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 What Our Students Say“I think this college is much better than the college I attended previously, the teachers are very kind and polite and are always happy to help. I feel very privileged to be in this college as it has a well maintained environment as well as a community.” “In the catering department the staff are helpful and supportive, they sort out any problems you have in college or outside of college, they help you make excellent food and meals and let you eat in the restaurant.” “My tutor has encouraged me every step of the way, she is always supportive and has given me unlimited help. I owe a lot to her for helping me complete the course. Thank you!” “I have found the course a good way to learn and become involved in music as a new career. I have found the support services and staff excellent in providing the environment for me to continue and complete the course.” Annual Student Awards Here at South Birmingham College we want you to achieve your full potential - our Annual Student Awards are just one part of showing that. We recognise that our students work hard to achieve the results that they desire on their chosen course. Each year we take the opportunity to praise students for overcoming setbacks, demonstrating commitment, initiative and creativity. Every division holds an event to recognise and award those students who do well in their studies, with special awards going to those who show an extra level of passion and commitment to their learning, often in extremely difficult circumstances. South Birmingham College is committed to your success and we would love you to be part of it. Student of the month All students on a full-time course with a 100% attendance record and who are making good progress (completion of coursework, handed in on time and to an acceptable standard) are eligible. Just make sure your contact details are always up-to- date and you will be entered into a monthly prize draw.  South Birmingham College making the newsRock star calls into South Birmingham College Justin Hawkins, former frontman of award winning rock band The Darkness, recently called into South Birmingham College to talk to music students about life as a rock star. The flamboyant star, famous for his catsuits and high pitched vocals, visited the Digbeth campus of the College before performing at the O2 Academy Birmingham with his new band Hot Leg. Justin talked to HND music students about the business side of life in the Music Industry. Nils Edstrom, live sound tutor at the College, said. “We were absolutely delighted that Justin took time out to come to the College - it was really interesting for both staff and students.” “He talked to us about record deals, contracts and income, which are often the least glamorous elements of the industry, and students got the chance to ask him questions. “It was vital that students learnt about this part of the competitive music world as many of them will be experiencing it first hand when they finish their studies.” With regular visits from music stars and industry experts plus exceptional facilities, including a sound desk that used to belong to Metallica, South Birmingham College’s music division is a top choice for students in the region. Top make-up artist visits South Birmingham College An international make-up artist who has made-up stars including Christian Slater and Daisy Lowe and worked alongside top models and designers at London and Paris fashion weeks called into South Birmingham College to show off his tricks of the trade. Dean Rudd, from MAC cosmetics, showed hair and beauty students the latest looks and techniques on 17-year-old College students Jessica Harold and Henna Gull during his visit to the Hall Green campus. Dean, who has also worked with famous Beatles and Penguin Books’ artist Alan Aldridge, also talked to students about the highs and lows of working in the industry. His high profile and exciting visit was organised through the MAC Membership Student Programme, which provides support to colleges and students covering make-up artistry skills. Beauty tutor Sandra Hewitt said: “It was a fantastic event. Dean showed us daytime and evening looks on our models and we learnt some fantastic tricks of the trade. It was also fascinating to hear his tales of working in the industry.” Urban music legend Trevor Nelson meets studentsUrban music pioneer Trevor Nelson held a Q&A session with music and media students at South Birmingham College. The renowned DJ, who currently hosts shows on BBC Radio 1 Xtra, Radio 2 and The Lick on MTV Base, visited the College’s Digbeth Campus in High Street Deritend to talk about his experiences in the Music & TV Industry. Students asked for his views on a range of subjects, including the future of UK Hip Hop, the perception of urban culture in the media, interviewing techniques and entering the Broadcast Industry. Trevor also spoke about the opportunities available to students who want to break into the world of TV and radio. He said: “I think the students sometimes have a perception of what they should be, but what they don’t really know is what they can be. “A teacher can tell them but sometimes they need to see someone who is doing what they want to do. “They asked some really good questions and I think some of them will really take something away from it.” He also talked about the importance of the courses and facilities available to students entering further education. He said: “I think these courses are brilliant. They show the infrastructure behind the shows – there are researchers, engineers and producers behind every presenter. “It’s good for the students to have rounded experience. I’d love to have had these opportunities. The first time I saw a professional studio I thought, ‘wow’, but these students study in one!” Second-year media student Francis Ezikwa helped rig up the sound for Trevor’s speech. The 21-year-old from Yardley said: “I was gaining hands-on experience as well as listening. “One sentiment that stood out was when he said hard work converts to success.” Teens build their future at South Birmingham CollegeBirmingham pupils spent a constructive day learning about the Building Industry at a taster session run by South Birmingham College. More than 100 Year 9 pupils from local Birmingham schools attended the event at the College’s state-of-the-art construction centre in Bordesley Green where they tried their hand at tiling, plastering, plumbing, planning, quantity surveying and brickwork. Backed by world-class engineering and construction businesses Balfour Beatty and Balfour Kilpatrick, the event was held to promote construction careers as well as specialist courses run by the College, which include City & Guilds, Post 16 diplomas and NVQs. One student said: “I really enjoyed the plumbing, especially the soldering, bending and cutting of the copper pipes” Students also had the chance to enter a construction-based competition and win one of two £50 prizes from Balfour Beatty, plus take home lots of literature on qualifications and careers in the construction sector. The event was arranged with the help of Birmingham and Solihull Education Business Links, which works to provide all young people with a wide range of high quality, relevant, structured experiences of work throughout their school careers |
