Spring 2013

St V incent Col lege, Mi l l Lane, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 4QA Tel: 023 9258 8311 Emai l: info@stv incent.ac.uk www.stv incent.ac.uk www.twitter.com/stv incent6FC www.facebook.com/stv incent.6FC

St Vincent College

Newsletter

INTRODUCTION By Di Lloyd, Principal

It has been another hugely busy few months at the college since our last newsletter and I hope you will enjoy reading about the wide range of activities our students and staff have been involved in.

The transformation of the college site continues day by day and the significant capital investment we have been able to make to improve our buildings, such as the cladding project and the re-vamped canteen, is now impacting positively on the student experience.

The latest project is the construction of our new Student Support Centre and Learning Resources Centre which is due to be completed by the end of the summer.

In the new centre will be a purpose-designed Careers and Higher Education Centre. This college advice service is already one of the jewels in the St Vincent crown.

Travel & Tourism students recently had their own Dragon’s Den style experience in order to complete a coursework assessment for their ‘Business of Travel & Tourism’ unit. The students were set the task of ‘spotting the gap in the market’ of the local tourism industry and developing a suitable idea to fill it. In addition to coming up with the idea, students were required to put together a presentation and business plan highlighting the feasibility of the idea. Finally, the students had to present their idea to a local tourism industry representative. John Gibbs, Gosport Borough Council’s Tourism Officer provided an expert overview on the ideas, judging which business proposition could most feasibly be offered to tourists visiting the local area. John judged the winning idea to be Erin Beetlestone’s ‘Bike n Blades’ proposal. He commented that the idea fulfilled all of the criteria and was a sound proposal that could feasibly be offered to tourists in Gosport and the surrounding area.

Over the past three years, information, advice and guidance services for young people have been under significant financial pressures and there has been a contraction in provision across the schools and college sector.

At St Vincent however, we have always believed that good guidance is essential, both before choosing a college course and on leaving college for university or employment, which is why we invest in dedicated staff in this vital area. Alistair Lambon, our Careers Manager, heads up an experienced team which was judged as 'outstanding' at a recent Matrix accreditation visit. So if you are applying to St Vincent College you can be confident that you will get the right advice to ensure your future career starts here.

Overall, John was highly impressed by the standard of the presentations and the imagination shown in the creation of the business proposals. Ideas included ‘Your Yurts and Timi’s Tipi’, a Paragliding Pod and a Zorbing Experience.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM STUDENTS STEP INTO THE DRAGON’S DEN contributed by Lorraine Hawthorne, Teacher of Travel & Tourism

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Fun Run 2012

Gosport Mayor Cllr Richard Dickson starts the 2012 St Vincent College Fun Run in aid of Children in Need and the Harbour Cancer Trust

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ST VINCENT STUDENT UNION (SVSU)

The autumn term was, as ever, a busy one for the St Vincent College Student Union (SVSU).

Amongst the activities and events that the union organised, a highlight was undoubtedly the talent show that the students arranged to coincide with Children in Need. Indeed, some of the staff and students who performed demonstrated why a future in light entertainment surely beckons. Others, however, made it clear that the charitable nature of the event was all that mattered...

On a serious note, the efforts of the SVSU, the departments that contributed to events throughout the preceding week and our Sports students who arranged the annual 'fun run' led to over £1000 being raised. The funds were divided between Children in Need and the Harbour Cancer Trust.

Aside from its charitable work and efforts with regards to health promotion, the SVSU's day-to-day business is concerned with making the student experience as positive as possible. Olivia Kempton and Luke McLeod (Chair and Vice-Chair respectively) both serve as College governors and provide the student body with a voice in terms of the decisions that affect the student community.

