Talented students at Nelson and Colne College put on a show at its spectacular annual Art and Design End of Year Exhibition.
The exhibition celebrates the stunning works produced by both A Level and vocational students in NCC’s Creative department, including those on the highly esteemed Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and it featured a broad range of pieces including fine art, film, graphics, photography and textiles exhibits.
Manchester International Festival’s Managing Director Christine Cort officially opened the exhibition at a record-attended VIP launch night where students and their families and friends were joined by dignitaries including the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle and industry representatives.
Christine said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be invited. It was genuinely refreshing to meet so many committed, skilled and focused students. I very much enjoyed seeing the work and was impressed by the professionalism of all involved. I came away thinking many of those young people have a very bright future ahead!”
Former Bowland High School student, Sabiha Patel, 18, who studies A Level Graphics said: I’ve really enjoyed my time at NCC – I’ve met new people, I’ve pushed myself and the teaching staff here support you every step of the way.”
Level 3 BTEC Creative and Digital student Joseph Stobbs, 18, formally of Colne Primet Academy, said: “I’ve loved my time at Nelson and Colne College. The tutors are really kind and thoughtful and I’ve had a number of great opportunities to work with real life clients.”
And Level 3 BTEC Art and Design student Amy Whalley, 18, formally of St Christopher’s High School, said: “My ultimate ambition is to help others through the medium of Art – possibly through teaching.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at NCC because I have been able to develop my creative skills massively with the help of my tutors which has helped me prepare for the future. I’d recommend NCC to others because of the wide range of facilities available and the way that the tutors always push you to do your best.”
Figures show that the creative industries are worth £92billion and are growing at twice the rate of the economy. One in 11 of all UK jobs are also now in the sector which, within the UK, employs two million people, and this is set to grow by one-and-half-million people by 2025.
Morag Davis, Head of Division for Creative and Digital at NCC, said: “This year’s Art and Design End of Year Exhibition was the best attended yet – the VIP launch was an outstanding success and the atmosphere had an incredible buzz about it.
“Months and months of dedication and hard work is put in by our amazing students into creating their exhibits for this event, and it is safe to say it truly was a spectacular showcase.”
There is still time to apply onto the wide range of Creative courses starting in September at NCC, designed to help students progress into employment, an Apprenticeship or university.
In its 2016/17 results, NCC achieved a 99.7% pass rate at A Level and a 100% pass rate in vocational courses. The college is top in the country for 16-18 learner achievement at all levels, number one in the country for A Levels, based on progress scores, and the number one college in the country for overall Apprenticeship achievement at all ages and levels. One in five of NCC’s 2016/17 leavers progressed on to a Russell Group university.
Government data also places NCC as the best college in the area for vocational courses, based on progress scores, while it is also the best college in Lancashire for student satisfaction, according to the FE Choices Learner Satisfaction Survey.
For more information on NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact the Admissions Team on 01282 440272.
