Floristry students decorate St George's Church

A group of Floristry students from NULC spent yesterday decorating St George's Church in Newcastle in preparation for Christmas.

The students learnt about large scale floral arrangements and event decoration and gained invaluable experience of working with a client.

The arrangements were made using a selection of flowers, as well as foliage collected from the Churchyard.

Louise Johnson, Floristry lecturer, said: "The students had a great day. This experience will really benefit them as they go onto professional careers as florists."

Newcastle-under-Lyme College is holding its annual College Carol Service at St George's Church on Friday 21 December at 11am.

For more information about Floristry courses at NULC visit the website.

Music Photographer shares advice with budding photographers at NULC

Tony Woolliscroft, music photographer to bands including Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chilli Peppers for the past 20 years, paid a visit to photography students at NULC on Friday 14 December for a portfolio review.

Extended Diploma Photography and Digital Imaging students who have a passion for music photography received one-to-one feedback sessions on their own music photography work, as Tony provided hints and tips for the students to progress into the industry.

Alex Williams, Curriculum Leader for the Extended Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our students who’re interested in music photography, to receive feedback from a local person who has been in the industry since the mid 1990’s.  We’ll be looking to maintain this link with Tony, and have talks and reviews with future students on the course.”

Dan Hutton, Hannah Pugh, Tony Woolliscroft, Zoe Chetwynd, Helena Raby and Sue Bowdery

Alex added: “It also provides inspiration to the learners – Tony is from Stoke and has followed his interests to travel the world and photograph many music greats.  Hopefully we’ll see some of our students doing the same in the future.”
 
 To find out more about Extended Diploma Photography & Digital Imaging at NULC click here or contact alex.williams@nulc.ac.uk.

Floristry students gain inspiration from Tatton Park

On Wednesday 5 December, students from NULC enjoyed a festive visit Tatton Park.

The BTEC Level 2 Floristry students and City and Guilds Level 2 Horticulture students, spent the day at Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire. The visit provided the students with the opportunity to  look around the extensive gardens of the estate and visit the mansion house, which was decorated using a Dickensian theme.

 
The horticultural students experienced winter planting themes, while the floristry students gained inspiration for large event floral decorations.

To find out more about studying Floristry at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Graduate Show announced at Weston Park

Weston Park in Shropshire has announced its first ‘Graduate Show’ to be held in the Granary Art Gallery, Weston Park  from Friday 4th January to Thursday 31st January 2013.

They are looking for arts students or graduates to participate in this exhibition.

To take part, students must submit a Graduate Show Application Form, available from the web site www.weston-park.com/graduateshow. 

Final date for submissions is 3rd December 2012.

New commercial gallery call for entries

NULC is inviting submissions from contemporary craft makers, artists and designers to be part of a new commercial gallery. Selected work will be exhibited and on sale at the gallery throughout November and December 2012. Download the full information by clicking here.

Creative students exhibit work at Newcastle Museum & Art Gallery

Creative students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) will be displaying their work at the Newcastle Museum & Art Gallery.

Talented duo, James Blair and Cassie Bedson submitted their work to the Newcastle Museum & Art Gallery and have been selected to have their work exhibited as part of the Museum’s Open Art and Craft Exhibition.

Former Co-operative Academy of Brownhills pupil, Cassie, aged 21 from Tunstall, is exhibiting work entitled 'Secret Garden'.  The piece is made from finely cut paper and featuring animals, the intricate work cut entirely by hand highlights the delicacy of the material used.

Cassie previously studied A Levels in Art and Design, Photography and Textiles at NULC before progressing to the Colleges University Centre to study the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice in 2011. 

Now in her second year on the university-level course Cassie said: “I’m delighted to be exhibiting my work at a local gallery, the piece I produced was very intricate and time consuming, so I was delighted to be recognised for the hard work I put in.  The college has been great, encouraging us to apply for opportunities to  promote work  as part of the course, which has enabled us to build a fantastic portfolio and contacts that will come in useful once in the world of work.”

