GCSE students at Newbury College were moved by an inspirational presentation and dance performance by local young dancer Frankie Rae when she visited the Monks Lane campus earlier this month.
Frankie gave a presentation to students about how she has remained motivated despite her disability and struggles with depression, and imparted the techniques she has learnt to help her deal with them. Born with a condition called Holt Oram Syndrome, that causes defects in the hands, arms and heart, Frankie has had to undergo ten operations and have major reconstructive surgery on both of her hands.
Talking of why she was happy to share her story, Frankie said, "I wanted to speak to the students today to share with them the battles that I have faced and show them that no matter what you face you can still achieve your dreams".
Frankie's difficulties have not stopped her determination to pursue her love of dancing as a career. Dancing from a young age helped to save Frankie from losing the use of her hands and arms and also meant that she spent less time in hospital undergoing physiotherapy. She has danced for a number of local dance organisations including Italia Conti Associates Newbury and after Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts she is well on her way of achieving her dreams.
GCSE student Dean Miller who attended the presentation said, "Her visit was truly inspirational and has motivated the whole course to always try their hardest. We no longer say 'we can't', we now say 'we can try'. We learnt this from Frankie".
The visit concluded with a special performance of 'Hold your dream'.
Newbury College students showcased their skills at this week's Open Evening; an event which welcomed around 500 visitors all interested in the wide choice of full and part time courses starting at the College in September 2015.
The event was very interactive with College staff and students promoting their courses with stunning exhibitions and 'have a go' activities. Public Service students aimed for a good score with an indoor archery competition, whilst Motor Vehicle students unveiled their latest project: a pedal powered smoothie cycle. Food and Beverage students, who are part of a brand new course complementing the existing Catering and Hospitality courses, mixed up non-alcoholic cocktails in the new restaurant. Not to be out-beaten, Beauty Therapy students treated visitors to manicures in the new Nail Technology Salon.
Newbury College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch said, "The evening was a great success. Our students ran fantastic activities to promote their courses and we are pleased that so many people came along and showed interest in the work of Newbury College".
Members of the public attending the Open Evening said how impressed they were with all the new facilities and how they felt inspired by the courses on offer. Students from the GCSE programme, Child Development and Business Management took visitors on tours of the campus, including the Sports Hall, Beauty Salons, Plumbing Workshop, Engineering and Motor Vehicle Workshops and the new Animal Care Centre, which is due to be officially opened later this year.
For those in Year 11, the evening was a chance to discover the options available when they finish school in the summer, either on full time courses, one of the many apprenticeship opportunities on offer, or a combination of training and education. Adviza was on hand throughout the evening to offer impartial careers advice.
Adult learners attending the event had an opportunity to find out more about how Newbury College continues to provide education and professional development opportunities for adults wishing to further their careers or develop a new skill.
Business students at Newbury College will be taking part in Barclays nationally-run Preparing for Work programme during the week commencing 2 March, as part of their unit of work 'Managing a Business Event'.
The event will run alongside the College's Progression Week which is aimed to encourage students to think about their future career paths. The week will consist of a number of activities and workshops giving students the chance to create their own business which will conclude with the College's own version of Dragon's Den. The judges will be external business specialists, who will award a cash prize to the most deserving team.
Peter Doyle, course leader for business at Newbury College said, "The 2015 Barclay's Prepare for Work programme is a super opportunity for our students to really engage with local employers. The programme encourages our students to sharpen their views on how to look for job opportunities, prepare for interviews and to perform consistently".
Barclays Prepare for Work is a brand new programme designed to help Further Education Colleges in the UK to help students improve their chances of securing and maintaining employment. The week also aims to enable students to gain a better knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurial skills and to think differently about starting their own business.
'Prepare for Work' is run in partnership with The National Skills Academy for Financial Services, alongside College Development Network in Scotland, Now in Northern Ireland and CollegesWales. The programme is supported by Barclays as part of their commitment to 5 Million Young Futures. Through programmes focused on enterprise, employability and financial skills, Barclays is giving millions of young people a platform to achieve their goals, build their own businesses, get jobs and become financially independent.
Newbury College held a presentation for the Dogs Trust recently in which the College presented Nikki Barrow from the charity with a cheque for £98.22.
Animal Care students at Newbury College chose to raise money for the Dogs Trust as part of their Skills Project, completing a number of charity events including naming the animals, a cake sale and staff leg waxing over the course of the academic year, culminating in a Dogs Show at the College's May Open Day.
Skills Project co-ordinator at Newbury College Sian Ellis, who helped students organise the event said, "The Animal Care students worked hard throughout the project to coordinate and manage fundraising activities for the Dogs Trust. This demonstrated fantastic skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication and organisation. I am really proud of the students who successfully raised nearly £100 for the charity. We were delighted to present the Dogs Trust with the money raised and look forward to further collaboration between the charity and Newbury College in future".
The Skills Project is compulsory for all Newbury College full time students. The project enables students to enhance their vocational and soft skills, preparing them for future employment.