College News

Tanks for a great day!

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Students from Level 2 and School Plus Public Services enjoyed a three day trip to Tenby in May. The students stayed at Penally Camp alongside Royal Marines, the Royal Navy and The Army . The weather was kind to them on day one and they walked the Pembrokeshire Coastal path from Saundersfoot to Tenby. On the second day the group went on a seal and bird safari to Caldey Island followed by a visit to Oakwood Theme Park. The best experience of all came on day three when they visited Castle Martin Ranges to see live Challenger Tanks firing with the Kings Royal Hussars based in Tidworth, Wiltshire. This was a truly amazing experience.

Public Services Expedition to Normandy

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN UNIFORMED PUBLIC SERVICES (YEAR 2) EXPEDITION TO NORMANDY 13^th – 16^th May 2013

Once again second year students of the Level 3 Uniformed Public Services landed on the beaches of Caen to explore the history and commemorative heritage of Normandy. The four day mission behind the French lines included experiencing overwhelming images of the British Cemetery at Ranville, and the moving yet magnificent American graves at Colville, profoundly stretching towards the western horizon as far as the eye can see. The German graves of La Cambe provided a stark and menacing contrast without losing any meaning or reflective reverence. Pegasus Bridge museum and the 360 degree Cinema above the picturesque seaside town of Arromanches provided further perspectives that reinforced the gravity, enormity and respect due to those historic days in June 1944.

Emotions were temporarily rested for the final days venture to Disneyland Paris where the Parisian sunshine added to the fun and spectacle of the fair. A day of merriment, tears, fright and nausea!

The repatriation home courtesy of Brittany ferries signified a successful end to the four day assignment and the beginning of a lifetime of memories.

Pearson Teaching Awards winner

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Congratulations to Kath Morgan, who was awarded a Distinction certificate as part of the Pearson Teaching Awards for FE Teacher / Lecturer of the Year 2013 on Friday. Kath was a runner up in the Whole Wales category which is a fantastic achievement. The Pearson Awards are more than just a pat on the back for the individuals recognised. Through celebrating the winners, they highlight the importance of the teaching profession as a whole, and the positive effects that a good teacher can have on the lives of many.

Having been selected as a finalist back in February, the judging panel then arranged a visit to the College to experience a typical day here, and following that, selected their winners. Kath was presented with her award at the official "Thank a Teacher Day", on 17th May, where she was surprised with her certificate by Head of Department Jane Wattleworth.

"Kath was a runner up in the Whole Wales category which is a fantastic achievement - it really reflects the impact that she's had on the students, and on the department as a whole" said Jane.

Kath Morgan receiving her award

Peter Hain MP visits Pencoed campus

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

"The Severn Barrage – A No Brainer"

Neath MP Peter Hain visited Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus at the start of May, to talk to students, lecturers and local societies on the subject of the proposed Severn Barrage. “The Severn Barrage – A No Brainer” covered a range of points on the project – something that Mr Hain has described as being “by far the most exciting green investment project that Wales has seen to date”. Describing how the Severn Barrage would have a bigger and more positive impact on the Welsh economy than anything else for the foreseeable future, Mr Hain also went on to talk about its potential as the biggest renewable energy project in Europe – with the potential to generate around 5% of the UK’s electricity needs, by harnessing the tidal energy of the river Severn.

Attendees included members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Federation of Master Builders, and Cardiff University, as well as students from Bridgend College’s Construction Academy and Engineering department. During the Question and Answer section of the talk, the audience posed a number of interesting questions – covering such topics as lessons learned from the Rance Barrage in Brittany; the funding needed to make such a project possible; the effect of such a project on the local infrastructure; and the potential job opportunities for those currently training in the construction and engineering industries.

The talk provided a fantastic insight for the students and visitors alike into the planning of such a project, with Mr Hain being kind enough to go into some detail about the challenges faced, as well as his hopes for the future of the region, should the construction of the barrage go ahead. With the subsequent announcement of companies such as DHL, Bechtel, consultants Mott MacDonald and URS corporation joining Hafren Power in this project, it will certainly be one to watch in the coming months.

Many thanks to Peter Hain MP for taking the time to give this talk, and to Roger Winn for organising the session.

Governing Body Announcement

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

The Governing Body is pleased to announce that the new College Principal, Simon Pirotte, will be commencing his duties on Monday 3 June 2013. Simon has already undertaken a number of meetings with Mark Jones and other colleagues to ensure a smooth transition in terms of the responsibilities of the post of Principal and he will be attending the meeting of the Governing Body scheduled for Wednesday 15^th May 2013.

Governors would also like to take this opportunity to formally thank Mark Jones for his outstanding contribution as Principal of Bridgend College over the past 8 years. His leadership has contributed enormously to the achievements of the College during this time and Governors wish Mark every success in his new role as Principal of Gower College Swansea.

Ivan Toms,

Chair of the Governing Body, Bridgend College

Help for Heroes Cycle Challenge

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

A team from Bridgend College will be cycling off into the sunrise on Friday 31^st May to start a 3 day bike ride from Cardiff Bay to London, in aid of the charity Help for Heroes.

Clare Castle, Clare Hiett, Nicola Baker, Joanne Davies and Elaine Kelleher, along with their support team, have spent this year training hard to complete the course – having purchased their bikes through the College cycle to work scheme, they have since been learning skills such as riding in different weather conditions, and how to change a bike tyre as well as completing numerous practice rides. They have also organised a range of successful events to assist with their fundraising efforts, including a recent themed evening in Porthcawl’s Hi-Tide, which raised £1,500.

Their route promises to put them through their paces, and is broken down into 3 days:

Day 1 - 80 miles to Wootton Bassett,

Day 2 - 40 miles to Tidworth

Day 3 - Join the Help For Heroes Dawn Raid, leaving at 2am to get to Blackheath in London (98 miles) for an escort down Horse Guards Parade at approximately 11 am (10 more miles)!

Clare Hiett commented; “Some of us have not been on a bike since we were about 9 years of age so it is taking a great deal of commitment, determination and training in the saddle towards achieving this goal. However, we hope to have a giggle along the way to raising money for this worthy cause, and would like to thank everyone for their support so far!”

You can track the team’s training and progress through their facebook page, and if you would like to show your support for the team, you can donate through the official fundraising page

Best of luck to the team!

River of Flowers

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College has recently become the first Further Education college to sign the Welsh Government Sustainable Development Charter, which includes a commitment to the conservation of ecosystems and habitat for wildlife. This is supported by a far-reaching Land Management Policy and Biodiversity Strategy which aims to raise awareness of the threat to wildlife and demonstrate, through verifiable and measurable actions, what organisations can really achieve when they put their minds to it. The College has two conservation areas, wildflower and grasslands, woodland, hedges and ponds, with the biodiversity strategy setting many objectives to conserve, enhance and protect these natural landscapes.

Bridgend College have also now joined the River of Flowers Project, making us the first organisation in Wales to do so. Launched in December 2008 by founder and director Kathryn Lwin, the River of Flowers project is a social enterprise that is now going global. It is an evocative way of describing the planting of 'pollination streams' or 'green corridors' in order to help our pollinators, bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators, find food. It is also about connecting individuals and communities in such a way that society can learn about the importance of habitats and ecosystems and become more sympathetic and supportive of such initiatives.

