News Roundup
www.borderscollege.ac.uk8
Summer 2016
News and views from Borders College • Campuses and Learning Centres throughout the Scottish Borders
Clean sweep for Borders finalists at Lantra
Scotland’s Learner of the Year Awards
A
ll three Borders finalists were winners
at this year’s Lantra Scotland Landbased and Aquaculture Learner of the
Year Awards, which took place on Thursday
3rd March at a glittering ceremony and gala
dinner at the Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel.
Andrew Dixon, aged 18 from Duns in
Berwickshire, won the Agriculture category
and was one of six Council for Awards
of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS)
winners. Lewis Mathison, aged 17 from
Melrose, was also a CARAS winner. Ciara
Whitson, aged 18 from Selkirk, won Equine
Learner of the Year, while Eyemouth High
School won the Urban Schools Award for
the second year running.
CARAS awards were presented by the
organisation’s national chairman, Keith
Redpath, while industry accolades were
presented to the Borders winners by
keynote speaker and former Lantra Learner
of the Year, Finulla McCloskey.
Andrew is doing a Modern Apprenticeship
SVQ Level 3 in Mixed Farming at the family
farm and Borders College. He also won the
Best Practical Student for Agriculture at
Borders College last year and was nominated
for the Junior Young Farmer of the Year
Award. Andrew has his own contracting
business helping local farmers and plans to
establish a successful cattle herd.
Andrew said: “It’s great to win the
Agriculture Learner of the Year Award.
Having been brought up on a family farm,
farming is well and truly in my blood, but
I’m sure tonight’s award will give me the
confidence to go on and succeed. I’d like
to thank Andrew Johnson from Borders
College, as well as my dad and uncle
for all their support over the years, and
I hope to make a success of the farm
myself.”
Ciara is doing SVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3
in Horse Care at Monksford Estate and
Borders College. She works with Riding
for the Disabled Association (RDA), has
completed 100 hours volunteering and
gained four Saltire award certificates.
In the future, Ciara wants to run her
own livery and deliver dressage training
programmes. She commented: ”I can’t
believe I have won this award, thank
you Lantra Scotland! It is a great honour
and I’m sure I’ll remember it for years
to come. Alison Robertson, my tutor at
Borders College, has been a big influence
on my career and I could not have done
this without her, or the support of my
Granny and Dad, my employers Mr and
Mrs Rooney and also Kate Thorne for all the
advice she has given me throughout the
years. Thank you!”
Lewis is doing a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ
Level 2 in Agriculture at Springhall Farm
and Borders College. Although he has no
agriculture background, his lecturers believe
that he is a great example of how someone
can flourish in the industry by having the
right attitude and willingness to learn. Apart
from his interest in agriculture, Lewis is also
a member of the Hawick Scout Pipe Band
and regularly takes part in events at the
weekend. He is also currently undertaking
his Adult Training to become a Scout Leader.
Lewis said: “I’m delighted to be one of the
winners. Thank you to Lantra Scotland,
CARAS, my tutors at Borders College and
Kevin Stewart, my employer at Springhall
Farm in Kelso.”
Keeping it in the family
INSIDE
After realising that plumbing was in his
genes, Jack Reid (pictured on the right)
started doing the Skills for Work construction
programme at Borders College, which was
the beginning of him following in his father’s
footsteps. Alan Reid, who is now a plumbing
lecturer at Borders College, had his own
business and Jack quickly decided that this
was the career path he’d like to follow.
John Rafferty, Engineering Programme Leader
and Jack’s lecturer when he first started, said,
“Jack displayed an aptitude right from the start
and was destined to do well as a plumber.”
He moved onto the full-time plumbing course
and began his work placement with Stuart
Drysdale (pictured left) at Roxburgh Heating.
He is now in the final year of his Modern
Apprenticeship with Stuart so the relationship
has continued. “You can get a good look at the
performance of the student when they are on
placement, and if they apply themselves it can
lead to helping them get into the trade. Jack
has a good work ethic, is tidy, conscientious
and asks questions. I trust him to complete
a majority of our jobs and this benefits me
because he carries out a good job,” said Stuart.
Jack’s route to completion was all the more
impressive as Jack quickly realised that having
his father as one of his lecturers made him
work even harder!
Braw day
as Jodie
opens new
Salon in
Galashiels
Page 3
Council
support
Business
Admin
Appentice
Page 5
Sports
student
makes
sprinting
history
Page 6
Students
get Michelin
star chef
treatment
Page 8
www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52 1
Charities benefit
from student
fundraising
Pictured (above) is (Level 3 Beauty Therapy)
student Amy Henderson presenting a
cheque for £614.34, funds raised by the
event, to the Lavender Touch.
Local charity, Lavender Touch, was
presented with a total of £785.09 following
two separate fundraising efforts in March
2016 by Level 3 Beauty Therapy and HNC
Fashion Make Up students at the College.
Lavender Touch work as part of the holistic
care team for cancer patients living in the
Borders area.
The Level 3 Beauty Therapy group raised
£614.34 for Lavender Touch at their ticketentry ‘Egg’stravaganza evening. Included
in the ticket price were refreshments, a
back, neck and shoulder massage or a
mini manicure, which all proved popular.
Various stallholders attended, including
Dermalogica and Younique, and MyBrow
and Hot Stone Massage demonstrations
were available at no extra charge. The
students each provided a raffle prize,
cake and candy for the sale, and various
refreshments for the customers’ enjoyment.
They also arranged an Easter giveaway.
Student Caitlin McVie said the highlight of
the event for her was, “everyone working
together and seeing it all come together
how we wanted it to.”
