Case Studies
Find out how City College have helped individuals, organisations and training providers alike by reading our case studies.
Charlotte BirksAccess to HE - Social Sciences Pathway - Level 3 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Access to Higher Education
Through my year at Southampton City College, I have been on a personal journey that has changed my life, not only for career purposes but has led me though an emotional rollercoaster that has opened my eyes to a whole new outlook on things. I have loved all my subjects and have learnt an extreme amount of knowledge through them. My teachers have given supportive guidance and have been an inspiration. Never before have I truly enjoyed learning and this course has delivered just that. I cannot praise the college enough for their commitment to help all students and provide a memorable experience. I cannot deny that at times the work has been challenging especially with the time scale, but throughout the difficult times each teacher has accommodated to each of the students’ needs and continued to support when necessary. On a personal level, I have gained confidence not only in my work but in myself. The classroom activities have provided a variety of confidence as well as my knowledge. I feel the access course is a great stepping stone in preparation for university as it provides all the necessary requirements in a fun and encouraging manner. The course has given me strength and determination to continue my education further and has encouraged me that I am capable of succeeding. I am grateful for the chance to experience such learning and support from the teachers and the college overall. I will greatly miss all the teachers that I have had the chance to work with, but I know I will carry with me all that I have learnt at my time at Southampton City College.
Andrew ClarkeArt & Design - Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Art & Design
Andrew came to City College in February after missing out on enrolling at another College. Andrew was contacted by City Horizons Learning Coach, Paul MacBean and encouraged to attend one of the PX2 courses. He thoroughly enjoyed this experience as it gave him the chance to meet new friends and feel more comfortable about coming to College. Asked about the benefits of attending PX2, Andrew stated It made me think about how I am going to plan my life, I didn't really have any thoughts on this before I started, but, now I am much clearer on what I want to do and how I am going to achieve this. I also heard about the CHATs (City Horizons Action Theatre) and as I am interested in singing and acting this made it really appealing to me. Since starting on the City Horizons programme, Andrew has enrolled onto the Art and Design programme, Work Skills Certificate and is doing Maths and English. He is also taken on the lead role as Oliver in the Musgrave Murder, which the CHATS are performing on Friday 1st July in The Hub Theatre. Since coming to City College, my confidence has been rebuilt and I am really enjoying my time here. My aim is to pass my Maths and English so that I can go onto a Performing Arts programme and achieve my ambition of being a singer and actor.
Kristine ErminasaBTEC Foundation Art and Design Diploma - Level 4 in 11/12
Subject Area:
Art & Design
Kristine Erminasa achieved a distinction grade for the BTEC Foundation Art & Design Diploma and is now studying a BA in Fine Art at Southampton Solent University
Selina AkterCity Horizons - Beauty Therapy Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Beauty and Complementary Therapies
Selina came from Bangladesh aged 16 and was unable to speak any English. Enrolled at City College on an ESOL programme to help her improve English. After 2 years, she was able to progress onto a Level 1 Beauty programme in City Horizons. Selina had an interest in make up and hairdressing and decided that this programme met her needs. Selina enjoys the practical element of the programme and since starting with us has gained experience in areas such as: facials, manicure, pedicure, massage and waxing. ‘ We get the opportunity of practising on other students, staff and even people from outside. This gives everyone the chance to build our confidence and skills and it is very beneficial’. The theory part of the programme can be quite challenging and we have to learn aspects about the body including dealing with people who have allergies or other health problems. ‘ The skills I have built up will help me to progress onto becoming a beautician’. My ambition is to go on to do a Level 2 but I need to continue to work on my English.
Onelle PetersBTec Business - Level 3 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Business, Finance & Administration
I came to City College to study business at level 2 and now at level 3 as it was close to where I live and was one of the best courses in Southampton. I have learned about business and how to apply myself in business organisations. I have found City College friendly, easy to settle in, multi-cultural and multi-racial. The college has made the course achievable to gain qualifications by dedicated staff that have made it easy to learn and understand.
