Truro and Penwith College Magazine
Spring 2018
It’s all about the
Performancesee page 22 for details
College of the Year Shortlist Cathedral Graduation Delight
Apprenticeship Awards
Get connected www.truro-penwith.ac.uk @Truro_Penwith truro.penwith.college Welcome to the Spring 2018 edition of
your Truro and Penwith College magazine
CONTENTS OPEN DAYS AND EVENINGS
03 Open Event season kicks off Penwith College Open Morning Sat 10 Mar 2018, 10am - 1pm. 04 Top of the leagues: Local and National Awards 06 Apprentices get geared up Penwith College Open Evening Wed 02 May 2018, 5pm - 8pm. 07 Students transform Penzance town centre 08 Alumni Truro College Open Evening 09 Students win awards Thu 03 May 2018, 5pm - 8pm. 10 Apprenticeship Awards feature Callywith College Open Morning 12 University Level Students Graduation Sat 10 Mar 10am - 1pm 14 Students capture the Cornish Essence Callywith College Open Evening 17 Sports, Health & Wellbeing news Wed 02 May 5pm - 8pm 19 Working the dream with part-time courses 21 Fine art students workshop 22 Performing arts showcase 23 Oncourse online 24 Foundation fundraising
Get in Do you have any news or views you want to share with the College? touch Contact [email protected] or find us online on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 03 College open events highlight course range
Future students and parents meet staff and get hands-on with activities as College enjoys busy start to open events
Thousands of visitors have attended open While touring the campus, guests were also events at both Truro and Penwith College able to stop and talk to lecturers to get first- this Autumn and Spring. hand knowledge about courses.
For those who have yet to visit, there are still Penwith College held their busiest Open opportunities as May sees this year’s open Day ever in November, with record-breaking event season come to a close. Full details numbers coming to check out the beautiful can be found on Page 2. ocean-view campus.
Starting in November, College open events Senara Restaurant provided delicious have given prospective students and their refreshments such as pancakes with maple parents/carers an ideal opportunity to meet syrup and crispy bacon while the Inspiration staff, tour the campus and enjoy hands-on Salon was alive with colour as students learning activities. demonstrated all they had learned since starting in September. From archery and remote-controlled robots to experiencing virtual reality, visitors also Truro and Penwith College’s Director of took part in a high-quality photography studio Studies Cheryl Mewton said: “We have been workshop, learning the basics of how to take absolutely delighted to see so many people the perfect portrait. attend our College open events so far this year and we can’t wait to welcome them to There was also a range of exercise the College in September.” challenges, ring making workshops and tudor themed archaeology tasting sessions to give guests something to sink their teeth into.
Visitors could try their hand at a variety of activities from archery and remote-controlled robots to experiencing virtual reality. 04 Health and wellbeing team College of the Year accolade for wins workplace award improving outcomes Truro and Penwith College has been Truro and Penwith College’s Health, Wellbeing and Sport (HWS) shortlisted by The Times Educational team have won the prestigious Active Workplace of the Year Supplement (TES) as one of the best in the country for its significant and award at the Cornwall Sports Awards held at the Headland distinctive contributions to Cornwall’s Hotel, Newquay. education and skills, its local economy, and a wide and diverse range of its The award was presented to Health, communities. Wellbeing and Sport Project Lead Assistant Mark Stevens, in recognition of Central to the College’s shortlisting was the success and impact of the project. its approach to improving outcomes for all students and its commitment to The Sport England and National Lottery raising educational attainment, as well funded HWS programme was developed as the College’s opening of the new £30 to create staff role models, change staff million Callywith College in Bodmin in attitudes to physical activity and to promote September. mental health and physical wellbeing. College Principal David Walrond said: With staff having access to over 50 “It is great to be nominated though different physical activities each week, we know the national competition for including gym sessions, exercise classes, the award will be tough with some badminton and climbing, and with over 300 exceptional work being done by some different members of staff participating last fantastic further education colleges in year, it’s no surprise the College walked the sector. away with the award. “What I think our shortlisting does is to recognise that a college that engages Mark Stevens receiving the award with stakeholders and partners can have a major impact on the fortunes not just of individuals but of whole communities.”
The winner of the TES FE College of the Year will be announced during the Spring Term at an award ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Staff and students at Truro and Penwith College had cause to celebrate after an initiative to improve mental health and wellbeing received double recognition at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
The Association of College’s (AoC) Beacon in this innovative programme that can be Awards were held in a glittering evening copied and adapted by other colleges and I ceremony in Birmingham to celebrate the hope that the recognition given by this award best and most innovative practice among UK will get other colleges following suit.” further education and sixth form colleges.
Truro and Penwith College won the AoC’s Beacon Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing for supporting students with mental health issues to succeed, and for promoting a culture of wellbeing across all stakeholders, students and staff.
The evening got better still for the College when it was chosen to receive the “Leading Light” Award, which is chosen from all of the award winners.
Baroness Margaret Sharp, President of the Association of Colleges’ Charitable Trust and deciding person for the Leading Light Award, chose the programme because she: “Like[s] Truro College receives Mental Health the whole college approach. There is so much and Wellbeing award 05 Topping the league tables Truro and Penwith College has emerged again as one of the best performing state-funded 16-19 providers nationally in the official Department for Education 2017 post-16 Performance Tables for schools and colleges.
