On the 26th April 2012, Uniformed Public Services took part in a combined map reading and navigation exercise at Combe Gibbet.
The gibbet was erected in 1676 for the purpose of hanging the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman who were hanged for murdering George's wife Martha, and their son Robert after they discovered the truth of the couple's affair.
Placed in such a prominent location as a warning, to deter others from committing crimes, nowadays it is a popular local tourist attraction with good views of the surrounding area.
The weather was very windy and rainy on the day the students visited but the trip allowed the courses an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and put some of the theory learned in class and in the college ground to practice.
The group walked along the Combe Gibbet ridge for a few kilometres and were put to the test by orientating their maps to the ground and pointing out certain features on the ground using grid references.
X marks the spot at Newbury College as the Geocaching craze continues to sweep across the world.
The global game of high-tech hide and seek involves over 1.7 million caches, or "treasures", hidden at various locations all over the planet and are located using GPS devices or smartphones.
Caches are typically small waterproof containers that contain a logbook for adventurers to record their visit and swappable trinkets such as small toys and tags.
Newbury College Communications Officer Shaun Daubney said "The College site on Monks lane is a beautiful place to stroll, relax, refresh and remind yourself that life is about exploration and learning. Since moving to the Monks Lane site 10 years ago, we encourage local residents to come and visit us and see what Newbury College and our beautiful grounds have to offer . Getting involved with the Geocaching phenomenon is a great way for us to encourage even more people to get out in the fresh air and discover some of Berkshire's beautiful landscapes whilst learning new skills and engaging with the latest technology."
There are currently over 5 million geocachers worldwide, from families and scout groups to hikers and mountaineers. More information, including a brief introduction video can be found at www.geocaching.com
As part of a project for his Foundation Diploma in Art, creative student Angelo Wadge-Berrospi filled a small room on The Bridge at Newbury College full of blue balloons on Thursday 03 May 2012.
Angelo, 21, said "I've been mostly focusing on photography and 2D work this year so it was exciting to experiment with a contemporary installation like this and see people's reactions."
The contemporary art installation was visible from The Street, the College's main thoroughfare and was inspired by Martin Creed's "Half the air in a given space".
The Foundation Dimploma in Art students will be exhibiting work at Newbury Town Hall this Saturday (05 May 2012) between 10 - 4pm, under the name 'Chapter 2'. They will be showing work created on the course so far and everyone is welcome.
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS), in collaboration with Newbury College, is set to change the perception of apprenticeships with the development of its brand new apprenticeship programme, which complements its highly successful graduate scheme.
Hitachi Capital approached Newbury College as one of the leading education providers in West Berkshire to help develop a truly unique offer, which not only provides an apprenticeship qualification but also gives individuals the opportunity to develop a career within the organisation.
Chris Tarry, interim head of customer services and leader of Hitachi Capital's current graduate programme comments, "The scheme is in place to offer individuals a real chance to boost their prospects. We are focused on investing in the future and by offering the applicant's invaluable training; we are working towards best practice in the workplace. By setting up the apprenticeship scheme, we aim to support our local community and also ensure that the candidates get the opportunity to build the skills required to deliver excellent results."
The new recruits will gain experience within a number of different departments, providing them with training across the board and a competitive salary. Hitachi Capital is offering the local community an opportunity to enter the working world without the necessity of a degree. With the rising costs of higher education, this is something that those with A-Level qualifications can consider as a competitive alternative to going to University that will kick-start their careers.
Pat Frith, sales and account manager for Newbury College, comments, "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Hitachi Capital in this apprenticeship scheme and fully support them in offering young people in Newbury a vocational approach to developing a professional career, rather than undertaking a University degree. We have been working closely with Hitachi Capital to develop the programme and are impressed with their level of commitment to tailoring training to ensure that it attracts and develops high performing stars for the future."
Six individuals will be chosen to embark on a two-year customer service based programme where they will gain a Level 3 qualification as well as supported development within the company. Hitachi Capital is opening up this programme to those who do not hold a degree, but are drawn to a professional environment. Applications open in March, with candidates being selected in April. Please click the link to apply: http://www.hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk/careers/
To find out more about Apprenticeship Schemes that Newbury College can provide please contact Pat Frith on 01635 845000