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Argyll College UHI News 12-13

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News and events from Argyll College UHI in 2012-13.
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Page 1: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

NEwS1 21 3

Page 2: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Bob MacMahon

Argyll College UHI students recently nominated Oban based Bob MacMahon as the ‘Most Inspiring

Lecturer’ in the 2013 UHISA Teaching Awards.

This annual award recognises those teaching staff who inspire students to achieve as much as they

can through their approach to teaching and their engagement with both students and subject content.

Bob – who has been teaching IT for around 25 years – delivers NC Digital Media, NC Administration and HNC

Computing and IT at the college’s Oban centre. However his skills are also utilised in many other subject

areas, including childcare and horticulture, where the students require specialised IT input.

In nominating Bob for the award, one of his students stated “He really is a fantastic and inspiring lecturer. I

have done more than one course with him now, and he is still one of my favourite tutors. He is very generous

and always goes above the call of duty”.

Although flattered and humbled by the attention the nomination has created , Bob was slightly bemused by

the term ‘lecturer’. “I rarely lecture my students. I do talk a lot – both with and to them – however, it tends to

be more of a conversation than a discourse. I enjoy teaching

because I’m nosy! I’ve always been fascinated by the stories

and experiences that each new set of students bring. College

offers much greater opportunities for our students to grow

their learning and I firmly believe that our smaller class sizes

offer the opportunity for a more personal and guided delivery

of material. I am honoured and genuinely touched by the

nomination – it is yet another example of how the students

can surprise you!”

When asked to define the success of the college’s staff/student

relationship, Bob added “it is not easy to define why the

college is successful, but it is due – at least in part – to the fact

that everyone involved in the delivery and administration of

the courses really care about the students and their individual

circumstances. This is tangible and it is recognised by the

students themselves”.

Elaine Munro, Depute Principal said of Bob’s nomination “well

done, we know Bob is an inspiring tutor but it is so rewarding

to be nominated for one of these awards by students – makes

it all worthwhile!”

Award nomination for Argyll College Oban tutor

Page 3: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Your text here students and staff from NHS and Argyll College UHI

Six Campbeltown students – all studying NC Administration – have raised over £300 for their local Argyll

hospital. As part of the Event Planning unit of their course, the students – Andrew Took, Kenny Muir,

Laura-Beth Norris, Mhairi Hendrie, Kirsty McDonald and Marie Mac Brayne – organised a bingo evening

at Stronvaar Bowling Club.

The students had to put into practice their team-working skills as they planned every element of the event

from the theme, venue and the canvassing of local companies for raffle and bingo prizes to health and safety

issues and current legislation with regard to organising charity events. Student Mhairi Hendrie found the

experience very positive – “ there was a lot more involved in organising an event than I had realised. Although

there was a lot of work, I enjoyed learning and gaining new skills. Successfully completing the course means

that I can progress to HNC Administration which I plan to start in August”.

Despite atrocious weather on the 21st March, the local community turned out in force to support the students

and make the event such a success.

Tutor Diane Watering was full of praise for the students, “they have shown total commitment to the course from

the start. As with all event organisation, there is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes in addition to the

admirable work carried out in class. They have been a pleasure to work with and I am very proud of what they

have achieved”.

Several of the students were present on 31st May to present a cheque for £310 to Campbeltown Hospital. The

hospital plan to use the money raised to help purchase an automatic blood pressure monitor.

Students raise funds for Campbeltown Hospital

Page 4: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

youth work students engaged in group work

March was a busy time for Argyll College Islay with the delivery – over two weekends – of the

nationally recognised Introduction to Youth Work course.

Tutor Fiona Kalache, Manager of the Mid Argyll Youth Project, travelled to the island to deliver

the course to 11 students who included staff and volunteers from Islay and Jura Youth Action and the peer

education youth group from Islay High School.

Student Janice Carmichael said of the course, “I felt the tutor was very knowledgeable and passionate about

youth work and the course was really well explained and challenging. I learnt a lot and I thoroughly enjoyed

the course. Everything I have learnt will be very beneficial in my new job as Youth Coordinator.”

Tutor Fiona Kalache added “I was delighted to travel to Islay to deliver the course. All the students were

fantastic and it was great to see so many young people participating. They were extremely well mannered

and focussed on the course and a pleasure to tutor.”