Locally, the College’s results put it at the top support, underpinned by an inclusive ethos. of the Cornwall table for Academic points The College’s value added score confirms scores per student (A Levels and International this, with outstanding progress made by Baccalaureate) in all state provision across A Level students regardless of their different the county. The tables also show the College starting points and school track-records.” is by some measure the largest provider Gold award of post-16 provision of any kind, for both Truro and Penwith College was delighted academic and vocational courses. to be recognised as a Gold standard health award winner by The Cornwall and The national comparisons available in these Isles of Scilly Workplace Health Award for tables again confirm it has been one of the the fourth year running. most consistently high-performing colleges in England for over a decade. Special mention in the report went to Becci Smith, Personnel Assistant at the College. It Commenting on the College’s success, read: “The workplace health team would also Principal David Walrond said: “I am delighted like to commend Becci Smith on her efficient that the hard work in partnership of students and innovative approach in the professional and their teaching staff here is recognised delivery of wellbeing at Truro & Penwith in these tables. A crucial point to make is College.” that these exceptionally high scores are not secured by selective practices, or in other words by only accepting high GCSE profile pupils onto A Level programmes. What these results are based on is excellent teaching and
A Level Maths students with their tutor Oxbridge bound for record number of students No less than 24 students from Truro and Penwith College, the highest number to-date, have been offered places at two of the most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford and Cambridge.
This record number comes after the most The group of students come from across Andy Stittle, Director of Teaching competitive year ever, with Oxbridge Cornwall, with 20 of them attending and Learning for the College, said: applicationsAnother up by 7% nationally. Gold The Truro College and four attending Penwith “Nationally, applications to Oxford extensive and demanding application College, and are looking to study a and Cambridge surged this year to process of entry tests and interviews did number of diverse subjects at Oxbridge over 60,000, with increases across all nothing to slow the College down, with including Medicine, Psychology, subject areas. It is therefore remarkable the proportions of College applications Economics, Philosophy, History, that, despite the intense competition, securing offers reaching well in excess of Music, Languages, Physics, Maths students of this College have received the national rate. and Engineering. more offers than ever.” 06 Apprentices geared up for a car Computing students join fanatic’s dream weekend innovative A group of Motor Vehicle Apprentices from Truro College travelled to Warwickshire in order to spend two days living Google group the car enthusiast’s dream. IT and Computing students from Penwith College joined the first ever Google Developers Group Meetup at Falmouth After signing a confidentiality contract, the Geographic Channel’s Car SOS, the show University. This is a group for local lucky group were taken on a factory tour of proved an unmissable experience. businesses, developers, and students to Aston Martin HQ. The highlight of the tour meet up and collaborate on projects using was ‘The Street’, a timeline of Aston Martin’s The entire trip was made possible through the Google products and to share ideas. The history. generous actions of the College’s Governors, meetup is only one of three in the UK and who paid for the majority of the trip. Both staff is sponsored and supported by Google The day wasn’t over though, as the group and students were very grateful for such a who provide support and access to their moved on to the British Car Museum. Amidst fantastic learning experience. latest technologies. over 300 cars and one million historical artifacts, the museum highlight was Alec Barry Pearce, Motor Vehicle lecturer at the On this occasion the group discussed Issigonis’ (inventor of the Classic Mini) first College, was blown away with the trip, saying: voice user interfaces and how devices and last project cars. “The trip was so informative and truly fired our such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa enthusiasm and imagination. We would have will become the new way in which we The Classic Car Show was next on done the 600 miles for any of the three visits, interact with computer systems. The the agenda. With 2,500 classics and a but all three… WOW!” students then got to work on creating meeting with Fuzz Townsend from National their own voice interface with their own personality. The students had a great time meeting with local developers and seeing the latest technology developments.
The Apprentices outside of the Aston Martin HQ UK Worldskills 3D Digital Game Art silver medal winner Avis Kellman, second year student on the Games, Animation and VFX course at Penwith College, has beaten some of the best student digital game art designers in the UK to win a silver medal at the finals of the WorldSkills UK Skill Show in the 3D Digital Game Art competition.
Avis spent a gruelling two and a half days Avis rose to the challenge and was proud to modelling a 3D game scene using all be one of three female competitors, proving original designs and meshes. The finalists that the games industry isn’t just for boys. were set a task by judges from the games Indeed, the first place and second place industry to create a new boss monster for medals both went to women. the popular game Overcooked. They then had to create a level in which it could live. Avis can now be considered one of the best This is a challenging task that would take 3D artists in the UK and no doubt has a very professionals a significant amount of time to bright future ahead of her. complete and all of the finalists were finished within the given two and a half days. 07 Winter Woodland Belles Christmas was brought to
Penzance in the form of beautiful The theme this year was Bells but the Art & and creative window displays. Design students decided to take a twist on this theme. They created Winter Woodland Belles, In the window of the former a stunning display consisting of five beautiful school uniform shop, Level 3 Art handmade dresses created entirely of paper. students from Penwith College Lecturer Simon Hartles said: “This project has worked hard to create a winter allowed the students the creative freedom to design their own ‘Belles’ to fit within the whole woodland scene. look for the window display. It certainly brought some festive cheer to the town and we were As part of the Christmas window decorating happy to take part in such a community- competition, which was organised by Jess boosting activity. Hopefully everyone enjoyed Colliver from Penzance BID, empty shop the festive season and took time to visit all windows in Penzance town centre were of the window displays produced by the local transformed by schools looking to showcase schools and colleges.” their creative expertise.
UAL ART Level 3 students Painting the way London’s calling Penwith College student Tom Nowells competed in the for Cornish art Johnstones Young Painter of the Year Finals held in the club students Ricoh stadium in Coventry as part of the National Painting & Decorating Show. Members of the Truro College
Alongside seven other finalist students, measurements, a compass and a brush were Art & Design Saturday Club Tom showcased his work on the Johnstones all tested during the assignment. made their annual pilgrimage paint stand. Tom performed incredibly despite the watchful to the Capital to make, and Each competitor was given an entry pack with gaze of the exhibition visitors and earned see, lots of art. a set of instructions and drawings, which they himself third place alongside a fantastic had to follow in order to transpose a design prize selection of workwear and painting and The students first visited St Martins to do two from the plan onto a wall. Precise skills with decorating equipment and tools. activities. Following a talk from Lego Global Head of Environmental Responsibility and Engagement Cecila Wreckström, they then went on to create tracing paper houses that were added to an installation.