The HNC Fashion Make Up group raised
£170.75 at their ‘make up cake up’
fundraiser, where cakes, tea and coffee
were readily available to members of the
public, staff and students along with lots of
great make up tips and advice. As well as
the on-going demonstrations, there were
a number of trade stalls and a fantastic
raffle. Level 1 Beauty Therapy students
added to the event by offering nail file and
polishes. Lecturer Jane Gray commented,
“The students did well in organising the
event and raising money for a worthwhile
cause.”
College lecturer sets
Rocket Car record
Speeding Borders College Engineering
Lecturer, Dave Black (pictured left), has won
the honour of having his name emblazoned
on a rocket car which is set to break the world
land speed record by reaching over 1,000
mph.
Dave Black won the honour as part of an
initiative by the Energy Skills Partnership,
which encourages students to take up careers
in the Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics industries as part of the
BLOODHOUND Project.
The BLOODHOUND Project is an international
education initiative focussed around a
1,000 mph jet and rocket powered car. The
primary aim is to inspire the next generation
of scientists and engineers by sharing the
adventure with the widest possible audience.
Over 7,000 schools have signed up to use the
BLOODHOUND Education Programme in their
classrooms.
College Lecturer Iain Scott suggested that
the College got involved after his partnership
working with the Energy Skills body. This
led to two of Iain’s colleagues attending
a staff development training day to teach
lecturers how to run Rocket Car workshops
for students.
As part of the day Dave Black and Electrical
Engineering Lecturer Dale Clancy (pictured
right) had to design and build a Rocket
Car each and race it against other Scottish
colleges, as well as representatives from the
Royal Engineers and Scots Guards. Dave
Black’s Rocket Car won the overall event by
reaching 61 mph and setting the record for
Summer 2015
e.ac.uk8
colleg
www.borders
• Campuse
Borders College
views from
News and
s and Learning
Centres throughou
Borders
t the Scottish
p for Art
The Next Stece
Student, Ali
An essential part of the Level 3 Catering
& Hospitality course at Borders College is
industry experience, with every student
undertaking a work placement. Student
Steven Grant, from Hawick, carried out his
weekly work placement at the Roxburghe
Hotel near Kelso, working in the kitchens
and building up his skills. As valuable
as this experience proved to be, Steven
wanted to add to this to make him stand
out from the crowd, commenting: “When
This publication is
also available in
electronic format
and can be obtained
from our website
3 or on request by
contacting our
Marketing
Department on:
I’ve
best decisions
“one of the is coming to study
Art and
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Borders College
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design student undergraduate at
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design course, about their subject
been offered the internationally
really passionate inspired me. My
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school of
really
glasgow
and have
the art studios
recognised
of the Arts
students and Campus have
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st Martins,
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at scottish
with a great
london, Central for art and design
provided me
can share
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leading centre
I lacked
school atmosphere I left school
education.
has
Hawick High been ideas. When
and the College
has
since leaving
self confidence
to broaden
ago, Alice
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the opportunity confident
the BTeC level College. given me
become more
studying on
Borders
art, as
horizons,
at
my
and with my
design course her the opportunity
both personally my portfolio so I can
This has given
art studies,
well as develop
herself in her
step.”
to immerse
of working
and
experience
take the next
Campbell
given her the genres, pushing her
tutors Niall are delighted
art
mind Her
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to get into
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experiences
rior (pictured
pinned
been institutions many more applications
shared her
being individually
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students and
and receive
entitled: Interior/Exte
holds
each photo
minded art
her artwork
The other side
who themselves than spaces. According
My idea for
working,
onto the fabric. memories that are
her idea around
own
a very hard
guided by lecturers
more permanent.
to reflect
artists in their
more recent
“Alice has been student and to be Alice explains around the idea feel piece came by my need my eyes, my memories;
vague and
the
are professional
this
one side holds wanting sometimesthat have helped shape
self motivated two prestigious Art “This piece revolves
photographs
on my past.
at
choice, I
Nowadays
right.
exterior,
memories
to have the
represents
is a great of memory.
offered places
within devices,
looking outwards
artist within.”
“I’m delighted BA (Hons) sculpture
loose. which
fantastic. Alice we look are stored digitally
but easy to hold to capture myself
schools is
and
the
I’m creating.
applied for
Art at glasgow advocate for our coursethe next part easy to capture,
on the experiences
able to physically
in
I enjoy being making the memory
and environmental
witnessing
in Fine Art
forward to
BA (Hons)
a photograph,
and for the
have a hard
journey.”
I have now
to of her
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which path
make as to
decision to
Alice.
Comments
choose.”
the most
B
INSIDE
Scotland’s top
performing
College
support
helps Penny
in her ‘care
career’
Page 3
college is right
here on your
topped the
doorstep
rankings as
success’
has once again
comes to student achieving their qualifications last
‘Borders College in Scotland when it
a ever
teaching,
excellent
year.
to Mechanical
successful college
by providing
to
student support From Art & design
in succession
of tailored
a
Beauty Therapy
sixth year
in high level
facilities and
to Health
THIs is the
engineering,
with great
with campuses
Hospitality
combined
experience.
that the College,
st Boswells
in between,
positive student
staff gamekeeping,
Newtown
a vast range
of
of the top hugely
galashiels,
and enthusiastic
Care and
thousands
has been one
professional
of this strategy Borders College receives
and Hawick,
success. And, our
from potential
at the heart
for student
that our
each year
College has team are
performers
to their efforts
years, the
their applications
to equip themselves
and it is due
in two of these one spot.
and enjoy
students wishing skills and knowledge
says students do so well
held the number
liz McIntyre
the essential
chance of
the College.’
has with
the best
College Principal,is delighted to be able time here at
to detail that
of
to give them
and embarking
‘Borders College again the success
It is this attention
consistently
once
securing employment
of years made Borders College
to celebrate
colleges in
career.
For a number
on a fulfilling
our students. our students have the one of the best performing
students than
success has scotland and led to more
ensuring that
of
chance
do this
best possible
We aim to
been our priority.
Sir Alan
Sugar
misses
out on top
apprentice
Page 4
College hosts
horse riding
event
College
graduates
celebrate
achievement
Page 8
Page 5
college.ac.uk
www.borders
Tel: 08700
50 51 52 1
08700 50 51 52
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
2
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
as ‘Rocketeers’ and authorized to run the
BLOODHOUND Education Programme.
For further details please visit:
www.bloodhoundssc.com
3
Hospitality student’s passion and drive take
him further than he could have imagined
News Roundup
dup
News Roun
that day. Dale managed to take second place
with a speed of 57 mph.
Borders College is now a recognised
BLOODHOUND Hub and can deliver Rocket Car
workshops to schools either at our Galashiels
Campus or on location at any school. Both
Dave and Dale are now officially recognised
Tel: 08700 50 51 52
you come to College as a mature student
looking to change [your] career path, you
need to be focussed and make the most of
the contacts the College makes available to
you in order to do well.”
A perfect opportunity presented itself
earlier this year when former Borders
College student Greg Anderson delivered
a practical demonstration to Steven’s
group in the College training kitchen.
Greg is now Head Chef at the 1-Michelin
starred Morston Hall country
house hotel and restaurant
in Norfolk, where well-known
Chef Galton Blackiston is Owner
and Chef Patron. When Steven
approached Greg to find out if
he could carry out a placement
at Morston Hall, the wheels were
quickly set in motion. Steven
proceeded to spend the February
study week learning from some
of the very best, in a real fine
dining environment. Speaking
of his experience there, Steven
said: “What an amazing week
it’s been and what an experience
I’ve had, prepping all day long
and working the pass every night
like I actually belonged there –
fantastic.”
His week at Morston Hall spurred
Steven on to gain further
experience in another high-end
establishment, and so he sought
out another week’s placement:
this time at the prestigious 5-star
Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder,
Perthshire, which took place
in the Easter holidays. Steven
spent two full days working
alongside Executive Chef Alan Gibb (an
industry contact of Hospitality Programme
Leader Vicky MacDonald) on a new menu
which was to be presented to the Hotel
Board.
Steven’s experiences at Gleneagles and
Morston Hall inspired him to replicate some
of the skills he had gained on placement
in the College Restaurant. He and fellow
student Nicola Watt created a special taster
menu during their ‘Head Chef’ week, which
consisted of starter-sized dishes being
served to Restaurant customers. Their
dishes were well received and the menu
was considered a success.
Throughout the Catering & Hospitality
course, Steven’s clear end goal has been
to secure employment in a high-end
establishment, so he was delighted when,
at the end of his week at Gleneagles, he was
offered a full-time position as a Commis Chef
in the hotel kitchen. Steven acknowledges
that he will be starting from the beginning
but he hopes that his passion for cooking
will allow him to progress quickly through
the ranks. He begins his employment on 27
June, initially living in the Gleneagles staff
accommodation, and his wife hopes to join
him by the New Year, once they have found
their own accommodation.
Steven is very grateful to Vicky for all of her
help and motivation, and says his passion
for cooking was the driving force behind his
desire to build his experience and succeed
in his chosen career.
Borders College wishes Steven every
success in his future employment and
career. With the commitment and drive he
has shown throughout his time at College,
we feel sure he will continue to do well in
the Hospitality industry.
Braw day as Jodie
opens new salon
Situated in the shadow of Robbie Burns, composer of
that renowned Gala song Braw Braw Lads, is the latest
business venture to be opened by another alumnus of
Borders College – Jodie Millar.
After completing four years of study at Borders College,
Jodie has settled on his career in hairdressing and has
opened up a new and trendy salon in Lawyers Brae,
Galashiels. The salon employs a total of five staff, from
experienced hairdressing and make-up practitioners to
Edinburgh-trained barbers. The salon currently has one
spare chair, which they will look to fill in the New Year.
Whilst at Borders College, Jodie won the coveted Overall
Student of the Year award, which was presented at the
annual graduation ceremony.
Jodie, who was employed in the hospitality industry for
most of his working life, returned to College as a ‘mature’
student after latterly working for Salon Services as a sales
representative, where he was able to see for himself the
benefits of a career in Hairdressing. It was during this
time that Jodie, aged 38 at the time, made the decision to
return to College and study for his new career – something
Jodie would
encourage anyone to do.
Jodie commented: “If you
are going to College it is
up to you to get as much
out of it as you can, and
I would encourage anyone
thinking about any College
course to go for it and
make the most of the
teaching available to you.
“The tutors at the College are very down-to-earth, approachable and
supportive – particularly when things are difficult. The staff encourage
and push you to achieve your best and reach your potential.”
Commenting on the opening on the new salon, Programme Leader
Paula Hutchison said, “Jodie was a great role model during his time
Borders College
remains amongst
the best performing
colleges in Scotland
Borders College continues to be
one of the most successful colleges
in Scotland when it comes to student
success. And that’s official!
In Scottish Funding Council figures,
Borders College continues to ‘punch
above its weight’ when it comes to
performance and student success.
This is the seventh year in succession that
the College, with campuses in Galashiels,
Newtown St Boswells and Hawick, has
been one of the top performers for
student success in Scotland.
From Art & Design to Mechanical
Engineering,
Beauty
Therapy
to
Gamekeeping, Hospitality to Health
Care and a vast range in between,
Borders College receives thousands of
applications each year from potential
students wishing to equip themselves with
the life changing skills and knowledge to
give them the greatest opportunity of
securing employment and embarking on
a fulfilling career.
at College, and was a student who always turned a negative into a
positive, where he also encouraged all his colleagues to take the same
outlook. We wish him every success in his new business.”
