Blackpool and The Fylde college enjoyed a visit from royalty when prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, dropped into the University centre as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee tour.

The prince spent time chatting to a number of students and staff who gathered at the campus, before enjoying performances from Musical Theatre degree students and the college choir.

as he unveiled a commemorative plaque in the Gallery, the prince said: “It’s been so nice to meet so many of you and I’d like to wish you all the best with your studies and the future.”

pauline Waterhouse said after the visit: “I’m so proud of all the staff and students for helping to make the visit such a success.

“I think we have certainly showcased the college and people seemed to find the experience very uplifting.”

Media students from the School of creative arts have produced a video of the visit, which can be viewed at www.blackpool.ac.uk/royalvideo

Royal visit is ‘uplifting’

February 2012

Also in this issue:

2 school holds FiRst student AwARds event At pleAsuRe beAch venue

3 bRAdleY eARns pRAise FoR coMMunitY biRd boX pRoJect

4 AppRentices hAve theiR sAY in Five-dAY showcAse oppoRtunitY

campus times

Joanne is February winnerconGraTUlaTIonS to Joanne cowling, manageress at Brunel’s and Bites, who is February’s Employee of the Month.

Joanne was nominated by Wood occupations course Tutor Bernard Hopkinson, who said: “I have been tasked by staff and students to convey our sincere debt of gratitude to Jo, not only for the diversity of day-to-day fare, professionalism and service but also her kindness, courtesy and protocol from the greeting on entering Brunel’s and Bites, to her organisational skills displayed during functions.”

Joanne wins a meal for two in courtfields restaurant. If you know a colleague who deserves to be our next Employee of the Month, simply email a paragraph stating why they deserve to win to campustimes@blackpool.ac.uk

2 February 2012

Absolutely fabulousScHool liaison and the School of creative arts hosted a fantastic fashion workshop for a group of Year 11 palatine pupils. The students are currently studying a GcSE in Textiles and Fashion and were exploring the progression routes available at the college.

Fashion and Textiles tutor Julie Burton facilitated a workshop where pupils were encouraged to design an outfit, inspired by nature and seasonal display boards. The final designs were excellent and learners had the opportunity to view a presentation by one of our existing students. progression pathways to both FE and HE were discussed before learners were given a tour of the Fashion and Design centre at park road.

palatine Fashion Tutor, Dawn Elliot, said: “The students had a wonderful morning at the college and we had a very productive day back at school. The girls really enjoyed it and were very inspired as was I.”

FAciAl tReAtYEar 7 students from Montgomery School received a special treat on their first visit to college.

as part of their wellbeing course, which teaches them about personal appearance and hygiene and generally aims to raise

skype’s the limit for communicationscampustimes

THE college has used digital communications technology to offer information and guidance to students from overseas.

In a college first, Skype was used to establish a video link with pupils from an HM Forces school in Germany, who are relocating back to the area later this year – the next best thing to a face-to-face meeting.

The session allowed college staff cyndy lawton (careers adviser), John Brady (Welfare adviser), kelly palmer (apprenticeship Team) and Jess Heaney (School liaison) to meet the students and

provide information about courses, chat through progression options and answer any questions. Student ambassadors from the college also joined in to provide a valuable insight into college life.

The session was made possible thanks to a new Sound room in the college’s state-of-the-art learning and Teaching centre, which enables students and staff to access Skype and other new technologies.

any college staff wishing to make use of the technology should contact Sioux atkinson-Jowett, learning and IT Services on ext 4307.

FiRst AwARds eventTHE School of Society, Health and childhood celebrated their first Student awards event at the paradise room, Blackpool pleasure Beach.

The awards were enjoyed by more than 100 learners and staff, who all had a wonderful evening. level 1 learners from the School planned the event as part of their course – planning and running an Enterprise Event.

They also organised fundraising activities, which included awards from ‘Student Most likely To Become a Millionaire’ to ‘Hardest Working Student’.

confidence and aspirations, they were each given a relaxing facial treatment.

School liaison officer Jess Heaney arranged the visit with catherine peel and pat Taylor from the School of Hairdressing, Beauty and related Therapies.

She said: “The learners seemed nervous at first but were excited as they had never had facials before. once I’d shown them around college and told them a bit about FE they soon settled into their treatments. The beauty students were really professional and made the Montgomery girls feel very comfortable.”

supeRheRo ARtlEvEl 3 Media Make Up students from the ansdell campus were challenged to bring popular characters from movies, theatre and comics to life. To create the characters, they used full body paint and a variety of techniques including adding glitter paint, gluing on crystals, airbrushing and even body art. Don’t they look striking!

3February 2012

bradley’s boxes go down a tweet!

TWo outstanding students from the School of academic Studies have been awarded an ascentis David J Moore Memorial Bursary.

natalie Beaver and Jenny Wilkinson were presented with their awards by pauline Waterhouse after learning that they had been selected by the national awarding body to receive a prize.

Yvette Jenkinson taught natalie and described her as “a very good peer mentor for fellow students who has produced some outstanding pieces of creative writing which were awarded distinctions. She is a role model for others and has encouraged friends and family back into education.”

Jenny has overcome many problems in her personal life during the academic year but has proved herself incredibly resilient, completing the course successfully and gaining a place on the FD criminology and criminal Justice.

