Students raise money for Children in Need

Students studying the Vocational Studies Entry Level 3 in Hair and Beauty set up a stall to raise money for Children in Need on Friday 18 November.

The kind hearted students gave up their time to sell raffle tickets and cupcakes to fellow students and staff members outside the Food Hall.

The money raised will be added to the grand total raised across college by staff and students.

Pictured: Vocation Studies Entry Level 3 in Hair and Beauty student Ronnie Frost manning the Children in Need stall.

Students speak out for change

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are among those from only eight colleges nationally to be taking part in a project designed to boost their skills in public speaking.

NULC is part of the Speak out for change - public speaking for active citizenship – scheme, delivered by the LSN,  Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

A total of nine students from the College’s Foundation Studies department are taking part in the project, which will see them get the opportunity to speak publically at a range of events organised by the College.

The group includes entry level students who may not have achieved their full potential at school, as well as those with autism and other learning difficulties from the College’s Life Skills and Employment Training course. 

Students recently took part in a workshop with Jennifer Mackay from the Speakers Trust and this week put their questions to the MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Paul Farrelly. The College invited Paul along to meet the students and offer guidance and advice in public speaking.  The students were then offered the opportunity to question Paul.

The two year pilot scheme aims to promote inclusivity and enable the youngsters to develop and practice their public speaking skills through a blend of relevant and stimulating real world experiences.

MP Paul Farrelly said: “This is a really good project; it’s fabulous to meet such enthusiastic students.  In life confidence is half the battle and this is exactly the sort of work we should be doing with young people to prepare them for life.”

Lorraine Myers, Foundation Studies lecturer, said: “The students involved are finding the whole scheme very inspirational. I’ve already seen a change in their confidence and they are beginning to believe in themselves.”

She continued: “One of the students is now considering joining the Students’ Union, where they will get the opportunity to speak on behalf of all students. This was not a consideration until he engaged in this project and started to believe in himself.”

Alice Wooldridge aged 18 from Stoke said: “I’ve enjoyed talking to Paul today and he’s taught us to be yourself which gives you confidence.  My confidence in public speaking is growing already and in the future I would like to go into acting, so this type of project will help me with my career goals.”

The ultimate goal for the students is to speak publically at a presentation evening to be held in the New Year.

To  find out more about the range of entry level and Level 1 courses on offer at NULC, contact the College Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk