Former NCC students have returned to their roots to share their experiences of University life and help those following in their footsteps.
A series of events have been held in the Science, Maths and Computing department at Nelson and Colne College to inspire current students looking to progress to higher education.
Seventeen alumni returned to NCC to talk to students in a fun “speed networking” activity – answering questions about their degrees and how they are coping with living away from home. Each current student was given a set amount time with one alumnus before a bell was rung for them to move to the next person. At the end of the session, there was then an opportunity for the students to network, and speak in more detail to anyone who had sparked a particular interest.
Students wanting to apply for degrees in Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science, were also put through their paces in a series of “multiple mini interviews” (MMIs). The interviews imitated what students will face as they try and gain a place at any medical and dental school. Helping at the event were former students Cathleen Rowan, who is a Foundation Year 2 doctor, and Jack Buchanan, who is in his third year at Hull York Medical School.
Alumna Amelia Cockell, 21, who is now studying Biomedical Science at the University of Lincoln, said: “It is lovely to see how the college has progressed and to see everyone again – especially the teachers. I did this last year as well, and I was able to answer questions about what it is like living at Uni and talk about Biomedical Science.”
Curriculum leader for A Level Science Brenda Rowan said: “It has been so lovely to welcome so many familiar faces back into College to talk to and inspire our current Science, Maths and Computing students. It is really helpful for them to hear from students currently experiencing University about life after College and about the varied and exciting degree programmes on offer at Universities up and down the country.
“Many of our students go off to pursue exciting and fulfilling careers, securing places at top Universities. Among those returning for our events were Matt Langstroth, who is studying Medicine at Hull York Medical School, Kiran Sharif, who is reading Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, and Rachel Harrison, who is doing Veterinary Science at Nottingham University. Thank you to them all for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come back to NCC, and we look forward to watching them progress on their journey to their dream job.”
Also returning to NCC recently to share her progression and to speak to students was former A Level student Sarah Kendall, who is about to spend her third year at the University of Leeds on a work placement with a firm in Cambridge working on the problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria
Sarah, 27, who studied Biology, Chemistry and Physics at NCC, said: “Nelson and Colne College helped me get on the right pathway – my whole experience was great. It was here that I discovered my passion for research, and I got some of the best teaching I have ever had.”
Nelson and Colne College currently boasts a 100% pass rate and has been named number one in Lancashire for the progress students make in their A Levels, and number one in the area for vocational qualifications – based on value added scores. For more information about studying at NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact the NCC Admissions Team on 01282 440272.
