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Oxbridge call for trio

Three students who are in their final year of study at Priestley have been awarded the highest educational honour available, to someone of their age, after being made offers to study at either Oxford or Cambridge University in September 2012.

Joseph Brown, aged 17 from Penketh is currently studying English Language, Further Maths, Politics and Law and has an offer to study Law at St Edmund's Hall, Oxford.

Near neighbour, Katherine Stephenson, aged 18 from Great Sankey is currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Accounts and has an offer to study Biochemistry at Queen's College, Oxford.

Meanwhile, Grace Macklin who is 18 and from Stretton is currently studying Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Maths and has an offer to study Natural Sciences at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

The success of the trio follows hot in the footsteps of three further ex-students from Priestley who are already enjoying their time at Oxbridge having started in September 2011. Jake Whittaker is reading History at Oxford, Matt Bird is studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (also at Oxford), whilst Gavin Murphy is at Cambridge studying Anthropology and Archaeology.

Commenting on the latest success, Mark Salmon, Senior Tutor at Priestley said: "We are delighted for the students who have received their offers from Oxbridge, they have all benefited from extensive support throughout their time at Priestley."

Adding, "There is a comprehensive programme in place at the College to raise aspirations and develop skills and confidence in all students and we will now be supporting them all in achieving their grades, so they can take up this unique opportunity."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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New Arts Centre for Priestley

The latest new building to spring up on Priestley College's campus was celebrated at an official opening.

The Arts Centre was created using some unique engineering methods, as an existing modular building, which was once known as the Adamson Centre, became transformed in a truly artistic manner, which is befitting of its new use.

The radical transformation has seen an attractive brick façade added to give the building a new modern external appearance, whilst elsewhere a large extension has been created, which houses a new entrance. An extensive refurbishment to the inside has also created two levels of new teaching and learning spaces.

On the day Nicola Priest, Group Editor of Newsquest Cheshire was the guest of honour. Amongst others, she was joined by Craig Weaver from the Young People's Learning Agency, whose organisation funded the project through the Government's Building Condition Improvement Fund.

The fresh addition to the Loushers Lane site takes campus investment to some £12 million over the last decade. The building's primary use will now be for students studying the ever popular Art and Design courses at the College.

Commenting on the opening, Principal, Mike Southworth, said: "The transformation of the existing modular building into the College's new Arts Centre has been spectacular. Although a modest outlay in financial terms, it shows what can be achieved and it has now become a very special home to our teaching team and students."

Andrea Marren, Head of Art and Design, added: "We have settled well into this excellent new facility which has allowed our students to really bring their talents to the fore. Art and Design at Priestley is continuing to expand all the time with record numbers of students opting to study our range of advanced level and vocational programmes. This new facility can only help them to fulfil their potential in the long term."

Words by Nat Ashurst. Pictures by Kev Crooks / Nat Ashurst

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Brave effort from Priestley RL

A superb effort from Priestley's rugby league side was not rewarded after they fell to a narrow 10-14 defeat at home to league leaders Hopwood Hall.

The visitors who were coached by the high profile figure of Matt Calland (not long out of post at Halifax), were the dominant force against a gutsy and determined Priestley side.

The season has been a mixed back for the Priestley boys who have registered four wins from their nine fixtures thus far. They now have one final league game to complete when they visit Salford before the National College Cup gets underway.

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Celebrations take centre stage

Another year of continued success at Priestley was celebrated at the annual awards ceremony.

On a night of much happiness and festive cheer, former students celebrated both their own success and that of the College. It was also an ideal opportunity for those returning to be reunited with old friends and tutors.

The academic year saw the College's A-Level pass rates remain above 99% for the seventh successive year, whilst 73% of students obtained A*-C grades and there was a 100% pass rate in all BTEC National Diplomas.

On the night, Priestley was delighted to welcome Mr Martin Bell OBE to campus as the key speaker. His talk detailing a life time of experiences in the field of Journalism was an inspiration to many.

A large number of individual prizes were handed out to highlight the broad range of courses on offer at Priestley and throughout the College's nine different curriculum areas.

To bring a musical accompaniment to proceedings the College's own Choral Ensemble "Breathe" also performed some festive music.

Speaking with regard to the night, College Principal, Mike Southworth, commented, "Presentation Evening is always such as special occasion as we unite as a community to celebrate the achievements of all staff and students."

Adding, "It was really pleasing that so many people made the extra special effort to attend and I place on record my thanks to everybody who contributed to an excellent evening, especially those local companies who sponsored many of the awards."

Words and Pictures by Nat Ashurst

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Priestley has the talent

A group of talented students who study at Priestley were given the opportunity to show their abilities in front of an audience made up of their peers.

Priestley's Got Talent 2011 was an energetic and thoroughly entertaining event with the top seven students, who had qualified from previous rounds, battling it out to land the title and £120 in prize money.

