INSIGHT. Record numbers turn out to see what makes a successful college TOLLBAR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE ISSUE 13 NOVEMBER 2012

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1 TOLLBAR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE INSIGHT ISSUE 13 NOVEMBER 2012 Record numbers turn out to see what makes a successful college Almost 500 people turned out for Tollbar Sixth Form College's Annual Open Evening the highest number in its history. As current students showcased their work and offered their opinions of life at Tollbar to prospective students, Andy Clark, Director of Sixth Form, told parents that the college also has its highest intake ever in 2012, with 200 having joined this month in Year 12. The success of the College was highlighted this summer when 95% of our students who applied gained a place at university, with 85% securing their first choice places. Tollbar Sixth Form College has introduced a whole new range of Academic-based A-Levels this year, including new subjects such as Graphic Communication, Media Studies and Music Technology. Alongside this is a 1- million investment in new resources in Already in use are: a purpose-built sound proof recording studio; a new media room with 70,000 of high-tech equipment, including twenty high-tech computers, the latest software, a green board, digital cameras, camcorders and microphones; a new Music Technology room with new keyboards and industry standard software; a newly-expanded library and a new student social area. A brand new 10-classroom teaching block is expected to be completed and in use after Christmas. Stephen Moon, Principal, said: "Students join our Sixth Form College to work hard and progress towards their future careers. We expect a lot from them, but in return we offer them the very best environment in which to learn, with some of the most outstanding facilities and support in the region.

2 Spotlight on Media ICT ICT inspires Toby to delve deeper into computers The intricacies of ICT from networking to how computers are used in business, medicine, education and the home are all part of Tollbar Sixth Form College's ICT course. We also look at the human computer interface and different inputs from keyboards and QR codes, to the ATM and games consoles. In Year 13 robotics are looked at in depth, with an opportunity to program them. Student Toby Blain gave his views on the course: "I am rather enjoying the ICT course, it is enabling me to expand my knowledge on how computers work and I find it very interesting to learn things such as the history of the internet and how I am able to send information across the world in an instant. "Since I started the ICT course my view on computers is completely different. I have even taken my computer apart and fixed it up so it is working much better. If I was to choose my options again I would definitely pick ICT. I believe that the skills I am learning during this course will help me in my future career." Last year ICT students visited the local cinema to see their ICT systems and how technology benefits them. This year the College is planning a visit to see how industry utilises ICT, and students will be able to see the theory they are taught being used in a working environment. To complement the ICT course, Mr Norman is also running a programming course on Wednesday afternoons as an enrichment activity.

3 Students rave about new media course Our new Media Studies course is already proving a success. The majority of our 36 enthusiastic students have expressed their love for the subject. Here are some of the comments we have received from them: How much prior experience of Media did you have before beginning the course? None at all, first time starting the course. However I did have previous skills from English GCSE that have helped me make a start to the Media course. How do you find the balance between your theory and coursework lessons? Good, because you have to work as hard in the theory as you do in the course work, and tasks are always being made to improve your ability. Does the theory help you when thinking of ideas for your coursework? Theory definitely helps me with the coursework section. This is because new keywords can be used within the coursework which overall will get me a better grade. When looking at media text when out of school do you view them differently now you have studied them? I do, and my friends and I always comment on camera angles and shots when watching a film now. If you had the chance to choose your options again would you still pick Media Studies? Give reasons why. I would definitely still take Media if I had the choice to choose my options again. This is because so far I have found it really interesting. It is also an area that will help me a lot for the future, as I would like to go into journalism. Do you find the content of the course appealing now that you have been studying it for 7 weeks? What has been your favourite part so far? I do find the course appealing as it is an area I am really interested in. So far, my favourite has been learning the new terminology within media, as before it never even occurred to me that there was so much involved. What part of the course are you most looking forward to in the coming year? I am looking forward to starting the productions in the coursework. This is because the brief I have chosen appeals to me and I think It will be a fun thing to create for myself. Do you think that you have developed skills in Media Studies that will assist you in your future career? I definitely agree with this. I would like to go into journalism for a career and therefore media will largely contribute to this. 3

4 Enrichment Wednesday afternoon provides an opportunity for students to take part in Enrichment activities. There is a variety of courses on offer and students can choose a new course each term. The courses help students to develop new skills including team work. Students are preparing for university by learning how to cook healthy, nutritious and affordable meals on a budget. The six week course costs 5 per week and covers how to get the best bargains and how to prepare, cook and store food safely. So far students have made Spaghetti Bolognaise, Baked apples, Ham and cheese pasta bake, cheese cake pots and Lasagne. The garden project has been running for four years and students not only learn the skills of gardening but they also learn to recycle products. Making this see-saw from scrap metal and wood is just one example of the entrepreneurial skills students have developed. The photography course has captured the imagination of a group of students. They use top-of-the-range equipment to develop photography skills. Computer programming is always a popular choice. Learning Chinese is not easy, but these students enjoy learning a language in addition to their A-Level curriculum.