Millar’s Salon features a one-stop-shop for hairdressing, make-up and
barbering, as well as specialist Cabelo hair treatments using premium
hairdressing products such as ‘Fudge’.
The Salon is open
Monday to Saturday
from 9am. To book your
appointment, please call
01896 754388.
The main results for Borders College in
2014/15 are:
3 77.5 % of further education full time
students completed their studies in
the year, with 69.1% achieving their
award. (This is 5.1% above the
national average.)
3 81.8% of higher education full time
You can also visit the
Salon on facebook – just
visit www.facebook.com/
millarhair.
‘Train to Care’ participants celebrate success
students completed their studies,
with 75.1% achieving their award.
(This is 3.8% above the national
average.)
3 For
all age groups across all
programmes longer than 160 hours,
73% or more of students achieved
their awards.
3 The
highest success rates for FE
programmes longer than 160 hours
were achieved in Landbased and
Construction programmes, with
over 80% achieving their awards.
3 The
highest success rates for
HE programmes longer than 160
hours were achieved in Business
& Management, with over 78%
achieving their awards.
3 The
success rate for learners in a
second year of study at the College
is very high at 89%. (This is 8%
above the national average.)
You can view the full report at: http://
www.borderscollege.ac.uk/downloads/
performance_indicators_january_2016.
pdf.
Open Days at
Representatives from NHS Borders, Borders College Skills
Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus came together on Friday
12th February to celebrate the nine trainees who were successful in
completing the six week ‘Train to Care’ programme as part of the NHS
Borders Sector Based Work Academy.
Train to Care provides opportunities to help unemployed people in
the Borders gain work within the Health and Social Care sector. The
programme focuses on skills development and helps to build a better
understanding and insight into working in the Health and Social Care
sector.
During the course of the six week programme, training included NHS
Borders Corporate Induction programme and work placements within
NHS Borders and local Care Homes.
BORDERS
COLLEGE
John McLaren, NHS Borders Employee Director, presented certificates
to the participants at the graduation ceremony, and said: “I would like
to congratulate all the participants who have successfully completed
this valuable training programme.
“The programme provides an excellent opportunity for a number of
unemployed local people to develop the desired knowledge and skills
required to help them gain employment in the Health and Social Care
sector.
“We run these programmes on a regular basis and once again we
would like to thank the placement areas within NHS Borders and the
Care Homes for their support in making this a success.”
For further information on how you can apply for similar programmes
please contact your local Job Centre Plus advisers.
To find out about the wide range of
courses available from Borders College,
please visit our website
You can find out when our Open Days
are by signing up to our free eMail list.
Visit the website at:
www.borderscollege.ac.uk/
opendays
and we’ll let you know when our next
open day is.
If you can’t make our scheduled Open
Days then drop us an email and we’ll
arrange a ‘personal tour’. Please email
[email protected]
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
or call our Student Advice Centre on 01896 662516
3
www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52 3
College graduates celebrate achievement
T
HE highlight of the academic calendar at Borders College took place at Kelso’s Springwood Park in September 2016. Over 160 students celebrated their achievements at the annual
Graduation Ceremony, supported by around 700 proud family, friends and special guests. One of the many highlights of the occasion was when an Honorary Fellowship was awarded
to Rosamund de la Hey (inset), owner of Mainstreet Books in St Boswells.
Corporate Parenting pledge signed by Borders College
Board members and Staff at Borders
College undertook Level 2 Corporate
Parenting Training delivered by Who
Cares? Scotland. The training provided
information on what it’s like to be a
‘care experienced student’ as well as
focussing on what it means to be a
Corporate Parent.
The training has really ‘fired up’ staff
into thinking positively about how, as
a College, we can be ‘good corporate
parents’. Hearing first-hand the stories
of the young people’s care journeys
proved to be very powerful, allowing
staff to understand the challenges for
a care experienced student and how
the little things can make such a huge
difference.
Liz McIntyre, Principal at Borders
College, said: “The College is totally
committed to working as a team, in
partnership with care experienced
young people, to ensure that we
provide the best possible opportunities
for these young people to develop their
talents and achieve their full potential.”
Shilla Zwizwai, Care Experienced
Campaigner, said: “I’m so happy that
Who Cares? Scotland and Borders
College are working together. I hope
this partnership marks the beginning
of substantial change in the outcomes
for care experienced young people.
I see the potential and ability of care
experienced young people every day
and know that they have so much to
offer. That’s why what Borders College
is doing is such a great thing. Many
young people leave school and leave
care with little belief in themselves, and
very few qualifications, just like I did.
Borders College plays a pivotal role in
helping students build their confidence
and take charge of their lives. It is so
important that everyone in the College
understands care experienced young
people, listens to them and takes action
to ensure that a young person’s start in
life doesn’t determine their future.”
After the training, the Borders College
Principal signed the ‘Who Cares?
Pledge’, which will see Borders College
become an effective Corporate Parent.
Corporate
Parenting
responsibility
became legislation under the Children &
Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 where,
as a Corporate Parent, all staff have a
responsibility to promote and support
the physical, emotional, spiritual, social Photo: (L-R) Jen MacKenzie – Borders College Learner Success Mentor, Alicia Santana – Who
and cognitive development of a looked Cares? Scotland, Liz McIntyre – Principal, Shilla Zwizwai – Who Cares? Scotland, Robert Foster –
Who Cares? Scotland.
after young person or care leaver.
‘Catering for Life’ participants celebrate success
Catering for Life is a 10 week programme
which is funded by DWP and is a partnership
between Borders College, NHS Borders,
the Healthy Living Network and Jobcentre
Plus and is available to all Jobcentre Plus
claimants, regardless of their benefit type,
and required attendance at College for 2.5
days per week.
