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www.borderscollege.ac.uk Summer 2016

News and views from Borders College • Campuses and Learning Centres throughout the Scottish Borders

News RoundupIN

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Braw day as Jodie opens new Salon in Galashiels Page 3

Council support Business Admin AppenticePage 5

Sports student makes sprinting historyPage 6

Students get Michelin star chef treatment

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All three Borders finalists were winners at this year’s Lantra Scotland Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the

Year Awards, which took place on Thursday 3rd March at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner at the Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel.Andrew Dixon, aged 18 from Duns in Berwickshire, won the Agriculture category and was one of six Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) winners. Lewis Mathison, aged 17 from Melrose, was also a CARAS winner. Ciara Whitson, aged 18 from Selkirk, won Equine Learner of the Year, while Eyemouth High School won the Urban Schools Award for the second year running.CARAS awards were presented by the organisation’s national chairman, Keith Redpath, while industry accolades were presented to the Borders winners by keynote speaker and former Lantra Learner of the Year, Finulla McCloskey. Andrew is doing a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ Level 3 in Mixed Farming at the family farm and Borders College. He also won the Best Practical Student for Agriculture at Borders College last year and was nominated for the Junior Young Farmer of the Year Award. Andrew has his own contracting business helping local farmers and plans to establish a successful cattle herd.Andrew said: “It’s great to win the Agriculture Learner of the Year Award.

Having been brought up on a family farm, farming is well and truly in my blood, but I’m sure tonight’s award will give me the confidence to go on and succeed. I’d like to thank Andrew Johnson from Borders College, as well as my dad and uncle for all their support over the years, and I hope to make a success of the farm myself.”Ciara is doing SVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Horse Care at Monksford Estate and Borders College. She works with Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), has completed 100 hours volunteering and gained four Saltire award certificates. In the future, Ciara wants to run her own livery and deliver dressage training programmes. She commented: ”I can’t believe I have won this award, thank you Lantra Scotland! It is a great honour and I’m sure I’ll remember it for years to come. Alison Robertson, my tutor at Borders College, has been a big influence on my career and I could not have done this without her, or the support of my Granny and Dad, my employers Mr and Mrs Rooney and also Kate Thorne for all the advice she has given me throughout the years. Thank you!”Lewis is doing a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ Level 2 in Agriculture at Springhall Farm and Borders College. Although he has no

agriculture background, his lecturers believe that he is a great example of how someone can flourish in the industry by having the right attitude and willingness to learn. Apart from his interest in agriculture, Lewis is also a member of the Hawick Scout Pipe Band and regularly takes part in events at the

weekend. He is also currently undertaking his Adult Training to become a Scout Leader.Lewis said: “I’m delighted to be one of the winners. Thank you to Lantra Scotland, CARAS, my tutors at Borders College and Kevin Stewart, my employer at Springhall Farm in Kelso.”

Clean sweep for Borders finalists at Lantra Scotland’s Learner of the Year Awards

AFTER realising that plumbing was in his genes, Jack Reid (pictured on the right) started doing the Skills for Work construction programme at Borders College, which was the beginning of him following in his father’s footsteps. Alan Reid, who is now a plumbing lecturer at Borders College, had his own business and Jack quickly decided that this was the career path he’d like to follow.John Rafferty, Engineering Programme Leader and Jack’s lecturer when he first started, said, “Jack displayed an aptitude right from the start and was destined to do well as a plumber.”He moved onto the full-time plumbing course and began his work placement with Stuart

Drysdale (pictured left) at Roxburgh Heating. He is now in the final year of his Modern Apprenticeship with Stuart so the relationship has continued. “You can get a good look at the performance of the student when they are on placement, and if they apply themselves it can lead to helping them get into the trade. Jack has a good work ethic, is tidy, conscientious and asks questions. I trust him to complete a majority of our jobs and this benefits me because he carries out a good job,” said Stuart.Jack’s route to completion was all the more impressive as Jack quickly realised that having his father as one of his lecturers made him work even harder!

Keeping it in the family

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News RoundupThis publication is also available in electronic format and can be obtained from our website or on request by contacting our Marketing Department on:

Charities benefit from student fundraising

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www.borderscollege.ac.uk Summer 2015

News and views from Borders College • Campuses and Learning Centres throughout the Scottish Borders

News Roundup

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College support helps Penny

in her ‘care

career’ Page 3

Sir Alan Sugar misses out on top apprenticePage 4

College graduates celebrate achievement

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College hosts

horse riding

event

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The Next Step for Art

Student, AliceBorders College, Art and

design student Alice scott has

been offered an undergraduate

place at both the internationally

recognised glasgow school of

Art and the University of the Arts

london, Central st Martins, a world

leading centre for art and design

education.

since leaving Hawick High school

two years ago, Alice has been

studying on the BTeC level 3 Art and

design course at Borders College.