After lunch they enjoyed a guided tour of the Tate Modern, followed by a visit to see the Master Monoprints at Bankside.
Gwyl Lewis, lecturer of Art & Design at Truro College and coordinator of the art club, was absolutely thrilled with the trip. He said: “From bonding on the bus on the way up to walking along the South Bank, the students enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
“We do the trip every year and every year we learn and experience something new. It’s a great opportunity for the students to go up to London and show off their work while also Tom with his work on the Johnstones paint stand getting the chance to create on the day.” 08 Drama student returns to where it all began with her newest play
Director and former Truro College student Rosanna Elliott, returned to College with her theatre company to perform an incredible show.
The Coastguard’s Daughter, Rosanna’s most recent directorial achievement, toured Cornwall, with one of the stops the very College that helped Rosanna along her path to the stage. “The Coastguard’s Daughter has a very special place in my heart,” began Rosanna. “It’s the first tour of my Theatre Company Canvas, so I’m proud to bring it back to the place where I might not have had the confidence to imagine what was ahead of me.” Rosanna Elliott, Director of The Coastguard’s Daughter With sea shanties sung by local choirs adding to the incredible true story, this Cornish play was an immediate hit. Indeed, Apprentice secures the show sold out and even had to turn people away at the door. It is safe to say top award after we cannot wait to see what Rosanna creates next. only two months of training Exeter Chiefs at Penwith College
A player from the Premiership rugby champions shares his skills at an U15 rugby training session in preparation for a series of upcoming matches.
The evening training was led by Matt Jess, a former Penwith College student, Sam with his well-deserved award who has played over 100 games for the for Apprentice of the Year Exeter Chiefs and is now working with the next crop of talented players within Sam Weedon 17 from Wadebridge, studied the Academy at the Chiefs. Matt was very an Extended Diploma in Engineering at impressed with the facilities on offer at Truro and Penwith College while securing Penwith College and the standard of the himself a Saturday job at Daften Die- Cornish players hoping to be selected for Casting to support his studies. this match programme. Impressed with the level of Sam’s work, The session was part of the Cornwall Daften Die-Casting offered him an Developing Players Programme (DPP) Apprenticeship on completion of his full- managed by Richard Siveter, who also time studies, which allowed him to take teaches and heads up the Rugby Academy his first step on the career ladder while at Penwith College. continuing to gain nationally recognised qualifications. Richard said: “It was fantastic to have Matt Jess come down to work with the Cornish Daften’s faith in Sam paid off, after players who are potentially the next cohort submitting a nomination to the Cornwall of Chiefs in the future. The players have Manufacturers Awards just two months immense respect for Matt and responded into his Apprenticeship, Sam was crowned well to his coaching.” Apprentice of the Year at the awards evening at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay, Former Penwith student and Exeter Chiefs the third year in a row this award has gone player, Matt Jess, returns to pass on to a Truro and Penwith College Apprentice. knowledge to next generation 09 Games developer scoops award for Rising Digital Star at EDGE Awards
A Truro and Penwith College student-turned- lecturer walked away with the Rising Star award at the first ever Cornwall EDGE Awards for tech and innovation after his skills in computer games design were recognised.
Ross Everson was singled out for praise after the skills he learnt while studying at Penwith College led him to create and develop his own game, Karate Krab, which has since been picked up for distribution by online gaming giant Steam.
Still developing games with his company Liquid Sapling, Ross also enjoys imparting his knowledge to the next generation through his post of part-time lecturer of Games Development at Penwith College. “I think the students like that I did the same sort of journey that they’re on,” said Ross. Ross with his Rising Digital Star Award
Students offered jobs after Tutor’s ‘creepy crawly’ illustrated Cornwall Tourism Awards book hits the shelves Eight Level 2 and Level 3 Professional “The night went exceptionally well,” he An Art lecturer from Truro and Penwith Cookery students were eager to help at said. “It benefits the students as it shows College has seen his ‘creepy crawly’ the Cornwall Tourism Awards ceremony at them how a proper function goes and how creations reach a whole new audience with The Headland Hotel in Newquay as it was a hotel works, while also showing off the the publication of a book on bugs and insects. a fantastic opportunity to gain experience students to potential employers.” while testing their skills. Art & Design lecturer Tom Heard has had his insect illustrations included in a new book Proving their proficiency, the students called Project Bugs, which has been released served the meal 20 minutes faster than by publishers Miles Kelly. previous years, which prompted the Headland Hotel to offer jobs to two of the Project Bugs is an educational, but students. entertaining, book for children that teaches them all about the fascinating world of bugs, Students were invited up on stage to aided by the endlessly fun cartoons Tom be congratulated before being given provided as illustrator. certificates in appreciation of all their hard work. His broad and impressive portfolio has been a fantastic tool when teaching the Jacob May, who is currently doing a Art & Design students at Truro and Penwith Level 4 Higher Management course at the College. “I think it’s important that students College, and who organised the students develop an understanding between the at the awards, was thrilled with the event. tasks they complete in lesson and how these relate and prepare them for the creative industries,” said Tom. 10 A night of dazzling success at the 2017 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards
Customer Service and Retail Apprentices of the year
Apprentices, their families and colleagues came together to celebrate in style as Truro and Penwith College played host to the 2017 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
Holly Day and Neil Caddy from Pirate FM the extra mile in terms of the provision and presented the awards with support from support they provide. Cornwall-wide business sponsors to recognise and reward the exceptional achievement of 39 The awards are open to all Apprentices shortlisted learners and employers involved in and Apprenticeship employers across Apprenticeship training. Cornwall and cover a range of professional categories including construction, engineering, The awards, now in their third year, celebrate management and media and business. both the achievements of Apprentices from Judging the awards was a panel made up of Winner - Rebecca-Jay Thorpe across Cornwall who work in a variety of industry leaders from a range of large and sectors, and also those employers who go medium Cornwall employers.
