On the evening of Monday 19 June, as part of their end-of-year skills project, Newbury College hair and beauty students put on a spectacular circus-themed catwalk show.
Each student demonstrated their creative talent by designing and creating a look for a model based on their interpretation of the theme. The creations took inspiration from the fun, whimsy and magic of the circus and included ring masters, lions, trapeze artists, fortune tellers and flame throwers.
The students were judged on their techniques and creativity, and by the quality of finish they applied. The judging panel included local professionals Jason Palmer, Jason Palmer Hairdressing, Jemma Nightingale, Tiara Jems, Flo Field, Benefit consultant, Jess Stevens, Lancôme counter manager at Debenhams, Newbury, and Hannah Barrett-Mohsen, Diva Professional Styling. The event was sponsored by Parkway Shopping, Newbury, Jason Palmer Hairdressing, and Diva Professional Styling. The prizes presented by Parkway Shopping's Operational Manager, Liz Large.
There were four winners, one for each category, plus an overall winner. These were: Nicola Flake, Level 1 hair, Ellie Plank, Level 1 beauty, Eva Dudman, Level 2 beauty and Sophie Pitcher, Level 2 hair. The overall winner was Sophie Pitcher for her circus lion.
Rachael Elsey, Curriculum Manager for Hair and Beauty, said: Our students did so well interpreting the brief and really had fun with the theme this year. Once again, the standard was high ' making the job for the judges very difficult indeed! It was lovely to see so many parents and family members coming along to support the students. I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to make the event a success and hope that the students really enjoyed it.
Discover your creative side at Newbury College, click here for details of hair and beauty courses or call 01635 845000 and ask what you can do this September. To see all of the photos from the evening, visit the album on our Facebook page.
Students and staff at Newbury College were flying the rainbow flag for a special week of activities and events that celebrate the rich diversity of the college community.
The activities formed part of this year's student-led Skills Project by Academy (pre-GCSE) students who actively encourage all members of the college community to come together to promote awareness of LGBT+ issues, help celebrate diversity and raise over £100 for Stonewall, a charity that campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Britain.
Students produced engaging displays on LGBT+ awareness and advice on tackling homophobic bullying and behaviour, as well as a rainbow cake sale and photobooth where students and staff could pose with props and upload their photos to Instagram with #newburypride.
A mixed-ability 5-a-side football tournament was also held with teams of students and staff, both to help raise funds for the charity and encourage participants to sign a pledge to support LGBT+ in sport.
Academy Tutor, Jess Durham, said: The students themselves came up with the idea of putting on a Pride week. It is something very relevant and personal to a lot of our students and this was an excellent opportunity for them to celebrate their diversity.
Academy students at Newbury College can study vocational or academic pre-GCSE and GCSE programmes. Students can start their career at Newbury College in year 10 and progress through to higher education.
Newbury College Sport students headed down to the south coast on Friday 16 June 2017 for the annual West Wittering U19 College Mixed Beach Rugby Tournament.
Course Leader, James Ross, said: "The college team performed well, winning their opening match and finishing 4th in their pool. Special mention should be made to the outstanding effort of the players in a sport some of them had never played before."
For a few weeks every Friday, students on our Level 2 Carpentry course are attending kitchen fitting sessions at Howdens Joinery in Newbury. As part of their work experience and under supervision, Howdens has allowed them to revise several kitchen displays at its depot.
Ian Dodd, Depot Manager at Howdens said: We are keen to help Newbury College students qualify as carpenters and by offering work experience, we help them to put their carpentry skills into practise. Working in partnership this way allows the industry to develop new talent.
The students really appreciate the opportunity to apply their skills in a real life situation, adds course leader Mark McDonald. It gives them an insight and an appreciation of the quality of a Howdens' kitchen and it also gives them the knowledge and confidence to fit a kitchen in the future. We are very grateful to Howdens for their support.
Newbury College is always on the lookout for local businesses/organisations to help place our students on work experience. If you'd be happy to work with us, please call 01635 845000 and ask to speak to a member of the Learner Services Team.
Click here for more information on our carpentry courses.