Paul EyersBTec Business - Level 3 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Business, Finance & Administration
I came to City College to study business as it was close to where I lived. I did not achieve good grades at school and I was not certain what course I wanted to take. I was guided on to the business and IT area and I did business, first at level 1, then level 2 and now the BTEC course at level 3. I have found City College a more friendly environment than at school and I have found it easier to make friends at college than at school. I have learnt a lot about business, I found the business scenarios we have studied useful. What I get taught will be handy because most businesses expect you to know certain things.
Thohmina MiahEdexcel BTEC First Diploma Business in 10/11
Subject Area:
Business, Finance & Administration
Thohmina left school in 2009, unsure about her next steps. Thohmina gained advice from her Connexions adviser and started on an Entry to Employment (E2E) course in 2010. Following successful completion, Thohmina started her First Diploma Level 2 in Business in September 2010, completing it this month with many merits and distinctions. Thohmina has been successful in gaining a full time permanent role as administration assistant with a well known Southampton Insurance Broker (Brightside PLC). Thohmina endured a three-stage appointment process of presentation, role play and a formal interview and happily reports that she starts her new job in August with a healthy starting salary and an NVQ training programme. Thohmina says that the experience of presenting in her classes and practise at role plays and interviews really helped her to prepare thoroughly for the rigorous appointment process.
Michael InstrellNVQ Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership in 10/11
Subject Area:
Catering, Hospitality & Food & Drink
Michael spent three years at Southampton City College studying to reach level 3 and complete the Hospitality Supervision course. During his time at college, he was employed by the college to supervise the running of the hub Café, this involved the planning and ordering of resources and ensuring that the area was staffed during opening hours. Michael left us to take up an assistant manager position with a nationwide chain of restaurants. He thoroughly enjoys meeting people and challenging situations, so he is ideally suited to this type of job. For the immediate future Michael wants to gain experience so that he is able to be promoted to managing his own restaurant.
Michael CollierNVQ Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership in 10/11
Subject Area:
Catering, Hospitality & Food & Drink
Michael spend two years at Southampton City College studying to become a manager in the Hospitality industry. His studies have been successful and he is soon to start work as a trainee manager for Compass, the largest catering organisation in the world. To start with Michael will be working locally in a supervisory role in the restaurant of one of the high street department stores. Naturally he hopes to move to other areas of Compass and fulfil his other ambition of seeing other parts of the world.
Louise OllettDiploma in Child Care & Education - Level 3 in 07/08
Subject Area:
Childcare
Louise enrolled on her Diploma course straight from school in 2005. Louise had great focus on her career path and was determined to complete her course gaining a high grade. She enjoyed her varied work placements, one securing her part time employment throughout her time at university and employment since graduating. Louise gained a place at Winchester University to study an honours degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2007 and she graduated in October 2010. Louise is still employed by her nursery and is taking further study to gain her Degree in Early Years Professional Practice.
Billy Ray SpearsEarly Years Child Care - Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Childcare
Billy Ray joined the City Horizons programme after leaving school. He came onto the level 1 programme to gain an insight into working with children as well as improving his maths and english. Not long after starting the Early Years programme, Billy Ray was placed with the Trees Day Care nursery for a one week placement . Billy's employer was very impressed with his attitude, commitment and how he engaged with staff and children during the week. "On the first day I was really nervous and I was not sure what I had to do or what I would be told to do. As soon as I got in there the kids looked at me as much to say who is this? After one approached me and asked me to do something the rest of them really welcomed me and made me feel comfortable. By the end of the week, I wanted to stay there and not come back to college! It made me really want to be out there and work and it also made me want to aim higher with my career' Billy’s advice to other young people who are embarking on a period of work experience is ‘Be confident, and just enjoy it and don’t think of it as a chore but as something you want to do and what you will be doing in the future and really just do what you want to do and aim higher!’
