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.