Overall Apprentice of the year, Shannon O’ Regan and shortlisted 11
Shortlisted Engineering Apprentices
Shortlisted Marketing and Winner Spencer Brewer - Management Apprentices Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Large Apprentice Employer of Small / Medium Enterprise Employer the Year Winner - Eden Project of the Year Winner - Victoria Inn
The Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Her nominator and colleague at Marzipan Hair confidence grew quickly under the watchful Year award was won by the Eden Project in Truro, Hannah Thomas, said: “The minute eye of her office manager and company for providing high quality and varied work we met Shannon, we knew she was going to directors and she soon showed ‘signs of huge experience opportunities that incorporate be the dream Apprentice.” potential,’ which lead to Oltco developing staff additional learning programmes and projects positions. These changes meant the office to improve Apprentices’ progression. Mum and Business Administration Apprentice manager was required to spend more time out for Newquay-based flooring company Oltco, of the office and gave Diane the opportunity Medium and SME Employer of the Year was Diane Jones was awarded Achiever of the to take a more responsible role during these won by the Victoria Inn at Threemilestone for Year by Award Partners GetMyFirstJob. For occasions. its focus on retention and progression. For the first time, members of the public had example, eight members of its staff started an opportunity to vote for the winner of this The evening was a tremendous success, with Apprenticeship programmes with Truro and category on the Truro and Penwith College everyone coming together to celebrate some Penwith College in September 2017. website and the campaign for votes was truly inspiring people. Of course, the event strongly supported by media partners Pirate couldn’t have gone ahead without the help Cornwall’s Apprentice of the Year was FM. and expertise of students from the College, named on the night as 17-year-old hair stylist who provided the catering, hospitality and Shannon O’Regan. Having been out of work and a full-time mum entertainment for the evening and made it for three years before joining Oltco, Diane’s such a glittering success. 12 University Level Courses College Graduation celebrates gold success
With caps neatly arranged and gowns pressed and straightened, Truro Cathedral was bursting with excitement as it saw hundreds of graduating University level students from Truro and Penwith College take to the stage to receive their well-deserved awards.
Full to capacity, the Cathedral hosted almost 1000 Paul said: “Lauren has consistently presented herself as supportive friends, family and fellow classmates who an excellent and enthusiastic student of Psychology, both gathered to give each and every one of the graduating capable and motivated; working hard at all times.” students a celebration to remember. Overwhelmed to receive her award, Lauren said: “Never The TEF Gold-rated College’s 19th Graduation ceremony in a million years did I think that I would be capable of recognised the achievements of 377 students who have achieving a first-class honours degree. It’s just the best worked so hard to obtain Higher Education certificates feeling, knowing that every single day has been worth it, this year. I never thought that this day would even come!”
Among those receiving their awards on the evening, FdA Childhood Education mature graduate, Donna a selection of students were recognised as being Harvey received the Bianca Trew Award for her creative particularly successful in their achievements. BA (Hons) approach to teaching and learning throughout her Human Behavioural Studies graduate, Lauren Shapcott, academic studies. was awarded with the Academic Partnerships Prize having graduated with first-class honours, despite She said: “I was really looking forward to my three facing adversity in her personal life. This was presented daughters seeing me graduate, so I could show them that by Professor Paul Brunt, the Director of Academic mum’s can work too. The best part of this so far is when Partnerships at the University of Plymouth. my 12 year old daughter said to me ‘I’m proud of you mum’; it really summed up my achievements.”
It’s just the best feeling, knowing that every single day has been Lauren worth it BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies
The Very Reverend Dean Roger Bush of Truro Cathedral addressing guests and students University Level Courses 13
University level education with the highest quality teaching, learning and outcomes. 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework
Andrew Smart, Higher Education Team Leader at Truro and Penwith College, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, watching many hard-working students graduate.
He said: “It was fantastic to see our students graduating and celebrating with their friends and families. So many of our students have come through the College either as Access Course students returning to education, mature learners changing careers, or A Level and Diploma students who wanted a friendly, supportive Higher Education experience here in Cornwall.”