Paulina JasinskaBTEC First Diploma in IT in 10/11
Subject Area:
Computer & IT
Paulina has just completed her First Diploma in ICT course with Merits. She is a progressing student from Level 1: Business and IT course. Last year she took part as a performer in the music show of the BIT AWARDS evening. She recently became a mother of a baby boy. Paulina applies skills and talent to all her course assignments and kept working hard in spite of her pregnancy. She is always positive and has a friendly personality, she has fitted into a very male dominated group. Paulina is also sitting her ESOls’ exams this year, as English is her second language. Paulina proves that efficiency in studying IT comes with enthusiasm for ICT, good use of VLE, keeping on track assignments and ability for IT solutions combined with skills for working in a team as part of a group practice.
Paulina is progressing to the Level 3 IT Diploma in the next academic year.
Abdulaziz Dahir MahamedBTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA ICT- Networking in 10/11
Subject Area:
Computer & IT
Abdulaziz is just completing his ICT course with DDD. He has been accepted as a student in Software Engineering at Bournemouth University. Abdul came from Cantell Maths and Computing College and started as a student on the First Diploma in ICT course. Through his first year he showed talent for hardware and software solutions to PC problems. He progressed with merit and distinction to the Level 3 IT course. During the two year Diploma course he proved to have talent and passion for object oriented programming, software design and network management. He also demonstrates skills in analysing and troubleshooting security and software problems in varied computing environment. Abdulaziz is hardworking student with calm but inspiring personality, he has a great sense of humour and ability to focus individually on tasks and also to encourage his fellow students in various team activities and problem-solving practice. He is also a group ambassador for City Vox and is involved in a community work to provide football coaching and training to young boys from St Mary’s area. Abdulaziz has an ambition to Design Software solutions which determine his high achievement and choice for University course.
Craig PalmerBTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA ICT- Networking in 09/10
Subject Area:
Computer & IT
Craig completed his ICT course with MMM just for one year doing the extra units on ILP( Individual Learning Plan) and is he is now a student at Staffordshire University in Criminology. He started at City College on the First Diploma in ICT course, because of his grades (English-D and Maths-C). He progressed with Merits to the two year Diploma course. Craig had a strong individuality and curiosity about the modern ways of communications and the emerging security issues alongside the new mobile technologies. His personal ambition was to work with codes, encryption models and biometrics that could safeguard sensitive computing settings and communications in banks and institutions. His choice of University course- Criminology was not a surprise for the ICT team and we encouraged his progress and application.
Tom EnrightLevel 2 Painting and Decorating in 11/12
Subject Area:
Construction & Building Services
Tom Enright has successfully progressed from Level 2 Painting and Decorating to an apprenticeship with NTL contractors. Tom said, "I really enjoyed the course and learning how to problem solve on the job. One of the best aspects of the course was its practical nature and the help and positivity from the tutors".
Carl PearcePainting & Decorating in 10/11
Subject Area:
Construction & Building Services
Carl was originally on the Entry To Employment programme and progressed onto City Horizons in September 2010.
‘I liked it at College and felt that the City Horizons programme would be the best place for me to build my skills and get experience and qualifications in painting and decorating. The best part of coming to College is making new friends and learning something which you are really interested in. I did not enjoy my last year at school and as a result didn’t get the GCSE grades I needed to do a Level 2 course. Since coming here I have almost finished my Level 1 Diploma in P & D and have passed my Level 1 Maths. I am now awaiting my result in English. I enjoy being treated as an adult and being given respect by teachers.
I suppose the highlight of the programme has been getting involved in some of the Community projects, such as: St James Street building, where we painted several rooms. I learnt how to prep the room and this made it more real being in a building rather than a class room.
I also got involved in The St Marys Parish Office, again painting a room. I found it satisfying as we are helping the community.
I would love to get an apprenticeship when I leave and hope that the skills and experience I have gained over the last 2 years will enable me to achieve this dream.
‘ I would definitely recommend this route for other students, particularly if you like practical work. It can be hard work until you get used to it, but it’s worth the effort in the long run. You also have to be prepared to do Maths and English which will help you to move onto the next level. The teachers make things interesting and it’s not like being at school.
