What can I do after College? What do I need to do to get there? These were just some of the questions posed by students as Brockenhurst College hosted a series of events throughout its annual Progression Day.

Leaving College and deciding on the next step to take can be a daunting experience, so the event was designed to inspire and inform current students as to the vast range of options available to them, and to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Representatives from major employers including JP Morgan and IBM and were on hand to offer support and guidance to those deliberating which career path to take, and to give advice about the world of work, tips for CV writing and interview techniques.

For students thinking of going to University, there was practical advice available on a range of topics, from the UCAS application process, to subject–specific workshops run by universities from all over the South, providing an insight into studying at degree level. For those planning on heading straight into employment, staff from the National Apprenticeship Service provided information about work-based training options.

The keynote speech was delivered by Rob Forkan, a former Brock student who studied BTEC Sport and GCSE English at the College in 2003. Rob, and his brother Paul, have since created Gandys, a flip flop brand that raises money for orphans all over the world. The young entrepreneurs established Gandys Flip Flops after the tragic loss of their parents in the 2004 tsunami. Gandys gives 10 per cent of its profits to the brand's 'Orphans for Orphans' initiative, which supports projects abroad in providing education and health care for children in need; the scheme has an overall goal of opening a children's home in Goa by the end of 2014 - the 10th anniversary of the tsunami.

Rob ran several sessions at Brock’s Progression Day entitled, ‘Working life are you up for it?’, where he spoke to students about the journey he has been on in establishing the brand.

His talks were attended by hundreds of students interested in the compelling story behind the development of the stylish and vibrant product, which has been endorsed by a range of A-list celebrities and is stocked by major retailers across the UK. Rob’s overarching message to them as they consider their next steps after College was: “If you have the right attitude and are persistent and bold, you can achieve anything you want to.”

Reflecting on his time at Brock, Rob said: “My education here gave me a great grounding and taught me really important core skills; through working on projects as part of my course I developed a strong work ethic, learnt the importance of attention to detail and realised that if you want to succeed you have to put 100 per cent into whatever it is you are working on.”

One student said: “I’ve had such an enjoyable day and I feel really inspired having attended the range of workshops – especially Rob’s talk. It’s great that the College helps prepare us for the world outside of education, as well as supporting us while we are studying here.”
 

Brockenhurst College’s up-and-coming artists, designers and media stars will be showcasing their innovative and inspiring work at the ever-popular end of year Visual Arts and Photomedia Show this week.

The three-day exhibition runs from 2nd- 4th July and is a celebration of students’ hard work and commitment throughout their A level and vocational Sixth Form courses. It will feature a diverse range of art, including fine art, 3D, textiles, photography and new media. The Visual Art and Photomedia departments have an excellent reputation for developing young talent, and have been consistently graded ‘outstanding’ in Ofsted inspections.

Art and Design student Mica Halligan has put weeks of intensive preparation into her exhibit, a series of Japanese-inspired paintings. She said: “Studying Art and Design at Brock has been a really creative experience. I have received lots of guidance, but have also had the freedom to explore the styles and techniques that I am particularly interested in. I hope to go to Art College after studying at Brock, and my course has been excellent preparation – as is the opportunity to display my work at this exhibition; it’s very exciting to think that so many people will be viewing something I have worked so hard to prepare!”

George Popesco, Head of Art at the College said: “The show offers members of the local community the chance to come on to campus and enjoy the outstanding quality of work that is produced here at Brock. The students are making the most of this opportunity to get their work seen before many of them go on to study at some of the country’s top universities.”

Everyone is welcome at the Art and Photomedia end of year show at Brockenhurst College from Tuesday 2nd – Thursday 4th July, 10am – 3pm. Entry is free, but visitors should report to reception when they arrive.
 

Brockenhurst College students are celebrating after being named ‘Amazing People’ at this year's Solent EBP awards.

The awards were hosted by the Solent Education Business Partnership (Solent EBP), in collaboration with Southampton and Hampshire Local Authorities and community and business sponsors, to celebrate young people’s preparation for adult life and work, many of whom may have overcome personal barriers to achieve success.

Rachel Holland, who is studying a Level 3 BTEC in Sport & Exercise Science at Brock, won the award for ‘A student who has maximised his/her work experience placement to best effect,’ after completing a placement with Dr Tim Holder, Applied Sport Psychologist at the University of Chichester. During the placement she had the opportunity to work with Team GB's synchronised swimmers. Rachel was thrilled to be chosen, and said: “I am so pleased to have been awarded this prize and really enjoyed the placement with the University.”

In the category for ‘Amazing people who have overcome personal barriers to achieve vocational qualifications’, Brock student Tiffany Dale won the top prize.