“With over 25% of our learners achieving a first-class degree or distinction level, we really did have something to celebrate here today. I know that I speak on behalf of all the staff involved in Higher Education when I say how proud we are of our students’ achievements Full to capacity, the and we wish them all the best in the future,” he added. Cathedral hosted almost 1000 friends, family and fellow classmates
Professor Simon Payne awarding scrolls to students 14 University Level Courses Students capture the Cornish Essence Bright future for award-winning Seven aspiring entrepreneurs, who met while studying the same videographer college course, have launched their product into local stores A teenage student from Cornwall who’s and are starting to enjoy the sweet smell of success. in the first year of his University degree has shown he has a bright future ahead Capturing the essence of Cornwall through pride in what I do and am extremely happy by winning an award at the 2017 Cornwall sight and smell, Cornish Essence was created with the direction that the business is going in, Film Festival. by BA (Hons) Business, Enterprise and particularly now we have The Cornish Store in Leadership students at Truro College. Falmouth keen to supply our products.” Kai Topping’s documentary film, a truthful depiction of mental health that centres on The company, which has broken even in just If you’d like to experience the Cornish his sister’s struggle with anorexia, was its first five months of trading, has created a Essence for yourself, make your way over awarded the festival’s ‘Screen Actions bespoke air freshener inspired by Cornwall’s to The Cornish Store in Falmouth, check out 2017 Factual Entertainment’ award. unique character, heritage and landscape. their Facebook page at @CornishEssenceLtd Company Managing Director Maxine Tregenza or their website at www.cornishessence. The film consists of several interviews with from Falmouth said: “If I’m doing something, com where you can find out more about the Kai’s sister Chloe, and an interview with then I have to put my all into it. I have a lot of business and their products. the College’s Senior Mental Health Advisor Sarah Hodder, who was able to speak about her own experiences of people with mental health and what support is available to help them.
Kai, who is studying on the HND Media Moving Image University course at Truro and Penwith College, said: “I’m still a bit speechless really, but me and my sister are happy with it because the film is 100% true and factual, and for a film of this nature to win the award I’m very grateful.”
Kai Topping, HND Media Moving Image, Cornwall Film Festival Award Winner
Find out more about the IB Diploma truro-penwith.ac.uk/ib
From lecture theatre to rainforest
While studying the IB Diploma, Shosha her dream of working alongside indigenous Adie discovered her love of Anthropology communities while tracking the effects of and the environment. After a talk by climate change on the animals and plants. Operation Wallacea, a conservation research “The idea that I could go to Peruvian Amazon, organisation, at Shosha’s university, she and actively contribute to the conservation realised her dream of studying wildlife in the with my own two hands is just incredible,” Amazonian rainforest wasn’t as unrealistic as exclaimed Shosha. she first thought. Shosha described the IB as an “intense “When I listened to the researchers talking in experience” but the help she received depth about the projects they are undertaking from lecturers and members of staff was across the world, and how vital they are in “invaluable”, saying: “Without me having taken the face of climate change, I realised that this away these learning experiences from the IB, was something I really wanted to be part of,” I’m not sure I would have been brave enough explained Shosha. to tackle such a daunting task as heading to the Amazonian rainforest to join a research The month-long expedition will take Shosha to team, and raising £3000 at the same time as the Peruvian Amazon, where she will live out taking on my second year at UCL.” Shosha Adie, IB Student University Level Courses 15 Student makes Seven Deadly Sins film is triumphant finishing touches A Cornish filmmaker got a double delight during the to first commission premiere of her first film when, as well as a rousing The finishing touches have been made to a reception from those gathered, she was also presented beautiful pewter jug after a student walked away with two awards and a commission from with a national award for her work. last year’s Pewter Live.
Mature student Debra Jayne, who learnt the independent filmmaking. The judging panel Heidi Carthew, BA (Hons) Silversmithing art of filmmaking on the FdA Photography commented: “The film stood out not only in & Jewellery student at Truro and Penwith and Digital Imaging course at Truro and terms of its technical aspects but also in its College, was awarded the Best in Category Penwith College, premiered her short thriller quality and creativity.” and Best in Show awards for her geometric Seven Deadly Sins at the Penventon Park pewter herb pots, which came as a complete Hotel in Redruth, which was the central “This was one of the most incredible surprise for Heidi as it was her first time location for the film. experiences of my life,” began Debra. “When working with pewter. I got my first camera, I started to climb the After the well-received screening, the hotel’s ladder towards studying for a degree and it A post-awards conversation with one of the owner Aaron Pascoe presented Debra with helped me to find all of these talented and guests led to Heidi being commissioned to the Elevation Indie Film Award, making the supportive people at Truro College. The make her first pewter jug. evening a double celebration. tutors have such enthusiasm and they really do make you believe that you can do it; Starting the design process in the summer, The award recognises artistic and technical I can’t speak highly enough of the media Heidi had to wait until she was back at College attributes in film production and is judged and photography department.” before she could start making the jug as she by those experienced in the world of needed to access the College’s facilities. This also affected what kind of style she could make, opting for the same geometric theme as her herb pots.
Heidi has been sending off regular updates on how the commission is getting on, including her creative process, which her client has greatly enjoyed. Indeed, Heidi has been overjoyed at the overall response to her work: “The feedback I’ve had so far on the commission has been amazing.”
The cast of the Seven Deadly Sins and Debra Jayne with her award
An elite nanny in the making
Norland Nannies may be little known among star in her diploma and Harriet says she couldn’t the public but to the world’s elite – the have done it without the support of the College billionaires, celebrities and royalty – a Norland and her tutors. Nanny is perhaps the best thing since a “spoonful of sugar”. “My course tutor and lecturer has offered amazing support from the very start of my Trained to not only help care for and look after course and has helped me every step of the the children of the wealthy, Norland Nannies way to achieving my dreams. I wouldn’t be also receive instruction on how to drive cars at in the place I am without her dedication and high speed, self-defence with a pram and how expertise.” to avoid the paparazzi.
Harriet Hickling, who is currently studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Child’s Play, Learning and Development at Truro College, has just been accepted into the prestigious, internationally recognised Norland training programme and for her, it’s a dream come true.
“I was always interested in Norland but assumed I would never be able to compete with the applicants,” she said. “After attending the open day, I knew I had to go for it and chose to take the risk of tailoring my whole personal statement to just Norland. This showed the determination that I so badly wanted a place.” Harriet (right) and current Norland Nanny Thanks to Truro College, Harriet is on track to and Truro College Alumnus Abi Kohen (left) achieve the highest rating of triple distinction 16
Mike Tindall passes on his knowledge Sport students from Truro and Penwith College had plenty of questions when former England Rugby captain Mike Tindall popped in to talk to them.