It helps unemployed people in the
Borders with mild and moderate health
conditions and disabilities to focus towards
securing and sustaining employment. The
programme focuses on the removal of
actual and perceived barriers by enhancing
the participant’s employability skills and
building self-confidence by the provision of a
range of Industry Recognised Short Courses
and transferrable work and life skills. Work
4
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
placements took place within NHS Borders
Facilities Department, where individuals
were able to spend time with the porters,
with the Healthy Living Network in a range
of community projects both at Burnfoot
Tel: 08700 50 51 52
and Langlee, and Scottish Borders Council
School Meals Service, where individuals
were involved in preparing and serving
lunches in primary schools in Kelso, Hawick
and Tweedbank.
During the evaluation of the programme
the participants were asked if they would
recommend Catering to Life to others, to
which they all replied, “WITHOUT A DOUBT!”
Those present in the photo – from left to
right – are Steven Kyle, Karen Edmond,
Maria Taylor, Martin Lauder, Lindsey Smith,
Miranda Whellans, Graham Gordon, Kevin
Brodie and Beth James. (Ian Donaldson was
also successful; however, not present at the
celebration.)
For further information regarding this
programme please contact:
Stephanie Bell, Project Manager on
01896 662577 or email
[email protected]
Royal Marines Visibility
Team put Preparation for
Armed Forces students
through their paces
Report by Cameron Fender (Student) on behalf of Preparation for the Armed Forces course.
A huge thanks to Chief Petty Officer Gary Richardson, Royal Navy, and the Royal
Marines Visibility team, who came down to teach Borders College students
about the whole joining process and all of the roles and responsibilities of the
Royal Marines. The presentation was very informative, keeping the whole class
interested, and the Royal Marines did a very good job of answering all questions
that were asked.
The fitness was an eye-opener to the training style of the Royal Navy/Royal
Marines. The class really enjoyed the high intensity training and team building
exercises that were set out. It has now changed the minds of some of the
students, who are now considering a career within the Royal Navy/Royal
Marines.
Council support Business
First Customer Service
Apprentices for Scottish Administration Apprentice
Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council has
recently recruited two Customer Service
Apprentices: Kathryn Wallace has joined
the team at the Hawick Contact Centre,
whilst Michael Scott is working with the
team at the Galashiels office. As part of
their Apprenticeship, both are undertaking
their SVQ Level 2 Customer Service
qualification.
SBC recognises the importance of excellent
customer service and, as part of their
Modern Apprenticeship, have enrolled
Kathryn and Michael on to the SVQ Level
2 Customer Service qualification, which
assesses the skills and knowledge that are
required to perform their job effectively.
This means that, once they have achieved
their SVQ, they are able to prove they
have the skills and knowledge to do the
job to the standard of competence defined
nationally by the industry.
Scottish Borders Council is working in
partnership with Borders College, who are
assessing the qualification, which is being
funded by Skills Development Scotland.
Susan Mason, Customer Service Assessor,
comments: “The Customer Service
SVQs are designed to be assessed in the
workplace, so Kathryn and Michael don’t
need to spend lots of time away from
their work undertaking this qualification. It
also gives them a qualification that will be
useful not only in their current role, but will
be a great addition to their CV and for a
range of employment opportunities in the
future.
“The Customer Service SVQs are designed
for people working in a wide variety of
areas where quality customer service is an
essential part of their role.”
Since starting their roles as Modern
Apprentices, Michael has been successful in
securing a full-time position as a Customer
Advisor with Scottish Borders Council and
both Kathryn and Michael hope to complete
their qualifications within a year.
For more information on Modern Apprenticeships and Customer Service SVQs contact
Andries Fourie email: [email protected] Tel: 01896 662633 or Susan Mason
email: [email protected]
Council Business Administration Apprentice Lauren Dyer was working as an
Administration Assistant with another company when she heard about the Apprenticeship
opportunity through word of mouth, as well as on the Scottish Borders Council website.
Seeing an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, Lauren embarked on
the SVQ Level 2 Business Administration course through Scottish Borders Council’s
Apprenticeship programme, supported by Tutor Jill Lawrie of the Borders College
Business Development Unit. Lauren says of Jill, “I found that she supported me with
any queries or questions I had and was very prompt at getting back to me.”
Lauren has benefitted greatly from this experience – not only has it helped to boost
her confidence but it has provided her with valuable lifelong skills. Lauren intends to
continue her career within the business administration environment and hopes to have
a bright future with Scottish Borders Council.
Consultation with students
on draft Strategic Plan
Susan Manion, Chief Officer for Integration of Health and Social Care, Scottish Borders,
and Carin Petterson from Scottish Borders Council came to Borders College recently to meet
with students studying HNC Care and Administrative Practice, HNC Social Care, Higher
Health, Access to Nursing and Higher Social Care, to consult on the new draft strategic plan
for the partnership between Health and Social Care.
Students took part in a range of different workshops and gave feedback on these workshops
to both Susan and Carin. The workshops focussed around how future services could be
delivered to individuals in the Scottish Borders and how best to support staff working in
the sector.
Head of the Care Faculty, Jayne Gracie, commented: “These workshops certainly increased
student awareness of the changes that are likely to take place in the near future around
service delivery and how best to meet individual needs. Students also understand why the
changes are being made, which is to improve outcomes for service users, their carers and
their families.”
www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52 5
Happy hair day for Megan
Successfully completing your College course is a
day to celebrate! And for 24 year old Megan Bilsland
from Lauder, completing her Hairdressing Level 1
course was certainly a day to pop the champagne.
After two years of study at Borders College Megan
finally sets off into the world of work to take up a post
at Aquarius Hair Salon in Earlston, as a Hairdressing
Assistant, where Megan will be shampooing and
preparing clients hair for the stylists in the Salon.