Melanie MussonBA Hons in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 10/11
Subject Area:
Counselling
Melanie has been studying towards my BA Hons at Southampton City College for the past two and half years and was initially attracted to the course because it seemed to offer a comprehensive grounding in the subject matter and was clearly organised. Melanie comments "I have been consistently impressed with the quality of teaching provided and the overall structure and delivery of the material covered. I feel that it has met my expectations, by providing me with a solid academic and professional basis from which to pursue my career as a professional counsellor. This grounding has already enabled me to work effectively in both community and private practice settings."
Slavena NikodimovaBA Hons in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 10/11
Subject Area:
Counselling
Slavena started her counselling training by doing what was at the time, a 10 week introduction to counselling course, which progressed to a Level 3 counselling skills course, lasting a year. By the end of this year, Slavena definitely knew she wanted to become a professional and qualified counsellor. During the year, she gained self-understanding and theoretical knowledge to a level which she wasn’t expecting, when the course started. Slavena comments "The course was taught to the highest standard of teaching. I realised that when I went to do training at Rape Crisis and compared what I knew with people studying counselling in other colleges. I felt that I had gained greater knowledge and counselling practice than a lot of the other people with me on the Rape Crisis training. I felt that our tutor was always there for us and approachable at any time we need her." "I have now been practising counsellor for the last 3 years, which is a requirement on the degree course. Working at City Counselling as a volunteer counsellor, I have had the opportunity to have clients with different issues and had the opportunity to work with clients with mental health problems". "I feel that now, almost having finished the degree, I am a capable therapist and also, due to the learning and training we have received a very knowledgeable one." "The confidence that I have gained in my practice and knowledge as the counsellor, I feel it’s due to the commitment of our tutor, without whom I don’t think I would’ve been as prepared as I am now to start my career in my private practice or gain an employment as a therapist."
Matthew Hobbs BTEC Level 3 in Electrical Engineering in 11/12
Subject Area:
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Matthew Hobbs from Oaklands achieved BTEC Level 3 in Electrical Engineering and is now studying at Bournemouth University Matthew said, "I really enjoyed the practical elements of the course and found that the tutors were really committed to helping us pass our course".
Andrew WilloughbyBTEC Level 3 in Engineering in 11/12
Subject Area:
Engineering, Manufacturing, Welding & CAD
Andrew Willoughby studied AS Maths alongside BTEC Level 3 in Engineering and has been offered a place at the University of Southampton and a higher level apprenticeship with the MOD Andrew said, "I really enjoyed the wide range of subjects covered and found the tutors on the course really helpful".
Cherise HowesCity Horizons - Hair programme Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Hairdressing
Whilst undertaking Level 1 Certificate in Hair, Cherise was offered the opportunity of gaining work experience for 1 week in Cams Hairdressers.
Cherise was initially very keen to undertake the placement and looking forward to attending. However, on the first day Cherise was sent for her lunch break and she really did not want to go back. She found it very hard, and felt uncomfortable being away from her friends at College. She felt shy and did not understand what was going on. She found it hard to make conversation with new people and did not know what to say. She was convinced that she was not going back and even tried to go into her functional skills sessions to escape.
After a chat with Laura Saunders, the Work Experience Learning Coach for City Horizons and her Tutor Caryn Symonds, Cherise decided that she would go back and give it another chance. On her return, Cherise continued to watch the staff and although she found it slightly boring she managed to complete the day. On the third day Cherise decided to stay in the salon for lunch and get to know staff a little more,. From there on things got better, the staff were all laughing and engaged and Cherise felt she was able to open up a bit and talk to the girls about their jobs and about herself.
As the week went on Cherise learnt about head massage techniques when washing hair which she didn’t know before. Cherise also observed the other hairdressers using foil for colouring hair, even though she had learnt this at College, it made it more interesting seeing someone else use this technique. It also helped prepare her for an assessment which she will be undertaking later on. The whole experience has made
Cherise feel more confident in her studies at College.
On the last day the staff were very sad to see her go and have invited her back if she needs any help or wants to pick up any more skills
‘ I’m glad I went back otherwise I would not have experienced what it is like to work in a Salon, I now know I need to gain more skills in areas such as customer service and reception and keep practising my skills with foil which I’ve been doing at home.
