Halesowen College News

Successful Halesowen College Open Day

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:24:12 GMT

Visitors were able to see the latest impressive �5m teaching block which has outstanding facilities and laboratories for Animal Care, Science and IT, as well as the new all-weather sports pitch.

There were also drama and music events, competitions and displays.

Increasing numbers of students are attracted to the College for its excellent reputation, record breaking results, modern campus and state-of-the-art facilities. It also offers the widest range of courses, from entry level to Foundation Degrees, and demand for the exceptional selection of A Levels and Diplomas is consistently high.

Halesowen College continues to be the leading choice for students in the region following exceptional enrolments in September.

Principal Keith Bate said "We had another successful Open Day with potential students and their parents/guardians visiting the campus to see our new facilities and the range of courses on offer first hand.

"We are very proud of the results achieved by our students, many of whom progress to university and go on to have fulfilling careers."

Body art competition

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:51:01 GMT

The Level 3 Theatrical Make-up students took part in the contest with the theme 'Magical Wildlife', using models to show off their work. They incorporated the face, hair, body, costumes and accessories into their look.

The winner of the competition was Lydia Askins, who won an overnight trip to London to attend the International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS). The prize was donated by The Halesowen Foundation.

Jodie Badland, Beauty and Theatrical Make-up Lecturer at Halesowen College, said: "All our students did an excellent job and it was difficult to choose a winner.

"The body art work was really good and they all showed off their skills based on what they had learnt in class. Body art is becoming more and more popular in photo shoots and fashion shows so it is important our students have these skills."

Ballroom and Latin dance workshop

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:39:07 GMT

They took part in a Ballroom and Latin dance workshop with Csaba Polger, who is currently a student at the College studying an ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

Csaba has his own dance school called 'The Style Dance School'.

Gemma Sherratt, course leader at Halesowen College, said: "Having a professional in lessons really inspires the students and it gives them an opportunity to learn a new genre of dance to develop their versatility."

Csaba is pictured with second year dance students Jack Wallace and Pippa Coley. Both are also Learning Advocates at College.

Second College Open Day

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:19:41 GMT

Thousands flocked to the last Open Day in November with the College seeing record numbers of potential students through the doors.

Visitors were able to see the latest impressive £5m teaching block, which has outstanding facilities and laboratories for Animal Care, Science and IT, as well as a new all-weather sports pitch.

Increasing numbers of students are attracted to the College for its excellent reputation, record-breaking results, modern campus and state-of-the-art facilities. It also offers the widest range of courses, from entry level to Foundation Degrees, and demand for the exceptional selection of A Levels and Diplomas is consistently high.

The College continues to be the leading choice for students, following outstanding enrolments in September.

Principal Keith Bate said: "Last Open Day was exceptional and again at the end of this month potential students and their families have the chance to see our facilities, meet staff and chat about their chosen career path and area of study.2

The College Open Day runs at the Whittingham Road site from 10am until 4pm.

UB40 star visits College

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:12:07 GMT

Brian spent a day hosting workshops, sitting in on recording sessions and giving students an insight into the business side of the music industry.

During the last 30 years Brian and UB40 have achieved record sales in excess of 70 million, including more than 50 hit records in the UK alone. As well as worldwide success with countless number one records and sell out concert tours.

Richard March, Music Lecturer, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work alongside one of the most successful and highly acclaimed musicians of his generation.

"The experience was a valuable and memorable one for both Brian and the music students."

Restaurant says 'H�la' to Spain

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:58:01 GMT

Starters will be assorted Tapas with Potato, Tomato, Mushroom, Chorizo and Tuna. A selection of main courses offered from the buffet will include Beef with Green Olives, Catalan Chicken, Seafood Paella and Black Bean and Rice Stew served with Basque Potatoes, Pisto and Catalonian Spinach. Specialty desserts include Natillas, Santiago Almond Tart and Churros.

Claire Abson, from the College training restaurant, said: "These special evenings will give the students an opportunity to cook and celebrate the food of Spain.

"Join us for a fantastic evening and shake off those post-festive blues."