Mike was visiting the College as part of Students were then able to ask Mike all the Eager to answer any and all questions with an evening of sporting celebration and questions they could think of, which ranged honesty and a sense of humour, Mike set a spoke about his experience as a young from Mike’s worst injuries and most formidable fantastic example to the students of where progressing rugby player and offered wisdom foes to his thoughts on the current players hard work and determination can take them. to the students about rugby and life, saying: emerging in the sport. “Everyone gets opportunities in life, you just have to recognise them and take them.”
Penwith College netball team in Spain Netballers head to sunny Spain Nine lucky students from Penwith College were delighted to spend an incredible week in sunny Spain with top coaches and international teams.
The lucky students travelled to Murcia, Spain Penwith College finished third, narrowly to enjoy focused workshop sessions delivered missing out on second place by one goal. by specialist coaches through the week, Coach Nadia Edyvean said: “We were out- including sessions by former England Netball classed by the first position team KTK from player and coach, Maggie Jackson. Durban, South Africa, who played with style, strength and pace.” Despite their loss, the An international tournament filled the final day, students thoroughly enjoyed the game with which saw teams from England, Scotland and one student saying it was a privilege to be on South Africa, who had been training together the same court as the KTK players. all week, play against each other using all of their newfound skills and techniques. The New Year welcomes new members to the Student Council Ace result as Taylor doubles A dedicated group of his collection of tennis medals Truro College students are looking forward to representing their fellow Foundation Studies student Taylor’s students as they take first two medals in tennis were only the their seats in the 2018 beginning as he returned from a recent student council. trip to Nottingham with another two medals swinging from his neck, one The council of 11 bronze and one a dazzling silver. members, voted for by fellow students in the Again winning the medals in both singles College, have had their and doubles tennis, Taylor proves he is a first meeting of 2018. Taylor does it again as he wins sportsman whether taking on the court on another two medals in tennis his own or as part of a team. 17 GB athlete visits College to encourage students to reach for their dreams
In honour of the Stay Healthy Fortnight, the Student Services and Health, Wellbeing and Sport (HWS) teams at Truro College organised GB Skeleton athlete Philippa Brett to come in and talk to the students about her progression in sport.
Philippa with the College’s HWS staff, members and students
Having grown up in Cornwall, Philippa Students at the College were lucky as Philippa work can get them. “I find it important to come understands how it can be harder for Cornish usually spends the winter months in Europe back here,” began Philippa. “To encourage students who want to progress in certain and America training and competing in winter Cornish students to do what they want to and areas. “There aren’t the opportunities here as sports. not to let any restrictions stop them, to push much as anywhere else,” began Philippa. “So past them.” it’s important to show that being from Cornwall The effort is certainly appreciated as it’s you can still do something impressive.” fantastic for students to see where their hard
Sport is enjoyed by all at ProjectAbility Festival
Students from across Cornwall came together to take part in a ProjectAbility Festival at Truro College.
ProjectAbility is part of the Cornwall School both facilitates events and provides superb Games, a Youth Sport Trust initiative that sports leaders to help with the delivery of the gives primary and secondary school children activities, with sport students helping out as the opportunity to take part and compete in a well. wide range of sports throughout the year. Steve Hillman, Inclusion Sports Officer This festival helps children with physical, at Cornwall Sports Partnership & Special sensory and learning disabilities participate in Olympics Cornwall, said of the day: “The a variety of sports including archery, football, event today was brilliant, we had over sixty wheelchair basketball and cricket. secondary school children here today taking part in six activities ranging from football skills The initiative delivers six multi-sport to boccia. The smiles on the faces says it events and three sport specific events in all, we’ve had fist pumps and high fives.... A Cornwall in partnership with the Cornwall massive thanks to Truro & Penwith College Sports Partnership and the School Games for hosting us and providing leaders and to Organisers. Truro and Penwith College is a Cornwall College for their leaders too.” huge supporter of ProjectAbility and kindly
Students from across Cornwall enjoy playing a range of sports 18 Grace laps up Students get a sneak peek England U20s Glory Grace Brock, first year student at Penwith of life behind the stage College, was recently called up to run for England in the Under 20 women’s team in Seville, Spain. Production Arts students from Truro College were given a “I was very excited when being asked to join peek into life behind the stage when Backstage Academy, the team,” began Grace. “Especially as it was a top live events education provider, came to visit. for the Under 20 team and I am still an under 17. I maintained the same programme in the The students, who are all currently studying worth of equipment, with the Truro students lead up to the race as this has led to success to become the sound engineers and stage emerging as the current victors. in other cross country races this season.” managers of tomorrow, were given a talk about the live events industry by none other Beth, one of the Production Arts students Grace’s training programme is obviously on than Glen Rowe, the MD of Backstage at the College, loved every minute of the point as she managed to secure a win in Academy and former tour director for Muse. Backstage Academy visit, saying: “Today has the last 600m. “I did not expect to win,” said been really interesting. I’ve learnt quite a lot Grace. “However, in the race I managed to After the talk, six students had their speed of things that I wouldn’t have learnt if I’d only stick with two of the other England athletes and organisational skills tested with the gone on the website. We’ve got a lot more and in the last 600m I made my move and Reload challenge. The fastest time from any insight into the different courses we can do surged to the front and managed to maintain of the schools or colleges visited during the and a lot more insight into where we can go this to the finish line. The whole experience Backstage tour will win their college £2000 after we leave uni.” was amazing and the crowds helped to create an excellent atmosphere.”