I would say that other students should do this because it helps you and gives you more of an idea of what you want when you leave college. You pick up skills just by watching other experience staff. My advice to other student’s is just keep going, work experience can be tough and hard work but it’s worth it’
Kamiesha WilliamsLevel 3 Hairdressing Full-Time in 10/11
Subject Area:
Hairdressing
Kameisha was nominated for the Functional Skills Outstanding Learner Award.
This was the text that was read out during the prize giving on Monday 20th June:
Kamiesha has shown dedication and a will to succeed to improve her individual maths skills. Her aim is to improve these skills in preparation for university. She has shown an outstanding improvement in her level of mathematical skills and is teaching these new skills to friends and family. The team would like to wish her well with her future studies.
Joemar ElnarBTEC Extended Diploma Health and Social Care Level 3 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Health and Social Care
"I thought the course was very good from the beginning although initially I was not sure what I wanted to do. There were branches into so many professions. I then really narrowed my choices to what I really wanted to do. City College has been good for me. I don’t mind exams but prefer course work which this course offers. During work placements I worked at the Multi-Cultural Day Centre which gave me an understanding of other cultures and how it influences people in their life choices e.g. food and eating customs. Then there was Headway (Specialising in those with head injuries). This provided me with insight how to be professional and manage my time. Taking service users out - you really need to think about their needs and communication preferences - something I learnt on the course which I was able to put into practice. I feel so lucky to be able to go to University of Southampton to study Adult Nursing and this course has given me the opportunity to progress into Higher Education."
Chloe BasfordBTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care in 10/11
Subject Area:
Health and Social Care
"I studied A Levels for a year at another college but it wasn’t for me. I realised I’d just looked at the qualifications rather than the training I needed to get the job I wanted at the end of it. So I came to City College and loved it because the course was a full-time BTEC, purely devoted to the subject I enjoyed and would give me enough UCAS points to get me into university, which is where I wanted to go." "There’s a great atmosphere and I’ve made so many new friends. I’ve just been offered places at five different universities and I’ve chosen to go to Portsmouth University to do a degree in criminology and forensic studies. Once I’ve finished that I plan to do a Masters in Forensic Studies."
Emma RussellBTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care in 10/11
Subject Area:
Health and Social Care
"I loved health and social care at school and knew that was the kind of career I'd like to get into. I chose to come to City College because it meant I could study it full-time, rather than doing it as a single A-Level and having to study another three or four other subjects I wasn't interested in. "It's been brilliant studying at City College and I've really gained in confidence, knowledge and experience. The teachers are really nice and I have done six different work placements at places like schools, nurseries, care homes and hospitals. It means I have had a chance to look at all the different areas I could get into once I leave college." "I've just been accepted to study a degree in child health nursing at the University of Southampton. I was one of 2,000 students who applied for just 65 places so I’m really happy! Now I'm a step closer to my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse."
Chloe BenhamBTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care in 11/12
Subject Area:
Health and Social Care
Chloe Benham from Westgate School achieved triple distinctions in BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care and has progressed to Bournemouth University to study adult nursing Chloe said, "I chose City College as it had good links with Universities for Nursing and Midwifery and because the teacher were really approachable and friendly. The facilities were also excellent. I liked the college because you felt safe and it is in the centre of town".
Christopher BabbBTEC National Certificate Health & Social Care Level 3 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Health and Social Care
"I have gained a lot in learning about College life and meeting new people. Working with different individuals has taught me about different career possibilities. I have also been a Student Ambassador during my time here meeting lots of new people. I am now going to work full time, take my driving test and continue as a member of the British Red Cross to get more involved and gain experience to work towards my goal of becoming a Paramedic."