James, aged 23, from Newcastle, previously studied the National Diploma in Art and Design before returning to NULC in 2011 to complete a Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice.

James' work entitled 'The Spode Roaches' and 'It’s Not All About Great Butter' was created with a range of materials and reflects some of the work he did during a placement at the former Spode factory in Stoke-on-Trent earlier in the year.  James’ work features old ceramic transfers printed on to a refrigerator and recycled wood painted with the Union Jack.

The exhibition is open to the public and will run until Sunday 4 November at the Brampton Park Gallery.

Amy Davies, Curriculum Leader for Contemporary Art Practice, said: “Here at NULC we strive to provide our students with the best opportunities possible.  Students work on live briefs for a range of businesses and charities across the county, which prepares them with experience and a business acumen that compliments their creative flair.”

NULC offers a range of university-level courses in partnership with Staffordshire University at the college’s bespoke University Centre.

To find out more about studying a Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Student of the Year Award

NULC hosted its first Celebration Event, on Wednesday 27 June, the awards were given in 11 different categories which recognised academic achievement, personal achievement, services to the College and the community.

Daniel Paddick, aged 21 from Bignall End studies the Level 3Extended Diploma in Graphics and Interactive Media at NULC.  Daniel was chosen for the Student of the Year Award for the Faculty of Art and Creative Studies

Daniel enrolled at the College in 2008 and has progressed through Level 1, Level 2 and is currently completing to a high standard on the Level 3 Graphics & Interactive Media course.

Daniel has overcome much diversity through his studies, with the additional challenge of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, sensory integration dysfunction, dyscalculia and dyslexia.

The former Madeley High School pupil explains why he chose to study at NULC: “When I was younger I came to recreational courses at the College and really enjoyed it.  The staff were attentive and always keen to help you progress.  When it came time for me to enter Further Education I knew that NULC was the place for me. ”

“The staff have been very supportive, helping me to achieve my best.  I have a number of learning difficulties but that has never been a problem when studying full-time.  I have one-to-one support from my tutor during lessons, which helps me to focus on my work and meet deadlines.”

Daniel (blue jacket) pictured with other award winners during the Celebration Event.

Daniel will complete his studies at NULC this year and is planning to work as a freelance animator.

Simon Jones, Curriculum Leader in Graphics and Interactive Media at NULC said: “Daniel has excelled with the course and although he personally feels that university progression is not for him, he is planning to set up his own business and work as an animator with small jobs already waiting on the horizon.”

To find out more about studying Graphics and InteractiveMedia at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

NULC Celebration Event 2012

NULC hosted it's first Celebration Event on Wednesday 27 June.  The event brought together a wide range of learners from across the College in order to celebrate their achievements over the past academic year. 

Awards were given in 11 different categories which recognised academic achievement, personal achievement, services to the College and the community as well as sporting success. 

Award winners from the Faculty of Art and Creative Studies

Award winners from the Faculty of Art and Creative Studies pictured with Head of Faculty Malcolm Crutchley (centre). 

 

• Shamima Miah - Young Achiever
• Sam Jackson - Apprentice of the Year
• Magdalena Bielak - Services to the College
• Michelle Gregory - Work Placement of the Year
• Daniel Paddick - Student of the Year
• Lisa Mynett - Return to Learning Award
• Daisy Davies - Services to the Community
• Mina Tezgel - Learner Endeavor

Each award winner received a unique trophy designed by a team of learners from our art and design courses and was made on College premises in the Engineering department. Award winners were joined by parents and guests to celebrate their achievements.     

To see the full gallery of images from the day visit our Facebook Page here.

VQ Day Celebrations with Dan Prescott

 

Dan Prescott, aged 27 from Newchapel, is a mature student studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphics and Interactive Media at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

Dan came to NULC wanted to diversify from his role as a gifted and locally renowned hairdresser.  The former St Margaret Wards pupil is on target to achieve the top triple Distinction grade in his vocational qualification this month.