Islay and Jura Youth Action – who contributed funds to support the learning experience for the Islay High

School peer group – are looking forward to working with Argyll College UHI and Fiona again and are planning

to offer the course once more towards the end of the year.

Introduction to Youth Work – a successful course for Argyll College Islay

Page 5: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

students pictured with their certificates

Peter Harrison and John Everett – both Scottish Canals

employees at the Crinan canal – have successfully completed

the first year of a carpentry and joinery course at Argyll

College UHI’s Construction, Engineering and Renewables

Centre in Lochgilphead.

The Professional Development Award in Advanced

Carpentry and Joinery has been specifically developed to allow those working locally to develop and hone

complex craft specific knowledge and skills which will have immediate application in the workplace.

Kim McAllister, Centre Manager at the Construction and Renewables Centre said, “Argyll College UHI is keen

to create links within our community and with local businesses. Scottish Canals have a need for ongoing

training for their employees and we are able to offer that training locally. It is a productive relationship for

Scottish Canals, their employees and the college and a relationship we are looking to build upon”.

Pictured at the Construction, Engineering and Renewables Centre on 21st May receiving their course

certificates: Peter Harrison, Alex Hurst (Manager, Scottish Canals), John Everett, Kim McAllister (Centre

Manager, Argyll College) and Dino Wright (Tutor, Argyll College)

Success for Crinan Canal employees

Page 6: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Argyll College

One of the Best Workplaces in Scotland

For the third consecutive year

For the third year running, Argyll College

UHI has taken one of the top places in the

Scotland’s Best Workplaces Awards. At a

ceremony on 9th May - at the Grand Central Hotel

in Glasgow - the college was awarded 6th posi-

tion (Medium and Large Business Category) in the

prestigious awards for 2013.

As in previous years, the Best Workplaces Pro-

gramme – the largest of its kind in the world –

surveys both employees and management to get

a holistic view of each nominated organisation’s

HR policies and practices and how these are per-

ceived by employees.

Tom O’Byrne, Chief Executive, Great Place to work

said, “this year’s Best Workplaces have some of

the most engaged employees with three out of

four telling us that they are committed to and

proud of what they do and that they have a great

workplace. I am delighted to congratulate all our

Best Workplaces on their achievement

and thank their leaders for continu-

ing to champion the importance of trust

in the workplace. In the current economic

climate, it has never been more crucial for

organisations to recognise the importance of

creating and maintaining great workplace cul-

tures and how this can improve performance.”

Linda McLaughlan, Argyll College UHI Centre

Manager, Rothesay commented, “at Argyll Col-

lege UHI all the staff are proud of and committed

to the service we provide. The dispersed nature

of our 14 centres makes a supportive working

relationship - amongst staff at all levels - vitally

important. I feel very positive working for a com-

pany which actively encourages me to contribute

ideas and have a hands-on involvement in deci-

sion making."

Argyll College UHI Depute Principal, Elaine Munro,

added “It is a great honour to have been recog-

nised as one of Scotland’s Best Workplaces for the

third year running. People and good communica-

tions are vital to the success of Argyll College UHI.

Our staff contribute to the growth of our educa-

Page 7: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Fraser pictured with students and staff from Dunoon

tional delivery on a daily basis and have the voice to actively influence the direction of the college in

the future. We are a close knit team and it is as a team that we make our college work.”

Argyll College UHI Principal, Fraser Durie said, “This is a really significant recognition of the success

of the college, which has grown enormously over the last ten years to become a major provider of

education and training in Argyll and the Isles. Often as organisations grow there can be a tendency for

them to become more remote and it may make communication more difficult. What this award recog-

nises is that we are a great workplace in Scottish terms, even in these difficult financial times we have

been able to remain positive, improving our standing over last year to be 6th in Scotland! We are very

proud to have represented Argyll as a local employer in this award, we know Argyll is a great place to

work and we are pleased that the college is highlighting that nationally”.

Argyll College UHI was also nominated for the ‘Most Trusted Leadership’ award.

Page 8: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Students work on display

Scenes of wildlife, landscapes and

sunsets - highlighting the beauty of

the natural environment of the west

coast - have been brightening up the waiting

area of a Lochgilphead hospital as Argyll College

photography students hold a silent auction of

their work.

