Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the student newsletter. In this issue we will look at the news and events that have taken place the last few month accross our College Campuses.
I hope you find something of interest inside.
Bursary Applications Still Open
The Bursary applications for the new academic year 2022/2023 are now open. Please complete your application as soon as possible.
From now on your application will be processed after you have enrolled. If your application has not been assessed by the time you are due to enrol, then any fees due will need to be paid by you the student.
The Bursary Team are available between the following times for assistance:
Dartford Bursary – Based in the X Block, First floor – 9.30am – 4.30pm
Gravesend Bursary – Based in GR105 – 9.15am – 2pm
Tonbridge Bursary - Level 1 Help desk 10am - 12pm every term time weekday, except Tuesdays.
Hadlow/Greenwich Bursary - All day Tuesday in the Student Support office next to reception.
Foundation learners at Tonbridge have worked in collaboration with Katherine Jennings fine art Home - www.katjenningsartist.co.uk to sell sunflower products in her shop and in College, we have raised £445.33 this will be donated to Ukraine Crisis Appeal | British Red Cross
Well done to you all!!
LTC News..
LTC super user Erykah Farrell at Gravesend has given us her review on the latest Marvel Studios blockbuster: Doctor Strange & The Multiverse of Madness.
The film (experience) was absolutely amazing as always. The film itself I have mixed feelings overall.
Although advertised as a horror film it came with a 12a rating which is quite surprising. When viewing the film, you could quite clearly tell it has been spliced and had several scenes removed to barely claim this rating.
The film would have benefited from a 15 rating as it would have given the film the freedom it needed. Another unfortunate thing was the CGI graphics were shockingly awful in parts.
This is a awful pattern that Marvel has started doing in their movies and shows. This is no doubt the fault of Marvels owners, Disney.
But other than these minor faults, the film itself was awesome, I loved every second. There were many surprise appearances that I didn't expect and so many plot twists. The little horror that was displayed in the film was surprisingly good. The soundtrack was perfect as always.
Overall I'd give it a 7.5/10. Would recommend a watch
Before seeing, you need to watch:
- Doctor Strange
- WandaVision (TV show)
- Marvels What If (TV show)
- Spiderman No Way Home
Bonus, I would recommend reading the House of M (comic) as it will help you understand parts of the film
Thank you to everyone that came along to our Jubilee BBQs before Half Term. Even with the weather not playing ball at times everyone managed to have a great time on the bungee run, as well as taking part in the quizzes that the LTC and other organisations had put on.
More importantly we were able to plant four Platinum Jubilee trees as part of the Queen's Canopy project that will be a reminder of the event for many years to come.
Here at Last... Returned
Following the successful visit by Here at Last to our Dartford & Tonbridge campuses earlier this year, the band made a welcome return visit to our Gravesend and Hadlow Campuses just before Half Term.
Again, the group came to discuss mental health including the causes such as stress at college, relationships and much more. Also, sharing personal experiences, how they dealt with it and how to seek support.
Students and staff have told us how valuable the experience was and we hope to welcome them back at some stage in the future for our next intake of students.
An equine student said: “I thought it was very informative and they shared their own personal experiences which was good to make you not feel alone.”
We would like to hear your thoughts on the talk if you attended. Please click the link below to give us some feedback.
Dartford was the home to our first ever “BookCon” which saw hundreds of students come together to celebrate the wonderful world of books including their favourite characters!
In aid of this event, we were joined by guest speaker Sarfraz Manzoor who spoke about his life growing up in 80s Luton. Sarfraz was two years old when his family emigrated from Pakistan to join his father in Bury Park, Luton.
Throughout his teenage years, he battled to reconcile being both British and Muslim, being introduced to Bruce Springsteen by his best friend helped him through the tough period. This led him to write books on the subject that then became a motion picture “Blinded by The Light”.
A Business student said, “We loved hearing the story he told and how it changed him as a person to become the writer that he is today, truly inspirational.”
There was also the chance to win prizes in our LTC competition, the chance to grab some Comic Books and our Media Make Up students helped give you that comic book look!
Following the success of this event, we will be bringing BookCon to all four campuses in October, so if you are returning next year keep an eye out for the dates!
Sponsored Walk
North Kent College Level 3 Public Service students embarked on a two-day walk from Gravesend campus to Dartford campus.
The students decided they wanted to add further purpose to their walk so alongside they raised funds for ‘Walking with the Wounded’ a charity which aims to help injured former British Armed Forces servicemen and women in their career transition from the military to civilian life linking in with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations being held across the College.
Julie Bryer, Lecturer in Public Services said, “Despite some difficult weather conditions, everyone performed brilliantly, navigating as a team, and supporting each other throughout. They were able to demonstrate different skills they have learnt this year on their course and put them into practice effectively.”
Level 3 Public Services student Emma Kennedy mentioned, “Everyone had their own way of boosting moral, my mum facetimed me, we did a final countdown to the finish line, and we always stopped to make each other laugh.”
Level 3 Public Services student Kaycee Brooker said, “It was a good sense of achievement finally getting to the end with everyone and some people went in with injuries but with the unity and teamwork we all got through.”
If you are a residential student at our Hadlow campus then you will be pleased to know that the recent Ofsted visit has rated the provision at GOOD!
This is great news for everyone involved and we look forward to mainining the high standards going forward!
Industry Visit
A group of Agricultural Engineering students had the opportunity to explore various elements of the Engineering industry from Land-Based to Mechanical with a trip to factories and even thrill-seeking Alton Towers!
They visited Greenmech Ltd who specialise in woodchippers which are shipped across the country and aboard. Bailey Trailers who supply trailers for Farming, Agriculture and Construction; they were able to see robotic lathes and robotic plasma cutter, as well as robot welders in action.
Both factories provided the students with a grand tour enabling them to see how the products are sourced, built and distributed.
Stepping out of the Land-Based industry, the students had the opportunity to visit Alton Towers for a team building day and to compare the different type of Engineering we have in the UK.
To end a very busy trip, the students had the chance to stayed in a Youth Hostel.
Luke Akew, Agricultural Engineering Level 3 student said, “The trip was an eye opener, and it was good to find out about some of the capabilities of both a smaller company and a large company.”
He continued, “seeing some of the technology that Bailey Trailers have is exceptional and the capabilities of automated manufacturing that is now available to companies is mind blowing and I'm happy that I have been able to be a part of the learning experience that the College has allowed us to undertake.”
Ellie Nickols, Agricultural Engineering Level 3 student mentioned, "The trip was a good team builder and being able to get to know and understand your peers on a level you wouldn't normally be able to do during normal lessons.”
Over the summer we know many young people still need support. Its great that our friends at Kooth will still be avaliable using their online services. Check out the video below for what they can help with:
Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter this year. I wish you all a great summer and look forward to seeing some of you back in Sepetember. If you are leaving us I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Credits:
Created with an image by Dilok - "Coins falling to white piggy saving , Financial and money deposit concept."