Our Students
National Diploma in Music (Popular Music)
It’s great that the tutors put so much effort into the classes. We get to learn so much from them, as they tend to work in the industry as well as teach here.
James Shean first came to Colchester Institute to study for the one year BTEC First Diploma in Popular Music, having studied for his GCSEs at The Thomas Lord Audley School. He went on to study for the two year National Diploma in Music (Popular Music) which James completed in June 2010.
What attracted you to study at Colchester Institute?
After studying music at GCSE level, I decided that I wanted to continue further in this discipline. My guitar teacher knew of the tutors here and, from what I heard, the reputation was good. It was also close to home, which it made it even more appealing.
What do you enjoy most about Colchester Institute?
It’s great that the tutors put so much effort into the classes. We get to learn so much from them, as they tend to work in the industry as well as teach here. I’ve also gained a lot of experience, for example organising our final major project, held at the Art Centre. We not only get to learn about the practical side of the music industry, but also the business side too.
What are your plans for the future?
Now I’ve completed the National Diploma, I’m due to begin the BA (Hons) in Popular Music in September 2010, at Colchester Institute. And after that, I’d quite like to gain my PGCE and teach music.
Diploma in Hospitality Events and Operations
The course suited my personality much more than going on to study for A levels. I wanted to take a course that followed a more practical aspect, rather than being just classroom and exam based.
After completing her GCSEs at Alderman Blaxill School, Stacey-Lee Gregory joined Colchester Institute to start the two year Diploma in Hospitality Events and Operations.
What attracted you to the College?
The vocational course suited my personality much more than going on to study for A levels. I wanted to take a course that followed a more practical aspect, rather than being just classroom and exam based.
Have you gained a lot of experience in events then?
The practical knowledge I’ve gained has been fantastic. As part of the course we had to plan and implement an event. My group chose to hold a ball at the Marks Tey Hotel in Colchester, whereby we also raised money for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. The theme was ‘Black Tie and Diamond Dinner’, and the night included canapés, a three course meal and dancing. It was great fun and we learned so much.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m starting Canterbury Christ Church University in September 2010 to study for a degree in Events Management. Once I’ve graduated I’d like to go into a career within the events industry.
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
The tutors find the placements for us, which is very helpful and, above all, provides us with great experience.
After completing her GCSEs at Thurstable School, Hannah Foss came to Colchester Institute to study for her CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education. Hannah will begin the second year of her course in September 2010.
Why did you decide to come to Colchester Institute to study for your qualification?
A lot of my friends recommended the College as being a good place to study. I wanted to work with children and, after reading about the qualifications the College offered, I knew it was the right choice for me. I also wanted a course that would be assignment based rather than exams and this course offered that.
Have you gained any work experience through your course?
As part of the course it is compulsory to go on work placements in schools and nurseries. I’ve completed two this year and will do another two next year. The tutors find the placements for us, which is very helpful and, above all, provides us with great experience. It’s certainly helped me decide what I’d like to do in the future.
What are your career plans?
Ultimately I’d like to go into primary school teaching, which will mean going to do my PGCE at university, once I’ve completed the course at Colchester Institute. However, I’d like to take a gap year first and go travelling.
Level 1 Hairdressing
The tutors are very helpful and make sure we are supported during the lessons.
Sam Hanley moved from London to Colchester shortly after completing his GCSEs. Not entirely sure of his future plans, he decided to enrol on to the Level 1 Hairdressing course.
What attracted you to Colchester Institute?
When I moved to the area I wanted to go to a local college in order to further my education. I did some research and came across the Colchester Institute. It looked like a great place, with good facilities, and it offered the course I wanted.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
It’s different from anything I’ve done before, or thought I might do, I really enjoy that. The tutors are very helpful and make sure we are supported during the lessons.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m not 100% sure of my future plans at the moment as I like to try new things and perhaps I’ll do something else after. However, I like the fact I’ll have this qualification to use at any time.
Level 2 Motor Vehicle Mechanics
I really enjoy the fact the course is practical based and therefore I get to use my new skills on a daily basis.
With an avid interest in the practicalities of engineering, it was without question that Mel Hewitt would embark on one of the engineering courses offered at Colchester Institute. Therefore, after completing her GCSEs at St Helena School, Mel came to the College to study Motor Vehicle Mechanics.
Why did you choose this particular course?
I’ve always been quite practical and have enjoyed repairing bikes from a young age. My dad is an engineer, so I’ve been aware of the industry and it was something that appealed to me. After looking at the prospectus for the College, this particular course really interested me and so I decided to enrol.
What have you enjoyed the most?
I really enjoy the fact the course is practical based and therefore I get to use my new skills on a daily basis. As the only girl on the course I get a lot of respect from the other students which is good. Other girls thinking of taking this course shouldn’t be put off at all! For me it’s been great.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m hoping to start an apprenticeship programme with Ford, which will allow me to put into practice all my new skills. After that, I’d really like to try different things, to see what works best for me and what I enjoy. Once I’ve done that, I can then eventually specialise.