Tiffany has been part of the College’s Flexibrock programme, a scheme that aims to support students who may not otherwise have had access to college education.
The flexible and personalised nature of the programme enabled Tiffany to study Functional Skills and undertake a vocational Level 1 Childcare course, with support from the Skills Development team, as well as undertaking relevant work experience at Brock’s Highwood Nursery. Jacquie Maguire, Brock’s Network Partnership Operations Co-ordinator, said: “Despite personal difficulties, Tiffany has remained focused and engaged in her education and will be progressing on to a Level 2 Health & Social Care course from September.” Tiffany’s ultimate aim after finishing College is to pursue a social work career so she can support young people with difficulties and unstable backgrounds.

Another Brock student, James Wells, was also highly commended in this category at the awards ceremony. James has shown great determination and committment to his BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, despite suffering the after-effects of treatment for a serious illness. James said: “I appreciate the recognition for what I have achieved under my unfortunate circumstances. I am hoping to go to university and study sport & exercise science and eventually work within a sport science department at a professional sports club.”

Victoria Green, Rachel and James’ personal tutor, attended the awards to cheer them on. She said: “The awards event was an inspiring occasion in which many students and adults were acknowledged for their achievements within education and business ventures. I’m delighted that Brock students had their efforts and on-going hard work recognised so highly.”
 

If you are aged 24 or over and want to take a course with Brockenhurst College, you may now be entitled to a loan to help you pay for the course fee.

The 24+ Advanced Learning Loan is easy to apply for, doesn’t involve a credit check and you don’t have to pay it back until you’re earning over £21,000
a year.

Eligible courses include A levels, Access to HE Diplomas, level 3 and level 4 Certificates and Diplomas, and Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships.

For further information about the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan, please contact us on 01590 625500 or email Mary Sansom, Adult Learning & Skills Coordinator amsansom@brock.ac.uk

You can also find out more at:

www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans/overview

and

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
 

Principal, Di Roberts said: “Once again, Brockenhurst College students have attained outstanding A level results and I am tremendously proud of their individual achievements in this, our centenary year. I also take pride in the overall success of the College and thank the staff and parents for the part they have played in our students’ achievements.  This is, as always, a great day of celebration for us all and I wish all the students who leave us today every success for the future.”

A team of Brockenhurst College students is celebrating after successfully swimming the Channel to raise funds for the Aspire charity.

The 22-mile relay took place on 14th August and saw six plucky Sixth Form students swim from Dover to Calais in 12 hours and 30 seconds. They took it in turns to swim, supported by a dedicated team boat throughout the crossing.

The group of students, Libby Pardoe, Hannah Stevenson, Simon Price, Ali Rogers, Cianan Mann, Adam Gough, and reserve swimmer Isobel Pope, named themselves Aspire Team Brock, and have become the first College team to complete this challenge. They began preparations over six months ago, with a rigorous training schedule in all weathers to ensure they were all fit and ready. They are all keen athletes, but none had attempted a challenge on this scale, and in such demanding conditions, before. In the lead-up to the swim, each individual student dedicated themselves to raising £1,500 – as well as securing pledges from friends and family, they also organised various fundraising events to bring in the necessary money.

The monies raised by the team are being donated to the renowned Aspire charity, which provides practical support to the 40,000 people with a spinal cord injury in the UK, helping them to lead fulfilled and independent lives. The charity, established in 1982, has been organising annual Channel Swims since 2009 and sees a variety of teams from across the UK participate each year.

Aspire Team Brock says of the achievement: “We are very tired but it was an amazing experience, and the opportunity to raise money for Aspire has made it even more of a special accomplishment.”

Fundraising and Marketing Director at Aspire, Paul Parrish said: “We are delighted that the students of Brockenhurst College have taken on this iconic challenge to raise much needed funds. Swimming the Channel is a huge undertaking for anyone and these teenagers are tremendous role models to everyone at the College and within the local community. The money they have raised will be invaluable in helping people with spinal cord injury to lead independent lives.”

Principal of Brockenhurst College, Di Roberts said: “This is an outstanding achievement; our students have exhibited amazing dedication and courage as they undertook this incredibly difficult challenge. I was so proud as they set off from Dover, and I am also so very grateful to everyone who has supported them in their fundraising endeavours for such a worthy charity.”