Olivia and Luke are due to attend the Student Governors Forum in London where they will undoubtedly share their experiences of student governance with others who give up their time voluntarily in order to represent their peers. In addition, the union is looking forward to working with student Cameron Adams to further enhance the link that the college has with the Gosport Youth Council. The Union is supporting Cameron's candidacy for the upcoming UK Youth Parliament elections. The SVSU has already started planning a number of events and activities for the remaining weeks and months of the academic year. With talks from a number of outside agencies, activities relating to Comic Relief, the continued involvement of Caroline Dinenage MP with regards to giving the student community direct access to their MP and the end-of-year party (the Summer Ball) to organise, the SVSU will continue to work hard for those that it represents. For more information regarding the SVSU's work, please contact David Mather dmather@stvincent.ac.uk.

Staff at the college get their final trim in the T7 salon after taking part in the Movember campaign to raise awareness of mens’ health issues. The total amount raised for charities in the salon alone was £292 which was divided between the college charities week (supporting Harbour Cancer Trust and Children in Need) and Movember.

OPENING TIMES Monday 9.15am – 15.30pm Tuesday 9.15am – 15.30pm Wednesday CLOSED Thursday 9.15am – 15.30pm Friday 9.15am – 15.30pm Weekend CLOSED T7 Unisex Hair Studio

For an appointment call 023 9260 3592

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A select group of dance students were chosen to benefit from a masterclass by a former student now studying at a prestigious London dance school. Christopher Spraggs, now 19, is studying dance at the Labian Trinity Conservatoire, having achieved the equivalent of six A* grades at A Level at the college last summer. ‘During his visit he led an intensive workshop,’ said college Dance teacher Nina Bradley. ‘Our dance students were auditioned and then some of them were given the opportunity to work on developing a piece in a day to be performed during the evening's performance. ‘Chris led advanced level classes and demonstrated to our students what would be expected of them if they were to pursue a performing career. It was a very important session for them.’ The college provides a range of performing arts courses, including dance, theatre and music and students progress to a variety of destinations including employment and higher education.

Christopher Spraggs (19), an undergraduate from the Labian Trinity Conservatoire, gives advice and guidance to dance student Faye Daniels (17)

DANCE MASTER CLASS BY FORMER STUDENT

TERRANCE HIGGINS TRUST Busting myths about HIV and educating students on maintaining their sexual health was the object of a talk to students by representatives from the Positive Voices campaign. Organised by the Student Union, campaign coordinator Sue Sherlock and Chris Wright from the Terrance Higgins Trust charity, told their personal stories about how they contracted HIV before fielding questions from more than 20 students. Luke McLeod said: ‘We organised the event to coincide with World Aids Day as we felt it was important that students in the college were aware of the reality of HIV. ‘There are a number of fallacies about the topic out there and Sue and Chris were excellent in the way they made it clear through their own experiences that many of the stereotypes about HIV and AIDs were myths.’ Sue and Chris, who work for the Trust on a voluntary basis, also had plenty of practical advice for the students to ensure they maintained their sexual health and knew what to do in order to get support if they suspected they may be infected. ‘It was good to come into a college because sometimes in schools the pupils are a little embarrassed to talk about the subject, but we had some really good questions here,’ said Chris, who visits educational establishments in the south east promoting the message.

Luke McLeod (left) and Olivia Kempton (right) from the Student Union with Sue Sherlock and Chris Wright from the Terrance Higgins Trust

‘In the end HIV is a virus like any other. Of course it is a nasty virus, but it can affect anyone and it is important that young people know the facts about it,’ he added. One of the key messages the pair reinforced was around the PEP programme which enables people to access treatment rapidly if they are concerned they may have come into contact with a sexual partner who might be infected.

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TRAVEL & TOURISM STUDENTS VISIT PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL PORT contributed by Lorraine Hawthorne, Teacher of Travel & Tourism Travel & Tourism students visited Portsmouth International Port to experience its recent £18m investment, as well as to consider and investigate the importance of the cruise industry to the city. Portsmouth has seen the number of cruise ships calling at the terminal increasing year on year as the cruise industry grows in popularity. Students were shown a presentation detailing the logistics of welcoming cruise passengers. They then put on high visibility jackets to participate in a guided tour of the port, including areas usually out of bounds to the general public. The trip provided everyone with a fascinating insight into the importance of the cruise industry to our local economy, as part of the cruise industry unit currently being studied by the students.