Arrive in time for a pre-dinner aperitif at 6.45pm, with dinner being served at 7pm, at a price of £14.95. For more details please call the booking centre on 0121 602 7851 (8am–5pm) or 0121 602 7777 ext 211 (5pm–9pm, Mondays to Thursdays).

Hollie wins Christmas card competition

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:05:01 GMT

Hollie, a second year Graphic Design student, put her creative typographic skills to the test to come up with the winning design. All first and second year Graphics students took part in the contest and worked to a brief.

Last year Holly Goldingay won the competition and went on to a degree in Visual Communication at Birmingham City University.

Gillian Dunkerley, Graphic Design Course Leader at Halesowen College, said: "It is pure coincidence that two Hollies have won this seasonal competition!

"Designing the card is a tradition for us and helps to put everyone in the festive mood. All the entries were of a high standard and it was very difficult for us to choose a winner."

Hollie said "I am really enjoying my graphics course; it has prepared me really well for working life. I am undertaking work experience at an advertising agency and learning a lot about the business environment and the design industry.

"It was really great to see my card professionally printed as it gave me a greater understanding of preparing artwork."

Clothes Show competition

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:39:01 GMT

The Year Two students have either designed garments or accessories in an eight week brief to enter the competition, which will be judged this month.

The group also visited the show to see for themselves the latest designs and the catwalk shows.

Becky Howson, Course Leader BTEC Extended Diploma Textiles with Fashion Studies, said: "All the students have worked extremely hard over the eight weeks to design something for the competition.

"This was a great live brief, set by those working in the industry, which really tested their skills and they created some fantastic designs including handbags and hats."

Dance showcase

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:22:23 GMT

The styles that are being performed are Contemporary, Jazz and Street Dance and all the work is choreographed by dance students and staff.

Students performing are studying the Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Dance, the Level Two Diploma in Performing Arts Dance and the Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts Dance. All performances will be in the Halesowen College Theatre at Whittingham Road.

Gemma Sherratt, Course Leader for Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Dance, said: "These performances are an opportunity for students to establish a real sense of professionalism and gain further experience. Many of them aspire to be professional dancers in the future.

"This will be a fantastic dance showcase and gives all the students the chance to show off their performance skills."

The show is open to the public, for tickets and more information contact the dance department on 0121 602 7777 ext 587.

Shianne bags top fashion placement

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:31:16 GMT

Shianne, aged 19, studied A Level Textiles, Art and Design and History of Art at College and recently went on the placement with All Saints in London.

During it she learned many new ways of design, worked alongside a textile designer and experimented and learned a range of new techniques.

Shianne, who is now studying fashion at Birmingham City University, said: "I got a real insight to the fashion industry and how clothes are designed. A big thank you to Halesowen College for this placement, I learned such a lot.

"I also explored London, by running errands and helping out."

Sophie Case, A Level Textile Subject Leader at Halesowen College, said: "We were extremely lucky to get this top placement for Shianne, it was very unusual.

"We were delighted for Shianne to be offered such an inspiring opportunity to work with this leading fashion retailer.

"Shianne’s work was always of a very high standard and she is very talented. This placement has really helped her development and has given her some great experience she can take away and work on.

"Placements such as this are highly sought after and are usually reserved for university graduates. It is a real testament to Shianne's creativity and hard work that she was selected for this experience."

Mel is volunteer of the year

webmaster@halesowen.ac.uk (webmaster) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:08:49 GMT

Mel has been recognised for the contribution she makes to British tennis, spending a lot of her own time practising and volunteering. She was nominated by the Warwickshire Tennis Club and also volunteers and coaches for Moseley, Billesley and Solihull Tennis Clubs.

She has been playing tennis since she was aged five and volunteers at coaching sessions three hours a week as well as teaching disability tennis.

As part of her prize Mel was the special guest at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals held in London, she watched the top tennis players and was treated to brunch.

Mel is studying Foundation Studies at College and is a former pupil of Selly Oak Trust School.

Mel, from Quinton, said: "I really enjoy tennis and it is great to give something back. Tennis does help change lives for the better and gives youngsters the chance to learn something new, get fit and make new friends."

Stacy Gilbert, Mel's Personal Coach at Halesowen College, said: "We are all very proud of Mel for winning this award. She gives a lot of time to tennis and it is great to see her receive this accolade."