Mike Thompson, Christine Carmichael,

Dianne Frame, Christine MacIntyre and

Moira McKechnie launched a display of their

photographs at Mid Argyll Community Hospital.

The photographs are the result of a 14 week

digital photography course – tutored by Sarah

Wyatt - organised by Argyll and Bute Council’s

adult learning department in partnership with

Argyll College.

Paul Goldie of Argyll and Bute Council said

“the quality of the work is absolutely excellent

and we thought it would be good to showcase

it. The silent auction will allow people in the

hospital waiting area to put their bid in the box

and the proceeds will go to the dementia ward”.

Mike Thomson added that he felt that the

course had given him and his fellow students

more confidence not only in shooting their

photos but also in improving and enhancing

them using Picasa and other software tools.

With thanks to the Argyllshire Observer

Students Hold Silent Auction To Raise Funds For Dementia Ward

Page 9: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Jamie with his work

Jamie Meechan, a 17 year old Argyll College

UHI student has been selected to represent

the college at the Scottish regional heat of

SkillBuild – the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.

The competition, which is managed by CITB, the

Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for

the construction industry, as part of its ongoing work

to bring new

blood into the

construction

industry, is

an annual

event that

sees budding

construction

trainees pitted

against each

other in their

specialist skill.

CITB

Apprentice

Bricklayer,

Jamie Meechan

who attends Argyll College Lochgilphead was

selected to compete in the Bricklaying New Entrant

category of the competition after his tutors noted

Jamie’s considerable talent for the trade.

Commenting on competing, Jamie, who is employed

by MacLeod Construction Ltd said: “It’s exciting to

be competing in SkillBuild, and I’m really looking

forward to showing the judges what I can do. Just

being chosen to compete is a real honour – it shows

that I have potential to go far in the Construction

industry, which makes all of the hard work I’ve put in

worth it.”

The Scottish regional heat will take place at Angus

College on Thursday 18 April 2013 and is one of

15 regional heats taking place around the UK.

The highest scoring competitors could go onto

compete at the three

day SkillBuild UK final,

which will take place

later this year.

Regional Delivery

Manager for CITB

in the Scottish

region commented;

“In addition to

encouraging

excellence and helping

to raise standards in

training, SkillBuild

allows competitors

to showcase their

skills, helping to boost

their confidence and their careers. The construction

industry needs a constant pipeline of talent in order

to meet the demands of the future, and SkillBuild

is a great way to highlight the opportunities in the

industry to other young people.”

For more information about SkillBuild please go to

www.citb.co.uk/en-GB/Careers-in-Construction/

SkillBuild/

Argyll College Student To Compete In Scottish Heat Of Uk’s Largest Trade Competition

Page 10: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

The achievements

of Sean Stewart

of Skipness by

Tarbert were publicly

recognised on 28th

February at the 10th

annual Lantra Land-based

and Aquaculture Learner

of the Year Awards, as he

was declared the winner

of the Skills for Work

Award 2013.

Sean recently successfully

completed the NPA

Rural Skills delivered by

Argyll College UHI - in

conjunction with Tarbert Academy

and the Forestry Commission,

Lochgilphead - through the Skills

for Work course scheme.

Presented with the Award for his

work in agriculture in particular,

Sean – who has his own small flock

of sheep – hopes in the future to

study agriculture full-time. Sean

commented “farming has been an

interest of mine for a long time.

Winning this award will enable

me to get closer to college and

ultimately my dream – a farm of my

own”.

Darlene Russell of Argyll College

added “Sean has worked hard

especially in subjects related to

outdoor studies. He is a practical

person and during the school

holidays has spent time helping

out on neighbouring farms and

building up his own flock of sheep.

This award is well deserved”.

Valerie Owen OBE, Lantra’s Chair,

said of the evening: “I applaud all

the finalists who show a real passion

and dedication to training and

the land-based industries. These

awards attract the top learners

from across Scotland every year

who are committed to developing

their skills and knowledge. It is vital

for the future of these industries

and for the wider Scottish economy

that we continue to encourage and

support new entrants.”

Lantra works to ensure that the UK’s

land-based and environmental

businesses have access to the

skills and people they need to

expand and thrive. Similarly, Argyll

College is committed to providing

the training, knowledge, skills and

qualifications to enable the learners

of Argyll and the islands to support

continued growth and strength in

Argyll student Sean Stewart a winner at Lantra’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year awards in Scotland

Image below: Darlene Russell, Sean Stewart, Catherine Ralston

Page 11: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

21st February saw Health and

Social Care tutor Allan MacDougall

and partner Silvia Jost succeed in

climbing to the roof of Africa.