A panel of the College's Senior Tutors did their rendition of good cop / bad cop, but the ultimate decision for who was crowned champion, was handed back to the audience.

The clapping and cheering was registered by a decibel reader and after a tense finale it was Rebecca Hatch (top right) who proved to be successful with her amazing rendition of Don't Say. She narrowly beat Ryan Baldwin (bottom right), who produced a superb performance of Cry Me a River, into second place.

Elsewhere there were great solo musical performances from Kim Jennett, Mary Walton and Natalia Cebula, whilst the four piece band Moth Popes rocked the stage. To bring a different slant to things, talented gymnast Natasha Coates, performed an amazing piece, which saw her finish third in the competition.

Commenting on the Show, College Marketing Officer, Nat Ashurst, said: "This year saw Priestley represented on the X-Factor through the fine performances of Max Vickers. After watching this event, I'm sure it won't be long before we also see some of these names in lights."

Adding, "Priestley's Got Talent is always a light hearted and fun event that brings the curtain down on the College year, but very importantly, it gives talented teenagers the opportunity to excel and to get a real feeling for live performance."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Students put on a stunning show

Talented and artistic students from Priestley who are completing their A-Level qualification in Drama got the chance to put on a show stopping performance.

Over the course of two highly entertaining nights, the College resembled a mainstream theatre, as the students took centre stage and produced some outstanding performances.

The group were all working towards their unit in Practical Performance, which saw them devise and perform the pieces from start to finish. They had been working on the project for some three months, meaning that their final performances were the culmination of much hard work.

Influenced by Artaud, Brecht, Pina Bausch and Frantic Assembly, the students received amazing feedback from the live audience after producing pieces of theatre that included stunning physical action.

Commenting on the show, Jonathon Hands, who helped create and performed in one of the pieces and is applying to study Acting at Rose Bruford College in London, said: "I really enjoyed taking control of a whole production including costumes, set, lighting and sound. Devising a brand new piece of theatre just from a photograph was challenging, but the sense of accomplishment of taking ownership of the project was immense."

Words by Nat Ashurst. Picture by Mike Grainger

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Appealing project for students

Talented Graphic Design students at Priestley have been given a rare and unique opportunity to get a taste of industry life after teaming up with the award winning creative agency – Studio Liddell.

The teenagers have been tackling a subject close to most of their hearts after being set the challenge of developing a number of assets for use in an "app" that will play on a popular range of Apple products.

Peter Caddock from Studio Liddell set the students cracking on the task in hand instructing them to research, plan, design and develop such assets connected with the theme of popular nursery rhymes.

Key to the task is for the students to produce illustrations for the rhymes that will have a visual appeal to those aged two to five who will be interacting with the "app" with their parents.

As well as giving the students key industry experience, the project is one of the core modules that makes up their BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphic Design qualification. A programme which is proving to be as popular as ever at Priestley.

Commenting on the link-up, Paul McConnell, Assistant Curriculum Manager for Art and Design, said: "It is always pleasing for our students to work with industry experts and we have long been very grateful for the support and guidance offered by Studio Liddell."

Adding, "The opportunity for the group to work on an exciting "app" project is really inspiring as the technology they are working with is the kind that they all use themselves on a daily basis."

Meanwhile in other exciting news for aspiring digital designers, Priestley is launching a brand new BTEC qualification in Computer Games Design for September 2012. Interest in the course has already been very significant.

More information on the new course, can be found at:
http://www.priestley.ac.uk/courses/computergamesdesign.htm

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Abi hot steps it to University

Talented athlete Abi Fitzpatrick who departed Priestley this summer with a stunning set of results is celebrating yet more good news.

The 18-year-old landed a triple distinction on her BTEC National Diploma Sports programme in Performance and Excellence as well as an A grade in her Extended Project.

Her results allowed her to enrol on a Sports degree programme at Liverpool John Moores University and she has made a flying start after being awarded a special Vice Chancellor Award worth £12,000 per academic year.

The award is made just once every year at the University to a special student and following Abi's success, Priestley is also celebrating and not just once but in fact twice. Indeed just two years earlier another former graduate from Sport Priestley – Charlotte Sant picked up the very same award. The double success has outlined the prestigious way in which the College is held within the Further Education sector.

Commenting on the success, Curriculum Manager, Nigel Howells, said: "We were delighted to celebrate the success of Charlotte in 2009 when she was successful in receiving the prestigious award from LJMU but to learn that Abi has now picked up the same is very pleasing indeed."

Adding, "Abi was a pleasure to teach and has realistic ambitions of participating in the 2016 Olympic games in the 400 metres hurdles. She has proven to be an inspiration to current students and staff at the College."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Students welcome local MP to campus

Students studying Public Services at Priestley were given a unique insight into the life of a Member of Parliament when local MP for Warrington South - David Mowat visited campus.