Cynnal Cymru’s Rhodri Thomas, who has been working with the College to develop a case study to support the Welsh Government’s consultation on its proposed Sustainable Development Bill, said “The educational sector has a big part to play in sustainability, which includes raising awareness, inspiring students and helping facilitate community wide changes. Bridgend College continue to implement ambitious activities as Sustainable Development Charter signatories, with the River of Flowers Project being the latest in a wide range of developments.”

For more information, contact Chris Long (clong@bridgend.ac.uk), or visit http://www.riverofflowers.org/.

Lee Jukes Goes Back to College - Part 4

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Lee Juke Goes Back to College: Part 4 – Work-Based Training

We wanted to do something a little different with Bridge FM’s Lee Jukes in April this year, and so invited him to see another side of the education that Bridgend College provides. For the fourth instalment of “Lee Jukes Goes Back to College”, Lee went along to Avia Autos on Bridgend Industrial Estate – where he met just one of the local employees who has taken advantage of our work-based learning opportunities, and found out how this had helped change his career path.

Lee was met by the Manager, Hayley Pells, who talked Lee through the basics of the business. As a fully functional garage, catering for classic cars, high performance vehicles and everything in between, it is not only important that the work done is of a high standard, but also that each customer’s account is handled professionally by the team. Although the staff are qualified mechanics, Hayley felt that they might benefit from some extra customer service and management training – which is where Bridgend College came in. Liz Plenty, from Bridgend College’s Engage Training facility (run from Morien House on Bridgend Industrial Estate), explained to Lee; “The Excelsior Plus programme is run through Engage Training, and because it’s funded as part of the European Social Fund Project, under Working Skills for Adults, we are able to provide work-based NVQs free of charge to local employers such as Avia Autos. NVQ Assessors help candidates gain qualifications relevant to their role, whilst in the workplace, so there is minimal disruption to their job.”

David, one of the garage’s mechanics, had been put forward for a customer service-orientated NVQ, as Hayley felt that it would not only help him in his day-to-day work, but that it would also increase his confidence, and improve their customers’ experience at the garage. “Although David is more than capable on the garage floor”, she explained, “he also needs to be able to talk to our clients confidently, and that’s why we thought it was important for him to get involved in this type of course.” David went on to say, “It’s helped build my confidence, and I can now work more effectively with clients and our supplier base”.

To round off the day, Lee tried his hand at a couple of typical tasks in the garage – David talked him through how to check and tighten wheel nuts, and then Hayley asked him to do one of the more important jobs…and introduced Lee to her “parts bike”! “Off you go then!”, she laughed, as Lee rang the bell and prepared to cycle off – although not in the vehicle he’d hoped for, we’re sure!

Lee will be back at the College in May to join another of our vocational teams. Watch this space to find out where he’ll be next!

Bridgend College Scoops Silver Medal at RHS Flower Show Cardiff

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College is delighted to announce that a garden designed and created by Higher Education Landscape Construction & Garden Design students has been awarded the Silver Medal at this year’s Royal Horticultural Flower Show in Cardiff, building on their Bronze Medal result, in 2012.

The students have worked tirelessly to bring their garden ‘Discover the Heart of Wales’ to life. Inspired by the Arriva Trains ‘Heart of Wales’ line, this garden represents the journey from an urban environment to a hilly, secluded woodland landscape. This is a garden of two halves; the foreground is made up of paved avenues of straight lines and city features such as (horticultural) litter, writing, traffic lights and buildings. However, the landscape changes, and paved paths are replaced by a wild area and a meandering footpath leading visitors away from the straight lines of a city lifestyle and into a curved haven of tranquillity.

This years’ success, once again illustrates the outstanding collaborative partnership between the College and Arriva Trains Wales, who very kindly funded this project and have worked tirelessly with the students to create this unique, award winning garden. The design aims to inspire visitors from the region, to travel and discover the many treasures Wales has to offer. The students not only researched the many features the ‘Heart of Wales’ line has to offer but also experienced it for themselves. Thanks to Arriva Trains Wales, they embarked on the same journey visitors would undertake and were left truly inspired by the landscape and the travelling experience - from the ever changing city of Cardiff right through to the birthplace of Darwin, via the legend of Merlin and the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Bridgend College Tutor Derek Cashmore says “The concept of using the RHS Flower Show as the focus of teaching and inspiring student design ideas has allowed student creativity, entrepreneurship and team work to flourish. When the students were first informed of the task ahead, they were filled with both anxiety and exhilaration as they had never done anything like it before but were looking forward to taking on this challenge. Arriva were terrific partners, they welcomed all of our ideas with positivity and good humour - no matter how ‘out there’ some of these ideas were! We are delighted that the students’ hard work has been rewarded”.

Simon Turton, Project leader and Group Station Manager with Arriva Trains Wales said; “I’m extremely pleased with the work of the college students in producing our garden, and their achievement of a prestigious Silver Medal. The Heart of Wales Line Association was also a great support throughout the project. We also hope that the students have gained lots of skills with which they can build successful future careers.”

"Discover the Heart of Wales"

Making Sustainable Development the Central Organising Principle

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Congratulations to Chris Long and his team on the results of the recent Green Dragon audit, which saw Bridgend College recognised as achieving an enviable level of sustainability.

The College’s sustainable development journey started four years ago with the appointment of a new Health, Safety and Sustainable Development Manager. The Principal and management team had already identified a need to develop a robust sustainable development position and from 2009, under the guidance of the new appointee, work started in earnest to address corporate health and safety, and environmental impacts. By spring 2010 The College had been awarded Green Dragon Level 2 and Bronze in the Corporate Health Awards and in doing so had met the commitments it had made in the Health, Safety and Environment Statement of January 2009.

Green Dragon is a stepped Standard, recognising effective environmental management. The Standard offers an environmental management system relevant to the specific needs of companies and organisations, and rewards actions taken to achieve environmental improvements. Within the Green Dragon Standard there are five levels, with each step contributing towards achievement of International and European standards. During the appraisal there is an evaluation of costs as well as environmental performance – and Bridgend College are delighted to have been re-assessed as being Level 5.

The significance of the speed of this response and the work that followed is that it shows how an organisation can respond in a relatively short space of time to the challenge issued by the Welsh Government via the SD Bill.

Download the full case study here

Flying Start for Air Cadets’ Careers

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College’s Public Services department teamed up with local Air Cadets squadrons at the end of March to provide a night of fun, games, and educational opportunities.

Martyn Pring, lecturer in Public Services at Bridgend College’s Pencoed campus, spent time liaising with Gerry Lewis, deputy Officer Commanding of the No 3 Welsh Wing Air Cadets, with the resulting decision to invite all squadrons in the College catchment area, as well as a member of the Royal Air Force recruiting team who could add further interest to the cadets. Martyn commented; “From my view, this event was designed to specifically highlight the ‘Police and Military Studies’ (BTEC Uniformed Public Services) programme. A significant number of young people want vocations in this area and yet are unable to make an effective link to our courses. By gaining direct access to a targeted cadet audience I hoped to help remedy that. They will also hopefully have had a positive experience with the College, and will pass that on through word of mouth to their friends in school. The night represented the culmination of all our efforts over the last few weeks and to see the cadets’ enthusiasm and enjoyment made it utterly worthwhile”.

