Emma Thomson is new PASS patron

British superstar and Oscar award winning actress Emma Thompson has become the new face of Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts Studio of Scotland (PASS). The Nanny McPhee and Sense and Sensibility star (pictured above), who is also a screenwriter and well-known human rights activist, has shown her support towards the performing arts arm of Edinburgh College by accepting the honour of being its patron.

Emma Thompson said: “Edinburgh College’sPerforming Arts Studio of Scotlandis an exciting, high octane, cutting edge centre that will attract much of the wealth of talent in Scotland and beyond. I’m very proud to be patron.”

The much-admired British actress became familiar with PASS after meeting Edinburgh College acting and theatre performance lecturer John Naples-Campbell when he was training as a theatre student at the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow.

John said: “I first met Emma when I was 18 years old at the Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT). She came along to the theatre to hold a Q&A session with SYT students and, after listening to her talk about her career in the industry, I felt driven to continue with my career in performing arts – which is why I am anacting and theatre performance lecturer today.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Emma Thompson as patron as this means that our training at Edinburgh College is truly recognised by the very best in the industry. We look forward to welcoming her to our productions in the college’s theatre wherever possible, and we hope to work around her schedule to hold workshops with our students.”

John added: “Emma is an inspirational person, not only because of her many Academy Awards, but also because of her work as a human rights ambassador. Her tremendous work on stage and screen gives hope to any young person wishing to pursue a career in the arts and I know that having her as our patron will motivate and inspire our students to reach their full creative potential.”

As one of the world’s most respected actresses, Emma Thompson is known for her versatility in acting as well as screenwriting and she most recently appeared in The Boat That Rocked, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and as the voice of Queen Elinor in the Pixar animation Brave. As well as her work on screen, Emma Thompson also works as an educational ambassador for a UK-based human rights organisation, the Helen Bamber Foundation, to help rebuild the lives of, and inspire a new self-esteem in, survivors of human rights violations.

Edinburgh College offers a selection of dance, acting, technical theatre, costume design, and make up artistry courses.Former graduates from performing arts courses include Scottish actress Karen Gillan, who starred in the BBC’s Doctor Who. Previous students from PASS have also performed live at the O2 Arena and collaborated with Jon Lord at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, and have also performed live on stage with Lady Gaga.

Edinburgh College students guaranteed NHS employment

Edinburgh College Health and Social Care students will soon be guaranteed employment on successful completion of their course, thanks to a new partnership with NHS Lothian.

The NHS NC in Health and Social Care will be delivered at Edinburgh College, where students will learn a high standard of care to be job-ready for employment in the NHS and social care sectors.

The ground-breaking course is the first of its kind at the College to offer a guaranteed position for graduates who successfully complete the course, giving them a head start in the Health and Social Care industry. Course topics will include psychology and sociology as well as mental health, health promotion and understanding older people.

Mandy Exley, Edinburgh College Principal, says: “This course is yet another example of Edinburgh College’s commitment to producing students who, on completion of their studies, are well trained and highly employable. We are pleased to be working in partnership with NHS Lothian in training the healthcare professionals of the future.”

Melanie Hornett, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “We are committed to working with communities to support local people into employment. This innovative partnership provides individuals with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to compassionately care for the people of Lothian in our hospitals and communities.”

To apply for the course, applicants must have a minimum of four passes at SCQF Level 5 (SVQ2, Intermediate 2 or Credit Standard grade) including English. Adults without formal qualifications will also be considered however they will need to demonstrate their ability to work at Higher Level.

Students who complete the course successfully and have a satisfactory college reference are guaranteed entry level employment within NHS Lothian, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the post.

For further course information, please visit www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

19/06/2013

Sign up for Street Dance Summer Mix

Kick start your summer and join us for this five day Street Dance Summer Mix!

Learn the latest moves from your favourite artists, be introduced to new and exciting styles including Street Jazz, Street Dance and Hip Hop styles including, house, locking and krump. You will also take part in a taster ballet session and a free stage make up session.

