Students attend Clothes Roadshow

On Friday 5th December, students within the Faculty of Academic and Creative Studies attended the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham.

The day included a dedicated seat in the Fashion Theatre, a fashion career seminar along with the opportunity for students to speak to representatives from several Universities offering HE courses in Fashion and Textiles.

 

With opportunities to view the work of recent graduates on the small catwalks in the venue throughout the event.

The Clothes Show was a great chance to speak with industry experts, have a look at the latest trends and get a real insight into the world of fashion.

To find out more about studying an  A-Levels at NULC contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students attend UCAS Design Future event

First and second year A Level Textile Design students attended the UCAS Design your Future event in Manchester on Tuesday 25^th November 2014.

Textile students accompanied fellow creative's from the Barton and Cliff House’s within the Faculty of Academic and Creative Studies on the day trip.  All of the students had the fantastic opportunity to talk to and receive advice from representatives from a wide range of art colleges and universities as part of the build-up to making their UCAS applications.  As well as being able to speak to course specialists, students were able to see work produced by undergraduates and attend workshops and presentations by experts.  The successful day trip was organised by Assistant Faculty Head Mike Kelly.

“Whilst in Manchester we also seized the opportunity to visit the Museum and Art Gallery where we experienced the work of media and textile artist Andrea Zapp and the 1950’s Cotton Couture exhibition.”

To find out more about studying an  A-Level in Textiles at NULC contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

A-Level Accounting and Law Students Visit Warwick University

On November 5^th a group of 29 A-Level Accounting and Law students visited Warwick University for an insight into what a Russell Group University has to offer students who aspire to a career in the professional services industry.  Students were treated to a tour of Warwick’s beautiful campus facilities hosted by a team of Warwick’s student ambassadors who, representing the diversity of Warwick’s student body, came from countries as diverse as the UK, Latvia, Poland and Holland amongst others.

 

Students were also given the opportunity to get a feel for what being in the lecture hall is like for a Warwick undergraduate.  All students took part in Law sessions entitled “The Knives Act 1997 – An Introduction to Reading Statutes” led by Dr Stephen Connelly and another on “Defamation and Privacy” led by Dr Adam Slavny.  The legal aspects were mirrored by fascinating sessions on International Business led by Dr Michel Synnott.  NULC Accounting student Katie Wilton said, “I really enjoyed the taught sessions.  The academics really challenged us but in a fun way and we were really encouraged to get involved in the analysis and debates which I really liked”.

The day concluded with a keynote address by one of Warwick’s National Teaching Fellows, Dr Ashley Roberts.  He led students through a very engaging introduction to the theory of leadership and emphasised to students the need to develop a critical faculty when establishing the merit or otherwise of the various theories he presented.

Richard Simpson, NULC’s Head of A-Level Accounting said “Warwick University put on an incredible display of what a top class university has to offer.  The sessions perfectly communicated to our students the similarities between the ostensibly diverse disciplines of Accounting and Law and embedded this notion in a clear appreciation of the increasingly international nature of large professional services organisations who might one day employ some of our students.”

Emily Phillips, NULC’s Head of A-Level Law said, “I’m sure that what our students experienced at Warwick University will encourage them to really stretch themselves academically and will have had a very positive influence on their understanding of what might be possible for them in the future.”

To find out more about studying A-Levels in Accounting and Law at NULC contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

 

 

 

AS Media Students record latest College radio advertisement

On Monday 22 September 2014, three AS Media students arrived at Signal 1, Staffordshire and Cheshire’s local radio station, to help promote Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s (NULC) open events, the first taking place Monday October 6 at 5.30 – 8.00pm.

Forty-eight students put their names forward for the opportunity to provide voice overs for the advert with Marcus Wingrove, Jessica Crabtree and Ali Hussain selected as the lucky three to help market and represent the College.

The students accompanied by Tara from Schools Liaison met the team at Signal who are involved in numerous successful advertising campaigns and lent their vocal talents to provide their experiences of College life and the opportunities presented to them at NULC, these will be used across a number of adverts airing on Signal 1 to promote the College’s open events over the course of the next few months.

All three students were a credit to the College remaining professional throughout and gaining a valuable insight into the world of radio advertising.

Listen out for the advert airing in the near future on Signal 1 in the run up to the first open event on October 6.

To find out more about studying AS Media at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Further events are planned to take place on: Thursday 13 November, 5.30pm to 8.00pm, Thursday 4 December, 5.30pm to 8.00pm, Saturday 24 January, 10.00am to 12noon and Thursday 12 March, 5.30pm to 8.00pm.

Film studies students shortlisted for BFI film award

A2 Film Studies student Elly - Louise Walker has been shortlisted for a BFI film award.  The competition was open to all schools and colleges across the country and over 600 entries were received by the board.  There are only four awards and Elly's film ‘A bottle of Innocence’ has been selected for the Best Short Film category.  The film has a beautiful story centring upon the innocence of childhood filmed using live action and animation.

Well done Elly!

Photography students scoop awards in university competition

Four photography students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have been recognised in a university photography competition.