David spoke to the group in the College's Lecture Theatre about a range of subjects including the role of an MP both locally and nationally, the European Parliament and House of Lords.

However perhaps of most interest was the nature and role of Select Committees, as he talked about his time serving on one such committee, which is currently looking into the issue of Bank Regulation.

Many of the students in attendance have realistic ambitions of pursuing their dreams of becoming serving members of the Police Force, Fire Brigade, Health Service or Armed Forces, on the back of both their academic and vocational studies at Priestley, making a visit from their local MP all the more welcome.

Before David left campus, he answered openly and frankly a range of questions from the floor as students were quick to quiz him on a number of issues affecting them. These included cuts in Public Services and the removal of the Educational Maintenance Allowance.

Speaking with regard to the event, Public Services Tutor Chris Seaton, said: "It was really interesting and insightful for the students to listen to David’s presentation. We were very thankfully that he took time out of his busy schedule to attend and was also prepared to take questions from our students on the burning issues of the day – they certainly didn’t hold back."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Priestley is tickled Pink

Big hearted students from Priestley organised a jamboree of events and activities on campus in support of Pretty in Pink Day.

The students from Health and Education united the College campus in order to raise funds in support of Cancer Research UK.

In both the Crescent Building and the Wicked Cafe, students sold cakes and toffee apples and completed raffles and tombolas as over £300 was raised.

The College has long supported Cancer Research UK with the money raised from previous events used to purchase new medical equipment at local hospitals.

On this occasion the fund raising drive again brought great rewards for the charity whilst it was also a help for the students, who have to organise such an event as part of their studies.

Commenting on the day, Tutor, Rachel Walsh, said: "Pretty in Pink Day has become part of the Priestley College fabric. Every year our learners from Health and Education go that extra mile to do something for others."

Adding, "Once again the event was a hive of fun and activity, whilst many staff and students got into the spirit of things by wearing something pink for the day."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Graphics students engage with Liverpool Biennial

Second year Graphic Design students from Priestley have been given the opportunity to shine after joining up in a collaboration with Liverpool Biennial for their 2012 festival.

As part of their Extended Diploma programme, the students will work with one of the most successful Art commissioning agencies in the UK, who are best known for presenting one of the country's largest festivals of contemporary Visual Art.

The festival has become synonymous with Liverpool and since its inception has commissioned well over 100 new works from around the world. Such projects have included Antony Gormley's "Another Place" and "Turning the Place Over" by Richard Wilson.

The Priestley students have been charged with developing a new awareness campaign and visual identity for the Biennial which focuses on engaging a teenage audience and is based on new and / or social media. The ideas that they produce will then be considered to run as campaigns.

Anthony Pickthall, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Biennial, commented: "I was really happy to visit Priestley at the launch of this project – it seems a very lively place with lots of things on the go."

Adding, "The whole point of getting students involved is related to marketing ourselves to younger audiences and also in locations outside Liverpool. There is every chance that the ideas they produce will be developed further by our agency partners."

Paul McConnell, Assistant Curriculum Manager at Priestley was similarly enthused by the link up and commented: "This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in a project that involves working with an outside client. We are delighted to be involved with the Biennial and I am looking forward to seeing what our students come up with."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Coaches keep tabs on disability awareness

Young sports coaches at Priestley were given an insightful presentation on the nature of disabled sport.

Jordan Raynes and Mike Smith from Stockport County's Community programme and Dawn Georgeson from the Cheshire FA were on campus to prepare the students for their own up and coming roles in the local community.

Jordan who is the Captain of the Cerebral Palsy England Football team had the students transfixed by his story, as he described overcoming adversity and a certain level of discrimination to realise his dreams.

He has since gone onto represent his country at World and European Championships, Paralympic games and will also be part of London 2012.

After listening to his talk, students were then able to run a short training session of their own, based on a particular disability, in order that they are prepared for their placements.

Commenting on the workshop, Priestley Tutor, Danielle Toward, said: "It was a delight to welcome our visitors in from Stockport County and the Cheshire Football Association. Jordan's story was truly empowering and a source of inspiration for our students who are working towards a range of coaching, fitness and leadership awards that run alongside our main academic programmes."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Success for swimming starlets

The newly formed swimming team at Priestley have enjoyed notable success in their first ever competition. Eleven students donned their goggles and swim caps to participate in the English Schools Swimming Association's North West Finals that were held at Everton Park in Liverpool.

Team Priestley entered both male and female teams and it was the girls who led from the front landing second place in the freestyle relay and third place in the medley relay. Not to be out done the boys finished second in the medley relay.

The achievements of both teams were all the more special due to the calibre of competition they were up against in a hotly contested region that covered Cheshire, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and the Isle of Man.