Street Dance Summer Mix is a great way to either improve your dancing and performance skills or give them a kick start. If you are aged between 12 – 17 and looking for an intensive week of classes to keep you entertained, this is the place for you!

Classes 10am – 3pm, Monday – Friday

(Studio sharing on Friday at 2pm for Family and Friends)

To apply please contact Roz Lynch by June 21^st 2013

Rosalind.lynch@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Must bring packed lunch.

College ploughs ahead with support for community farm

Edinburgh College has shown its support for a community-owned farm in the Borders by becoming the first College to become a shareholder. As part of Edinburgh College’s commitment to sustainability, the College has invested in Whitmuir Farm’s new share scheme, which allows local people and organisations to get actively involved in the running of a modern day farm in Scotland.

Whitmuir Farm, one of Scotland’s most innovative organic farms, will use the support from the College and other shareholders to help to establish the farm as a national resource on sustainable food and farming, which will include a “green classroom” for students to learn about local and ethical food.

The farm also hopes to establish discovery trails, exhibitions, educational opportunities and citizen science projects, whilst also looking out for the next generation of farmers to train and nurture.

Harriet Cross, Sustainability Projects Co-ordinator at Edinburgh College, said: “We are delighted to be supporting such a fantastic farming initiative. The College really supports the values of Whitmuir Farm and believe in its vision for local, ethical and sustainable food. We have a strong relationship with Whitmuir Farm through our veggie bag scheme. Each week, a group of our Bridging Course students visit the farm to sort, weigh and bag organic vegetables which they then deliver to staff and student customers at the College. The students not only gain practical work experience at the farm and improve their enterprise and numeracy skills but they also gain an understanding of where their food comes from.”

Harriet added:“We are constantly looking for innovative ways to engage students and staff with sustainability across the College, and we arereally pleased to continue to strengthen our relationship with Whitmuir Farm through the farm share initiative.”

Heather Anderson, member of the Steering Group for the Community Farm said: “We are so delighted to receive this kind of support. It’s good to know we are selling the farm to people who really care about the land and what we do here. This ensures we continue to enjoy a real, long term relationship with the College and the young people who go there into the future.”

The farm has also launched a ground breaking bio-char project, which Edinburgh College students will be undertaking as an offshoot project at the Milton Road Community Garden. By carrying out a growing trial, the students will be able to monitor the effects of burnt woody waste on plant life in the garden, which may have a significant bearing on how the organic food is grown.

TV students set for big screen debut

Edinburgh College Granton Campus TV students will be showcasing their talents at a screening at Edinburgh Filmhouse on Wednesday at 6pm. Telford’s Film and TV course has produced some fine creative talent over the years – take the opportunity to view the next generation!

For further information contact Television Lecturer Fergus Robb at Edinburgh College by email at fergus.robb@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Cross Currents dance performances this Friday

Dance students from Performing Arts Studio Scotland at Edinburgh College are inviting dance enthusiasts to attend their annual end-of-year production, ‘Cross Currents 2013’ at The Royal Lyceum Theatre this Friday (31 May). Pass Dance students will perform to over 1300 people on Friday, when performances include a free Schools Matinee at 1.30 and two evening shows 5.30 and 8.30.

Inspired by the rugged beauty of Scotland and the Scots, Cross Currents will bring flavours of urban and rural Scottish movement and music, blending inspiration from contemporary, tap and jazz techniques. This eclectic mix will tantalise the imagination of lovers of dance, music and theatre, of those who have the beat in their veins and music in their hearts.

‘Cross Currents 2013’ features the choreographic work of the dance teaching staff who reflects best practice in knowledge and skills by continually working within the industry. Student dancers range from foundation to degree level – and will showcase a combination of styles. PASS at Edinburgh’s College has an excellent reputation for its accomplishments in dance and the annual ‘Cross Currents’ show is one of the College’s highlights of the year. This year we are proud to announce our first collaboration with the music students from the Sighthill Campus. This will be an exciting theatrical experience brought to you by the dedicated team and talented students from PASS at Edinburgh College.