Second year Production Arts Grace with her trophy for the students with the Backstage U20 Women’s race in Seville, Spain Academy mascot Boo Boo eSports Academy launches at Penwith Penwith College is one of only eight Colleges in the UK to be invited to take part in the launch of an eSports championship organised by the British eSports Association, the not-for-profit organisation set up to promote and support grassroots eSports. eSports, where competitors battle it out Academy to help those involved train and against each other in a range of online fine tune their skills. computer games, is one of the world’s fastest growing sports with some stars earning David Atkinson Beaumont, Programme annual six figure sums. Team Leader at Penwith College, says: “Organised in the same way as our Rugby or The new Championship is specifically for Netball academies, Wednesday afternoons school and college students and begins with a will be strategy and practice sessions pilot in February, running across three games: with tournaments taking place at different League of Legends, Overwatch and Project times throughout the term. Students will be CARS 2; with a view to the programme rolling developing skills from leadership to problem out nationally in September. solving, as well as crucial IT and cyber skills as the championship unfolds. The ultimate Truro and Penwith College has been quick goal is to reach the grand finals, which to react to the new sport, running trials for will take place in August 2019 at the UK’s students keen to join a new eSports squad, largest gaming festival – Insomnia – at the League of Legends is just one of the games as well as setting up a specialist eSports Birmingham NEC.” students will get to play 19 Truro business wins Awards success for Siskyn Toolkit Prize Draw Sisters Emma and Sarah Rippon started Frankincense and Jasmine Facial Oil from the their business, Siskyn, after their own Natural Health International Beauty Awards. Truro-based business ‘The Cornish Food experimentation with oils for their own skin Box Company’ has received £500 worth complaints led to interest from family and To add to their success, Siskyn has been of business and professional training friends. featured in Vogue and their products have courses thanks to a unique prize draw. been included in Birchbox, Minted Box and Emma and Sarah joined the Spark Nourish Beauty Box, all of which are delivered The Cornish food delivery service Programme in August 2016, which gave to and reviewed by industry experts. was drawn at random from all of the them the advice needed to take their businesses in Truro who took part business forward. With their devotion to their corporate social in Truro College’s Business Toolkit responsibility and sustainability, which includes initiative. Business Development Their journey has been incredible so far and glass and recycled cardboard packaging and Advisors (BDAs) from the College was topped off by winning three awards vegan and 100% cruelty free ingredients, this delivered toolkits containing advice, through the Beauty Shortlist in 2017. Their local business is definitely one to watch. Find guidance and discount vouchers for a accolades continued as they went on to out more about them at www.siskyn.co.uk. range of courses to local businesses win a Special Recognition Award for their before Christmas.
Victoria Amran, Director of The Cornish Food Box Company, said: “The toolkits offer some fantastic advice and information about the training available, and the vouchers that come with them are really useful. It was also helpful to meet James Bemrose, the BDA who delivered our toolkit as we were able to have a conversation and look at the specific needs of the business. I didn’t expect us to win the £500 as well.”
Truro & Penwith College Part-time Working the dream Courses Studying a Part-time course gave a Cornish mum of two the opportunity to work from home with her children while doing what she loves.
Hanna Little had always had an interest in photography but with two children, finding the Learn a new skill, time to pursue it was hard. However, when a magazine arrived on her doorstep, Hanna gain a qualification, realised that a part-time course could be the answer. have fun and
Enrolling on Truro and Penwith College’s enhance your Recreational Photography course was indeed the key to finding a study/life balance, which career in turn led to Hanna’s ideal work/life balance.
During the course, Hanna enjoyed the “atmosphere among the students” and the “ability to lead your own learning”, saying: “My favourite part of the course was the Locations across Cornwall Have fun and meet new people amount of practical learning we got to do.” Learn a new skill or gain a qualification Hanna entered the course in the hopes she would leave confident with a camera and Visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk certainly achieved this aim, saying: “I have or call 01872 265800 or 01736 335149 successfully launched my portfolio and I get Free places available subject to eligibility. to work from home with my children, doing what I love.” 20
Students learn how to Stay Healthy As a part of its Stay Healthy Fortnight, the College hosted a Stay Healthy Fair to bring awareness and engagement to students about physical health and mental wellbeing.
Both local and national organisations attended the event to offer support, guidance and education for the students. National Citizen Service (NCS), Sustrans, Healthwatch Cornwall and Better Leisure were just some of the organisations, with the College’s own Student Services, HWS team and FdA Exercise & Fitness students adding to the broad range of stands.
The hall was packed, with students making the most of each stand. Students were able to experience the effects of alcohol by pairing beer goggles Connect Four and Snap and could test their fitness with pedal-powered bubble machines.
Lucie Morse, Student Services Assistant at the College and organiser of the fair, was thrilled with the event, saying: “We hope the event has helped inspire lots of young people to think about and take control of their health and wellbeing.”
Active8 “Superstars” HWS clean up at Mud Run Sport & Public Services students enjoyed a "Superstars" tournament to mark the end of the term with six teams taking part in handball, wheelchair basketball, volleyball and bubble football. Great fun was had by all and over £100 was raised for Penwith College’s chosen charity, Active8 - a small Cornish organisation that works to support people with physical disabilities to develop their skills, confidence and aspirations.
Truro College Health, Wellbeing and Sport regulars headed over the border into Devon to take on the challenging River Dart Mud Run.