Taking place in Bridgend College’s Pencoed campus sports hall, 7 local squadrons provided teams of 6 or 7 to compete across a carrousel of 6 timed activities, including:

Climbing wall contest– (Assisted by Bridgend College Climbing Wall Club)

RAF Challenge – (Assisted by a Royal Air Force recruitment officer)

Picture and Current Affairs Quiz

Crash Mat Racing

Casualty assault course

Minefield exercise

Each activity was scored, with prizes awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places. Congratulations to the winning teams:

1^st 1092 Squadron Bridgend

2^nd 2117 Squadron Kenfig Hill

3^rd2318 Squadron Aberkenfig

Gerry Lewis summed up the event by saying; “Last night exceeded my wildest expectations and I ask Bridgend College’s Public Services team to accept my personal thanks and that of 3 Welsh Wing ATC. I hope the night will become an annual event”.

Lee Jukes Goes Back to College - Part 3 - The IT Department

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College’s I.T. department was the setting for the third instalment of “Lee Jukes Goes Back to College” – where Lee was invited to try out a range of activities which feature on the current courses, and also to chat to some of our students and find out how their studies were helping them on the path to employment.

Lee was welcomed by the self-named “Geek Squad”, and his first stop was Graphic Design BTEC L2 & L3 Diploma in IT class, where he was set the task of helping student Nathan Jones to design some personalised “Geek Glasses”, which the class have been working on as part of a promotion for both the department and increasing social awareness through their adopted charity, the “Balls Out Challenge”.

Following this, Lee moved on to a BTEC L2 & L3 Diploma in IT hardware class, to learn the basics of building a PC. Whilst connecting the motherboard, he chatted to teacher Vicki Jeffery, and student Frank Loweth, who explained how experience in this area will help with progression to employment.

“Many of our students will go on to have careers such as I.T. technician, and it’s practical experience like this that builds the knowledge necessary for that progression”, said Vicki.

Moving on to meet students from the BTEC L3 Diploma in IT class, Lewis Campbell and Joe Richardson, Lee then discovered the reason that the Bridge FM twitter feed had mysteriously been showing messages saying “ON” and “OFF” the day before. “We’ve been working with a computer called a Raspberry Pi” explained tutor Luke Hemming. “The students have programmed the Pi to respond to commands through Twitter, with the result that a small LED turns on and off”. Having linked this to tweets to Bridge FM, Lee was able to control this himself, and was amazed at the potential uses of technology like this. “Imagine that you’re on your way home, and you want to open your garage door, or turn the heating on – this is something that can be programmed in and managed remotely. What we’re seeing here really is the future of technology, and our students have the opportunity to work with this in a classroom environment”.

The final challenge of the day was working with an HND Information Systems class, who were using a programme called “Garage Band” to create their own music tracks. Although the class had assumed that Lee would be familiar with this, it was something that was completely new to him, which unfortunately showed in the resulting track!

Lee will be back at the College in April to join another of our vocational teams. Watch this space to find out where he’ll be next!

“Tomorrow I’ll Be Happy”

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Following a very well-received preview at the launch of Bridgend College Student Union’s “#StopTheHate” campaign, the College’s performing arts students will be presenting “Tomorrow I’ll Be Happy”, as part of the New Connections project run by the National Theatre.

The New Connections project is a script writing and acting competition for young people aged 14 to 21, run by the National Theatre. Over 250 schools, colleges and youth groups take part, with each participating group given a choice of 12 plays to perform, and the winners awarded the opportunity to perform in the National Theatre, on London’s South Bank in July. The Bridgend College group chose “Tomorrow I’ll Be Happy” - a very challenging piece which deals with serious issues such as homophobia and hate crime. The play is set in a crumbling seaside town, and tells the story of a stranger who arrives in search of an old boyfriend, only to find that he has been killed. All is not as it seems in this play, as the innocence of the victim’s school friends is questioned.

The play has already been performed to over 450 people in the Bridgend College Sony Theatre, with excellent feedback. Tutor Rachel Morgan-Belle commented; “The performances on the 12^th and 14^th March were a resounding success. We had excellent feedback from both the audience and the National Theatre director who was very positive with regards to all aspects of the production”.

“We’re now very excited to be performing in the Wales Millennium Centre, and are delighted that this not only promotes our students’ talents, but also that the play continues to bring to light the problems faced by young members of the LGBT community today”.

The National Theatre Connections programme runs from 24^th March – 13 April, with tickets available through the Wales Millennium Centre website: https://www.wmc.org.uk/Productions/2013-2014/WestonStudio/nationaltheatreconnections/

Art & Design Students’ Live IKEA Project

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Arts Academy students (based at the College’s Cardiff campus) are delighted to have been offered the opportunity to again work with IKEA Wales to produce unique individual projects which will go on to form an exhibition on the shop floor of IKEA’s Cardiff Bay store.

For nine consecutive years IKEA Wales have kindly donated a product to fashion and textile students under the guidance of Senior Lecturer Alison Davies (CMU) as a starting point to produce individual outcomes. This year, approximately 25 students from the Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design course have been given the iconic IKEA LACK coffee table to use as a starting point, with exciting and diverse outcomes evolving from research to initial concepts to final ideas. The brief was to develop ideas and concepts based on the theme of “Ephemeral”, and to evolve a piece of work utilising recycled materials, and emphasising the importance of sustainability. The resulting works will be the production of one or a series of 2D or 3D objects, pieces or designs from each student; incorporating recycled materials and the medium of mixed media and/or contemporary textiles, the outcomes may be made up of ‘every-day’ items that have been reinvented and represented in innovative, creative and individual ways. They may be functional, multi-functional or purely aesthetic, but all tables will reflect the students’ ideas around the theme, and their investigation into sustainable textiles.

The use of recycled materials is a key element of the ‘Live Module’ with students encouraged to explore organisations promoting recycling in Wales, look at the use of discarded materials and to consider both the cost and environmental benefits of these.

College staff will work with judges from IKEA to select the most successful finished pieces, with the work once again exhibited in the public arena at an exhibition at the IKEA store, from 21 March 2013.

Sara Pratt from the IKEA Wales Marketing team, commented; “As part of being a good neighbour in our local community, this year we have once again supported the contemporary textile practice students by donating the iconic IKEA LACK coffee table to each student. The students used the coffee tables as a base for their projects and developed individual ideas and concepts to create some very impressive work, which can now be seen in-store at IKEA Wales.

This project is a great way for us at IKEA Wales to offer our customers something different and unique to see when they visit the store. It enables our customers to possibly think about how they too could customise their own IKEA products to reflect their own life at home needs and wants. It also allows us to give the students a fantastic opportunity to expose their talented work to the thousands of visitors we get through our doors each week”.

Senior Lecturer Alison Davies commented; “This is an integral part of the course, which gives the students the experience of project management, from inception to execution. The support of IKEA adds an exciting dimension, and we’re very grateful of the opportunity for the students to exhibit their final works in such a public arena.”

The Foundation course at the Arts Academy is a year-long course (level 3 and 4) which enables art and design based students to develop a specialist portfolio of work in readiness for specific Higher Education degree entry. This course allows for experimentation and a broad ranging approach leading toward a specialist pathway in areas such as fine art, graphics, 3D design and fashion textiles.

Examples of the work displayed

Special Recognition Ceremony Held for Successful NVQ Candidates

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Excelsior Plus – an NVQ initiative associated with Bridgend College, providing fully-funded NVQ opportunities for employees to gain nationally recognised qualifications in the workplace - recently held a Special Recognition ceremony to honour successful NVQ candidates as part of the work of the wider Working Skills for Adults European Social Fund (ESF) programme.