This has given her the opportunity

to immerse herself in her art studies,

given her the experience of working

in different art genres, pushing her

boundaries and opening her mind

to different art concepts. she has

shared her experiences with like

minded art students and been

guided by lecturers who themselves

are professional artists in their own

right. “I’m delighted to have the choice, I

applied for the BA (Hons) sculpture

and environmental Art at glasgow

and for the BA (Hons) in Fine Art in

london and I have now have a hard

decision to make as to which path to

choose.” Comments Alice.

“one of the best decisions I’ve

made so far, is coming to study

at Borders College on the Art and

design course, the lecturers are

really passionate about their subject

and have really inspired me. My

fellow students and the art studios

at scottish Borders Campus have

provided me with a great creative

atmosphere where we can share

ideas. When I left school I lacked

self confidence and the College has

given me the opportunity to broaden

my horizons, become more confident

both personally and with my art, as

well as develop my portfolio so I can

take the next step.”

Her tutors Niall Campbell and

siobhan o’Hehir are delighted

for Alice, they know that both

institutions are very hard to get into

and receive many more applications

than spaces. According to Niall,

“Alice has been a very hard working,

self motivated student and to be

offered places at two prestigious Art

schools is fantastic. Alice is a great

advocate for our course and we look

forward to witnessing the next part

of her journey.”

“This piece revolves around the idea

of memory. Nowadays photographs

are stored digitally within devices,

easy to capture, but easy to loose.

I enjoy being able to physically hold

a photograph, making the memory

feel more permanent. My idea for

this piece came by my need to reflect

on my past. one side holds my eyes,

which represents exterior, wanting

to capture myself looking outwards

on the experiences I’m creating.

each photo being individually pinned

onto the fabric. The other side holds

my memories; memories that are

sometimes vague and more recent

memories that have helped shape the

artist within.”

THIs is the sixth year in succession

that the College, with campuses in

galashiels, Newtown st Boswells

and Hawick, has been one of the top

performers for student success. And,

in two of these years, the College has

held the number one spot.

College Principal, liz McIntyre says

‘Borders College is delighted to be able

to celebrate once again the success of

our students. For a number of years

ensuring that our students have the

best possible chance of success has

been our priority. We aim to do this

by providing excellent teaching, a

high level of tailored student support

combined with great facilities and a

hugely positive student experience.

our professional and enthusiastic staff

team are at the heart of this strategy

and it is due to their efforts that our

students do so well and enjoy their

time here at the College.’

It is this attention to detail that has

made Borders College consistently

one of the best performing colleges in

scotland and led to more students than

ever achieving their qualifications last

year.From Art & design to Mechanical

engineering, Beauty Therapy to

gamekeeping, Hospitality to Health

Care and a vast range in between,

Borders College receives thousands of

applications each year from potential

students wishing to equip themselves

with the essential skills and knowledge

to give them the best chance of

securing employment and embarking

on a fulfilling career.

Scotland’s top performing college is right here on your doorstep

‘Borders College has once again topped the rankings as the most

successful college in Scotland when it comes to student success’ 3Alice explains her idea around her artwork entitled: Interior/Exterior (pictured above).

08700 50 51 52www.borderscollege.ac.uk

SPEEDING Borders College Engineering Lecturer, Dave Black (pictured left), has won the honour of having his name emblazoned on a rocket car which is set to break the world land speed record by reaching over 1,000 mph.Dave Black won the honour as part of an initiative by the Energy Skills Partnership, which encourages students to take up careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics industries as part of the BLOODHOUND Project.The BLOODHOUND Project is an international education initiative focussed around a 1,000 mph jet and rocket powered car. The primary aim is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by sharing the adventure with the widest possible audience. Over 7,000 schools have signed up to use the BLOODHOUND Education Programme in their classrooms.College Lecturer Iain Scott suggested that the College got involved after his partnership working with the Energy Skills body. This led to two of Iain’s colleagues attending a staff development training day to teach lecturers how to run Rocket Car workshops for students.As part of the day Dave Black and Electrical Engineering Lecturer Dale Clancy (pictured right) had to design and build a Rocket Car each and race it against other Scottish colleges, as well as representatives from the Royal Engineers and Scots Guards. Dave Black’s Rocket Car won the overall event by reaching 61 mph and setting the record for

that day. Dale managed to take second place with a speed of 57 mph.Borders College is now a recognised BLOODHOUND Hub and can deliver Rocket Car workshops to schools either at our Galashiels Campus or on location at any school. Both Dave and Dale are now officially recognised

as ‘Rocketeers’ and authorized to run the BLOODHOUND Education Programme.