The New Approach Programme – Alternative to Year 11
I’ve gained Functional Skills in maths, English and ICT and am now about to start the BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care.
After successfully completing the taster module, Georgina Dickens embarked on the one year New Approach Programme.
You joined Colchester Institute, having previously studied at Clacton County High School. What do you enjoy about studying here?
There were far more students like me here, rather than in my previous school. They were easy to get along with and I’ve made lots of friends on the course. I also enjoy the fact I get to work at home and there aren’t quite as many lessons as there are at school.
What do you hope to do in the future?
Because of the programme, I’ve gained Functional Skills in maths, English and ICT and am now about to start the BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care (in September 2010). I gained two weeks work experience last summer in a care home, and ideally I’d like to work in a care home for the elderly or disabled.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love dancing. I mainly do street but I’ve also tried Bollywood and others. Contemporary dance is probably the strangest one I’ve tried!
National Diploma in Construction
The practical exercises have been great, as they reinforce the theoretical side of the qualification.
After completing his GCSEs at St Benedict’s College in Colchester, Jack Norris went to The Sixth Form College, Colchester, to study for his A Levels. He soon realised that this type of study wasn’t for him and that he would prefer a more practical approach that related to the world of work. He has now achieved his qualification.
You have just finished studying for the National Diploma in Construction, what attracted you to this particular course?
I wanted something that was a lot more hands on than traditional subjects and as this course was the equivalent to three A Levels, it seemed like the right choice.
What has been the most useful thing about the course?
The practical exercises have been great, as they reinforce the theoretical side of the qualification. I’ve also really enjoyed looking at what is considered in a project right from the very beginning. For example: The assessment of the land and the extent of environmental impact.
How has your time at Colchester Institute helped your chosen career path?
It has helped me get the qualifications needed to secure a good place at university. I achieved enough UCAS points to be offered conditional places at all of the five universities I applied for. I have since found out I achieved three Distinctions and accepted my place at Nottingham Trent University, where I’ll be studying for a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying. I will start there with a good grounding of some of the subjects, having already covered them here at the College.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
I have a part-time job in retail. I feel this has given me an insight into how real businesses work. I have been able to bring my experiences back to the classroom and relate it to my course work.
After completing her GCSEs, Chantelle Eagle came to the College to study Health and Social Care. However, she soon decided that she would like her future career to involve business administration and decided to change course. She has since completed the BTEC Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Business Administration.
Have you gained any work experience that has helped you with your qualification?
I have a part-time job in retail. I feel this has given me an insight into how real businesses work. I have been able to bring my experiences back to the classroom and relate it to my course work.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
Learning new things within a business and administration context is good, for example; administration and the law. As well as being able to apply my job to the course, I’m able to use some of the skills I learn in class within a practical setting at work.
What are your plans for the future?
In September I begin my BA (Hons) in Business Administration at Colchester Institute, which I am very excited about. Then I hope to go into an administration role in London upon completion, fingers crossed.
National Diploma in Sport
I was really keen to come here to train with the team and to get my National Diploma in Sport.
Tom Bonds has completed his first year of the National Diploma in Sport, at the College. He also trains, daily, with the Basketball Academy at Colchester Institute.
What attracted you to study at Colchester Institute?
While I was in Year 7 at The Thomas Lord Audley School, I was playing basketball with the basic school team. Mark Lloyd from Colchester Institute came into the school and told us about the Basketball Academy. I was really keen to come here to train with the team and to get my National Diploma in Sport.
What have been the highlights so far?
Being able to train every day (as well as studying here) has really helped my game. Because of this, I’ve been chosen to play for the Under 17s East of England Squad, which is great. Aside from my training, the tutors have been brilliant on my course and have supported me throughout my first year.
What are your plans for the future?
My long term plan is to play professional basketball. In order to get there, I hope to get a basketball scholarship to study in the USA. Mark Lloyd is planning a trip to America to see two colleges later in the year, for those interested in studying there. In the mean time, I aim to finish the National Diploma, while also playing for the various basketball teams I’m involved with.
National Diploma in Graphic Design
I’d heard of the School of Art, Design and Media’s excellent reputation and knew I wanted to come here to study.
After completing her GCSEs at St Helena School in Colchester, Harriet Chiam joined the two year National Diploma in Graphic Design.
What attracted you to study at Colchester Institute?
I wanted to focus solely on art and knew I wouldn’t be able to do that by studying for A levels. I’d heard of the School of Art, Design and Media’s excellent reputation and knew I wanted to come here to study. As the course is predominantly practical, it certainly hasn’t disappointed.
Has the course helped determine your future?
It definitely has helped. I wasn’t really sure what do at first, or which area I wanted to specialise in. However, being subjected to all the areas within the field and having tutors with vast experience has helped to clarify my choice.
What are your future plans?
Once I’ve completed the second year of the course, my plan is to go on to university. I’d like to specialise in technical effects for film and theatre at the London College of Fashion. My ultimate ambition would be to work on film sets!