During her time at College Megan undertook a
bespoke ‘Salon Assistant Course’, in addition to her
level 1 qualification. This, along with an industrial
work placement at her now employer’s salon in
Earlston, allowed Megan to gain the skills and
experience to enable her to successfully complete
her course.
Course Tutor – Moira Barbour said: “Megan has been
a star student with almost 100% attendance who
has worked extremely hard to complete the course.”
As well as studying and learning Megan also won
third place in a College competition for ‘Long Hair
Design’.
When asked about what she enjoyed at College
Megan said: “I really enjoyed the theory because
Moira made it interesting and used lots of fun ways
to learn.”
Salon owner at Aquarius, Morag Sterrick, commented:
“We are all so proud of what Megan has achieved!
She is a breath of fresh air and always has a smile
on her face. We are all looking forward to Megan
joining us at Aquarius as part of our team.”
Sports student runs herself
into the history books at
Musselburgh New Year Sprint
Borders College student Jazmine Tomlinson, from Jedburgh, has become
the first woman in the race’s 147-year history to win the ‘New Year Sprint’, in
front of a 5,400-strong crowd, at Musselburgh on 1st January.
18 year old Jazmine, who is on the HNC Sports Coaching and Development
course, said: “It was a really close finish but it was a great feeling to win in
front of more than 5,000 people – it’s by far the biggest crowd I’ve raced for. I
thought the pressure would get to me after I won my cross-tie but it didn’t – I
just went for it. It’s unbelievable and it still hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Jazmine, who runs for ‘Tweed Leader Jed Track’, was an 8-1 outsider for the
final at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Race promoter Frank Hanlon was delighted with Jazmine’s victory. He said: “We
have been waiting for about the last 15 years for a female winner and it was
only a matter of time before the men’s hold on this historic race was shattered.
With a record crowd at Musselburgh Racecourse, Jazmine couldn’t have picked
a better time to enter the history books.”
Looking forward to 2016, Jazmine is hoping to represent Borders College in a
number of forthcoming fixtures.
Selkirk Dementia Café opens with
help from College students
Borders College, Rowland’s – Selkirk and
NHS Borders MHOAT (Mental Health Older
Adults Team, who provide a community based
specialist mental health service for people who
have a diagnosis of dementia), are working
together to provide a café and drop-in centre
for people living with dementia, carers, family
and friends, once a month at Rowland’s in
West Port, Selkirk.
People can meet for a morning coffee with
scones on the second Tuesday of every month
from 10am at Rowland’s café. Members of the
MHOAT (Central) team will be on hand to give
advice and the venue will also have a range of
information available for anyone who would
like to know more about dementia.
Students from the Access Department will
run the café and, although it will be quite a
challenge for them opening for both coffee
and lunch, it will test their skills and will also
help them better understand the needs of
those who are living with dementia.
NHS Borders Community Psychiatric Nurse
Yvonne Killean explains the purpose of
providing this service: “Dementia Cafés
6
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
are run in various locations throughout the
Borders. Their main purpose is to offer an
informal, pop-in venue for people who are
living with dementia, their family and carers,
and anyone who is worried that they or a
loved one might be developing symptoms of
Tel: 08700 50 51 52
dementia, to meet with each other, as well as
members of our team, in order to get advice,
support and information about the condition.
Rowland’s café is an ideal venue for a
dementia café, being friendly, comfortable,
central and easily accessible.”
Top hair styling tips
for international
news presenter
If you’re a top Scottish journalist,
broadcaster and television presenter
currently working with an International
News Company – France 24, based in Paris
– and need advice and help on hairstyling,
who do you turn to?
For a former Earlston High School pupil the
answer was easy – Borders College!
Halla Mohieddeen (pictured on the left) made
contact with the Hairdressing department at
Borders College, seeking advice on how to
style her hair before presenting her early
morning news programmes.
Halla told us, “I’m on the early shift and
start work just after 2am, before the station
hairdressers arrive, and I wanted to get
some top tips for styling my hair before
going live on air.”
College lecturer Wendy McCutcheon
(pictured right) was only too happy to help
and Halla was invited in for a “TV Presenter’s
Hair Masterclass”.
Wendy said, “Halla knew what she was
trying to achieve and was keen to try out
some styling techniques that she could do
on her own each morning before appearing
on TV.”
So next time you tune in to France 24 and
Halla’s hair is looking great, you’ll know that
she got some of the best advice available
from Borders College.
‘At First Sight Beauty
Salon’ employability talk
Level 2 Beauty Therapy students were
joined by successful local business owner
Nicola Couperthwaite from At First Sight
Beauty Salon in Peebles, who presented an
Employability talk. Nicola has 10 years of
experience in the beauty industry and has
worked at the multi-national award winning
city retreat spa, Stobo Castle, and then went
on to set up her own business in Peebles
three years ago. She was recently a finalist
in the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards for
Therapist and Beauty Salon of the year.
Her talk was very informative for the students
and she talked about the behind-the-scenes
aspects of running a business, including how
to stay motivated even on those quiet days,
and advice on how to start up your own
business, sharing some very useful contacts.
The session was very interactive and she
got the students thinking about what kind
of job would suit them best, discussing the
various careers out there, such as working
at a salon, spa, cruise ship, or becoming a
product trainer.
An important and very beneficial part of the
talk was how to stand out in an interview
and how to write a good CV.
Course Tutor Liesa Hamilton, who organised
the Employability talk, said, “It was excellent
that Nicola was able to share her expertise
and her passion with the students. The
students gained a lot from this and they
were able to start thinking about what they
really want to do within the beauty industry.”