VAULTING DISPLAY IS THE FINAL TEST Contributed by Phil Love, PE Teacher A vaulting display by BTEC Sports students was the culmination of a unit of work which seeks to take the young people out of their ‘comfort zone’.

The students do a unit called ‘Individual Practical Sport’ and the 20 minute show in front of staff and students is their final session, their teacher Phil Love, an experienced gymnast himself, chooses vaulting for a reason.

‘We do badminton, which is pretty easy, but vaulting is something very few students have ever done so it gets them out of their comfort zone,’ he said.

‘The students who performed have only been doing this for ten weeks, but it is amazing the progress they have made and also the team bond it has created.

‘This unit is an excellent preparation for university, as we have many students who come back to the college and say how useful it was for their higher studies.’

The college offers a range of sport courses and students leave to go to a variety of destinations including employment, the services and higher education.

BTEC Sport student Sammy Dowdell (17) takes part in a vaulting demonstration, supported by Jamie Jinkerson (19, left) and Lee Jones (20)

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STUDENT AMBASSADORS SUPPORT MAJOR GOSPORT EVENT A team of Student Ambassadors supported a large Employability & Careers Fair in the Thorngate Halls in Gosport in January. Ambassadors are trained and experienced in meeting and greeting visitors to the College so when the request came asking if they could help out at this annual event they had no hesitation in offering their expertise. Ambassador co-ordinator Alistair Lambon said ‘this event was different and not directly linked to the College but provided the Ambassadors with some valuable experience of a large event in a different location helping visitors of all ages and from different backgrounds. They, as always, were a real credit to the College, supporting our local community and highlighting their enthusiasm and confidence in a new setting. I have a feeling they will be asked back next year!’

UPDATE FROM CAREERS Contributed by Alistair Lambon, Careers Manager

Ambassadors Alice Lording and Candi Browne at the Employability & Careers Fair, Thorngate Halls

UNIVERSITY REMAINS A POPULAR CHOICE The number of students applying for a university place in 2013 remains a popular next step for many students. The increase in tuition fees has made students think carefully but early indications are numbers are only slightly down on previous years and in line with national trends. Careers Manager Alistair Lambon explains more, ‘at the start of this application cycle we noticed a slow start to applications. I think this is explained by students taking longer and more care in carrying out their research about where and what would be the best choice for them. We are particularly proud at St Vincent of the support we put in place to help our students in this process. We have a team of ‘UCAS Tutors’ co-ordinated by our Student Support Manager who provide individual support throughout the process and they each have expertise and knowledge in a particular curriculum area. We have also established some excellent partnerships with local universities who regularly come into college and support my Careers Education Programme. This hard work seems to be paying off and we have already seen some students securing offers from top universities on some competitive courses’.

Charis White, pictured, currently studying A levels has already accepted her offer of a place at Winchester University to read English Language. She says ‘I’ve had great support throughout the process and having it all sorted now means I can really concentrate on getting the right results. I’m looking at a possible career in teaching after university’. Alistair adds ‘our support does not end once the application is in and we are now running events and offering support on applying for finance and performing well at university interviews. Gaining a place at university is often viewed as a journey and staff will be available at key points on the way.’

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ST VINCENT COLLEGE TAKES YOU PLACES! contributed by Sarat Jones, Assistant Principal Ex student Shannen Dewis is shortly to live her dream of studying in America for a year. Shannen came to St Vincent from Crofton School and studied A levels in Politics gaining a grade A*, History grade A and English Language grade B. She also gained a grade C in General Studies, a City and Guilds qualification and an Extended Project Qualification at grade B. Her dream was to gain entry to the highly competitive University of East Anglia (UEA) to study politics, which she achieved, and then to spend a year of her degree in America. Her first choice was the University of Oklahoma and she has just contacted us to let us know that she has been successful in her application! I asked Shannen about her expectations for the year ahead:

‘I shall be studying a variety of history courses as my Major is American History. I am most looking forward to the modules on the Cold War and Vietnam. I will also be studying some politics modules on American and English politics as I have to reflect my degree course (American History and Politics). I am essentially researching for my dissertation in Oklahoma, as I have to come back to UEA in my fourth year! I move over to Oklahoma in late August so it will be nice and hot! I do not know where I am staying yet, whether it will be in the University accommodation or student housing. The campus is huge so I am hopefully getting a car to get around, although everyone seems to have a horse so I may borrow one! Technically I get to be a cowgirl for a whole year! What could be better? Also they have a great American football team so I am going to go to every game! I am very very lucky that I am actually going to live my dream (cheesy as it sounds).’ We are delighted for Shannen and wish her every success in her endeavours.