Danielle Cooper, aged 18 was awarded Silver in the New Creatives Awards by Derby University for her photography entry titled ‘Landscapes’.  Danielle from Fenton studies A Levels in Photography, Media Studies and Textiles at NULC and received £150.00 prize money with judges commenting: "Danielle's image is a very imaginative response to landscape via the use of still-life. The use of poppy flowers and ferns evoke the shape of land and trees with the graduated light source creating a twilight sky.”

In addition to the top awards, three First year photography students Eirene Georgakakou, Olivia Christie and Hollie Jones received commendations from judges.

Former Trentham High School pupil, Eirene, aged 17 was commended for "Eirene has crafted a very beautiful and carefully made image investigating the historical qualities of photography in response to the genre of landscape. The image very effectively evokes the presence of the observer in the environment with use of shallow depth, movement and the visual presence of optics."

Olivia, aged 17 studies AS Levels in Photography, Media, English Language and Business Studies submitted ‘Child running into a pool of light’.  Judges commented: “Olivia's image, capturing the moment a child enters a pool of light as he runs off to play, is a beautifully judged moment. The image has been effectively composed with the adult figure to the right side of the frame and the deep tones of the woods against the brightness of sunlight on the path."

Hollie Jones, aged 17 from Sneyd Green submitted ‘Ballet Dancer’, judges commented: “Hollie has created a subtle and carefully perceived layered image of a dancer. The way the superimposed images of the figure coincide with each other draw the viewer into anticipating movement and action."
The New Creatives Awards are organised by Derby University to find up-and-coming creative stars of the future.

To find out more about studying creative A Levels at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students awarded summer school placements

Four Sixth Form students from NULC have been awarded places on summer schools at prestigious UK universities.

The summer schools are organised by the Sutton Trust.  For over 15 years, the Sutton Trust has worked with leading universities to improve access for low and middle income young people.  The key initiative is the summer school programme for Year 12 students from state-maintained schools. The week long, campus-based summer schools allow bright students from non-privileged homes a taste of life at a leading university and to gain an insight into what it is like to live and study as a first-year undergraduate student. 

The students who are taking part are:
Caroline Layzell – Nottingham (Engineering, mathematics and computer science)
Scott Huson – St Andrews (Physics and Astronomy)
Meg Allingham – Durham (Geography)
Jacques Dunn – Cambridge (Chemistry)

A Level students visit Oxford University

Click the picture below to read student comments from the Oxford University visit.

 

A Level students visit Oxford and Cambridge Student Conference

Click the picture below to read student comments from the Oxford and Cambridge Student Conference.

 

 

A Level students meet Justice Secretary

Tony Cox, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle, invited Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP, to talk to students at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.

During his opening speech Tony Cox, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle, commented: “I couldn’t think of anywhere better than Newcastle-under-Lyme College to showcase what Newcastle-under-Lyme has to offer.”

Over 50 students studying A Level Law, A Level Government and Politics and BTEC Level 3 Public Services were invited to meet Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP on Friday afternoon.

Students had the opportunity to grill Mr Grayling about current government policy and aspiring young politicians were able to gain an insight as to how the Minister himself got in to politics as he provided advice and guidance to students wishing to pursue a career in politics.
 
When asked about the importance of politics, Mr Grayling stated: “Politics makes a
difference to everyone’s life.” With Mr Cox adding: “If there is something you want to change then I encourage you to get involved in politics locally.”

Karen Dobson, Chief Executive and Principal at NULC, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Grayling to Newcastle-under-Lyme College.   Opportunities such as the Secretary of State for Justice visiting us allow our students to gain an insight into the skills and diplomacy needed to progress in to a career in politics at both a national and international level."

“During the visit students were given the opportunity to question Mr Grayling about current legislation, providing an insight in to the thought process and decision making needed when introducing new legislation.”

To find out more about studying at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students enjoy private performance of Henry V

On Friday 14th March, students studying AS and A Level Theatre Studies and Level 2 Performing Arts went to see a free performance of Henry V.  The visit was organised by Patrick Shanahan of Synectics Solutions based in Newcastle under Lyme. 

Synectics Solutions have sponsored the theatre company, Propeller and kindly invited local schools and colleges to see a pocket version of the play. 

Pocket Henry V tells the heroic tale of England’s greatest warrior. Watch how Henry V prepares to lead England into battle against a mighty French opponent with his band of brave, loyal brothers.

Sharp English weapons combine with Shakespeare’s noble words to bring our history to life in this pocket-sized show for young audiences. In a world where loyalty and courage are put to the test, will Henry V and England prevail and win the day?

After their phenomenal international tour of Henry V, Propeller brings this legendary English story to the stage in a pocket, sixty minute reimagining.

Under the direction of Edward Hall, Propeller is an all-male company that brings Shakespeare’s texts to life with their trademark clear, humorous and enlightening style.
Natalie Weatherer,Programme Leader AS/ A Level Theatre Studies at NULC, said: "We were very lucky to get tickets and the opportunity to attend which also included a Q and A session with the cast after the performance."