The event attracted over 350 competitors in the two races, and also securing overall who completed either a 5k or 10k cross- victory in the 10k race. country route through the forest, over obstacles, through mud, across rivers and Julian Wills, HWS Project Lead, said: “The up and down some very steep terrain. Mud Run was a fantastic day out, where we were able to undertake a challenging event Truro and Penwith College dominated the together, yet still achieve individual goals.” podium places, with six members of the team picking up age group category prizes Oil painting workshop
Fine Art A Level students were offered the opportunity to work in oil paint alongside local artist Carol O’Toole with two amazing workshops.
Students were introduced to the basic gratitude to Carol, whose professionalism, principles of this diverse medium, working gentle humour, knowledge, warmth and with limited palettes and exploring paint enthusiasm for our students’ progress made mixing. Students worked from still lives that each day a sheer pleasure!” they devised as a response to works of art created by famous artists, producing amazing results by the end of day one.
The results spoke for themselves after the two workshops. Looking at the finished pieces you would never know that most of the students had never worked with oil paints before. Watching the students’ fearless and ambitious approach to the art form was inspiring to see.
Alex Woodhouse, Art Technician at the College, was incredibly grateful for Carol’s tutelage, saying: “We must again express our ART SUMMER SCHOOL
Fundraising on the dancefloor
Cara Clemow, the receptionist in the Mylor building at Truro College, recently danced her way to victory as she won Artwork by Robyn O’Brien the Invictus Trust’s Strictly-themed fundraiser.
Invictus Does Strictly was an eight-week long fundraising extravaganza in which twenty people came together to learn Photography Monday & Friday how to dance for charity. Every second Jewellery Monday & Tuesday of hard work and practice culminated in Digital Drawing Wednesday the final, sequin-studded show where 3D Thursday the winners and total amount raised, a whopping £17,209, were announced. Pottery/Ceramics Tuesday and Friday Mon 30 July to Fri 3 August 2018 “Working in an environment where there are a lot of young people gave me extra incentive to do this as youth mental health is a huge focus within my workplace,” Cara said. “The Invictus For more information or to book your place Trust is a charity that is extremely call 01872 265800 or email: [email protected] recognised and supported by the staff at I got involved with Invictus Truro College and their help can greatly Does Strictly as I knew Ben, Part of Truro and benefit our students.” who the charity was set up Penwith College in memory of. Cara. 22 Students wow with Dance Showcase The Greatest Day Performing Arts: Dance L3 Extended Diploma students The Greatest Day was completely wowed audiences with their annual Christmas written and recorded in Showcase. Truro College by the Music From mesmerising solo performances to Victoria Hocking, lecturer in Dance at Truro Technology L3 Extended charismatic groups, the students showed College, couldn’t believe the levels of talent Diploma students, Josiah time and again their ability to perform in a the students displayed: “The dancers were variety of ways. The performances were superb and excelled in displaying their Cole and Samuel Higman. choreographed by the lecturers as well as versatility. All the lecturers are exceptionally the students and included a range of styles proud of their hard work this term. We also Created as part of their music product including tap, jazz, contemporary and urban. thank the Production Art students who were assignment, which was to release a single in charge of the sound and lighting for the for December 19th, the students decided to The students have been working on the show. It was a great display of the talent create a Christmas Single. Josiah set to performance throughout the term, taking here at the College.” work in the studio writing and recording a inspiration from the artists they have piano demo. As the demo blew listeners been studying. Stakes were high as not away, the pair began setting up to record only did they have to perform to two live the song properly. audiences, they were also assessed on their performance. Two months of recording and production later, The Greatest Day was ready just in time for Christmas. While the creation process was stressful, with many small parts taking a long time to perfect, the end result was a hit with staff and students alike.
Thought-provoking play captivates audience Caryl Churchill’s thought-provoking and haunting play Vinegar Tom was performed by the second year students on the Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting) course at Truro College.
It was an incredible success; a Brechtian Many of the students hope to go on to study inspired visual feast full of powerful acting after College, with some having performances. One member of the audience already received offers from reputable said it gave her goose bumps while a universities such as Kent and Royal first year Performing Arts student, Lauren Holloway while others are busy preparing Beckerleg, said: “It was brilliant”. for Drama School auditions.
Cast member Alannah Batson particularly enjoyed playing a part with a political message, saying: “I loved the feminist message in the play. It was really rewarding to play such a meaty part – something we could really get our teeth into.”
Talitha Jobson, who played Betty, also said: “It was great being part of the project that taught us about putting theory into practice. I have learnt that Brecht isn’t boring!” 23 oncourse online The best of Truro and Penwith College on the web
We love to see your successes, stories and tips online. Tag us in your photos or comment on our posts. You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for our latest news and information. #trurocollege #penwithcollege #truroandpenwithcollege Foundation Studies students raise incredible amount for Nepal
A group of Foundation Studies of fundraising events, such as a raffle and students from the Volunteering the 8 Peak Challenge – a momentous task in which the students collectively walked, swam Team at Truro College went and cycled the equivalent of climbing eight above and beyond to raise of the tallest peaks in the world, which are located in Nepal. money and collect items for young people in Nepal with All together, the students raised £500 for Nissan and his mother in Nepal. Part of learning difficulties. the money was used to buy clothes and educational toys while the rest will be used to The project began after the students started fund him to attend a school in Kathmandu for learning about Nepal and comparing children with special needs. opportunities for learning there with what they have here. During these lessons, the students learnt about a 14-year-old boy called Nissan and his cousins Nissan who lives in a small village in Nepal. At the moment, Nissan is growing up without any education or support with his learning difficulties so the students began fundraising so that Nissan can receive tuition, sensory resources and develop his skills towards a more independent life. In order to raise the money for Nissan, the students held a variety All the family enjoy making music
Fundraising students getting their Students with the clothes and educational Nissan with his mother in Nepal miles done at a DofE practice walk. toys they’ve bought for Nissan
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