Allan and Silvia were part of a 25

strong British team who successfully

scaled the tallest free standing

mountain in the world – Mount

Kilimanjaro – to raise money for Carr

Gomm’s ‘Catch the Dream’ fund.

The climb began in Tanzania,

amongst the tropical rainforest

of the foothills, on 16th February

with Allan’s party ascending by the

hardest – yet classic – Machame or

‘Whisky’ route. The glacier swathed

summit was reached five days

later. The journey down proved a

little quicker and less arduous with

Allan celebrating his birthday on

24th February firmly back in the

rainforest.

The group raised a staggering

£35,000 for their chosen charity.

Allan – now safely back in Scotland

– commented wryly, “I wouldn’t

have missed it for all the tea in

China – but I’ll not be doing it again”.

Enough said.

Breath-taking climb to the roof of Africa

The team make the summit.

Page 12: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Argyll College UHI Hairdressing Competition – December 2012

Argyll College hairdressing students were

recently invited to submit entries for the

College’s annual hairdressing awards.

Entries were submitted in four different study level

categories with themes of Hair-Up and Cut and

Colour.

The difficult job of choosing the winners fell to

independent judge – Mark Wheldon of the Mark

Wheldon Salon. The awards were formally presented

at a prizegiving ceremony in Oban on 10th

December.

“The work that was produced was of an excellent

standard. The students showed a great deal of

creative flair in both following and adapting the

emerging looks which are so popular today in the

hairdressing world.” Maria MacKenzie – Hairdressing

Tutor, Oban Centre

The three winners in the senior SVQ3 category –

Janine Ayton, Louise Salmond and Laura Quinn

MacKechnie – have all had their work entered into

the National Wella Exposure competition. We should

find out in the next couple of weeks if they have

been successful.

Siobhan, right, with tutor Julie Baker

Page 13: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

The WinnersSVQ Level 3

1st Janine Ayton Dunoon

2nd Louise Salmond Lochgilphead

3rd Laura Quinn MacKechnie Oban

SVQ Level 2

1st Cara Douglas Lochgilphead

2nd Shelly Curran Lochgilphead

3rd Katherine MacCuish Oban

SVQ Level 1

1st Katey Cordinley Oban

Skills for Work

1st Lauren Royal Lochgilphead

2nd Sioban MacNab Islay

3rd Connie Spriddel Lochgilphead

This article recently appeared in The Ileach

Page 14: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Last week, nine local students successfully completed

the inaugural five-day RYA Day Skipper Shorebased

course delivered by Argyll College UHI in Rothesay.

After four days of intensive study, the students all

successfully completed the RYA examination and were

awarded their Day Skipper Shorebased certificates

(picture).

The Course Tutor, Angus Fergusson – an instructor

at sportscotland’s national water sports centre

Cumbrae – was impressed with the wide experience

backgrounds of the students “some had little or no

experience whilst others were keen yachtsmen. Being

able to swap stories and experiences throughout the

course really helped with making the course relevant”.

RYA Success for Local Students

Page 15: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Lewis McMillan, a 15 year old Rothesay Academy

student, commented “What surprised me was how

challenging the course was. The chart work was the

most interesting part of the course for me. I help out

on a fishing trawler and the course is really going to

help me with my job.”

All the students seemed to have enjoyed the course

and one student, Steve Reid, added that he had been

particularly impressed with the professionalism and

patience of the tutor.

This was the first time Argyll College UHI had run this

intensive course in Rothesay and the college is already

taking enquiries for the next course date in February

2013.

RYA Success for Local Students

Page 16: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

The meeting was a chance to share views on

education and the priorities for development

throughout our area.

The meeting was also attended by Robin Parker

(President, NUS Scotland), Katrina Paton (President,

University of the Highlands and Islands Students

Association) and Centre Manager Dunoon, Morag

Gilmour.

It was agreed that the local college provides both

access level and skills development courses, as well

as being an academic partner of the University of

the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and, as such, has a

significant role to play within education in our area.