Explaining why he decided to return to education at NULC, Daniel said: “When I came for my interview I just had such a great feeling about the College.  It was modern and relaxed, the whole atmosphere was just inviting, and I knew I was going to fit right in.  I enjoy how much more independent college is, you’re far more responsible for your own work load, which all helps to prepare you for life after education.”

“The College have been incredibly supportive, the staff are always there and ready to listen if you have any problems.  I’ve also been lucky enough to receive a Talent+ Scholarship from the College which has been massively helpful.  I’ve been able to attend trips to Manchester and London and the Scholarship has also helped with the cost of materials for my course.”

Daniel is progressing to study Graphic Design at the renowned Falmouth College of Art, where he plans a career as a successful Graphic Designer after graduating.

 

Simon Jones, Curriculum Leader in Graphics and Interactive Media at NULC said: Dan has continually experimented throughout the course and pushed the boundaries in his approach toward graphic design.  Dan is deservedly set to achieve a high grade in his qualification and has secured a sought after place at Falmouth College of Art.” 

To find out more about studying Graphics and Interactive Media at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students selected to exhibit work at local gallery

 

Members of the public are being invited to visit a student art exhibition hosted by Gallery at 12 in Eccleshall.

Talented students from Newcastle-under-LymeCollege (NULC) have been chosen by gallery owners of Gallery at 12 to exhibit their work after the success of the Colleges annual end-of-year exhibition.

The exhibition, which runs from Saturday 7 July to Tuesday 31 July, will open with a private on Saturday 7 July.

The event showcases the abilities of some of the most talented creative students in Staffordshire. Specialism’s including fine art, graphics and textiles will be represented by students studying creative Foundation degree’s through to A Level’s.

Malcolm Crutchley, Head of Faculty for Art and Creative Studies, said: “Newcastle-under-Lyme College has a national reputation for the quality of its art and design courses and we really want the community to see just how talented our students are, so I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along and view the exhibition.”

Exhibition opening times are available by visiting http://www.galleryat12.co.uk/.  

For more details about Art, Media and Design courses at NULC call 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk or visit http://www.nulc.ac.uk/.

VQ Day celebrations with Shamima Miah

 

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) supported VQ Day by celebrating the success of its vocational students.

VQ Day, held on Wednesday 20 June 2012, was marked by a special celebration event at the College’s £60 million Knutton Lane campus. Students studying a Level 3 vocational qualification who have achieved triple distinction (equivalent to three As at A Level) will be recognised for their success along with a number of students who have achieved the new triple distinction star grade, which is equivalent to 3 A*’s at A Level.

At NULC, success rates on vocational courses are high across all areas of study. This year, over 100 students on BTEC National Diplomas are on target to achieve the top triple distinction grade (DDD) - equivalent to three grade As at A Level. In 2011, 313 students studying Level 3 Vocational qualifications and Apprenticeships progressed to higher education.

Shamima Miah, aged 17 from Burslem studies the Level 3Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

Shamima explains why she chose to come to NULC: “This is the only college I could find that did the course I wanted and the College have a fantastic reputation for their Art and Design courses which is what universities are looking for when you apply.”

Shamima was shortlisted in the National BTEC Awards for Outstanding Student of the Year.  Nominated by her lecturer Andrea Birch – Machin, Andrea highlights why she nominated Shamima: “I entered Shamima for the Outstanding Student of the Year Award because despite all the hurdles she has encountered she still remains determined and dignified with her plight to continue her education studying something she loves and completely believes this is the right path for a happy future.”

Coming from a traditional Bangladeshi family, Shamima wanted to prove she had the ability to make successful university applications to prestigious courses for her chosen subject. She successfully applied to all 5 textile university degree courses gaining places at Loughborough, Manchester, Derby, Nottingham and Wolverhampton.

Whilst at NULC Shamima was awarded Student of the Month and has achieved triple distinction in her qualification.  Shamima and will progress to study a degree in textiles at university.