Fiona JarvisFamily Learning Course in 09/10
Subject Area:
Literacy / English
Successful Skills for Life Student Fiona says: "I would recommend Southampton City College to anyone! English, Maths and ICT are skills that you will need throughout your life whatever you do and wherever you go. My training officer agrees and says I would not have passed the entrance exams to become a PCSO if I had not attended classes" Fiona originally enrolled on a short 'Keeping up with the Children' Literacy course taught by the College for Southampton City Council as she wanted to be able to help her 8 year old son with his homework She found the Family Learning course so interesting and enjoyable that she decided to enrol on Skills For Life courses, where she improved her ICT, gained a Level 1 and 2 in Literacy and Level 1 in Numeracy,
Suzi WoodgateBTEC - Moving Image in 05/06
Subject Area:
Media, Games, Journalism, TV & Film
As a mature student I went back to college in 2005 to study a two year BTEC course in Moving Image. I completed the course with honours and won a student award for dedication at the annual City College student award ceremony. Due to the results I achieved at City College I managed to gain a three year Academic Achievement Scholarship at Bournemouth University on a BA (Hons) course in Television Production. Southampton City College gave me a great foundation which meant I was able to be one of the most practically experienced students in my academic year. Whilst there, I specialised in sound production and also won a competition which found me pitching to Channel 4! I also worked with a number of independent film companies as a camera assistant, sound engineer, production manager and marketing co-ordinator. I also worked at Southern Echo, based at Southampton, as a video reporter. I completed my Bournemouth University degree and was asked to return to City College as a media tutor. I have since completed my first year in teacher training with one year left to complete at a master level. I then plan to complete my masters by studying a Masters in Creative & Media Education.
Blessing TsangaBTEC National diploma in Games Development in 08/10
Subject Area:
Media, Games, Journalism, TV & Film
When Blessing joined the course English was a known but minor second language.
The early assignments Blessing found very hard but through college support and his own motivation he achieved pass grades. As his language and confidence developed Blessings passion for games and commitment to the course began to shine through.
He made use of the Btec coursework resubmission to improve on his work and showed a great aptitude for Flash programming.
Blessing now attends Portsmouth University, having achieved a Distinction, Distinction, Merit grade (equivalent to AAB at A level) with 3 others from his year.
He enjoyed his time at City College so much that he once turned down a College trip to Thorpe Park in order not to miss a lesson. Blessings hard work and dedication should lead him to become a great games developer.
Richard WisbyLevel 3 BTEC in Media in 11/12
Subject Area:
Media, Games, Journalism, TV & Film
Richard Wisby from Kings' School is looking forward to studying Film and Visual Effects at university after completing Level 3 in Media Richard said, "The practical aspects of the course are great and the TV, film and radio facilities are excellent."
Coral LennoxDiploma in Motor Vehicle Studies - Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Motor Vehicle
Click here to watch Coral's Video Case Study. I didn't know anything about car mechanics before I came to City College. These were the comments from Coral when asked how she was progressing at City Horizons. My family tried to talk me out of doing this type of course, they said it wasn't the career for me, but, it's nice to prove them wrong!. I am loving it here and I look forward to coming to College. This can be proved by Coral’s impressive 100% attendance record since she started in September 2011. Asked why things were going so well for Coral she replied It's not like being at school, I didn’t enjoy my time there, despite getting my GCSE's, I wanted to be out in the real world and get qualifications relating to the motor vehicle trade. The City Horizons programme is good because you do a mixture of subjects, such a practical, theory and Maths and English and don’t get bored. My Tutor, Russell Mercier has been really supportive and gives us lots of support. Everyone gets on really well and we are all going onto Level 2 next September which is brilliant. I hope one day to set up my own business and be able to run a garage with my friend, who is also doing the same course as me. I would recommend this programme to other people, who like me are practically minded and want to get qualifications which will help them to get jobs. Going to City College and doing the City Horizons motor vehicle course was definitely the best thing for me.
