Students at Nelson and Colne College have been inspired to think about their future choices at an engaging and informative A Level Conference Day.
The annual event saw first and second year A Level students taken off timetable for a day of inspiring and thought-provoking talks about potential career pathways across a range of sectors, as well as university options available to them.
NCC has a Career College ethos which is designed to get students ready for their futures – whether it be university, employment or an Apprenticeship – and speakers on the day included experts across a range of subject areas including Art and Design, Computer Science, Criminology, Law, Mathematics and Psychology.
As well as NCC staff, external speakers from businesses, organisations and universities were also invited in to expand the horizons of students, and these included career themed talks on opportunities in everything from English, Engineering and Earth Sciences through to Accountancy, Optometry and Pharmacy. With more than 50 sessions to choose from, there was something to benefit and motivate every student.
Adam Smith, a Director at Comic-con in San Diego, the world’s largest popular culture festival, also ran a session via Skype to inspire students on his journey from his roots in Pendle to one of the most exciting creative jobs in California.
Current A Level student Katja Tofalos, 17, who is studying Business, Photography and Fashion and Textiles at NCC, said: “I went to all of the art and creative sessions held throughout the day and I found them all really good – but particularly the session about developing sketchbook ideas in Art and Design.
“I’m looking at going into the fashion industry in the future as it really interests me but I’m also really enjoying studying Business at College because it is different to other subjects and it could be useful for other career pathways.”
Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics A Level student Farhan Arif, 17, said: “I want to go into a career in Medicine so for me the ‘Life as a GP’ session was very interesting – learning about the routine day to day life as a GP and the career opportunities, as well as the best courses to study at university.”
And Emily Riley, 18, who is studying Film Studies and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion said: “I was particularly interested in the Comic-con talk. It was intriguing to hear what you can do with an academic background in History as Adam has. It really opened my eyes to what is possible and what can be achieved. I really like NCC – it’s a place where you can learn outside of the classroom, as well as in your lessons.”
Some of those contributing to the day also included former NCC students Emily Whitfield, 28, Charlotte Edwards, 28, and Karrie Cole, 22, who all returned to college to deliver personal accounts on their careers in the NHS; on their time working in intensive care, urology, radiography and as an operating department practitioner, respectively.
Emily said: “It was lovely to return to college. It was a great place to learn, the environment was friendly, I was well supported in my studies and I developed a wide range of skills while I was here. There have been so many changes as well. I think it’s really good that it is a place that moves with the times.
“We were really surprised with the numbers of students who signed up to our sessions throughout the day – approximately 100 – and it was brilliant that students were interested in hearing more about careers within the NHS. I hope we’ve all encouraged students to look closely at the many career opportunities that exist within the organisation.”
In its 2017/18 results, NCC achieved a 99% pass rate at A Level. One in five leavers progressed on to Russell Group universities – the best in the country – including Oxbridge.
Nelson and Colne College has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted since 2005. It is the top college in the country for 16-18 learner achievement, at all levels, and is number one in the country for A Levels, based on progress scores.
Nelson and Colne College’s next Year 11 Open Event will be held on Monday 5 November, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Visitors can find out about the wide range of options available to study at NCC – including more than 30 A Level subjects, a wide range of high quality, career focused vocational programmes and Apprenticeship opportunities in a multitude of different sectors.
Prospective students will also have the chance to enjoy a tour of the campus and view the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, meet expert tutors and members of the Careers Team, take part in a range of exciting ‘have a go’ activities and learn about Nelson and Colne College’s diverse and constantly-evolving extracurricular offer.
For more information on NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact the Admissions Team on 01282 440272.