Anyone who would still like to support Aspire Team Brock can make a donation by visiting: www.justgiving.com/TeamBrock
 

We are looking for families, single parents, retired couples and singles to join our Host Family Accommodation programme for international students. Host families must be open to other cultures and interested in the well-being of students. Hosting a student is a rewarding experience for the whole family and provides an excellent opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are looking for host families who can provide:

- An English speaking cultural environment
- Daily interaction with their students, involve them in activities and treat them as true members of the family
- Accommodation within 30min from Brockenhurst and close to good transportation links
- A private furnished room for each student
- Internet access
- 2 meals per day during week days, 3 meals per day during weekend, holidays and non-term time

All applicants and properties will be interviewed and screened carefully. DBS (previously CRB) checks will be conducted for all residents over the age of 18.
Fee: approximately £120/week depending on location and available facilities

For more information, please email Ms Lauren Jarrad, International Student Experience Officer, at ljarrad@brock.ac.uk or call 01590 625555

 

Brockenhurst College has celebrated the success of its students with a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening held at the College on 20th September. Students received awards for a wide array of achievements including Science, Maths, Apprenticeships, Law and Business, Computer Science, Public Services, Sports, Performing Arts and Adult Learning. A number of memorial awards were presented to students who had achieved exceptional outcomes through hard work, dedication and commitment. 

Many of the awards were sponsored by national and local companies who work with the College to offer work placements, training opportunities or other aspects of students’ learning. Representatives from the sponsors were present at the event and included those from Travis Perkins, McCarthy & Stone, Southampton Solent University, Norco GRP Ltd, Chewton Glen, GEO Specialty Chemicals, Doughty Engineering, the University of Southampton, Colten Care, Echo Pilot, Ratio and Forest Arts. 

Neil Calderwood of McCarthy & Stone, commented: “We are pleased once again to be involved with Brockenhurst College and these awards, which recognise the hard work the students have put into their education.” Mike Heathman of Travis Perkins said: “The College helps students realise their potential and enables industries such as ours to access this precious resource at the earliest opportunity.” 

This year’s Student of the Year accolade was awarded to Thomas Nagel for his outstanding achievement across a range of A level subjects including Physics, Maths and Chemistry. He commented: “I’m really grateful to have received this award – I’d like to thank my parents for their support and the entirety of Brockenhurst College’s staff, especially the STEM teachers. I’d like to dedicate this award to the late Corrine Williams, who was my tutor while at Brock.” 

Andrea DoCouto Azcarate collected this year’s prize for Science Student of the Year. She said: “During my time at the College I have been amazed by so many of my peers and teachers, without whom I wouldn’t be in the position I’m now in. I’ve discovered my true passion, biology, which I hope to go on to study at university.” 

Jack Case was awarded the prize for Mathematics Student of the Year. He will shortly be going to Cambridge to read Mathematics and said: “I am very grateful to be receiving this award and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Brock. I would like to thank my teachers for the support I have received during my time here.” 

Ellen Hill picked up the prize for English and Languages Student of the Year. “I’m really pleased to have received this award; I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Brock and look forward to starting a degree in Spanish and Italian at the University of Oxford,” she said. 

Receiving two awards on the evening was Emma Absolom; firstly she was named the Outdoor Education, Leisure and Tourism Student of the Year and secondly, received the Nathan Ridler Memorial Award, which is presented to acknowledge a student’s specific commitment to helping others. Emma said of her achievements: “Receiving these awards has made my time at Brock even more worthwhile, and I will really miss the College when I go to university.” 

Alastair Rogers also received two accolades; the Sport and Fitness Industry Student of the Year and the Chris Campbell Memorial Prize, which recognises outstanding coursework. He said: “My time at Brock has been great. I have learnt so much and have been so well supported by my teachers and personal tutor.” 

The Captains Club Hotel, of Christchurch, Bournemouth, was named as Employer of the Year at the event. For four years, Brockenhurst College has worked closely with the owners and staff at The Captains Club to look at all areas of staffing in the hotel, including restaurant service, professional cookery, supervision in management and housekeeping. The working relationship has allowed the implementation of relevant training programmes to benefit the business and help staff members develop in their roles. 

The finale of the evening saw the commendation of Aspire Team Brock, a group of students who swam the English Channel in August to raise funds for the Aspire charity, which provides practical support to the 40,000 people with a spinal cord injury in the UK. The group of students - Libby Pardoe, Hannah Stevenson, Simon Price, Alistair Rogers, Cianan Mann and Adam Gough - were welcomed on stage and praised for their amazing dedication and courage in undertaking the incredibly difficult challenge. 

The Gala Dinner event was held in the main hall at the College, and as well as watching the award presentation, guests also enjoyed a gourmet menu prepared and served by students from the College’s popular Catering and Hospitality courses. 

Principal, Di Roberts, commented: “This year’s Gala Dinner comes at the end of a week of celebrations to mark the College’s centenary and 100 years of educational excellence at Brock. The event celebrates the success of students who have achieved so much in their time here; these students have truly made the most of their lives through learning and the awards reflect our diverse curriculum and community of learners. The success of our students gives me immense pride in our teaching and support staff, whose hard work and dedication makes Brock so unique. I would like to thank the parents, families and others who have supported students in their studies and encouraged them to achieve their goals. I congratulate each of them on their achievements to date and I look forward to following their continued success as they progress to higher education and employment. I know that they will make a real contribution to our society and become outstanding ambassadors for Brockenhurst College.” 