The NULC students were the only ones in attendance and had a private performance of show.  The students found the show lively, exciting and fun -something which the Propeller’s aim to create – they want to make Shakespeare interesting and exciting for young people.

To find out more about studying AS and A Level Theatre Studies at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

6th Form students take part in Youth Speaks competition

Sixth form students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have taken first and second places in a public speaking contest.

Six AS/A Level students from NULC took part in the Youth Speaks competition run by the Rotary Club of Newcastle-under-Lyme on the evening of Thursday 6 February.

The competition took place at Newcastle under Lyme School with NULC students Sian Docksey, Frankie Morgan and Rianne Shelley discussing ‘It’s the taking part that counts’ and Megan Allingham, Gabriel Bailey and Edward Boyd discussing ‘Would you have killed Hitler?’. Two teams from Newcastle under Lyme School also competed.

Sian, Frankie and Rianne came first on the evening and each won a cash prize and a voucher.

Frankie aged 18 from Eccleshall, who also won the ‘Best Individual Speaker’ award on the night, said: “I felt really honoured to take part in this competition and represent the College when talking about important topics. It’s also great fun and helps increase your confidence and skills when speaking in public.”

The winning team have now been invited to take part in the district finals on the 6 March at the Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton.

Megan, Gabriel and Edward came 2nd in the closely fought competition.

To find out more about studying AS/A Levels at NULC, call us on 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk or click here.

Paris residential

On Friday 31st January Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) AS/A Level Art, Design, Film, French and Media Studies students went to Paris on a 4 day residential. We visited various culturally significant landmarks and locations Musee D’Orsay and the Louvre (pictured).





The students were fantastic ambassadors for the college and displayed exemplary behaviour. Many thanks to the staff who accompanied the students: Mike Kelly, Michael Lacoult and Verica Travar-Williams. 

It was the 4th annual Paris trip I have run to Paris, the students also visited the Eiffel Tower at night, Champs Elysees, and Notre Dame many taking images and producing sketches to improve their portfolios or practicing French conversation.

 

NULC offers art and creative related A Level courses in Art, Dance, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Media Studies, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Product Design, Textiles and Theatre Studies.

To find out more about courses visit www.nulc.ac.uk, call 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.



Natalie Weatherer
Curriculum Leader for AS Media and AS/A Level Theatre

Music students inspired by North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra

In an exciting new initiative the North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra is providing Music students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College with a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of one of their A Level set works.
 
A group of ten students from Newcastle College attended a rehearsal last Monday evening where they were able to sit alongside orchestra members. During the interval they talked to conductor, Peter Stallworthy and Sheila Dexter, the leader.

Harriet Johnson, Lecturer in Music at the College comments: “It is so important that the music students hear the music they are studying live. To be given the opportunity to watch the orchestra working on the Symphony was invaluable. By attending the rehearsal they got to hear how the orchestra tackled the intricacies of the work and were truly enlightened by the experience. We’re looking forward to joining the orchestra again soon”.

The students were enthusiastic about being involved in a live performance of their set work. Here are some of their comments:

“Fantastic to hear the music we are studying live – a completely different experience from just listening to a recording”

“A great opportunity to play with an experienced orchestra”

“So inspiring – I’m going to start playing my clarinet again”

“Interesting and useful to hear the different sections of the orchestra playing separately  - very helpful when studying a big work like the Beethoven’s Symphony No.1”

“It was great to see the rehearsal process and watching how the players all worked together with Peter Stallworthy”

“An enlightening experience”

Students will also be attending the actual concert performance on Saturday evening. The initiative will be repeated in March and April when students will attend rehearsals of another of their set works, Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5.

The orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No.1 as part of their concert at 7.30 pm on Saturday, February 1st at Wolstanton High School, Newcastle under Lyme. Tickets are available on the door: Adults £8 Students £3.

International Human Rights Day

As part of the College’s activities for International Human Rights Day on Tuesday 17 December, A Level Music student Ingrid Schwartz performed a music piece for fellow students.

Talented Ingrid hopes to enter into Amnesty International’s Young Songwriters Competition, we wish you the very best of luck.

Former student works on Will.I.Am tour

Former NULC student Steph Whieldon returned to college to give an inspirational talk to current AS and A Level Theatre and Performing Arts students.

Steph is currently studying for a BA (hons) Degree in Technical Theatre Arts at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  She started studying in September and was one of 16 students chosen from over 500 applications.  The Guildhall School of Music and Drama is currently ranked second in the world.

Natalie Weatherer, Curriculum Leader in AS Media Studies and AS/A Level Theatre Studies, said: "Myself and Faye Matthews are particularly proud of Steph as she was from our first intake of AS Theatre students in 2010, and to have a student attend such a prestigious school is amazing."

Steph spent around an hour talking about her experiences at university, life in London, the transition from college to higher education, and the application process for theatre school. She also spoke about her experience working on Will.i.am’s tour in December 2013 at the O2 in London.  Steph was working on the sound for the celebrity and his various musical guests including Cheryl Cole.  She said it was incredibly exciting and superb experience for her degree, where she will eventual specialise in Stage Management in her final year.