The ceremony honoured candidates from local businesses and organisations including Avia Sports Cars Ltd, Bethlehem Church Life Centre, Centre Great Ltd, Mental Health Matters Wales, Noddfa Chapel Community Project, PDW Building Designs, RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd, The Oaklands Care Home, The Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, The Rest Porthcawl, Trinity Care and Support, WGCADA and Youth of Bettws.

Mark Jones, Principal of Bridgend College, said, “We are delighted to celebrate not only the successes of our students but also the strong working partnership between the College and an ever increasing number of local companies and organisations who are committed to the continuing development of their staff. We look forward to hearing of the continued success of all these individuals and of their employers.”

Working Skills for Adults, incorporating the Excelsior Plus NVQ initiative, is financed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government and has helped 1,888 people to date to gain a National Vocational Qualification and improve their confidence, productivity and efficiency at work.

Andrew Whitcombe, Director of Skills and Business Development with Engage Training – Bridgend College said, “Excelsior Plus excels in providing the correct balance of support, guidance and mentoring to help individuals and organisations progress. It’s an opportunity for businesses to upskill their workforce, as well as providing a source of motivation momentum in a time of austerity.”

Small-to-medium sized local businesses and organisations who would like to benefit from the fully-funded NVQ provision offered by Excelsior Plus with Bridgend College’s Engage Training NVQ Assessor team are invited to contact Liz Plenty, Excelsior Plus NVQ Project Manager on 07850 722099 or e-mail: eplenty@bridgend.ac.uk.

Excelsior Plus Special Recognition Ceremony

Driving Forward the Future Farmers of Wales

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College Agriculture students have joined forces with local John Deere dealer, Frank Sutton, to provide the current apprentices with tractor driving lessons on their fleet of tractors. This is just part of a bid by the College’s Land-based Studies department to work with a variety of local businesses to provide real farming experience and give the students the skills they need to meet the growing demand for agricultural labour in the region.

Bridgend College Agriculture students

The Land-based Studies department, based at the College’s Pencoed campus, offers a wide range of courses in Agriculture, Animal Care, Countryside & Environmental Management, Equine and Horticulture, with new courses recently introduced. Courses range from First Diploma to National Diploma to HND level, and allow students to study full-time or part-time. Course tutor David John commented, “The response to the new agricultural courses has been superb; we have a range of courses from Level 1 – 5 including apprenticeships and HND/C running in September.”

“I have been contacted by numerous farms looking for herdsman, shepherds, tractor drivers and contractors, and it is links with local businesses such as Frank Sutton which really add another dimension for the students - it has given them valuable experience on new hi-spec machinery, which they will need when entering into the industry”.

For further information about the courses available, and to apply for your place to meet the growing demand in the agricultural sector, visit http://www.bridgend.ac.uk/landbased.

Bridgend College Student Union Act to #StopTheHate

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0300

You may or may not know that February is the British Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) History Month - a highly important time in the LGBT calendar. This year the Bridgend College Student Union (BCSU) will be seeing the month out with a bang, with 28^th February earmarked for the launch event of BCSU’s new campaign “#StopTheHate”, aimed at educating the public on Hate Crimes, their effects, and how they can be prevented.

‘Hate crime’ is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility towards someone based on their disability, race, religion, gender-identity or sexual orientation, whether perceived to be so by the victim or any other person. After a year in which over 4,000 hate crimes in England and Wales were classed as “sexual orientation hate crimes”*, November 2012 saw LGBT Hate legally classed as a Hate Crime – a huge step forward for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Pansexual community, but by no means a final solution to the problem. With only 50% of these crimes reported, and only 1% of these reports resulting in a conviction, it is clear that this is an issue which should be addressed. It has been suggested that half of LGBT Hate Crimes are carried out because those committing the crime do not understand or have enough knowledge regarding LGBT – something which has resonated with Bridgend College’s Student Union.

As Jordan Forse, the BCSU Entertainment Officer explains, “The keystones of BCSU’s campaign are “Education, Awareness, Prevention and Support”. Educate the community on the effects of what they say or do. Make people aware of the LGBT community, of the crimes perpetrated, what can and can't be said, and much more... We want to prevent LGBT Hate Crime, and give support to those who need it. At BCSU, supporting our students is something we are known for. And we won't stop now! We can offer guidance, whether it’s for someone who is thinking of coming out, or someone who is trying to deal with comments from others, we will be there!”

The launch event is highly anticipated, with a campaign which has already been followed by a large number of students at the College through Facebook, Twitter and the event’s Thunderclap. Running from 11am – 3pm on Thursday 28^th February, the event will include a sneak preview of the National Theatre New Connections project ‘Tomorrow I’ll Be Happy – based on issues around homophobia, which is due to be performed in the Wales Millennium Centre on 28th March; as well as a large raffle, stands selling rainbow cakes, new LGBT bands, and face painting and nail art; and is open to all staff, students and members of the public.

With a wealth of local support, including sponsors Little Ms Tee, Leigh’s Crafty Bits, O’Neill’s Bridgend and Ella Riley’s Toffee and Sweets Bridgend behind both the event and the campaign, BCSU look to be on the road to success.

Show your support on the day, or at https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/1023-stopthehate

Construction & Public Service Students revitalise The Rest

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0300

The Rest is known throughout South Wales as an iconic building that has played a major role in the region’s history. Founded as a convalescent home for sick and injured ironworkers, colliers, quarrymen and their families, The Rest opened to its first patients in July 1878 and went on to play host to the emergency services during both World Wars, providing treatment for casualties from the British, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian forces. Reverting to its original usage in 1945, today The Rest still provides a haven for those looking for rest, relaxation and company, functioning as a hotel for infirm, able bodied and disabled guests and their carers of all ages, although most of the guests are over 50 years of age.

With the season ending in October, the winter is the ideal time for major repairs and maintenance, but with only 8 permanent staff and limited funds, this year The Rest contacted Bridgend College to enquire whether students from the Construction Academy and Public Services departments may be available to assist with the renovations. The College’s students were more than willing to help, and with arrangements made through the College’s work placement officer Nicola Thomas, 25 BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Public Service students headed to Porthcawl on the 11th February to start work on a range of tasks. Even the inclement weather couldn’t stop their plans, with the students moving indoors to begin prepping bedrooms for redecoration by a small team of the Painting & Decorating students from the Pathways to Apprenticeships course, who would follow the week after.

Christine Nicholas from The Rest commented: “On the day of arrival everyone was very enthusiastic, they had already formed themselves into groups and started tackling areas that were overgrown and unsightly in the grounds. We were amazed at the speed and enthusiasm of each and every student. They took a lot of pride in their work and used their initiative to complete their tasks to a high standard, even making some decorative finishes. Due to the speed they worked they were able to paint some of our outside benches and even started to paint our little summer house at the entrance of the driveway. We cannot praise them enough.

“We have our Open Day on Thursday 14^th March and it is always difficult to complete work in time for that. This year we have achieved that and more thanks to the students. We hope this is a relationship that will carry on and we are already looking forward to welcoming next year’s group.”

Rachele Garrod, Work Placement Officer at Bridgend College, commented; “This has proven not only to be an excellent chance for students from two departments to work together towards their Welsh Baccalaureate on a fully relevant work placement, but also to provide a valuable service to The Rest, which functions as a Charitable Trust. It’s fantastic for us to be able to give back to the community like this”.

Lee Jukes goes back to College Part 2!

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0300

A wet and windy February day in Bridgend saw Bridge FM DJ Lee Jukes embark on his second day “Back to College”. Lee joined the Construction Academy students at the Pencoed Campus to find out more about plumbing, painting and decorating, carpentry and brickwork, and to have a go at the activities the students undertake as part of their studies.