David Yates, Chair of Governors of the College, said: “It was a privilege once again to join the staff and students of Brockenhurst College as they celebrate their tremendous achievements. We continue to strive for excellence in all we do here and these awards are confirmation of our continued success. I join Di in congratulating these students and thank them for the contribution they have made to the College; I wish them every success for their future studies and careers.”

Young people who completed the National Citizenship Scheme over the summer gathered at Brockenhurst College on Friday 4th October to receive their certificates. 

The evening celebrated their achievement in participating in the nationally-recognised programme, which offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to 16-17 year olds to build fundamental skills for work and life, whilst making new friends and playing their part in helping the community. 

The students attended Brockenhurst College where Desmond Swayne MP, presented them each with a certificate that had been personally signed by Prime Minister, David Cameron. 

As part of the ‘social action’ aspect of the programme, the students spent time over the summer holidays taking part in a range of projects in the interest of the local community, including setting up a Horseshoe Garden for the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy,  designing and implementing a children’s play area, creating gardens and painting storage areas for the Phoenix Centre in New Milton. They also worked with local film producer Jonnie Dean to develop and launch ‘A Child’s Dream’, a film about world peace, at the  Forest Arts Centre. 

Whilst giving something back to the local area, these projects also enabled the group to think and work creatively, enhancing their own skillsets and developing attributes such as teamwork, leadership and effective communication. 

Jacquie Maguire and Kevin Message organised the programme at Brockenhurst this year. Jacquie said: “These young people have worked together, made new friends and supported each other while having fun and developing important new skills. Many have now developed a new interest in volunteering or taking part in community activities, and they have all developed greater confidence, self-awareness and confidence through taking part in the scheme – I was extremely proud to see them graduate.” 

Brockenhurst College Uniformed Public Services students took part in Remembrance Day commemorations on Sunday.

Students attended the service held at Brockenhurst Church, and six were chosen to read the names of the fallen.

Following the church service, the students marched to the War Memorial in Brockenhurst Village to lay a wreath of poppies.

Second year Uniformed Public Services Level 3 student, Olly Cooper, said: "As we are all army cadets, it is respectful for us to take part in the Remembrance parade. It is our way of showing we care about those who have died at war and that they are all missed dearly."

Four students from Brockenhurst College are celebrating after being selected for the final of WorldSkills UK’s Skills Show, the UK’s largest talent and careers event, to be held at the Birmingham NEC on 14th -16th November.

The Skills Show aims to inspire and transform young people’s lives through a series of interactive events and competitions held across the UK, changing the way we think about skills, training and apprenticeships. Lucy Jones and Laura Wills will be competing in the Professional Restaurant Service category, which focuses on the role and skills required in the professional restaurant service environment. This involves the service of a range of food and drink offered in contemporary and traditional environments over three days, including cocktails, coffees, crêpes suzettes, decanting wine, carving salmon and chateaubriand, afternoon tea and lunch service.

Ash Read and Ryan Easterbrook will be contenders in the Culinary Arts section of the competition, which concentrates on the role and skills of a professional chef. This involves the preparation and cooking of a range of foods and dishes which reflect both modern and traditional cuisine, including veal, fish, quail and dessert.

Lucy and Laura were chosen to compete after their successful performances in the Wessex Salon Culinaire, a live cookery competition held at Brockenhurst College in April, and Ash and Ryan were selected after being an integral part of the catering team at the College’s Brock 100 Fundraising Dinner in September.

John MacArthur, Head of Hospitality at the College, commented: “We are thrilled that Lucy, Laura, Ash and Ryan have been recognised by a prestigious organisation such as WorldSkills.  Their impressive performances at the Wessex Salon Culinaire and Brock 100 events will no doubt stand them in good stead for such a high-profile competition. We wish them every luck at the Skills Show.”

Brockenhurst College’s industry-standard catering facilities and high-quality teaching consistently produces highly-trained and professional students equipped with the skills, techniques and personal attributes needed to excel in a range of roles across the hospitality industry. Our on-site fine-dining restaurant, MJ’s, provides an environment in which students train in the preparation and service of food and drink, as well as developing customer care and a variety of related business skills. Students also embark upon work placements with local establishments such as the renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, allowing them to gain invaluable on-the-job experience. Brockenhurst College is also the home of the New Forest Cookery School; offering expert culinary tuition for all ages - using local produce - in a professional, friendly environment. Small and personal, group classes ensure students get the most from each course, developing skills and creating fabulous food.