The college is unique in that it educates young

people from the early years at its nursery in Oban,

to graduate and postgraduate study through UHI –

Scotland’s newest university.

Although relatively small, the college has many local

points of delivery. It was seen as essential that the

college continue to support the Argyll communities

Friday 30th November saw the first formal meeting between the new

Argyll College Principal, Fraser Durie and Local MSP and Cabinet

Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Mr Michael Russell.

From left to Right: Mike Russell, Fraser Durie, Katrina Paton and Robin Parker

Page 17: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

in order to provide opportunities for development

which would not otherwise be available.

The college offers state-of-the-art communications

and video conferencing capabilities and has the

experienced staff to make effective use of them.

However, a reliable local broadband and mobile

phone network will be vital to support the college in

maintaining and growing this capability.

Mr Russell was able to experience the college’s video

conferencing capabilities first-hand when he joined

a tutor in Dunoon delivering an HND level business

class to a group of students based in Oban. Mr

Russell also met and talked with a group of childcare

students being taught in a more traditional format

in the Dunoon centre.

Mr Russell and Mr Durie took the opportunity

to explore and consider the new educational

challenges facing our specific geographical area.

Argyll College is in the process of completing

an engineering and renewables facility in

Lochgilphead. This is a development specifically to

address the need for local engineering training in

Argyll and the islands and the new and developing

requirements of the national renewables industry.

By training local people, the college will contribute

significantly to the work of our other local partners

to improve the prospects and job opportunities

for the young people of our area, those embarking

upon a career and those looking to retrain.

Tourism has been flagged as a significant area for

further development in Dunoon and throughout

Argyll and the islands. Argyll College is looking

to actively work with local partners, employers,

politicians and local council partners within this

identified business area – amongst others – to

contribute positively to the ongoing economic

development of our area.

Argyll College is a highly successful

training and education provider

serving a unique area in a unique

way. - Michael Russel, MSP

Page 18: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Rothesay Salon Opens

Fraser Durie and Isobel Strong cut the ribbon

On 27th November 2012, the newest Argyll

College Salon - located at Rothesay Joint

Campus - was officially opened.

The new training salon - which has eight work stations -

offers local students the opportunity to study and gain

the practical experience necessary to embark upon a

career in hairdressing.

Current students are studying for SVQ Level 2

Hairdressing - a course designed to develop the skills,

confidence and practical experience needed in a wide

range of salon-based skills.

However, from August 2013 the salon will also be

offering an SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing course, which will

prepare the students fully for employment in the salon

environment.

In addition to SVQ level courses the salon also delivers

Skills for Work courses at Intermediate Levels 1 and 2

for the Rothesay Academy pupils. These two courses

will prepare the students for entry to the SVQ Level 2

Hairdressing course when they complete their school

studies.

The Argyll College Salon is open to the general public

each Wednesday from 11.00am to 6.00pm and Thursday

and Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm. If you would like to

make an appointment simply contact 01700 503367

and ask to speak to the salon staff.

We also operate training salons in Campbeltown,

Dunoon, Lochgilphead, Islay and Oban. Simply contact

each centre for opening times and contact details.

Page 19: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Above: Weakama Day School and it’s pupils

Staff and students at Argyll College are proud

to have donated almost £6,000 over the last

year in support of the Mary’s Meals school

feeding programme at Weakama Primary School,

Bomi County, Liberia.

Argyll College has committed a percentage of the

income earned from areas – including hairdressing,

catering, commercial courses and nursery provision

– across its 15 centres to support the primary school.

As a result, every member of staff and every student

of Argyll College is providing much needed support

to the pupils of Weakama Primary School every day

of the week, as is each customer of the college’s

hairdressing salons and day nursery.

Education in Liberia was severely affected by two

civil wars – between 1989 and 2003 – and Bomi

County was home to both refugee camps and rebel

strongholds during the wars. Mary’s Meals stated

“by paying the costs of a school feeding programme,

Argyll College UHI are making a huge difference to the

lives of poor children who have lived through all kinds

of deprivation and terrible violence. In particular,

the west of Liberia has suffered greatly over the last

twenty years. Now there is a chance for the lives of

many children to be improved dramatically by giving

them back their childhood and providing them with

hope for the future.”

Weakama Primary School – which currently has 341

children enrolled – has no other outside support apart

from Mary’s Meals. The children are fed a meal of fish,

rice and a vegetable sauce three days a week and a

highly nutritional porridge the remaining two days.