FINANCE TALK SUPPORTS STUDENTS Students had the opportunity to hear first-hand about life at University and in particular the financial support available and how to manage money as a student.

Chris Walker, a 2011 honours graduate from the University of West England gave an informative and amusing talk of his own personal experiences during his time at University.

Now employed by Student Finance England, he is a member of the National Tour visiting schools and colleges providing an overview of the range of financial support available to all students. His presentation allowed him to dispel some of the myths and misinformation regarding tuition fees, loans and other forms of funding.

Kashim Ali, a second year Engineering student, who has already applied for University in 2013, said ‘I thought he was really good because his talk broke down each aspect of what my financial entitlements could be’.

Alistair Lambon, Careers Manager said ‘I thought Chris’s presentation was informative. Student finance can be for many students a complicated and daunting process and Chris succeeded in providing a good overview, linking his own personal experiences to accurate and up to date information from Student Finance England.

Left to right: Chris Walker from Student Finance England with students Kashim Ali and Laurie Jones

I know many students in the audience have already decided that university will be their next step but I also hope that some students who were undecided and may have been put off by the financial implications of applying can now make a more informed decision based on the right information’.

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EDITOR GIVES A LESSON IN HOW TO DESIGN NEWSPAPERS

Journalism students got a master class in page layout techniques from Gosport based sub-editor Steve Bone. The visit was organised by course tutor Colin Farmery to give the students an insight into how a real newspaper is put together, as well as allowing Steve to comment on their own newspaper projects they were working on. .

Steve is currently Sports Editor at the Chichester Observer and has worked for The News in the past. He is also a former St Vincent student, so was delighted to help out. ‘It is important that students know about the real world of journalism. It has changed a lot, but the fundamental principles of page layout remain the same. More and more newspapers are adopting a template approach, but you need to understand the basics,’ he said. And he was impressed with the work the students were doing. ‘There were some really good examples of layouts designed by the students, with some creative ideas.’ Colin, who has been teaching journalism at the college for more than 20 years, added: ‘The course is run by the City & Guilds and provides an excellent primer to the industry, alongside A Levels. Most of the students will progress to university to do a media-related course.’

Sub-editor Steve Bone discusses the work of journalism student Rhiannon Dennes (16) at the master class

Student Lauren Hepple said afterwards: ‘It was really helpful to hear from someone who’s been through it before.’ Originally from Liverpool, McFaul now lives on the South Coast. The visit was organised by Graphic Design teacher Jon Leftly, who knows Mcfaul personally. ‘He has certainly set the standard for the next speaker we get. It is important the students get to hear from practising professionals and be inspired by them,’ said Jon. Reflecting on his work, McFaul expressed that there was a number of clients that he would not work with again and when questioned about it, he clarified that the reasons vary; it could be a difference of opinion or otherwise. Another student was keen to know if he had ever thought it was too much and giving up, to which he replied yes – lots of times but it’s what he does best.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER SHARES CAREER TIPS WITH STUDENTS One of the country’s leading graphic designers, John McFaul recently gave an inspiring talk to creative students. Designer, creative director, consultant and owner of his own Studio, McFaul prides himself on always wanting to try new things and encouraged the students to do the same. John explained to his audience of graphics, art and photography students that he is multi-disciplined, but began his career with illustration which included work for The Guardian. He set up Black Convoy, a small design company, around ten years ago. ‘Everything I’ve done has been self-starter’, encouraging the students to take initiative in their career decisions. After leaving Black Convoy to fund his own design company, he has worked with some of the biggest companies around such as Nokia, Levi’s, Nike, Tiger Beer and Pepsi as well as directing Microsoft Internet Explorer 9’s launch party. Students were interested to know why he wanted to become a designer and what inspired him. ‘I fell into it, but I always knew what I wanted to do. As for inspiration, I was heavily influenced by the culture around me and I admire and like the work of the likes of Peter Saville and Mark Rothko.’