Having already enjoyed a stint with the Horticulture department in January, Lee donned his protective clothing and prepared to take on another challenge, which he will be reporting back on during his Drive time Show from 3pm on Friday 22 February 2013.

Lee’s introduction to the Construction Academy started in the Plumbing department, where he was talked through the courses that are available, and what the students could expect to learn during their time there. Then it was straight on to the first task of the day - learning how to solder pipes. Joking that his dad (who works within construction) would be very impressed, Lee got stuck in and successfully completed the task in an admirably short time. His next challenges were creating a marbling effect with paint in Painting and Decorating; sawing wood to create a roofing joist in Carpentry, and building a wall in Brickwork, all of which we’re sure Lee’s dad would have been very proud of!

Looking around the impressive purpose-built facilities whilst chatting to the tutors and students, Lee also found out more about the Pathways to Apprenticeships (PTA) scheme - a Welsh Government led initiative, which once completed puts students in a strong position to be taken on by employers looking to recruit an apprentice.

Lee will be back at the College in March to join another of our vocational teams. Watch this space to find out where he’ll be next! Bridgend College would like to thank Lee and the team at Bridge FM for their collaboration on this project.
For more information on our Construction courses, go to www.bridgend.ac.uk/construction.

Missed the show? Listen again on Bridge FM.

Lee Jukes tries Brickwork ......

... and shows off his masterpiece!

Lee makes his dad proud!

Lee learns to solder

Lee Jukes goes back to College!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridge FM DJ Lee Jukes is going back to College! Back to Bridgend College to find out more about the wide range of vocational courses on offer and have a go at the activities the students undertake as part of their studies.

During this 12 month campiagn Lee will visit the different College campuses once a month to take up the next challenge set by the academic teams, and report back to Bridge FM listeners. The first show will be aired today (Friday 25 January 2013) from 3pm during Lee's Drivetime Show.

Lee got his hands dirty with our Horticulture department and had a go at propagating plants and working on the allotment, digging up Parsnips. Lee also had the opportunity to chat with the teaching staff and students, many of whom are already in employment within the Horticulture industry and putting into practice the skills they have developed on the course.

Lee is no stranger to Bridgend College having hosted a number of live shows from our campuses during Open Days and Award events, and having previously studied at Bridgend College undertaking an AAT (Accountancy) course in 2001.

Lee will be back at the College in February to join another of our vocational teams, so who will be next?.....watch this space!

Bridgend College would like to thank Lee and the team at Bridge FM for their collaboration on this project. For more information on our Land-based courses, go to www.bridgend.ac.uk/landbased.

Missed the show? Listen again on Bridge FM.

Construction team supports Bridgend COAST

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College has recently supported an 8 week project at the B Leaf Horticultural Building at Bryngarw House and Country Park, where as part of the COASTAL project the students replaced the timber shingled roof of the B Leaf building.

The aim of the COASTAL Project is to promote vocational guidance, skills training, lifelong learning and employment opportunities. The Bridgend COAST Team began delivering services from April 2011 and work with individuals to help them identify and develop their aspirations and ambitions through a package of tailored support.

The Bridgend COAST supports individuals that are

Aged 16+
Currently out of work
Living within Bridgend County Borough
Experience long term illness or disability (Mental Illness, Learning Disability, Physical Disability, and Sensory Impairment) substance misuse problems or young people leaving care.

Bridgend College Construction Lecturer, Ian Thomas, both assisted in teaching and assessing the students work alongside the Coastal project team. He says "I thoroughly enjoyed working with the group at B Leaf. They were extremely motivated and very keen to learn. The weather was appalling at times, but nothing would deter them from getting on with the job. It has been a pleasure to teach them and I hope to be able to do so again on a future project."

On completion of the project and to give recognition to each of their students for their hard work and commitment, Jo Kelso, Deputy Principal, at Bridgend College presented each student with a certificate.

B Leaf Horticultural Building at Bryngarw House and Country Park opened its doors to the public for the first time on 30 June 2005 as part of the Adult Services Open Day. The £90,000 garden centre-style facility has been set up to offer horticultural training and development skills for people with learning disabilities.

The COASTAL project is part funded by the European Social Fund under the 2007-2013 convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.

Celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College celebrated St Dwynwen’s Day in style, hosting a 'Cwtch' event and raising money for local charity Tŷ Hafan.

Students from different departments across the College worked together to promote the Welsh language and culture, while fundraising for Tŷ Hafan. The student driven activities not only supported the entrepreneurship curriculum at the College, but also provided the opportunity for students to engage with pupils from Croesty Primary School.

Paralympian Sara Head returns to Weston House

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Weston House students recently welcomed Sara Head, who won a Bronze medal in the 2012 Paralympics, to talk to the students about her experience at the Paralympics and the drive and determination required to succeed.

Sara is a former Weston House resident, having studied at Bridgend College here from 1998 to 2000 and completing a Health and Social Care course, followed by a Sports Studies programme.

Weston House is an exemplar facility within Wales, offering 24 hour care and curriculum provision for young people aged 16-25 with disabilities and/or additional learning needs. Its main aims are to promote independence, further social and educational opportunities and equip the young person with the appropriate skills necessary for adulthood.

Sara and her team mates won the Bronze medal in table tennis, however Sara had formally played wheelchair basketball. She was in the women's team for four years, winning European bronze and attending the World Championships in 2002, however whilst playing basketball she met a boyfriend who played table tennis and took sneaky lessons in an attempt to beat him and was hooked! Sara has been playing since 2001 when she was introduced to her coach Jim Munkley, five-time Parlaympian, who has been a huge influence.

In addition to Paralympic competition, highlights of Sara's career so far include winning the bronze medal in the Team class 1-3 event at the 2010 World Championships in Gwangju, Korea and winning a gold medal in the women’s Team class 3 event at the 2011 European Championships.

At 15 years old, Sara became paraplegic after contracting a virus, an event which would change her life in so many ways and affect every future decision, not least what and where she would continue her education. Finding that she could continue her education in a supported setting where she could also gain her independence, Sara says was "amazing".

The students were delighted to meet Sara, and to have the opportunity to ask her questions about the paralympics, how she felt to win her medal and her plans for the future.

Kath Jones, Weston House Manager, says "It was fantastic for our students to meet and chat with Sara and to share in what can be achieved through hard work and determination, regardless of disability. They were truly motivated by her and enthralled with her presentation on her Olympic experience . It was wonderful to see how this former student of Weston House has developed in so many ways particularly in her sporting accomplishments, and how she has fulfilled the potential she showed through her academic and career achievements to become a very charming and inspirational young woman."

Students support building of local primary school

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Daniel Hearse & Ashley Harries (far left) with Penyfai Primary School pupils, BCBC and Cowlin Construction representatives

Two Bridgend College bricklaying students, Daniel Hearse and Ashley Harries, have supported a local building project while on work placement with Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC). Daniel and Ashley have worked alongside Cowlin Construction who are responsible for the new, state of the art primary school in Penyfai.

Current Penyfai Primary School pupils recently visited the site and once the pupils had ‘set out’ a wall, Daniel and Ashley built it. The construction manager for Cowlin said that both students had been very successful in their placement at the site, and Cowlin were very pleased with their work.

All full-time Bridgend College students studying a further education programme benefit from undertaking work placements to support their vocational studies, and many are subsequently offered employment as a result of this experience.