Tutor Gareth Sheen said: “Jenny remained a popular and happy student and was helpful to her colleagues. She is well worthy of the bursary.”

buRsARY delight FoR two students

Recognition FoR long-seRving stAFF

a conSTrUcTIon student has put his practical skills to good use by making wooden bird boxes for a community volunteer project.

Bradley Feeney, studying a level 2 Bench Joinery course, single-handedly produced 20 bird boxes, which have been split between a retirement village in Marton and St George’s School, where community officers are hoping to introduce more wildlife to the area.

Bradley received a letter of thanks

from neil Froggett, who coordinated the project and tutors were so impressed with his workmanship and dedication that they presented him with a certificate of recognition and selection of geometry equipment to assist him with the rest of his study.

Bradley said: “It was a great opportunity to improve my woodwork skills and help a local community. I enjoyed working on the bird boxes and I even made an extra one to keep for myself.”

campustimes

SoME of the college’s longest-serving members of staff gathered in courtfields to receive their long Service awards from the principal.

This year, 18 members of staff collected 15 years of service while a further four colleagues had amassed 25 years.

campus Times spoke to some of those staff who have been here 25 years.

rey Stott, aBc Welding Tutor from the School of Engineering and computing:

“There is a good supportive working environment at the college and I have found the majority of staff to be very friendly and helpful over the years.”

Gordon roberts, also from the School of Engineering and computing:

“The best thing about working here is

knowing that we are giving our students a quality education to stand them in good stead for the future. There have been too many memorable moments to mention – but where have all those years gone?”

Jane Bannister, curriculum Manager from the School of Society, Health and childhood: “When I think of the past 25 years, I can smile at the patchwork of ‘triumphs and disasters’ I have been part of.”

4 February 2012

WHO TO CONTACT: Editor: Louise Facey ext 4332 email LFAC

Apprentice frenzy!

thediarycampustimes

STUDEnTS who excelled in the prestigious WorldSkills Uk competitions gathered at courtfields restaurant at the college to celebrate their success.

along with family, tutors, employers and the principal, students who won national gold, silver, bronze and highly commended awards in their categories were presented with cheques from the college and certificates to mark their

achievement. Engineering student rachael carr, who represented Team Uk at WorldSkills london 2011, also attended and gave a talk about her experience in the competitive spotlight before they enjoyed afternoon tea, prepared and served by catering students.l The aaT accounting team is pictured receiving their bronze medals.

naTIonal apprenticeship Week sparked a five-day frenzy of action, with apprentices showcasing their skills at the Hub in Bispham.

Employers were thanked for their commitment to training with surprise cupcakes, plus a meal in courtfields for potential employers, the launch of video cvs to help apprentices secure their dream job and a selection of current and former apprentices and employers explaining the advantages of apprenticeships through the college’s Twitter page.

national apprenticeship Week is all about raising the profile amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media. This year’s was the biggest national apprenticeship Week to date, with over 800 events across the country.

at B&Fc, the week was a huge success with a handful of students even managing to secure an apprenticeship role at the employer meal with their professionalism.

MARch Green Week5-9th MarchAll CampusesStudents are invited to plan and organise their own Green event, for the chance to win £250 of high street vouchers. contact prey@blackpool.ac.uk for more details.Italian Lunch6th-8th March 11.30am for 12noon serviceCourtfields Restaurant, Bispham Campus Enjoy delicious Italian antipasti, secondi and dolci prepared and served by catering and Food production. £7.50 for two courses. call ext 4157 to book.Open DayWednesday 7th March, 4.30-7.00pmAll Campusesanyone attending the open Day will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience of a range of skills at the special ‘Have a Go’ event.St Patrick’s Menu13th-16th MarchCourtfields Restaurant, Bispham Campus a tasty Irish-themed menu will be served including Dublin coddle, Beef with Guinness and killarney Braised lamb Shanks. £15.50 for three courses. call ext 4157 to book.AmplefyldeThursday 15th March, 7.00pm for 7.30pmThe Theatre, University Centrea Jools Holland-style musical concert featuring bands playing a selection of original music and covers. Free tickets available from University centre reception or by calling ext 4420.Charity ZumbathonSaturday 24th March, 11.00am-2.00pmSports Hall, Bispham CampusShake and shimmy to latin-inspired music for Sport relief and cancer research. Book your place now – £6.00 in advance or £8.00 on the door. contact the Sports Hall on ext 4184 for details.Best of British ChefsFriday 30th MarchCourtfields Restaurant, Bispham Campus a five-course taster lunch featuring signature dishes from some of the finest chefs in Britain, including Michel roux, nigel Haworth and raymond Blanc. Set lunch £9.50. call ext 4157 to book.End of Spring TermFriday 30th MarchHave an egg-cellent Easter break!

celebRAtion oF woRldskills success

Hairdressing student aysher Manning was a star for the week – her video clip explaining why she opted for an apprenticeship with the Hair and nail Boutique in poulton was tweeted by the national apprenticeship Service to almost 10,000 followers.

aBc catering students from the School of access and continuing Education served up a valentine’s themed buffet in ashfield Bistro to raise money for Brian House. The 18 learners, who are working towards their pre-nvQ, used the event to practise preparing and serving food and sold tickets to friends and family members. Guests enjoyed tomato soup, chicken chausseur with rice and chocolate brownies.

Aysher Manning styles Susie Grimshaw