Designer John McFaul (centre) discusses a bike frame and skateboard he designed with students Josi Boroevics (16) and Aaron Mcleod (18)

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INSPECTION BY THE PRINCIPAL contributed by Lisa Hyde, Public Services Teacher

Public Services students were presented to Principal, Di Lloyd, as part of their Unit 4 Discipline in their Uniformed Public Services work. Students were assessed on their smart attire, confidence and demeanour in their conversation with the Principal and their general display of self-discipline.

SIXTH FORM ACADEMY QUIZ NIGHT contributed by Marcus Gough, Academy Director A well attended and highly competitive quiz night was held in the college canteen at the end of last term. A generational show down ensued between Sixth Form Academy and Access Adult Education students. Sue Roome takes over from this point and you’ll soon work out who won! ‘As an Access student it was great to be invited to a Sixth Form Academy event. It was the first such event that Access had been invited to and was tremendous fun, which may have been due to the sound thrashing we gave them all! Food, entertainment and excellent company for a quid, what more could you want? I know we hope to be included in many more Academy activities so come along and give us oldies a run for our money. I hope the 16-19 year olds are just as eager!’

CARPENTRY AND JOINERY STUDENTS MAKE THE MOST OF THE BUILDING WORKS A group of Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery students recently made the most of the building works to improve the Learning Resources Centre and visited the construction site to look at the new foundations with staff from Westmade Construction.

Ex-student, Edward Wynn, has just spent 6 months teaching at an orphanage and a variety of schools in Africa. The whole village and the chiefs put on a ceremony for him to say thank you and he was adopted as a son by one of the villagers who he lived with!

Edward has since gone on to join the Irish Guards and has just passed out of training as the best recruit in the regiment. He is now training in Aldershot before he joins 4 Company in the Falklands!

EX-STUDENT ADOPTED BY AFRICAN FAMILY!

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THANKS TO GEOFFREY HOLROYDE FROM BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE

We have been extremely lucky to have Geoffrey Holroyde, an organ scholar from Birmingham Conservatoire, to not only teach our students the organ, but to teach the students the intricacies of music harmony and theory. In particular, Geoffrey has really helped Callum Greener with his musical studies and playing. Geoffrey comes in on a purely voluntary capacity and we are extremely grateful for all his hard work this academic year.

GRADE 8 STUDENTS

We currently have four students working towards their Grade 8 exams this term. This includes, (pictured from left to right) Rhiannon Dennes, who is taking flute and looking to apply for Birmingham Conservatoire, Rowan Shulman, a pianist, who is returning next year to gain his ABRSM Diploma (Teaching), guitarist Alex Marsh, who has applied for music courses across the country and Andy Rich, a trumpeter who has been accepted into the army as a bandsman. We wish them luck!

INSTRUMENTAL DONATIONS contributed by Mike Dines, Music Teacher With the sad closure of Middlecroft Gospel Church last year, Nigel Drawn, part of the premises team at the church asked us if we would like to find a new home for two pianos, one upright and a baby-grand. We jumped at the chance and our department now has two lovely new(ish) pianos. We are so pleased that Nigel thought of us and we are currently planning our first lunchtime concerts in the studio! Should be fun!

Pianist John Burdfield 'at the wheel' of the baby-grand

CHRISTMAS MUSIC SPECTACULAR AT HOLY TRINITY Music students put on the college’s first ever Christmas Music Spectacular at Holy Trinity Church, Gosport. The concert was the brain-child of college music teachers Dr Mike Dines and Hayley Alker and Geoffrey Holroyde, Director of Music at the church. Gosport Councillors, Peter Edgar and Chris Carter were also there to support the event.