Thanks to Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) and Cowlin Construction for supporting Daniel and Ashley in developing their practical and workplace skills.

Engage Training takes QWEST project forward

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Engage Training at Bridgend College is delighted to announce that they have formed a unique partnership with the Capital Training Group, a national training provider, to deliver free learning and skills opportunities for economically inactive and unemployed participants.

The project known as QWEST (Quality, Work, Employability, Skills and Training) is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Government, and is led by the University of Wales, Newport. The project will provide a wide range of short courses and credits to higher learning across five counties: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen.

The programme in intended to enable participants to gain access to the labour market by improving skills and confidence, and also a route way to other learning opportunities including the new Foundation Degree Programme offered by the University of the Heads of the Valleys Institute (UHOVI). The courses will be delivered in the community by a team of peripatetic Leading Ambassadors.

Andy Whitcombe, Director of Skills & Business Development for Engage Training at Bridgend College, says “This ESF funded initiative gives those at the cusp of the economic downturn a chance to re-skill and re-engage in the world of work.“

HE Scholarships Awarded

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0300

2012’s autumn term at Bridgend College kicked off with the announcement that 6 Higher Education (HE) Scholarships, each worth £1000, were up for grabs. To apply, students were asked to submit a short form, outlining in no more than 150 words how the scholarship would assist them in achieving their career goals over the next five years. All HE students at the College for the 2012/13 academic year were eligible to apply, with one scholarship awarded in each of the following categories:

Construction
Winner: William Roberts, studying HND Civil Engineering
Care & Childhood Studies
Winner: Kara Davies, studying BSc Social Work
Sport & Public Services; and Land-based Studies
Winner: Benjamin Evans, studying Sport Development and Coaching
Business Studies & Management; and IT & Admin Studies
Winner: Mark Lofthouse, studying HND Business Studies
Engineering & Science
Winner: Krystal Lewis, studying Analytical and Forensic Sciences
Art, Design & Media
Winner: Lexx Oliver, studying a Foundation Degree in Creative Industries

Winners were chosen for a variety of reasons, including their commitment to learning, citizenship and desire to act as a role model within the College and their community.

Judge and Bridgend College Principal Mark Jones said; “It was fantastic to see such a high standard of applications for these scholarships, and judging for each department was no easy task. It is clear from students’ submissions that these scholarships can truly change the way that students can apply themselves to courses, without the burden of financial strain.”

Head of Department for Construction, Huw Lewis, agrees. “This scholarship gives students the option of acquiring additional resources, which not only enhance the course, but also enable them to produce a higher standard of coursework.”

William Roberts continued; “I’ve been able to purchase a computer and professional CAD software – this is what my potential employers use, so it will improve my job options when I’ve finished the course. It also means that I can work from home, so I’ve got more time to do my coursework.”

Lexx Oliver went on to explain, “As I’d studied an HND before, I didn’t think I’d be eligible for any more funding, but I found out about the scholarship through the college website, and I just wanted to take advantage of every opportunity I could. I can already see this funding changing my life – I’ve bought a camera and can join the course field trip to Barcelona. I’ve also been able to cut back my working hours outside college, and have used that time for work experience, which I’ve secured with a BAFTA award winning director. When I wrote my application I was thinking in terms of my career starting in five years’ time, but this scholarship has really kick-started things for me”.

“This is what education is really about”, commented Creative Industries tutor Clare Pompa. “It’s broader than just passing exams, it’s about aspiring to do something you love, and being able to empower students like Lexx to follow their dreams”.

The scholarships will be awarded again for the 2013/14 academic year, with all details available through the Bridgend College website: www.bridgend.ac.uk. Clare’s advice to future students? “Jump in and do it!”

Student featured in 3D World Magazine

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Interactive Media student Connor Thomas was recently featured in 3D World Magazine, the International Industry standard magazine for professionals working in the 3D industry. Connor is a talented Pixar-inspired artist who has created a robot called ToBot, which appealed to the magazine and its readership.

Connor became interested in 3D modeling software whilst studying Interactive Media at Bridgend College and says “I was learning lots of different software but 3D software was the one that had the real appeal. I was amazed at how diverse it was and how it could be used in so many disciplines within the creative digital industry. The nature of the course meant that I studied many other disciplines, for example web design, page layout, typography but I keep finding some way to incorporate 3D.”

ToBot was created as a result of Connor playing around with an old camera and toys found in his garage, and spending a long time drawing out the idea using traditional drawing materials and techniques before incorporating the software.

Connor is inspired by Pixar, a computer animation film studio, and how they achieve such great performances with their models and appeal to such a broad target audience. However, he says his biggest influence and inspiration has come from his tutors and classmates.

Connor says “We all come from different backgrounds and have different interests outside of college but we all share a passion for the subject we are studying. We tend to share information with each other and help each other out with various tasks. Some people in the class are great with lighting and textures whilst others specialize in modeling. It’s great that we are able to share best practice to maximize our efforts. We are also lucky that we have very knowledgeable and supportive tutors, who help us in any way that they can.”

Check out Connor's interview in full at http://www.3dworldmag.com/2012/12/11/meet-the-3d-artist-connor-thomas-creator-of-tobot/

Students create videos in Christmas Drink Driving Clampdown

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Students from Creative Arts, Jamie Parry, Jasmine Cooke and Zachary Usher, supported by their tutor Trudy John have been working with The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) on a Wales drink driving Christmas clampdown campaign, backed by Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson. The campaign features films made by young people with strong messages.

The film ‘Results Day’, created by Zachary, Jamie and Jasmine, takes a unique approach by addressing the consequences of drinking and driving, while emphasising that with just little forethought hurt and tragedy can be avoided.

Simon, from Porthcawl spent nearly a month in hospital, still needs a wheelchair, and missed the London Paralympics after he was seriously injured by a drunk driver. He says "I believe drink-drivers should be named and shamed and their pictures should be on the backs of buses."

At the campaign launch all four Wales police forces were represented, and included the presentation of the four winning films by young people from around Wales.

First Minister of Wales opens new Engage Training premises

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Engage Training at Bridgend College were delighted to welcome the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales to formally open the new premises for Engage Training at Morien House, Bridgend Business Centre.

The opening, a business breakfast event, on Friday 16 November 2012, was well attended by both regional and national organisations, including representatives from Valleys to Coast, Shaw Trust, Age Alliance Wales, RWE npower, Capital Training Group and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.

Engage Training is the business focused and externally facing training directorate of Bridgend College.

Engage Training delivers:

Apprenticeships
Basic Skills programmes
Bespoke commercial training
Employability and Employment route Sector Specific training
Landbased NPTC Courses
Work based learning (NVQ delivery) including Excelsior Plus (Working Skills for Adults) programmes
learndirect courses
Pre 16 training via Pre-Vent and our subsidiary The People Business Wales
Short Course Provisions
Trade Union Congress courses
Welfare to Work provision via JCP
Youth Traineeships and Adult Employability provision as funded by DfES

Engage Training delivers qualifications to businesses big and small, from giants such as Ford, Tata Steel and South Wales Police to small enterprises such as the York Café Bar and Joust for Fun. Recently, Engage Training has also commenced delivering bespoke NVQs for the third sector, with St John Ambulance and British Heart Foundation cherished partners.

The decision to locate Engage Training at Morien House is both strategic and practical. The move allows Engage Training to be closer to the business community and respond to the increased demand for work based training.

