Edinburgh College – Page 2 – The NEN

Edinburgh College ready to welcome prospective students at Open Days

Edinburgh College is ready to welcome those considering starting a course in August 2024 to its four open days this January and February.

At the open days, prospective students will be able to find out about the various courses they can apply for, meet lecturers, explore the College’s facilities, as well as experience first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.

Midlothian Campus will be open from 4.30pm-7pm on Tuesday 30 January, Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 3 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4.30pm -7pm on Tuesday 6 February, and Sighthill Campus will be open from 4.30pm-7pm on Thursday 8 February.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to attend the open days to not only find out about course options, but also find out more about applications, funding options and accommodation.

The College offers a wide range of subjects within Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

With beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses and continuous development courses, learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out about their possible next steps at these events.

Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place, with staff and representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association on hand to answer any questions.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re delighted to soon be welcoming prospective students onto our campuses.

“Open days are such an excellent opportunity to find out more about the fantastic range of courses we offer, as well as the different paths an Edinburgh College education can take you down.

“Plus, you get the crucial experience of finding out what life is like with us here in the capital. So, I really encourage anyone who’s thinking about studying with us to come along.”

For more information and to book a place at one of the open days, visit the Edinburgh College website.

Applications for courses starting in August 2024 are now open.

New Year, new skills? Places still available on courses at Edinburgh College

There’s still time to try something new this new year as places are available on a wide range of January-start courses at Scotland’s Capital College.

Edinburgh College’s January courses start later this month – meaning potential applicants still have time to book their place and take the next step in their education and career journey.

Places are available in subject areas including: Music; Computing; Cookery and Hospitality; Travel and Tourism; Business; Science; Health and Care; and Sport and Fitness.

In addition to full-time courses, a variety of flexible study options – including evening and part-time – are available to suit the needs of those with family commitments or those in employment.

Courses are delivered by expert lecturers across the College’s four campuses: Granton; Midlothian; Milton Road; and Sighthill – all of which house state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

As well as high-quality learning, students also have access to extensive support services including: funding, learning support and wellbeing during their time at the College.

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “We’re looking forward to launching our January-start courses for 2024. It is always an exciting time for us to welcome new students to our Edinburgh College community.

“Our courses are delivered by expert teaching staff and are designed to provide students with the skills they need to either continue their learner journey or achieve their chosen career. We look forward to supporting our next wave of students to take their next step.”

Community Carols at Granton Campus

TONIGHT from 6 – 7.30pm

Need help getting into the festive spirit?

Head along to The Hub at Granton Campus tonight (Wednesday 13 December), from 6 – 7.30pm, for a festive evening of carol singing, choir singing and live music performances.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/hXCP50QfQBK

Winners of the first ever Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge revealed

Ana Fernandez Santoz, Niamh Bortherston and Mairi Edwards from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus awarded prize by Michel Roux

Scottish Chefs, (Federation of Chefs Scotland) the organisation representing Scottish chefs, teamed up with Nespresso Professional for the first ever student coffee challenge.

The winning team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus each received an invite to the Scottish Culinary Team dinner at Prestonfield House Hotel where they met Michel Roux, Patron of Scottish Chefs, and were presented with a signed book from him, plus a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college.

Teams were made up of three students, all in full time catering and hospitality college courses, and were given two hours to produce an afternoon tea selection alongside Nespresso coffee.

The winning menu from Ana Fernandez Santoz, Niamh Bortherston and Mairi Edwards was made up of Tiramisu x Mont Blanc, Coffee Apple Choux au Craquelin, Smoked Mackerel and Beetroot Tart and Puff Vegetable Samosa.

The judging panel of Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, Kevin MacGillivray, International World Chefs Accredited Judge, Derek Johnston, the first winner of BBC MasterChef The Professionals, and Donna Dowson, Head of Sales UK, Nespresso, noted the winning team’s overall balance between sweet & savoury and the variety of pastry skills displayed by the students.

The standout item was the Smoked mackerel with beetroot with judges saying the flavours were an excellent combination.

Donna Dowson, Head of Sales UK, Nespresso, said: “It was a privilege to support this competition, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars. It was inspiring to see the high standard on display and such imaginative menus to complement our coffee.

“When food is this delicious, being able to offer the best coffee is something we feel extremely passionate about, and we hope this is the first of many competitions to come.”

Joe Queen, Chair of the judges, said: “We are absolutely delighted to partner up with Nespresso on this new competition and help ignite their imagination of the students to develop new ideas and combinations to bring the Nespresso coffee into their creations.

“The judges were really impressed with the quality and flavours produced on the day form the winning team from Edinburgh college.”

Class of 2023 honoured at Edinburgh College Graduation

More than 600 students celebrated in style as they graduated as part of Edinburgh College’s class of 2023 at the McEwan Hall last week (2 November).

Students were joined by over 1,800 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.

Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.

Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence.

Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey.

In addition, around 14 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is a special time of year, providing an occasion to celebrate all of our students’ hard work and determination shown throughout their time at College.

“The class of 2023 have shown a great commitment and dedication to their studies which will stand them in good stead for whatever they decide to do next. Armed with a college education, I have no doubt that they will go on to achieve great things.

“On behalf of the College’s governing body, management team, tutors, and support staff, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of them. I wish them the very best as they move forward in their further studies and chosen careers.

“Here’s to you, class of 2023!”

Edinburgh College shortlisted for six national awards

Edinburgh College has been shortlisted for six awards at the 2023 CDN College Awards – the annual celebration of talent, innovation and achievement across the sector.

Professional Cookery and Bakery lecturer Kellyanne Cockburn has been shortlisted for her work in creating the Mezz and Hub cafes at Milton Road and Granton campuses. These student-led cafes provide an outlet for goods produced by students to be sold while providing the student community with a low-cost lunch during the cost of living crisis.

Music and Sound Production Learning Assistant Sarah May has been shortlisted in the Professional Services Colleague of the Year for introducing the Music Box Sessions – a set of extra-curricular recording sessions that allow students to record a high-quality example of their work in the College’s purpose-built music teaching hub – The Music Box – before having it released to the public on social media.

In the Community Learning Category, the College has been shortlisted for providing support to a number of Ukrainian families associated with Scottish charity Dnipro Kids, as well as other Ukrainian refugees living across the city, through a variety of different projects which has helped them make Edinburgh their home.

In addition, the College has been shortlisted in the Skills Development category for the Aspire programme, which supports vulnerable and disengaged young people, and their families, in East Lothian. Through allowing S2 pupils to try a range of different taster sessions that combine industry-themed projects in areas of job growth, the programme helps young people to build an understanding of future career choices, whilst also developing the skills and knowledge they need for employment.

In the Employer Connections category, the College’s Computing department and software development company 2iTesting have been shortlisted for a course they developed to enable students from underrepresented backgrounds to build their digital skills and find routes into the tech industry.

Finally, the College’s Creative Industries team has been named finalist in the Inclusive College for its Story Valley project. The shortlisted saw the College work with The City of Edinburgh Council, to welcome Story Valley partners from three other European UNESCO Cities of Literature – Leeuwarden, Ljubljana and Nottingham.

Story Valley allows students from Europe to learn about each other’s heritage (stories) in a fascinating way, while strengthening their language skills. Story Valley uses the power of these stories and creativity as an engine to preserve cultural heritage and enrich it with the stories of other cultures.

“Congratulations to all of our students and staff involved in these magnificent award nominations. To receive six shortlistings is truly outstanding and shows the depth of talent, creativity and innovation we have here at Edinburgh College. I am extremely proud and give huge thanks to our students and staff.”

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal

CLAYMORE: Table top war gaming event at Granton Campus

SATURDAY 5th AUGUST 10am – 4pm

This event has been running for more than 40 years!

During this time South East Scotland Wargames Club has donated more than £30,000 to various Charities including Radio Forth’s Help a Child Appeal, Poppy Scotland, SSAFA ( Our Current Charity) Scottish War Blinded at Lindburn, is used to do the following promote the hobby, encourage team participation, encourage the development of motor skills and counting,

There will be more than 20 display and participation games attending the show with over 30 traders as well.

The show enables members of the public who are not aware of table top wargaming to come along and have a try out – they do not need to buy anything: in essence the only things they need are a packed lunch and the entrance fee!

Edinburgh College staff strike over compulsory redundancies

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland – Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-FELA) at Edinburgh College yesterday took the first in a series of days of strike action in response to compulsory redundancies at the College.

The EIS-FELA Branch at Edinburgh College has had an active strike mandate in place for some weeks in pursuit of a dispute regarding compulsory redundancies, which has been successful in reducing the number of jobs under threat, through negotiation.

The EIS wrote to the College Principal last week urging further talks. Despite this, the College has rejected the appeal of one member of the lecturing staff against compulsory redundancy as of 30^th June.

EIS General Secretary, Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS-FELA Branch at Edinburgh College has been left with no option but to proceed with strike action today in the face of wilful intransigence by the management of the College.

“Given the size and scope of Edinburgh College as an organisation, the EIS would have anticipated meaningful discussions and offers of retraining or upskilling for the colleague who faces unemployment as of Friday.

“Despite retraining or upskilling being raised on several occasions by EIS representatives, and despite a so-called recruitment freeze having been abandoned, these discussions have not taken place, thereby limiting suitable alternatives to redundancy for the colleague who also happens to be an EIS Branch Rep.”

Ms Bradley continued: “It is difficult to fathom how such a large college, which delivers such an array of courses, would be unable to avoid this redundancy situation, especially as teaching hours seem to be available on college timetables for next term, based upon information received by the EIS.