Despite the cold evening, the warm acoustics of the 300 year old church resounded to instrumental and choral music of every style and heritage, from Adele to Bach, recorded and filmed by the student technicians.

Principal Di Lloyd said: ‘I am delighted we have started this new St Vincent tradition. We were 25 years old in the summer and this is the first event of its kind which I hope will continue for our next 25 years. ‘It is important the college is at the heart of its community and this concert in this magnificent venue does just that.’

From left to right Students Rhiannon Dennes (16),

Andrew Rich (17) and John Burdfield (17)

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GOSPORT BOROUGH HOCKEY CLUB BRINGING WOMEN BACK TO HOCKEY Gosport Borough Hockey Club based at St Vincent College began running Back to Hockey as part of the Hockey Nation ‘Give it a Go’ campaign, coinciding with the London 2012 Olympic Games. It provides women of all ages with a gentle introduction or re-introduction to hockey and has proved to be a great success.

Gaynor Toms, Coach of the Back to Hockey sessions and PE teacher at the college said ‘the best part is just seeing the players realise how much they love the game and how much they missed it’! The programme has boosted the women’s section of the club so much that they have now entered a Women’s Second XI into the Hampshire Division 6.

ARMY MEDIC SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES WITH PUBLIC SERVICE STUDENTS contributed by Colin Farmery Caring for wounded soldiers from the front line were among the subjects of a talk to Public Service students by an army medic. Corporal Trevor Giles from the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps was invited to speak to an audience of more than 30 BTEC Public Services students where he explained about his specific role and life in the services. ‘This is the first time I have done anything quite like this, but I enjoyed it,’ said Trevor who lives in Gosport and went to Bay House School. He joined the navy after he left school, before switching services. ‘I told the students about my time in Kenya, where I worked on a mass vaccination programme and also my experiences in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2009. I wasn’t quite on the front line, as I was based at Camp Bastion field hospital, but the work there posed many challenges.’

Cpl Trevor Giles talks to students Gareth Bloomfield (left) and Monique Appleby about his role in the army nursing corps.

Teacher Ian Wellington, who organised the visit, said it was important the students heard what life was really like in the services. ‘Trevor gave an excellent talk about life in the modern army. One of the things our exam board insist we do is give the students exposure to the real world of the public services and Trevor did just that,’ he said. Monique Appleby, a Level 3 Public Services student in her first of two years at college, said: ‘It was a very interesting insight into life in the army, although my aim is to join the police service when I leave college.’

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St Vincent College Mill Lane Phone: 023 9258 8311

Gosport www:stvincent.ac.uk

Hants PO12 4QA E-mail: info@stvincent.ac.uk

Editor: Susan Lines

RAFTING AT FAIRTHORNE MANOR contributed by John Woodman, Teacher of Public Services

As part of the Water Based Skills Unit, both first and second year Public Services students attended an activity day at Fairthorne Manor. The main activity was rafting with students designing, building and trying out their rafts on the lake, using poles, barrels and ropes. This gave them the opportunity of demonstrating their leadership and team building skills as well as the practical techniques of rope tying and paddling. This was followed by a low ropes course which encouraged students to ‘problem solve’ various challenges, often with muddy consequences! SPORT & PUBLIC SERVICES CAMPING TRIP contributed by John Woodman, Teacher of Public Services As part of the Public Services Land Based Skills Unit and Sports Expedition Skills Unit, 40 students attended an overnight camp at Lyon’s Copse in Wickham. Students were tasked with setting up camp and cooking over open fires. We were joined by Eddie Seabourne MBE who gave a demonstration of how to use military ration packs along with some observation tasks. After a midnight game of ‘manhunt’ students settled down quickly to a comfortable night under canvass! Fortunately the rain held off until we came to leave in the morning.

Needless to say no-one remained dry but it was a great opportunity for students to review their performance and to write up development plans on their return to college.

This has become a traditional event in the Public Services calendar and provides great team bonding and building opportunities along with self-reliance, organisational skills and confidence building.

…….and a chilly start to the Spring Term!