At the same time, the College has expanded its range of programmes, particularly for the unemployed by securing the contract to deliver the QWEST (Quality, Work, Employability, Skills and Training) project and acquiring a private training company ‘The People Business’ that specialises in this area. As such there is the need for greater office space, and to develop in-house training facilities such as state of the art IT Suites.

“…Bringing local and national businesses based within Bridgend together, across the range of quality training platforms that Engage Training offer, is a key objective of Engage Training, in addition to providing a dynamic response to the ever changing skills environment and Welsh Government directives…”, said Andy Whitcombe, Director of Skills & Development, Engage Training.

Student Success at Skills Show

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Following on from the highly successful UK WorldSkills event last Autumn in London, the Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham offered an exciting and stimulating competition platform for three Bridgend College Students and the College’s quality teaching and learning profile was honoured with two lecturers invited to the prestigious event judging panels for Plumbing and Web Design.

Competing Students -

Thuy Lewis – competed in the Nail Enhancements competition. Thuy has successfully completed the Level 2 Intermediate Nail Enhancements course at the College in 2012.
Gareth Kipling – is enjoying outstanding competition success, having already been shortlisted down to the final 3 competitors for a place in the UK WorldSkills team(heading to Germany in 2013), within the discipline of Plumbing. Gareth has successfully completed the Level 3 in Plumbing at Bridgend College, in 2012.
Andrew Bayliss – competed in the Microsoft IT Technician competition, achieving an accolade of Highly Commended. Andrew has successfully completed the A+ Essentials course on a part-time basis at Bridgend College in 2012.

UK WorldSkills judges –

Our academic staff were also represented during the four day event:

John Mys, Quality Co-ordinator within the Bridgend College Construction Academy was invited to take up the role of judge for the UK WorldSkills Plumbing finals. John a veteran of the regional and national Wales set-up, with a wealth of experience of competition judging.

Toby Harris, Lecturer of Web Design within the School of Creative Arts, at Bridgend College was also on the creative judging panel. Toby is a leading web design specialist, trainer and proprietor of web development company ‘striking design’ and described his first experience of the UK WorldSkills platform as a ‘truly incredible event’.

learndirect Team win Learner Engagement Award

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College is delighted at announce that their learndirect team received the 'Learner Engagement Award for 2011/12' at the learndirect awards ceremony in Llandrindod Wells recently.

The team has achieved the highest percentage of learners per head of the population in Wales, and this award recognises the hard work and dedication of the team not only to College learners, but also to the thousands of learners in partnership venues across the Borough.

Gold medallist Aled Davies awarded Fellowship

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College was delighted to award Paralympic gold medallist and former student, Aled Davies, a Fellowship at their Higher Education (HE) Awards Ceremony on Saturday 20 October 2012.

Aled, 21 from Bridgend, was one of three fellows awarded on Saturday, with Steve Dalton, Managing Director at Sony UK Technology Centre and Terry Coles, former Bridgend College Governor, also recognised.

Aled Davies said “It’s an absolute honour to receive a Bridgend College Fellowship. I will never forget my time at Bridgend College. The tutors were amazing and helped me fulfil my potential; I will always give recognition to the College for playing such a vital part in my success.”

The Higher Education Awards Ceremony, held at Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus, is the highlight of the Higher Education academic year, with 200 students joined by staff, family and friends to celebrate their academic achievement.

Due to the number of students attending, the College hosts two ceremonies with each opened by the Chairman of the Corporation of Bridgend College, Ivan Toms, followed by each student receiving individual acknowledgement and congratulations from one of the three Higher Institution representatives from University of Glamorgan, Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) and the University of Wales, Newport, from whom Bridgend College’s HE courses are franchised.

The ceremony is closed with a speech from Mark Jones, Bridgend College Principal and the fellowships awarded. Students, family and friends are then invited a ‘garden party’ on the lawns of Tregroes House where food and drinks is prepared and served by Hospitality staff and students, and live music from the Bridgend Swing Band enjoyed.

Six students secure Renishaw apprenticeships

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

At the official opening of Renishaw’s manufacturing plant in Miskin on Wednesday 10 October by Rt. Hon First Minister Carwyn Jones, six Bridgend College students were welcomed onto the Apprenticeship programme with the engineering firm.

Luke Daniels (Level 3 Diploma Electrical/Electronic Engineering), Keenan Gregory (Level 3 Diploma Mechanical Engineering), Andrew Jury (HNC Mechanical Engineering), Thomas Kendall (HNC Engineering Power), Matthew Roberts (Level 3 Diploma Electrical/Electronic Engineering) and Robin Wedlake (Level 3 Diploma Electrical/Electronic Engineering) have progressed from the Pathways to Apprenticeships (PtA) programme in Engineering at Bridgend College, an intensive one year course, designed to support young learners aged between 16 and 24 years old onto the pathway to becoming an apprentice.

The Gloucestershire based company, Renishaw, which makes industrial measuring equipment, bought the 200-acre Vale of Glamorgan site in July last year when Bosch ceased production at this plant.

The apprentices will spend up to six months at Renishaw’s Gloucestershire plant before returning to the Miskin Site for the remainder of their apprenticeship, while also undertaking their engineering qualifications at Bridgend College.

Robert Jones, Head of Engineering & Science at Bridgend College says “We are delighted to be working with Renishaw to support their apprenticeship training programme. Renishaw provides excellent opportunities for learners to develop advanced technical skills which will meet future business requirements”

Bridgend College has a long tradition of preparing students for apprenticeships with both full-time and Pathways to Apprenticeship (PtA) programmes options in Engineering, and currently work with a wide range of companies including; Ford, Tata Steel and Renishaw.

Awesome Lawson!

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On Wednesday 10 October, the band ‘Lawson’ rocked Bridgend College’s Theatre, with just under 400 lucky ticket winners enjoying an electric atmosphere.

Megan Jeffrey, 15, from Litchard said “Lawson was awesome, and The Theatre at the College was a brilliant venue. This is the first gig I have been to with just my friends and I loved it.”

In conjunction with Bridge FM and sponsored by Tile & Bath Co, Lawson performed in Bridgend as part of their debut album promotion and before their ‘The Hometowns’ tour commences at the end of October in Liverpool.

Lawson, formerly known as The Grove, consists of Andy Brown, Adam Pitts, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher, who are originally from Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham and Brighton respectively. The band is currently based in London and their debut album ‘Chapman Square’ is due for release on October 22, 2012. It has been preceded by two top 10 singles "When She Was Mine" and "Taking Over Me'".

The band ‘Raphaelites’ were the support act for Lawson with Harrison 'Badger' Ball (Lead Vocals), Tom Atkins (Guitar, Vocals), Theo Frangoulis (Guitar), Dale Booker (Drums) and Ed Townend (Bass).Two of the band members Theo Frangoulis and Harrison Ball are students at the College. Theo is studying for a Foundation Degree in Music is while Harrison is undertaking the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production.

Raphaelites have just released their first EP ‘Find the Path’, which is available at http://raphaelitesband.bandcamp.com/

Harrison said “It was an amazing opportunity for Raphaelites to support Lawson at Bridgend College’s theatre. The crowd was fantastic and it has made us even more determined to break into the industry.’

Tickets were FREE and won through competitions held by Bridge FM, while 100 lucky Bridgend College students had the unique opportunity to win tickets through a competition run by Bridgend College Student Union.

This collaborative project is a great example of the partnership working between Bridgend College and Bridge FM, bringing music to the heart of the Town.