Claire HarrisDiploma in Motor Vehicle Studies - Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Motor Vehicle
Claire came to City College and started on the City Horizons, Motor Vehicle programme in September 2011. Claire has always had a keen interest in cars since she was really young. She used to watch her Dad fixing cars and help him around the work shop. She wants to make her Dad proud for all the support he has given her and feels that doing the City Horizons programme in motor vehicle will help her achieve her dream becoming a full qualified motor mechanic and eventually setting up her own garage. Claire also has a part time job as a general assistant in a garage based in Freemantle. This helps her earn some extra money as well as gain an understanding of what it is like to work for an employer. I really enjoy my course at City College, the support from the staff is great and we are all learning new things every day. I am doing something which I love and this programme has helped me build up my skills and confidence. When I first started my knowledge was quite low but I can now identify parts of the engine and even do a basic service on a car. Russel is great, I couldn't ask for a better Tutor. He makes the course interesting, even the bits like theory which can be a bit boring. It's not like school, it's like being in a real working garage, which is great and helps people to get used to what it will be like when we leave to get jobs.
Reece SaundersDiploma in Motor Vehicle Studies - Level 1 in 10/11
Subject Area:
Motor Vehicle
Reece started City Horizons in September 2011. He was originally living in London, but decided to come down to Southampton on the recommendation of his step brother who was also at City College. Reece had heard good things about the College from his brother and decided to enrol on the Motor Vehicle Level 1 programme. Reece has a keen interest in cars and engines and wanted to increase his understanding and skills so that he will have a better chance of joining the Army in 2 or 3 years. The best thing about City College is the fact that you are treated with respect from staff, it's not like being back at school, which I didn't enoy. I have also enjoyed being part of a big group and making new friends. Everyone gets on really well and there is good team spirit in the Motor Vehicle workshop. The Diploma and Certificate students all work really well together and we all support each other. It's good to be doing a mixture of practical and theory and I don't mind doing Maths and English, they make it interesting. The staff are good at explaining things, especially how engines work and my knowledge has definitely increased since I started. I would definitely recommend this course to other people who are interested in car mechanics.
Carole WillbourneLevel 1 Numeracy in 08/09
Subject Area:
Numeracy / Maths
Carole first enrolled at City College in 2003, initially attending several Family Learning courses. She then enrolled at College to take - and pass - Level 2 Numeracy and Literacy as well as to Study an Access course for entry to the teaching professions. Her attendance and hard were commendable, whilst still looking after her young children, working in school and supporting her husband to follow his educational dreams and helped him enrol in a counselling Degree. She has ensured others are inspired by her story by giving presentations to other prospecive Access Students In Autumn 2010 she was offered a place at Portsmouth University to study teacher Training and awarded the Santander Recognition Award for Adult Learner achievement at Southampton City College Awards evening
Lindsey GoodridgePerforming Arts - Level 3 in 08/10
Subject Area:
Performing Arts
Lindsey Goodridge is an enthusiastic and outstanding student. She has always shown dedication and commitment to her work and has taken many challenging roles in large scale college productions. Lindsey is predicted an overall grade of DDM on the Higher National Diploma Performing Arts course at Southampton City College. Lindsey is a keen actor and dancer who has focused her talent over the two years and produced work of a high professional standard. Lindsey is currently taking the lead role of PETER Pan in the annual college Pantomime. She has also taken lead roles in Teechers and A Mid Summer Nights Dream and Shakers. Lindsey is also an excellent dancer and choreographer and has produced some outstanding pieces of dance through out her course, she is incredibly focused and determined to achieve. Lindsey has continuously studied dance throughout her course and has achieved and completed many qualifications during her study, Most of which are extracurricular or privet lessons outside of the college time table and Lindsey has show complete professionalism balancing both without affecting her Btec National Diploma. Lindsey shows a great interest in critical theory and she has been able to debate and argue ideals of theatre. Over the course Lindsey has covered and understood Intertextuallity, Anthropology, Linguistics and Cultural Feminism. Lindsey has shown immense professionalism and maturity throughout the course and I feel that she would rise to, and complete any challenge given to her on a level 4 undergraduate programme. Lindsey has aspirations to work in the professional industry of Dance and Performing Arts and to also go on to complete her P.G.C.E and teach within the performing area. Ian Rowsell