The local community have committed to providing

the fresh vegetables while Mary’s Meals provides the

rice, fish and porridge.

Argyll College UHI – proud to support Mary’s Meals

The school reports that enrolments have gone

up and have also seen the children’s attendance

improving, meaning that more children are

coming to – and staying in – school.

Argyll College UHI shares Mary’s Meals belief

that education can offer communities a better

quality of life – on a daily and long-term basis. It

is committed to making education available to

as many students and communities as possible,

offering local learning yet global thinking.

Page 20: Argyll College UHI News 12-13
Page 21: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Many of the 221 students undertaking

full-time courses at Argyll College

UHI over the last year, celebrated

the successful completion of their studies at

a graduation ceremony – held recently at the

Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Oban. The ceremony,

which was attended by many family and friends,

proved to be the highlight of a very busy first week

for new principal Fraser Durie.

“It’s a real privilege to be the new Principal of Argyll

College, which has a substantial and growing

presence throughout Argyll. The college fulfils a

key role in the development of the economy of

this area which I am committed to continuing. We

had students graduating with all levels of award

at the ceremony, including Scottish Vocational

Qualifications and degrees. Graduation is always

a special time for those taking part and the

college staff involved. We recognise the hard work

and dedication of students and the staff who

helped them on their journey. I hope it acts as an

inspiration both to potential students who may

join us but also to current students on that journey.

Our graduation showed very clearly the potential

opportunities provided by the college as an

Academic Partner of the University of the Highlands

and Islands and we will continue, through 2013

and beyond, to develop and nurture exciting

educational opportunities for the communities of

Argyll and the Islands.”

Graduation success for Argyll College UHI students

...our graduation showed very

clearly the potential opportunities

provided by the college...

Page 22: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

The ceremony saw the presentation of several special

recognition awards including, the Wilma Campbell

Rose Bowl for Argyll College UHI Further Education

Student of the Year awarded to Thomas Gallagher

of Campbeltown - who recently completed his

Certificate in Agriculture - and the Mary MacKenzie

Memorial Cup for hairdressing, awarded to Ala Korda,

an SVQ2 student from Oban. The Mary MacKenzie

Memorial Cup is awarded to the student who shows

outstanding flair and creativity during their course.

Special mention was also made of Claire Gilpin who

achieved the BA Child and Youth Studies. Claire

initially studied NC Early Education and Childcare

five years ago at Argyll College. She subsequently

progressed to the HNC Early Education and Childcare

gaining an ‘A’ in her graded unit and has now

completed her degree through UHI studying at Argyll

College.

Curriculum Manager, Rena MacDonald commented,

“on behalf of the graduation committee I would

like to thank all the students, and in particular their

families, for taking the time to come to Oban to

celebrate the achievements of the students from

across the Argyll Area. It is not always easy to make

the journey from far flung parts of Argyll but we hope

that it was an enjoyable and vital experience”.

The number of students undertaking full-time

courses at Argyll College UHI has more than

doubled over recent years and student numbers are

continuing to grow consistently on the school-based

Skills for Work courses and vocational courses.

Michael Breslin, retiring principal, who attended the

ceremony on his last day at Argyll College UHI said,

“this has been a memorable afternoon celebrating

the well earned achievements of our students with

their families and friends” and added, “it’s been

a privilege to have had the unique challenge of

starting a new college from nothing. This couldn’t

have been done without the full support of the

college staff so they are due a huge thanks for their

efforts. I am confident Fraser will take the college

forward and I wish him and all the staff my very best

wishes”.

Page 23: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Argyll College UHI is pleased to announce

that Fraser Durie has been appointed to the

post of Principal. Fraser - currently Director,

Educational Development and Executive Director for

Business, Computing and Community Development

at Adam Smith College, Fife - will take up the post

on the retirement of the current Principal, Michael

Breslin, in September 2012.

Making the announcement Andrew Campbell, Chair

Argyll College UHI said "I look forward to welcoming

Fraser both to Argyll and to our college. Fraser

brings with him not only a wealth of experience of

working in both Further and Higher Education but

also, importantly, of working collaboratively with

other colleges and universities. We will continue to

expand our portfolio of courses throughout the year,

delivering additional courses in new areas - including

engineering - as well as expanding the opportunities

for our students in Higher Education as one of the

13 colleges and research institutions that make

up the University of the Highlands and Islands. I

am confident Fraser will make a fine Principal and

a strong leader for our hardworking and award

winning staff."