Nicola said to the students that, “Success
doesn’t come to you; you really have to go
to it”, and continued, “Everything you are
doing at College is moulding you into being
who you want to be. You have all chosen an
amazing career.”
www.tartanmonkey.co.uk
Students’ Association –
our latest update
Everything you need to know
about…BCSA
First and foremost, Borders College Students’
Association (BCSA) would like to extend a
warm welcome to all students who will be
studying at Borders College after the summer.
Whether a new student or a returner, you
have automatically become a member of
BCSA. Excellent news! So what do we do!?
BCSA is an organisation that works for students,
and is run by students. Each year we elect a
team of Student Officers whose purpose is to
improve the student experience at Borders
College. Based on your feedback, Student
Officers will represent you on a number of
issues, including fighting for better resources
on campus and in classrooms, suggesting
improvements to the way courses are taught,
putting on events, and generally trying our
best to make your student experience better.
We understand that some of you may face
challenges while at College. We are here
to make sure you have the right support to
get through the tricky times, and ultimately
be successful in your course. We also know
that you may want some events, or to set
up a club or support group. We’re here for
that too! Come and talk to us about anything
at all. We’ll make sure your message gets
to the right person, and gets listened to.
Top tip: Look out for the Tartan Monkey logo.
That’s us!
We got some money! What did
we do with it?
Back in 2014 the Scottish Funding Council
(whose job is to fund schools, colleges and
universities) gave us money to improve
the Students’ Association. The money was
granted after the government announced that
all Students’ Associations should be effective
and well-supported by their colleges. As our
members, we think it’s really important we
share with you exactly what we have done
with that money…
Back to basics
With extra money, we were able to afford
to fund a full-time Student President and a
team of three part-time Student Officers, all
with different roles and accountabilities. This
allowed for greater student representation
over all campuses on a variety of issues.
Over the past two years, the Student President
has had time to attend regularly at important
College meetings to feed back student
opinion on things like College facilities, the
Union, classroom resources and the quality of
teaching. We even had two Student Officers
(including the President) sitting on the
Board of Management. This is a HUGE deal
– students actually having a say in how the
College is governed!!
Get involved...
To find out how you can get involved, drop us
an email: [email protected] or visit
the website www.tartanmonkey.co.uk
To support our full-time President and his
team, the College employed a full-time staff
member. This staff member was also given
responsibility to put into place developments
to improve the Students’ Association.
One of these developments included the
creation of a ‘strategic plan’. Basically, this
is a plan of what the Students’ Association
wants to achieve over a number of years.
Each year, the team focuses on this plan and
works to achieve their shared vision. We also
developed a Student Partnership Agreement,
which is a joint commitment between the
Students’ Association and Borders College,
to make key improvements to the student
experience together.
We have spent time working with a web
designer to create a brand new website, just
for Borders College students (check it out –
www.tartanmonkey.co.uk), and our branding
has been updated too. We worked with a
designer to create a new logo, which was
chosen by Borders College students last year.
Supporting students
including those relating to College facilities,
study spaces, access to equipment and
uniforms, funding and finance, childcare,
equalities, health and safety, timetables
and access to social spaces. We regularly
attend class rep meetings to make sure your
concerns are listened to, and all points raised
are dealt with appropriately by each faculty.
Volunteering
BCSA aims to create opportunities for students
to gain skills and experience. Last year we
recruited seven Student Ambassadors to help
us out at various events. Our ambassadors
have conducted tours for potential students at
Open Days, encouraged students to register
to vote, and helped out at Freshers fairs.
This year we welcomed three work
placement students, who provided additional
administrative support to the Students’
Association.
Come and speak to us for more details if
you are interested in any of our voluntary
opportunities.
While the College does a fantastic job
of supporting students, we always
think we could be doing more. We
work with a range of community
support organisations that provide a
range of services at Borders College,
including drop-ins, support groups,
training sessions, and 1-1 support.
We also set up the ‘Student Support
Network’. Chaired by the Student
President, and with membership
from local support organisations
and the College’s support services,
this group works to make sure we
are supporting students in the best
way possible.
Representing you
The Students’ Association works closely
with class representatives. In fact, we are
responsible for delivering training to all class
reps. Every year we listen to your feedback
and make improvements to our training
sessions to make them more interesting,
more useful and more fun! Over the
summer, we are reviewing the entire student
representative system at Borders College and
will make some recommendations for next
year to further improve the student voice.
The Students’ Association supports students
on a range of things, and have represented
individual students, and classes, on issues
Events
The Students’ Association puts on events
that students can attend throughout the
year, including Freshers fairs, Scottish
Parliamentary Hustings, registration drives
for student voters, Stress Busting events
before exam season hits, and celebrations
during LGBT History month. We also regularly
support students and classes to fundraise and
put on events.
If you or your class would like support to
organise an event, our Student Officers are
glad to lend a hand and provide additional
support throughout the process.
Hey Guys,
I’m Kevin Armstrong, and I’ll be your
Student President. I hope I get to see
you all and chat at some point. Whether
it’s about ideas you have, problems, or
dilemmas you might face. Hopefully
some of those conversations will be
more social. I will be there for anyone
who ever needs guidance, support, or
a friend.
Going to College isn’t just about
academic achievement. College should
be a place where you grow, gain new
skills, explore who you are, and the
individual you want to become. I never
thought when I came to College last
year I would be your Student President.
I have seen and experienced what life at
Borders College can do. I have seen my
classmates grow as people, mature, and
become adults that take responsibility
and make decisions that shape their
future. Now it’s your turn.
Individuals have ideas that can change
the world. Every great invention, every
human achievement was once an idea.
Yours could be next.
Being who you want to be, the freedom
to choose how you think, what you
say, what you wear, who you love. To
express yourself the way you want. You
define who you are and the person you
will become by the choices you make.
