamson

Maegan Williamson recently received the annual ‘Student of the Year’ award from local organisation the Maltby (Rother Valley) Lions for the fantastic progression she has shown throughout the National Diploma in Animal Management.

Maegan began studying with the College through the school links programme when she was a year 10 student at the City School in Sheffield. Throughout her College education, Maegan has shown tremendous improvements to her attitude, motivation and skills and as a result has succeeded with the goals she set out to achieve. Maegan progression on to a degree in Animal Welfare at the University of Lincoln. Maegan was pleased with the recognition she had received and explained, “It’s good to know my work hasn’t gone unnoticed and the encouragement makes me want to push myself even further and learn more.”

National Diploma in Animal Management - Kim Roebuck

Kim Roebuck never predicted she would return to education, but her love of animals encouraged her to start the National Diploma in Animal Management.

After leaving school, Kim began working in a local kitchen but later found the role to be unsuitable after falling ill and being diagnosed with a seizure disorder.

HND Computing - Matthew Ford

Matthew Ford was crowned Student of the Year within the Computing department this year after the progress he had shown throughout his HND in Computing course. The award came as a surprise to Matthew but the achievement made him feel proud of his accomplishments.

Due to the knowledge he had developed on his course, Matthew was able to create database software which has high commercial value and is of real use to his current international employer CCPI Europe. Matthew explained that without studying the HND in Computing, he would not be equipped with the skills he has today. He described the course as “brilliant” and a “great introduction into software programming”. He also added how the programme advances at a suitable pace. Matthew now plans to attend Sheffield Hallam University where he will be studying Information Systems.

National Diploma in Applied Science - Louise Taylor

National Diploma in Applied Science student Louise Taylor successfully completed her course and has been accepted into Sheffield Hallam University where she will soon be studying Human Biology. Louise thoroughly enjoyed her time at College and told us how she “learned so much and made so many friends.”

Louise particularly enjoyed the work placement at Hallamshire Hospital which she carried out as part of her course. The hands on experience in cardiology and audiology fuelled her interest in human biology, giving her the motivation to work hard and succeed. She explained there were times when her studies were challenging, but with the “amazing” support from her tutors she was able to achieve her goals. Louise has already recommended her college course to several of her friends in the hope that they can benefit from the experience she had.

Cache Diploma in Childcare and Education - Rachel Norcliffe

Rachel Norcliffe came to the College to study Level 3 Childcare and Education where she was able to develop her learning and confidence. She invested a great deal of effort into her studies and overcame any challenges through the support of her tutors and her own motivation.

Rachel particularly enjoyed her work placement at Brookhill Nursery where she was able to learn the daily activities and benefit from hands on experience. Due to her success on the course and the placement, Rachel was later offered part-time employment at Brookhill Nursery where she had made a great impression. Rachel would recommend the course to others and said, “When you reach the end, you really feel like you have achieved something.”

Foundation Degree in Performing Arts - Clare Litherland and Martin Atwood

Clare Litherland and Martin Atwood achieved great success from studying the Foundation Degree in Performing Arts which was recently introduced by the College.

After completing his National Diploma in Performing Arts, Martin Atwood progressed onto the Foundation Degree; which he was able to top up to a full degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Through the use of his skills and knowledge, Martin succeeded in achieving a first class honours degree in the subject.

Foundation Degree in Graphic Design - Laura Baggley

Laura Baggley has had a great deal of success since becoming a student with the College. She first began at a National Diploma level, which allowed her to progress onto the Foundation Degree in Graphic Design. The Foundation degree provides opportunities for work placements, which has lead to Laura designing for a local company Garnett Dickinson Creative.

Whilst studying the course full time, Laura was encouraged to apply for jobs with local employers. As a result she was offered employment as a Graphic Designer at the Worksop Trader Guardian Newspaper. The flexibility of the programme enabled Laura to continue her studies on a part-time basis and she is expected to qualify in summer 2009. Although Laura has succeeded in finding employment, she remains keen to complete the qualification as she feels it will provide her with an “added edge” to broaden her skills. Laura also explained how comfortable she feels with the Foundation Degree and was relieved that the level of learning was not the “steep jump” she originally assumed it would be. “I think people fear it’s going to be twice as difficult as the Diploma Level, but I’m feeling really at ease with it. I’m learning a lot, so I’m really pleased I’m sticking with it.”

Higher Professional Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management - Chris Porter

Chris Porter; who recently achieved the Higher Professional Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management, was also awarded a National Prize by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management for the 'Most Improved Student of the Year'.

When asked why he felt he was given the award, Chris explained how he had initially struggled with a number of assignments and how it had taken him a little time to develop the correct approach. After investing the time and effort into his studies, he transformed what were “just passes” into across the board distinctions. Although Chris’s commitment involved a weekly commute from Tadcaster in order to undertake the course; he persevered, feeling certain that it was the best option available for his learning requirements. Chris is currently working as an Assistant Manager at Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool and now aims to use his qualification to enable him to progress onto a facility management level. “I wanted to take the next step onto a professional level course. This one gave me the knowledge I needed and was made even better with the support of the tutors who have actually worked in the sports industry.”

BA (Hons) Degree in Education and Training - Gillian Hutchesson

Gillian Hutchesson first decided to enter back into education in 1992 after discovering her son was Dyslexic. She began studying her GCSE in English in order to boost her skills as a way of providing him with extra support.

However as a result, Gillian’s interest in learning grew leading to her studying the Access to Higher Education course. She later progressed onto the Teaching Certificate, followed by the Certificate in Education and the Assessors Award. Gillian recently achieved an Upper Second Class Honours BA Degree in Education and Training. Although she admitted it was indeed a challenge juggling her studies around family life and full time employment; Gillian remained determined to achieve her goal. Through her hard work and persistence and the continuous support from her college tutors, Gillian had the “drive and encouragement” she needed to carry on. Gillian explained that her passion for learning will always remain and that her education has opened her eyes to new possibilities, as well as leaving her with an “increased sense of confidence.” “My passion for learning will always remain. Education has opened my eyes to new possibilities and has greatly increased my confidence.”

Diploma in the Theory and Practice of Counselling - Emma Mann

Emma Mann found the Diploma in the Theory and Practice of Counselling to be extremely beneficial, allowing her to progress into her chosen career as a Counsellor. Since completing the course, Emma has begun part-time employment as a Counsellor at both Dearne Valley College and Dinnington Comprehensive School where she is able to draw from her recently acquired knowledge and skills.

When referring to the benefits of the course, she explained, “As well as the theory work you do, the course allows you to learn more about yourself and how to analyse your behaviour. From this, as well as developing more self awareness, I have learned how to develop a much better understanding of others.” Emma described how the course was very different to any other learning she had done before and that it had challenged her in many ways. “The work placements throw you straight into the role of a counsellor. It is daunting at first, but you have plenty of supervision and support from the tutors and it really is the best way to learn.” “I would say to anyone if they have a keen interest in counselling, this course will give them everything they need to make a career out of it. You have lots of support and guidance and you actually feel like a better person at the end of it.”