Head of Performing Arts
Southampton City College
Vicky HemphillBTEC Work Skills - Full Time in 10/11
Subject Area:
Skills For Working Life
Vicky is 17 attended Hamble Community Sports college and Fareham College. She came to City College, because she had heard about the City Horizons programme from her friend. Vicky had been told that it was a really good College and that the programme was allowing her friend to gain extra qualifications whilst waiting for her Level 2 course to start in September. Vicky eventually wants to progress onto the Level 3 Performing Arts course and then gain a place with a Drama Academy in London. From here she hopes to make it big in the Movies! The City Horizons Programme has helped me realise what I want to achieve in life and what I need to do to get there' said Vicky. Vicky joined the Work skills programme in early March and very quickly worked her way through units on writing CVs, job searching, interview techniques, enterprise and Health and safety in the workplace. Alongside this she joined City Horizons Action Theatre (CHATs) and got the part of The Singer in the debut production of 'The Musgrave Murder.' Vicky’s determination and willingness to work hard, has resulted in her being offered a place on the Level 2 Performing Arts programme in September. 'It was well worth coming onto the programme in March. I have really enjoyed meeting new friends and being part of the CHATS theatre team. I never imagined that I would be playing a key role in the play and I have loved every minute of this experience. My confidence and understanding of what is required to be an actor has increased. Being offered a place on the Level 2 performing arts course has always been my aim and I am so happy and proud that I have achieved this'.
Lauren GregoryCity & Guilds Advanced National Diploma in 10/11
Subject Area:
Travel, Tourism & Aviation
Lauren has been a fantastic student and worked really hard. Achieving her qualification has enabled her to start to live her dream and spend the summer working on a Greek Island. She commenced her career in the travel industry in March 2011 and is now working for Thomson TUI as a representative for the summer season. This company is the largest in the UK Travel industry and she will now have the opportunity to develop her future career.
Joannie ElnarCity & Guilds Diploma in Travel and Tourism in 10/11
Subject Area:
Travel, Tourism & Aviation
I have chosen this course because my Auntie took Travel and Tourism before, and she gets to go different places which I want to experience myself as well. Also, I like travelling to different countries, experience new things and meeting new people. I want to be a flight stewardess and meet new people. I have enjoyed this course very much because I experienced, learnt and tried new things. The easy part was the task because the teachers have been very helpful and they’re always there when I need them. The worst part was doing a presentation in front of the class, but I got over it because the teacher was there guiding and helping me. I plan to stay here in City College and continue Travel and Tourism level 3, because I want to finish this course and hopefully, when I finish, I plan to go to university to enrich my knowledge.
Kerryann ChantCity and Guilds Advanced National Diploma in 10/11
Subject Area:
Travel, Tourism & Aviation
Kerryann has been a fantastic student, worked really hard and been a college ambassador. Achieving her qualification has enabled her to commence on her career in the travel industry. She started work on Thursday 9th June with Travel Bound working at their site in Normandy. Travel Bound offers school trips, educational tours, visits and programmes to many varied and inspirational destinations around Europe and the world. She is working at their chateau in Normandy. Travel Bound are part of Thomson/TUI and so this is a really positive start for Kerryann to continue and develop her future career in travel.
David OrganPart time Level 2 Travel and Tourism in 10/11
Subject Area:
Travel, Tourism & Aviation
David came to City College on the Part Time Adult level 3 Travel and Tourism course, having had a bad accident which meant he had to have several operations on his leg. The college was able to meet his needs of providing a disabled parking space and lift access to the classrooms. He studied a wide range of topics which included travel insurance, cruising, retail travel, worldwide destinations, attractions and UK travel. The adult part timers were a small group consisting of all adult learners, so their wealth of knowledge was shared in the classroom and many friendships have been formed. One student on this course succeeded in getting a position as a TUI resort representative using this qualification, and others are seeking work as a travel agent. David says: " I chose the course as I have been off work for 7 years and wanted to prepare myself for getting back into work. The best bit was working with other students and doing assignments, which made me gain confidence. I am now signing up for Level 3 full time next year, and hope to get work in an airport or the cruise industry"