To me and the Association, you guys
are the most important thing there is
here. We want to make your college
experience memorable for you. We
are here to support you in everything.
We want you to leave here with the
knowledge, experience, and confidence
that you are prepared for the life ahead
of you.
On a personal note, “I am
I am honoured to be honoured
your President this
to be your
year. I’m really looking
forward to improving President
life at Borders College, this year”
and engaging with
the student body to find out what they
want, and making positive changes for
them. I hope my time is well spent,
and that I am able to help as many
of the students as possible, and make
Borders College a better experience for
learning and growth. Can I just take
the opportunity to thank everyone who
voted and elected me to be their voice
for the coming year.
See you soon.
Kevin
www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52 7
Food nutrition is on the menu for local pupils
Pupils from around the Scottish Borders
are benefitting from a unique academy right
here in the Scottish Borders. The South East
Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP)
is a pioneering project that brings together
senior pupils at colleges and universities in
Scotland.
The academies aim to smooth the transition
between school, college, university and
employment, and support the development
of Scotland’s key growth industries.
One of the courses, the Food Science and
Nutrition programme, sees pupils attending,
Borders College in Galashiels, once a week,
with an additional four sessions at Queen
Margaret University in Edinburgh.
The pupils come from Hawick, Selkirk,
Peebles and Jedburgh High Schools to study
and carry out experiments in one of the labs
on campus.
Course Tutor Katie Barnes commented: “This
is a fantastic course for high school students Photo above - left to right: Amy Brown (Peebles), Tamsin Parker (Jedburgh), Kinga Gargala (Selkirk),
Katie Barnes (Lecturer), Orla Kane (Peebles) and Akiko Ballantyne (Hawick).
who want to pursue a career in science.
Borders College is an excellent environment The South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP) has developed four pioneering academies
for learning new skills and meeting other for senior school pupils which maximise educational opportunities and develop transferable skills.
students from around the Borders and The academies aim to smooth the transition between school, college, university. Visit the http://
southeastscotlandacademies.org
Edinburgh region.”
And the pupils said:
Akiko Ballantyne (Hawick): “This course
is great for anybody who has an interest in
science and is looking to pursue a career in
science.”
Amy Brown (Peebles): “The course helps
me gain a better understanding of chemistry
and human biology. The College has a
friendly environment and helps you make
lots of new friends.”
Orla Kane (Peebles): “I find the course fits
in well with the courses I’m taking at school
this year. I have made lots of new friends
here and enjoy going to the College!”
Kinga Gargala (Selkirk): “I think the
course is a great experience which helps us
in understanding better how science courses
in unis and colleges look like, as well as
teaches us new material we might need in
future if we want to work in science.”
Tamsin Parker (Jedburgh): “I was able to
find out if university was the thing I wanted
to do when I left school and now know it’s
definitely what I want to do.”
Students get the ‘Michelin Star’ treatment from Chef Greg
Borders College
Head Office
Scottish Borders Campus
Nether Road, Galashiels
TD1 3HE
Tel. 08700 50 51 52
Fax. 01896 758179
Borders College,
Buccleuch Road, Hawick
TD9 0EH
Tel. 08700 50 51 52
Fax. 01896 758179
Borders College
Newtown St Boswells
TD6 0PL
Tel. 08700 50 51 52
Fax. 01896 758179
Borders College
6 Market Place, Jedburgh
TD8 6AP
Tel. 08700 50 51 52
Fax. 01896 758179
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
www.facebook.com/
borderscollege
@BordersCollege
Joinery students work
in ‘harmony’ to improve
Selkirk Silver Band Hall
Follow Morston Hall, Greg and Galton on twitter: @morstonhall,
@GregChef, @chefgalton
Top Chef Greg Anderson was back at College
recently to inspire the next generation of
budding caterers.
Head Chef Greg, who works at the Michelin
Star restaurant at Morston Hall (where
TV celebrity Chef Galton Blackiston is
Chef Patron) in Norfolk gave a practical
demonstration to a group of 14 eager
students in the Training Kitchen at Scottish
Borders Campus.
On the menu was Roasted Cauliflower served
with an onion and seaweed broth, followed
by blackened duck with a carrot purée and
vanilla vinegar sauce.
Greg entertained the group of first and
second year caterers with his informative
and yet humorous style of demonstration.
As a former student, Greg was awarded
the Best Further Education Student Award
back in 2008 after completing his studies at
Borders College.
Hospitality
programme
leader
Vicky
MacDonald said: “Greg has kept in touch and I
was delighted when he accepted an invitation
to carry out a practical demonstration for us.”
To find out about the wide range of courses available
from Borders College, please visit our website
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
or call our Student Advice Centre on 01896 662516
Charity No. SC021180 Published and designed by Borders College Marketing and Publications Department. Tel: 08700 50 51 52. Issue No. 7 - Summer 2016.
8
www.borderscollege.ac.uk
Tel: 08700 50 51 52
Students on the National Progression
Award in Carpentry & Joinery at Borders
College recently got involved in a
community project for the Selkirk Silver
Band, after being contacted by one of the
Silver Band volunteers.
The task was to create much-needed
storage space in the band hall for the
band’s instruments and music library.
Once the students had carried out all of the
necessary measurements and the Silver
Band had provided the required materials,
the group set about creating two sets of
cupboards, with two sliding doors fitted in
each set, providing the storage required.
The work was completed over three
consecutive Wednesdays, which would
normally have been spent as timetabled
College workshop time.
NPA Course Tutor Liam Thomson said,
“This was a good opportunity for the NPA
Joinery students to work outside College
promoting team work and employability
skills.” Hopefully this project has helped
to demonstrate to the students that skilled
and accurate work will be an important part
of their working lives.
All of the students who worked on this
project were able to log their hours of work
with the Volunteer Centre for their Saltire
Award.