Winner of the BBC television series 'I'd do Anything', Jodie Prenger and former Emmerdale star, Tom Lister, have recently been rehearsing for The Watermill Theatre's latest show, 'Calamity Jane', at Newbury College. The company of actor-musicians has been using the College's state of the art theatre space to prepare for the show that runs at The Watermill during the summer.
Newbury College has recently launched its new IGCSE and A Level programme with a real focus in performing arts. The College will be offering GCSE in Performing Arts and A Level in Drama and Theatre studies from September.
Both Jodie and Tom, who didn't have the opportunity to take drama at school, are delighted that the College will be offering performing arts and theatre studies. Jodie said: "It's a no brainer. Acting is an excellent way to build confidence and allows you to express yourself!" Tom added: "Everyone leads such busy lives these days; acting takes you away and provides a great distraction. It's about listening and reacting to one another and working together as a team".
The College will be working in partnership with The Watermill Theatre and The Corn Exchange in order to support students and provide them with valuable experience.
Theatre Assistant at The Watermill Theatre, Neil Bull, who chose to rehearse at the College's facilities and said "It has been wonderful being here at Newbury College in the Forum space. With a cast of 13 professional actor-musicians rehearsing a show like Calamity Jane, the space has been an ideal size with the added bonus of a sprung floor and mirrors. Added to that, the staff have been so helpful and supportive".
'Calamity Jane' is at The Watermill Theatre until Saturday 6 September and then tours the UK. Visit www.watermill.org.uk or http://www.calamityjanetheshow.com/ to book tickets or for more information.
Engineering inventors and information technology wizards of the future showcased their end of year projects at Newbury College's annual Engineering and IT Skills Exhibition on Thursday 3 July at 1.30pm. The exhibition was opened by special guest Nigel Warrick, CEO of NJW Limited.
Following a welcome by Nigel Warrick, guests had the opportunity to view student's work and speak to them about their projects. Special guests to the exhibition included Mayor and Consort of Newbury Councillor Jo Day and Councillor David Allen, Town Mayor of Thatcham Councillor Gary Johnson and West Berks Council Chair ' Councillor Jeff Beck. A range of companies attended the event with their own displays and company information. These are companies who invest in young talent by employing apprenticeships and providing skills across a wide industrial base including Xtrac, Williams F1, NJW Limited, Culham, Blatchfords and Schliefring.
The event saw some fascinating engineering skills displayed and showcased some of the best local engineering and computing talent in West Berkshire. The exhibition was co-ordinated by Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, Richard Willis who said, "The event was a great success, the students have worked really hard and this was evident in their displays. This presentation day provides learners with valuable experience in discussing their work with a wide range of visitors from various Engineering and IT backgrounds".
This year has yet again seen some interactive and aspirational projects. One of these belongs to Jamie Pinnell who works at the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Jamie has developed a 'Pulse Jet', using skills in all areas that are required on the STFC Apprenticeship Scheme to create the initial version of the Jet Engine that we know today that was later developed into the Turbine Jet Engine. The Jet is a standalone demonstration for outreach events that can be used to display thrust, flow rates, and material properties. The project is an essential unit in the Level 3 National Diploma, the Level 4 Higher National Certificate and the Level 5 Higher National Diploma. In each course it draws together the application of the other academic study areas in one practical subject.
Companies were so impressed with student's projects that both a Level 3 Engineering Student and HND Computing student have been offered interviews from companies visiting the exhibition. The Exhibition was closed with a presentation to Williams F1 Apprentice Conner Murphy who was awarded the Runner Up Outstanding BTEC Apprentice of the Year Award (19+).
As part of their course students at Newbury College took part in a Skills Project providing them with valuable life skills. New faces at Newbury College were shown around exhibits of current students work at Taster Day and took part in a quiz regarding the projects in order to give them a flavour of what College life has in store.
Principal Dr Anne Murdoch presented certificates and awards to students who have shown exceptional dedication and hard work in both their project and their College course throughout the year.
Skills Project Co-ordinator Sian Ellis is delighted with the efforts of the students and said, "Students have worked incredibly hard on their Skills Projects producing outstanding results. The Level 2 Carpenters built a Wendy House for a local charity; the Level 2 Animal Care students planned and held a successful dog show; the Level 1 Cookery students have led an exceptional food and beverage service and this is just a snippet of what the students have achieved. All of these projects have allowed students to build on their knowledge and skills and develop their confidence in leadership, communication and teamwork. The standards of their projects are fantastic and I am confident that the skills that they have developed will stand them in good stead in their futures".
All students on a full time course have been working on vocational projects designed to build on the skills that they have acquired during their course and help to enhance their employability, giving them the confidence to talk about their achievements.
Budding readers at Newbury College were presented with awards and certificates for their achievements in the 'Six Book Challenge'. The awards were presented by College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch and Head of West Berkshire Library Service Mike Brooks.
The challenge is run in partnership with West Berkshire Libraries and is now in its sixth year. It is designed to encourage adults who are not confident with reading to read six books, articles or even digital content of their choice and record this in a diary. Forty students completed the challenge and certificates and prizes were presented at two award ceremonies held at Newbury College earlier this month.
Hilary Cole, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Culture said; "I am delighted to hear that so many students took up and completed the challenge this year. Reading is an excellent life skill and is also one of the most effective ways to relax."
Feedback has shown that readers who had previously not enjoyed reading before taking up the Six Book Challenge now feel inspired to read. Lauren Peters who has previously taken part wanted to do the challenge again this year and said; "The challenge was great fun and I would recommend taking part to all my friends".
Learning Resources Centre Assistant Hector MacEachen, who helped organise the event said, "The Newbury College reading challenge runs alongside the National 6 Book Challenge and has been very popular with our students. They have enjoyed taking part in the reading challenge and borrowed a wide range of material to read".