“Spurious excuse after excuse has been made by the College as to why the work cannot be offered to the lecturer in question, appearing that the College cares more about targeting union reps and testing the water on compulsory redundancies of lecturers in the sector rather than ensuring the delivery of quality education and Fair Work for lecturing staff.

“The Scottish Government is culpable in this situation too. They have dealt major blows to Further Education in Scotland in the form of flat cash funding settlements and the recent withdrawal of £26 million of funding for FE.

“Lower than predicted student numbers, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis are also causing financial strain within the sector, yet the Scottish Government has sat back and watched these pressures mount towards the implementation of limited voluntary severance schemes and the very real threat of large numbers of compulsory redundancies in two colleges – City of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“EIS-FELA, supported by the EIS itself, will not stand by and allow the livelihoods of our members to be threatened in this way. Strike action will continue post-summer unless an acceptable resolution can be reached.

“In the case of Edinburgh College, this should not be anything like the problem that the College has chosen to make it.”

Edinburgh College Open Day

SATURDAY 27th MAY at SIGHTHILL CAMPUS from 10am – 1pm

Edinburgh College will welcome prospective students to its Sighthill Campus this May to showcase its facilities to those considering starting a course in August 2023.

The open day will allow prospective students to find out about the various courses they can apply for, as well as see first-hand what it’s like to study at Scotland’s capital College.

Sighthill Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 27 May for anyone considering applying for a full-time, part-time, or evening course. Those in attendance will also have the chance to find out more about the many National 5 and Higher courses on offer.

The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to visit Sighthill Campus to find out more about course options, how to apply to study at the College, to get advice on additional support, and to learn more about funding options.

Learners at any stage of their professional or education journey will be able to find out about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.

Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the event, with staff available to answer any questions that come to mind along the way.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our Sighthill Campus to prospective students this May so that they can experience what life is like at Edinburgh College.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to find out more about the many fantastic courses we have on offer at our campuses across the capital, as well as discover the different ways that Edinburgh College can help you realise the future you want to achieve. If you’ve been thinking about studying with us, please do come along.”

For more information and to book a place at the May Open Day, visit: https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-may-2023

Come along to our Open Day at Sighthill Campus from 10am on Saturday 27 May, where we will be showcasing our full-time, part-time and evening courses starting this August.

Find out more: http://ow.ly/rvpb50OrToL

Edinburgh College students entertain crowds in New York as part of Tartan Week celebrations

A group of Edinburgh College students travelled across the globe to perform at one of the World’s biggest celebrations of Scottish heritage and culture last month.

The students, from the College’s HND Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Acting and Performance courses, were invited across the Atlantic to take part in the annual Tartan Week celebrations in New York.

The group of 36 students took part in the Tartan Day parade through the streets of the city, sang in Bryant Park in association with the American Scottish Foundation, danced to the Laurettes, and performed a ten-minute programme featuring a number of traditional Scottish verse and songs.

New York City’s Tartan Week takes place annually to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture which culminates with the Tartan Day Parade, featuring over 3,000 bagpipers, Highland dancers, clan organisations, and more, proudly marching up Sixth Avenue amongst tens of thousands of spectators.

HND Musical Theatre student, Charlotte Watt, said: “The opportunities that being in New York gave me were fantastic. I was able to see shows on Broadway – both some new and some previously adored. I learned about the history of Broadway and New York’s performing scene, which I didn’t know about before.

“The whole trip was a wonderful chance to get to know students from the other course better, and it was so lovely to spend some time with our lecturers out with college. I was presented with performing experience that I will forever be able to put in writing for CV’s or Resumes such as performing in Bryant Park, as well as walking and singing in the Tartan Parade.”

HND Musical Theatre student, Hannah Turnbull, said: “This was a once in a lifetime kind of trip, I got the opportunity to sing a solo in Bryant park for tartan week and see multiple amazing musicals on Broadway.

“I would’ve never gotten this opportunity anywhere else and it was the best week.”

During the trip, the students also went to see two Broadway shows and learned from the best as they took part in a vocal workshop with Evan Zavada, who is Key 1/ Assistant Conductor for the national tour of ‘Wicked the Musical.’

In addition, the students enjoyed some downtime where they explored parts of the city, visiting the recently opened Museum of Broadway in Times Square and eating breakfast in Central Park.

Finally, on the last day the group went to 1950s-themed restaurant Ellen’s Stardust Diner, home of the world-famous singing waitstaff, where they followed in the footsteps of many aspiring singers before them by taking to the stage and performing for the customers.

Performing Arts lecturer, Zelie Jennings, said: “We are so privileged to offer this opportunity for our students. Performing in Bryant Park and being part of Tartan week 2023 was an honour.

“We were fortunate to see many Broadway shows between us all and a highlight for me was seeing how the students were taught and inspired by the wonderful Evan Zavada. Certainly not an experience we will forget.”