5 Building a cycle from scrap material was quite a challenge but far from impossible as these students proved. If you have a flair for the Arts, then the Silver Arts Award is for you. The chance to perform and be creative. Finding time to stay healthy and keep fit is not easy but at Tollbar, students can make full use of the state-of-the-art fitness suite. Learning DJ skills proved very useful for students when they were asked to organize and run the disco at the 6th form Leavers Dinner. 5

6 Beach Survey A group of Year 12 & 13 students took part in the annual Beach watch survey at Cleethorpes. This event is part of a much larger national survey looking at how clean our beaches are. Litter and waste are threatening the wildlife on our coastlines so the marine conservation society get thousands of volunteers from around the country to pick and record the litter and waste that has washed up on our shores. Students along with Mr Hughes-Jones, event organiser, did a fantastic job and managed to fill around 6 bin liners of rubbish and waste. Miss Taylor and Miss Brennan also got stuck in and managed to recover some interesting items in the fight against marine litter in the UK. An excellent effort this year by all involved, we hope to repeat our previous years success in September Chemistry students make aspirin in University lab Five Year 13 Chemistry IB students took a trip to Sheffield University to take part in advanced experiments and a tour of the Chemistry Department. The students had the opportunity to prepare aspirin, which linked to topics on their IB course and contributed to their coursework. The project was undertaken in a specially designed lab within the Department of Chemistry at the University. This enabled students to see the university labs and use more advanced equipment, which they otherwise would not have handled at school. In addition to the educational benefits, the students were able to gain a taste of what university life could be like. Student Deanna Catterall said: "Through this trip I have learnt about the applications of Chemistry within the pharmaceutical industry. During the visit, we were able to carry out a practical assignment to make aspirin from salicylic acid. This fitted in well with the organics module we are currently studying. Year 13 Chemistry IB students with their final aspirin samples, which were made during a trip to Sheffield University. From left to right Deanna Catterall, Alex Davies and Filip Sochaj.

7 Swedish students return for annual exchange Tollbar students welcomed their Swedish counterparts for the return leg of the fourth Annual Swedish Exchange visit. Following their trip to Sweden in June, the Sixth Form College students played host to a large group from Kungsbacka, who enjoyed four days of trips and activities, exploring the Lincolnshire region. The Swedish students spent time with their host families sampling daily life in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, and tasting the delights of traditional fish and chips on their first full day in town. Students, along with Miss Taylor and Mr Moore, then took a trip to Alton Towers on the second day of the exchange in typically wet British weather. But rain did not stop play as they enjoyed an active day at the theme park. On the third day it was a trip to Lincoln, where students had a Cathedral tour on arrival and free time to explore the historical city and castle. Teacher Miss Taylor said: "This was a a hugely successful trip again, with students from Tollbar enjoying a fantastic opportunity to spend time with their Swedish partners and experience a different culture." 7

8 Field trips bring geography topics to life Geography students have the opportunity to study natural river processes and the power of sea erosion first hand on field trips in Years 12 and 13. Year 12 students study hydrology and consider a variety of river processes, causes and impacts of flooding and how this impact can be reduced in the future. To support their learning, students travelled to Hubbard s Hills, Louth, to investigate how the river changes along its course. Taking measurements in terms of its width, depth, load and speed they were able to determine how and why these features change in the way they do, not only for the River Lud in Hubbard s Hills, but rivers around the world. The trip enabled students to put into context material taught in the classroom. Year 13 students study coastal processes, landform development and management, considering the contemporary issue of sea level rise and its potential impacts. On a visit to Hornsea and Mappleton, students investigated how and why these areas have implemented a range of coastal management strategies. During the trip, students were able to apply their classroom knowledge to see how coastal processes work in different settings, and how management strategies both help reduce the impacts of coastal erosion, but equally can create problems for other locations. Music Technology Workshop Saturday 17th November (morning) and Saturday 24th November (afternoon) Are you interested in Music Technology? Have you thought of taking Music Technology A-Level? Now is the time to find out. We shall be running a Music Technology workshop on two different dates. If you are interested in attending one of the workshops and would like more details then please contact Mr Yeung or Mr Frost Tollbar Music Department. Telephone Limited Places so book early