Using facebook to create learning communities

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Two Bridgend College lecturers, Adam Richards and Deri Roberts, have been praised for their informative and thought provoking presentation at ALT-C 2012, an annual conference for learning technologists held at the University of Manchester.

Based on a paper titled ‘Facing reality in a Further Education context – Using Facebook to create learning communities without the cost of a hosted solution’, Adam and Deri described how Bridgend College uses the social networking site facebook in safe manner, so that learners and staff can communicate without invading each other’s personal space.

The paper was written as a result of a meeting with Haydn Blackey, Head of Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at the University Glamorgan, at a Higher Education training day, where he asked that Adam and Deri submit a paper about their experience and findings. Of 250 applicants, Adam and Deri’s paper was only one of two that was accepted with no amendments.

Following the presentation, a Microsoft blogger had this to say: “Next up was probably my favourite session from Bridgend College. Their presentation was about using Facebook to create learning communities without the cost of a hosted solution.

The college are using Facebook groups as an alternative to Moodle to communicate with students, and they described many reasons why this works for them. They explained that all of their students were Facebook users anyway so they were familiar with the platform and were logged on regularly. Closed Facebook groups were the best way for the college to use social networking.

The advantages included that there was access to the Facebook groups 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it is a free platform. There is great availability from mobiles and devices which means that the groups are really accessible for the students.

Bridgend college create the groups in a way that there is no friending needed between students and teachers (a concern for many), and the groups are managed by tutors to make sure they are being used in the correct way.

The college said that in some ways using Facebook was better than face to face as it meant continuous learning, and less vocal students in class could express their opinions more comfortably within the online groups. They also showed a nice video of a student saying how the Facebook groups had worked for him.

There were some passionate discussions following questions from the audience, but in general I think everyone agreed the college showed that social networking works really well in education.”

Adam Richards, Music Technology Lecturer says “The experience of producing and presenting the paper was amazing and eye opening and it was great to have the opportunity to work closely with Haydn Blackey.”

Adam and Deri have now been asked to present at JISC Digital Media webinar and again at next year’s ALT-C 2013.

This is an excellent example of Bridgend College’s ability to adapt to the communication needs of their students, their working relationship with the University of Glamorgan, and lecturing staff’s commitment to sharing best practice.

Less Miles, More Smiles

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On Friday 28 September, Bridgend College launched ‘Less Miles, More Smiles’ a song written and sung by Litchard Primary School and produced by Bridgend College Music Technology students and Lecturer Adam Richards. The song celebrates the ethos of the Feastival, a food festival with a difference, where local food and produce was promoted.

The launch event, which took place in the College’s Sony Theatre prior to the opening of the Feastival, was attended by Carwyn Jones AM for Bridgend, along with David Roderick from Reach, Amy Peckham and Tracy Pallant from Valley and Vale Community Arts, Tracy Bennet and Anthony Bentley from Ensinger and Nigel Little from Size of Wales. Not forgetting the stars of the show, pupils from Litchard Primary School and Dolau Primary School.

The launch compromised of a promotional video for ‘Less Miles, More Smiles’, was also an opportunity to introduce ‘Wilf’, the official mascot for the Feastival. Wilf was the inspiration of Dolau Primary School, who had won the original sculpture competition, and was transformed into the large model sheep we now know as ‘Wilf’ by Tonyrefail company, Ensinger, a world leader in the field of engineering plastics. Wilf will shortly be going on a ‘Where’s Wilf?’ tour commencing at Snowdonia during October half term.

Councillor David, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and a governor of Bridgend College said: “I am delighted the council has been able to work in partnership with Bridgend College. It’s great that local children have had an opportunity to showcase their musical talents, learn more about local produce and farming as well as work with college students. Well done to the pupils for their hard work.”

Bridgend College prides itself on its strong links with local primary schools and in April 2012, while Bridgend College hosted the IT Skills Competition Wales Final and Worldskills Regional Heat, a ‘Junior Skills Competition’ also took place with four local Primary Schools (Litchard, Bettws, Dolau and Croesty) lead by IT Lecturer Claire George.

Pupils from these schools competed in teams to create a winning poster, sculpture, badge and song to promote the Feastival, and these projects were further developed during the ‘Food 4 Thought’ ESDGC event held at our Pencoed Campus in June, which Carwyn Jones also opened in his capacity as First Minister for Wales.

‘Less Miles, More Smiles’ will be available to download for 79p on itunes, Amazon mp3, Spotify, medianet, emusic, zune, rhapsody, nokia, iheart radio, VerveLife, Tesco from Monday 1^st October. Proceeds from the sale of the song will go to Size of Wales.

Prior to the official song launch, Carwyn Jones and his wife Lisa also took the time to attend two Macmillan Coffee Mornings taking place at the College. The first was hosted by Health and Social Care students, while the second took place in the Enterprise Hub with Enterprise Officer Ruth Rowe, supported by the College’s Wellbeing Team.

Lawson in Bridgend!

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On Wednesday 10 October, the band ‘Lawson’ will take to the stage in Bridgend College’s Theatre at their Cowbridge Road campus. In conjunction with Bridge FM and sponsored by Tile & Bath Co, Lawson will perform in Bridgend as part of their debut album promotion and before their ‘The Hometowns’ tour commences on 31 October in Liverpool.

Tickets are FREE and can be won by listening to Bridge FM, while 100 lucky Bridgend College students will have the unique opportunity to win tickets through a competition run by Bridgend College Student Union.

This collaborative project is a great example of the partnership working between Bridgend College and Bridge FM, bringing music to the heart of the Town.

Community ‘cleans up’

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Recently, Cllr Hailey Townsend who is also Bridgend College’s Student Union President along with 32 Bridgend College health and social care students, Community First Officers, Allison Pesticcio and Carol Smith, Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer, Brian Jones, and local residents came together to clean up Lime Kiln Woods, Brackla.

A new footpath that leads into the woods has provided greater access to residents and it is hoped that more people will use the area for dog walking, and in turn will deter any anti-social behaviour occurring in this area.

The 32 Bridgend College students and their tutors Siobhan Dakin and Denise Smith worked with Brian Jones, who gave a health and safety talk and was provided them with the necessary equipment. The volunteers really got stuck in and collected a substantial amount of litter from the wooded area. The day was a great success and all were rewarded with a BBQ hosted by the Communities First team.

A representative from Communities First says “Communities First Delivery Teams funded by the Welsh Government will work with residents, community organisations, business and other key agencies in these areas, called Clusters, and will focus on actions leading to the long term sustainability and wellbeing of communities. Involving local people in all aspects of this work is an essential feature of the programme. Communities First aims to contribute, alongside other programmes, to narrowing the education/skills, economic and health gaps between our most deprived and more affluent areas.”

Cllr Hailey Townsend said “I enjoyed being a part of the clean-up in Brackla, during Keep Wales Tidy Week. It was great to see the students helping out in the community, they are a real credit to Bridgend College. It is vitally important that we open up these areas to residents and visitors to Brackla to enjoy. The Brackla Communities First team and Keep Wales Tidy team worked incredibly hard to allow this to happen.”

Bridgend College shortlisted in TES FE Awards 2012

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Bridgend College is delighted to announce that the College has been shortlisted in two categories for the annual TES (Times Educational Supplement) FE Awards 2012:

Outstanding Provider of the Year; and
Outstanding HR Department

These awards are open to Colleges across the UK and therefore to even be shortlisted is an excellent achievement.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Birmingham NEC, on Thursday 15 November 2012.