Creative student win national competition

Two students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have had national success in the Young Creative Chevrolet (YCC) Design Competition.

Andrew Barlow, aged 17, from Endon achieved first place in the Visual Arts category of the YCC Competition.  The former Endon High School pupil submitted illustrative designs for a special edition t-shirt range and judges were particularly impressed by his creative ideas, which embodied the ethos of the brand and were successful in concluding a challenging brief.

Stein Pointon, aged 18 from Mow Cop achieved third place in Visual Arts category. The former Congleton High School pupil was commended for his digitally illustrated presentation encompassing the Chevrolet brand.

Both students are in their first year at NULC and study the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphics and Interactive Media.  The talented duo study in the Colleges renowned Faculty of Art, Media and Design where they are taught Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Games Design, Concept Art, Digital Imaging and Manipulation and Web Design as part of their vocational course.

Simon Jones, Curriculum Leader for Graphics & InteractiveMedia at NULC said: “This is a highly regarded national competition, so for two of our students to be in the top three is brilliant.  At NULC we’re committed to going that extra mile and providing students with the opportunities to gain valuable experience working on live briefs and entering competitions, which looks impressive in their portfolios when progressing after college.”

Commenting on Andrew’s success, Simon added: “Andrew’s work over the past year has been of an exceptional standard, so for him to be recognised on a national level is fantastic.  I believe Andrew can go all the way and succeed in the European heats of the competition.”

Young Creative Chevrolet (YCC) was launched by Chevrolet Europe in 2007 as a pan-European contest for students of applied arts. By challenging young artists to

respond to a creative brief in five potential applied arts’ disciplines – fashion, music, photography, video and visual arts – Chevrolet aims to foster creativity and support emerging artists in the early stages of their careers. The fifth year of the contest was marked by increased participation, with 155 applied arts schools from 22 European countries taking part. YCC 2012 will revolve around the following four disciplines fashion, photography, video and visual arts.

A first jury selection is made at the national level, and three prizes are awarded per discipline. The winning entry in each discipline competes for the European prize. Jury members are selected among recognized artists in the respective disciplines, design experts, media professionals and senior Chevrolet officers.  Andrew's work will now be forwarded to the YCC European Heats where he will face competition from students across Europe.

Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe said: “Young people set the agenda for the world, and drive its change and development.  They inherit the world we build and in turn pass it on. Chevrolet is stunned by the creative work generated by the YOUNG CREATIVE CHEVROLET contest. We are exceedingly proud to be supporting up-and-coming artists and designers through this initiative.”

To find out more about studying Graphics & Interactive Media at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students exhibit work in local gallery

Members of the public are being invited to visit a student art exhibition at the Airspace Gallery in Hanley.

Eleven talented students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have been chosen to exhibit their work after the success of the Colleges annual end-of-year exhibition.

The exhibition titled MADE2, which runs from Thursday 5 July to Saturday 21 July, will open with a private view for VIP guests on Thursday 5 July.

Joyce Iwaszko, Curriculum Leader for Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at NULC has organised the event: “The end-of-year Art Exhibition at NULC is always popular with members of the community and this year we wanted to extend our reach and have been able to secure exhibition space in the City Centre.”

The event showcases the abilities of some of the most talented creative students in Staffordshire. Specialism’s including fine art, graphics and textiles will be represented by students studying the Foundation degree (Fd) in Contemporary Art Practice, Graphics and Digital Design and Digital Media Production, all of which are offered in partnership with Staffordshire University.  Students studying the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and Extended Diploma in Art and Design will also be exhibiting work.

Joyce continues: “Newcastle-under-Lyme College has a national reputation for the quality of its art and design courses and we really want the community to see just how talented our students are, so I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along and view the exhibition in the windows of the Airspace Gallery.”

Exhibition opening times are available by visiting www.airspacegallery.org.

For more details about Art, Media and Design courses at NULC call 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk or visit www.nulc.ac.uk.