For further information and tickets for the matinee only, please email Jennifer Figures at

Jennifer.figures@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Tickets for the 5.30pm & 8.30pm performances can be purchased from the Lyceum Box office, telephone 0131 248 4848 or email https://bookings.lyceum.org.uk

Jennifer Kelly

Community Liaison, Edinburgh College

Granton Campus to host ‘Great Big Art Show’

Students who have studied a wide range of creative courses at Edinburgh College are presenting their Art and Design work from Friday 7 to Thursday 13 June at Granton Campus in ‘The Great Big Art Show’.

Now in its fourth year ‘The Great Big Art Show’ will showcase the creative talents of students studying a wide array of artistic courses at the College – including Art and Design, Contemporary Art, Photography, Illustration, Textiles, Theatre Costume, Graphic Design to name a few and students from Access level through to Btec Foundation Diploma and HN level specialisms will be exhibiting at the Granton campus.

Edinburgh College has excellent facilities for those studying creative courses, with several specifically tailored spacious studios, equipped with the latest tools and materials required to produce a wide range of creative works. This is supported by fully qualified staff and strong links with employers, Industry and higher education institutions. Those interested in starting a career in the Creative Industries will be able to see the breadth of courses available and talk to current students first hand about their experiences and be inspired by their progression into further courses and employment.

Indeed this year students across all subjects are receiving a range of successful results into first and second year degree programmes across the UK and onto HN and specialist subjects within Edinburgh College and other Colleges in Scotland. Foundation Diploma students specialising in Sculpture have benefited from an articulation agreement with The Glasgow School of Art with six students progressing directly into second year of the BA (Hons) in Sculpture and Environmental Art this year.

Building on previous successes the ‘Great Big Art Show’ clearly demonstrates the growing reputation of Edinburgh College as a major creative power house and nurturing ground for Scotland’s future Artists and Designers.

The exhibition will be on display at the College from 9am to 4pm on Friday 7 June; from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 8 June and from 9am to 4pm from Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 June. The exhibition will be open until 8pm on the last day, Thursday 13 June.

For further information contact Programme Area Leader Art & Design Neil Manning

Email: neil.manning@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

No drama – Rachel is just sew good!

Edinburgh College student sews her way to success in Canada

An Edinburgh College student has beaten off hundreds of other competitors to intern with the world’s largest arts and creative centre in Canada. HND Theatre Costume Interpretation student, Rachel Johnson, will soon head to the Banff Centre for Arts in Alberta to work alongside internationally respected costume designers and directors.

Rachel, who has previously worked as an intern at Scottish Opera, beat off stiff competition internationally to claim one of only three internship spaces at the renowned theatre. This is the third time a student from Edinburgh College’s Theatre Costume Course has been awarded the internship.

During the 12 week paid training, Rachel will gain extensive experience working in the production wardrobe with ground-breaking artists, creating costumes for ballet, theatre and opera on an international stage. She will also have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients including visiting filmmakers and directors.

Rachel, who is originally from Aberlour but currently living in Glasgow, said: “I am honoured to have been given this fantastic opportunity. I will be a part of a team which helps to make the high scale productions at the theatre look visually magnificent for the audience, and I really can’t wait to get over there and get started.”

She added: “The interview process was quite intense but I’m glad my lecturer encouraged me to go for it. I had to create a personal statement, complete in-depth questionnaires and an interview over Skype. I think my 18^th century Marie Antoinette-style ladies dress caught the judges’ attention in particular, which is probably my most impressive piece.”

Anya Glinski, Edinburgh College Theatre Costume lecturer, said: “Rachel is an incredibly talented student and we are very proud that she has managed to secure an internship at this exciting venue. Rachel was initially recommended to train with us by the Head of Wardrobe at Scottish Opera after a successful work experience placement, and has come on in leaps and bounds over the past two years. This will put another feather in her cap and I’m sure the internship in Canada will be an incredible experience.”