Fraser, who has already visited some of the

college's 13 centres throughout Argyll and the

Islands, added "I am very much looking forward to

becoming the Principal of Argyll College UHI. It is

an exciting prospect to lead the college onwards

in its development, both as a strong and vibrant

institution and a partner within the University of the

Highlands and Islands".

"Staff form the heart of any college and it is our

responsibility, regardless of job title, to ensure the

delivery of the appropriate education for learners.

Having visited a few of the college centres and

met some of the staff, I am convinced that they

are providing a valued service to their community.

Colleges serve their communities better when there

New Principal confirmed for Argyll College UHI

Page 24: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

are strong and positive connections with all external

partners. Having previously developed effective

partnerships - many of which have opened up new

and exciting opportunities for learners - I know how

valuable they are. My challenge will be to take on and

build up the college's existing linkages."

"There are many challenges which face colleges in their

work, not least the local, national and international

economies. In the current climate, colleges are vital

not only in preparing people for new opportunities

but also in providing support for potential economic

development. I am optimistic we can continue to

make a difference and I look forward to fully engaging

with staff and our partners in that endeavour."

Easter Fun Day raises money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation

David O’Neill, Emma McCrae, Laura Black and

Ashleigh MacMillan – all Working in the

Community students at Oban Centre – have

raised £500 for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.

One of the central themes of the college’s Working

in the Community course is to organise an enterprise

project in the local community. The four students

unanimously decided that fundraising for charity

would be their project and the charity they would

like to support Yorkhill.

Yorkhill Children’s Foundation provides enhanced

medical equipment and resources which benefit sick

children and babies treated at Yorkhill and within

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These resources

can include innovative medical equipment,

improvements in child and family facilities and

paediatric research and training.

The Easter Fun Day was held in conjunction with

Atlantis Leisure and events on the day included, egg

rolling, face painting, body zorbing, pool inflatable

fun sessions, a raffle and a Harley Davidson bike

display.

Page 25: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

Easter Fun Day raises money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation...cont

Nick Wesley of Atlantis Leisure worked alongside the

students at all stages of the event – from initial planning

to the day itself - offering invaluable advice and support.

Course tutor Billy Thomson was extremely impressed

with the students drive and enthusiasm for the project

“this was a really big challenge for the group to take on.

They had to work under a fair bit of pressure and despite

a few early wobbles they all worked exceptionally hard

and really brought everything together on the day”.

Despite the fact that they had no funding support and

no experience in this area the students managed – with

much appreciated support from local businesses - to

raise a sum of £500 which they were able to hand over

to Ali Reade of Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.

Yorkhill Children’s Foundation Director of Fundraising,

David Welch added “Yorkhill Children’s Foundation is

extremely grateful to these Argyll College students for

all their hard work and the effort undertaken to raise

such a substantial amount of money which will go a

long way to helping children requiring treatment and

care at Yorkhill Hospital.”

Based on a simple idea that a happier

child is a healthier child, the Clown

Doctors aim to improve the quality

of life for children in hospital. They

use clowning, improvisation, music

and rhythm, games and puppetry

to encourage creativity in the child.

There is a strong focus on multi-

sensory work, particularly music and

sound which is of particular benefit to

children with multiple disabilities and

fully dependent children.

Projects funded by Yorkhill Children’s Foundation

Clown Doctors

Page 26: Argyll College UHI News 12-13

MediCinemaMediCinema is the first cinema in a children’s

hospital in the UK. Current releases are shown

twice a week and admission is free. Patients,

including those in beds and wheelchairs, can

attend with their families, friends and carers. This

gives them a much needed escape from the reality

of hospital life and brings the sparkle and glamour

of the movies to an audience who are unable to

attend regular cinema.

Music Specialist Music offers children creative and interactive

opportunities and encourages socialisation with

others whilst learning new skills. The Music

Specialist will work with in-patients and day care

patients throughout the hospital, in groups or

individually. Children can learn to perform on

various instruments and to invent and compose

their own music, developing an understanding

and appreciation of the many styles and periods

of music.


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