The students are now eagerly waiting to hear whether they have done enough to qualify for the national championships that will be held in Southampton at the end of November.

Commenting on the success, Curriculum Manager, Nigel Howells said: "All our students excelled at the North West Finals especially taking into account they were up against a lot of talented opposition including teams from many private and independent schools and colleges."

Adding, "We are sure that this is just the beginning for the team and hope to participate in Southampton, should we get the opportunity to go the national finals. We will also look forward to the British Colleges events that take place later in the year."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Max has the X-Factor

A former student of Priestley has reached the high notes, after impressing on ITV's hit television show, the X-Factor.

19-year-old, Max Vickers, dazzled judges on the show and made it to the last 32 in this year's competition, giving him a unique opportunity to visit Gary Barlow's house in Los Angeles, on a recent programme.

Whilst at Priestley, Max had a sound grounding in the Arts and studied BTEC Performing Arts, A-Level Graphics and A-Level Fine Art before moving on to the Art Foundation Diploma programme.

Max also performed in a hit College production of Spring Awakening and then focussed on developing his music performance and style during the Art Foundation Diploma.

College staff and students alike were amazed to see Max feature on the show as he wowed judges with his unique style. Most recently he visited Gary Barlow's house in L.A where as well as working with the Take That front man, he also learnt some tips and tricks from Robbie Williams.

After the auditioning process had been completed, Max unfortunately didn't make the last sixteen but did enough to impress Gary, a great deal, during his time on the show.

Commenting after one of Max's performances, Gary, said: "Initially Max reminded me of Justin Timberlake, particularly with his choice of song – but then he set himself aside with his own unique style. He’s intriguing and makes you want to watch, he was certainly different to any other boy we had on this year's show."

After enjoying his moment in front of millions, Max has taken everything in his stride and commented: "To find myself suddenly in Los Angeles with the likes of Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams was just a dream. They were really good to me and fully supportive. Unfortunately I didn’t make the last sixteen, but the show has given me the direction I needed and I'm now working on a range of other projects, which people can currently find on YouTube."

Sarah Graham, Head of Performing Arts at Priestley, added: "Max did us proud on the show – he really put himself out there and you could see he had been practicing in order to stamp his own style on the programme. Everybody at the College is sure he will really go places in the future."

Words by Nat Ashurst. Picture by Mike Grainger

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Medical call for Priestley students

Students who study a Pre-Medical enrichment course at Priestley, which supports those with long term ambitions of pursuing a career in Medicine, were given a unique insight into the industry.

The Fastbleep Foundation who are made up from a group of local medical students, who feel passionately about their subject, are offering the Priestley teenagers a mentoring scheme, discussing with them, the best ways in which to secure a University place.

Whilst on campus – Jordan Oldbury, Eleanor Snape and Elspeth Hill discussed entry routes to Medicine and outlined their own personal experiences. They then led a range of practical demonstrations as students got hands on with CPR, learnt how to read blood pressure and took part in a quiz based on the anatomy of the human body.

Commenting on the workshop, Priestley Tutor, Wendy Winnard, said: "It was really useful and intriguing for the students to learn at first hand just what may be involved in the medical profession. It is always good for them to hear such accounts from those currently training but also working in a front line setting."

Adding, "The Pre-Medical enrichment programme that we run at Priestley is pretty unique but is part of a wider collection of courses that aim to stretch and challenge a large number of our students who have very high ambitions."

Words and Picture by Nat Ashurst

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Celebrations galore at Priestley

Warrington's leading College was in celebration mode for the day following the publication of the 2011 A-Level Results.

Records again tumbled, as for the seventh year in a row, Priestley had an overall pass rate of 99%.

41 Advanced Level subjects obtained a perfect 100% pass rate, whilst 18% of grades were awarded at either A* or A.

The College also had its highest ever number of entries, totalling over 1900 which was a 29% increase on 2010.

At a Sixth Form College that caters for a broad range of abilities, it was also worthy to note that 50 students obtained at least 3 grade As at A-Level and 9 students achieved an incredible 3 A* or more. There were also 341 A-Level grades awarded at either A* or A.

The picture of success was also matched by BTEC students. There was a 100% pass rate in every BTEC National programme and 49% of grades were awarded at Distinction Level, equivalent to an A at A-Level.

Meanwhile a collection of 16 students were able to obtain a grade A* or A at A-Level alongside BTEC Distinction grades, which again highlighted the capacity for Priestley students to combine academic and vocational qualifications.

Commenting on the success, Priestley Principal, Mike Southworth, said: "From well before 8am this morning, the College campus was a hive of activity, as our excited students arrived to collect their results."

Adding, "Once again the achievements of our young people have been outstanding and the College is both proud and delighted to report a 99% pass rate for the seventh year running. I now wish all our leavers the very best for future as they embark on their next step in life."

Words and Pictures by Nat Ashurst

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