Anya added:“We frequently have students accepted as interns with the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as all major companies in Scotland who all endorse our training as one of the best in Britain. The College is well positioned to give students the very best educational experience possible because of its excellent relationships with the top arts employers in Scotland and worldwide.”

College photography students snap up funds for charity

Edinburgh College photography students are hoping to raise funds for two charities as part of their end of year exhibition.

The students are showcasing their latest artwork in Woodland Creatures off Leith Walk, with iconic real life photos of the city and its people as their main inspiration. All of the original photographs have been specially hand-printed and toned in the darkrooms in the College’s own studios.

The Street Photography exhibition runs until 30 May and visitors will have the chance to buy the work with 50 per cent of the proceeds donated to Cclasp and Macmillan Cancer Support charities. Over £100 has been raised for the charities so far.

Photography: Derek Anderson (photographer), HNC Photography student, Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College strikes gold

Edinburgh College students have won a string of awards at a national competition designed to recognise the exceptional talent of beauty students in further education and training. Edinburgh College hosted the national World Skills competition and awards ceremony and entered beauty students to compete for awards against hundreds of students from across the country.

The local collge students, who have consistently won awards at the World Skills competition, picked up two 1st places, three 2nd places and one 3rd place in several competitive beauty categories including aromatherapy and beauty therapy – with a clean sweep of awards in Beauty Therapy Advanced.

19-year-old Beauty student Rachel Rooney from Gilmerton won 1st place in Advanced Beauty Therapy. She said: “My lecturers, Carrie, Nicola and Claire, really encouraged and supported me to go in for the competition and I’m really glad they gave me that extra boost to go for it. I couldn’t have done it without their help.

“I was in complete shock when I heard the World Skills judges call out my name to say I had won – all I could hear were my friends and lecturers cheering me on as I went up on stage to collect the award. I’m so pleased to have won such an amazing award. World Skills is a really well known competition. It’ll look brilliant on my CV and will hopefully give me an edge when I’m looking for a job after College.”

34-year-old Beauty student Lola Lopez, who is originally from Madrid but is currently living in Edinburgh, won 1st place in Aromatherapy at the World Skills competition. She said: “It’s such a massive opportunity to have our beauty skills judged by top professionals. During the competition, the judges came around to observe our treatments and asked us questions about our skill and techniques throughout the competition to really put us to the test.”

Mandy Exley, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “We are delighted to have been given the honour to host and compete in such a high profile event. World Skills really showcases the brilliant work of beauty students across the country, and highlights the next generation of talented and skilled beauty employees in the industry. We’re incredibly proud of all of our students who have won awards in the competition and look forward to seeing how they perform in the UK national final later in the year.”

She added: “The area of beauty within Edinburgh College is fundamental to the College’s overall curriculum, as well as to the overall contribution to GDP within the UK. The number of people training and gaining employment in beauty has grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years, and we’re very proud to be at the forefront of delivering a skilled workforce within the burgeoning beauty industry.”

Highly regarded throughout the industry, World Skills UK champions and drives excellence in workplace skills and education through competition. The beauty students will soon find out if they will be invited to attend the flagship The Skills Show final later in the year.

Pictured Above: (L-R) Edinburgh College beauty students Shevon McKenna, Lola Lopez, Samantha Plastow, Lindsey McCardie, Kirsty Steel, and Rachel Rooney at the World Skills competition.

And the winner is …

Beauty therapy advanced

· Rachel Rooney (1^st place)

· Lindsey McCardie (2^nd place)

· Kirsty Steel (3^rd place)

Aromatherapy

· Lola Lopez (1^st place)

· Samantha Plastow (2^nd place)

Beauty Therapy Intermediate

· Shevon McKenna (2^nd place)

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