College lecturer sets Rocket Car record

For further details please visit:www.bloodhoundssc.com3

Pictured (above) is (Level 3 Beauty Therapy) student Amy Henderson presenting a cheque for £614.34, funds raised by the event, to the Lavender Touch. LOCAL charity, Lavender Touch, was presented with a total of £785.09 following two separate fundraising efforts in March 2016 by Level 3 Beauty Therapy and HNC Fashion Make Up students at the College. Lavender Touch work as part of the holistic care team for cancer patients living in the Borders area.

The Level 3 Beauty Therapy group raised £614.34 for Lavender Touch at their ticket-entry ‘Egg’stravaganza evening. Included in the ticket price were refreshments, a back, neck and shoulder massage or a mini manicure, which all proved popular. Various stallholders attended, including Dermalogica and Younique, and MyBrow and Hot Stone Massage demonstrations were available at no extra charge. The students each provided a raffle prize, cake and candy for the sale, and various refreshments for the customers’ enjoyment. They also arranged an Easter giveaway. Student Caitlin McVie said the highlight of the event for her was, “everyone working together and seeing it all come together how we wanted it to.”

The HNC Fashion Make Up group raised £170.75 at their ‘make up cake up’ fundraiser, where cakes, tea and coffee were readily available to members of the public, staff and students along with lots of great make up tips and advice. As well as the on-going demonstrations, there were a number of trade stalls and a fantastic raffle. Level 1 Beauty Therapy students added to the event by offering nail file and polishes. Lecturer Jane Gray commented, “The students did well in organising the event and raising money for a worthwhile cause.”

AN essential part of the Level 3 Catering & Hospitality course at Borders College is industry experience, with every student undertaking a work placement. Student Steven Grant, from Hawick, carried out his weekly work placement at the Roxburghe Hotel near Kelso, working in the kitchens and building up his skills. As valuable as this experience proved to be, Steven wanted to add to this to make him stand out from the crowd, commenting: “When

you come to College as a mature student looking to change [your] career path, you need to be focussed and make the most of the contacts the College makes available to you in order to do well.”A perfect opportunity presented itself earlier this year when former Borders College student Greg Anderson delivered a practical demonstration to Steven’s group in the College training kitchen. Greg is now Head Chef at the 1-Michelin

starred Morston Hall country house hotel and restaurant in Norfolk, where well-known Chef Galton Blackiston is Owner and Chef Patron. When Steven approached Greg to find out if he could carry out a placement at Morston Hall, the wheels were quickly set in motion. Steven proceeded to spend the February study week learning from some of the very best, in a real fine dining environment. Speaking of his experience there, Steven said: “What an amazing week it’s been and what an experience I’ve had, prepping all day long and working the pass every night like I actually belonged there – fantastic.”His week at Morston Hall spurred Steven on to gain further experience in another high-end establishment, and so he sought out another week’s placement: this time at the prestigious 5-star Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Perthshire, which took place in the Easter holidays. Steven spent two full days working

alongside Executive Chef Alan Gibb (an industry contact of Hospitality Programme Leader Vicky MacDonald) on a new menu which was to be presented to the Hotel Board. Steven’s experiences at Gleneagles and Morston Hall inspired him to replicate some of the skills he had gained on placement in the College Restaurant. He and fellow student Nicola Watt created a special taster menu during their ‘Head Chef’ week, which consisted of starter-sized dishes being served to Restaurant customers. Their dishes were well received and the menu was considered a success.Throughout the Catering & Hospitality course, Steven’s clear end goal has been to secure employment in a high-end establishment, so he was delighted when, at the end of his week at Gleneagles, he was offered a full-time position as a Commis Chef in the hotel kitchen. Steven acknowledges that he will be starting from the beginning but he hopes that his passion for cooking will allow him to progress quickly through the ranks. He begins his employment on 27 June, initially living in the Gleneagles staff accommodation, and his wife hopes to join him by the New Year, once they have found their own accommodation.Steven is very grateful to Vicky for all of her help and motivation, and says his passion for cooking was the driving force behind his desire to build his experience and succeed in his chosen career.Borders College wishes Steven every success in his future employment and career. With the commitment and drive he has shown throughout his time at College, we feel sure he will continue to do well in the Hospitality industry.

Hospitality student’s passion and drive take him further than he could have imagined

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COLLEGE

BORDERSTo find out about the wide range of

courses available from Borders College, please visit our website

www.borderscollege.ac.uk or call our Student Advice Centre on 01896 662516 3

Braw day as Jodie opens new salon

SITUATED in the shadow of Robbie Burns, composer of that renowned Gala song Braw Braw Lads, is the latest business venture to be opened by another alumnus of Borders College – Jodie Millar.After completing four years of study at Borders College, Jodie has settled on his career in hairdressing and has opened up a new and trendy salon in Lawyers Brae, Galashiels. The salon employs a total of five staff, from experienced hairdressing and make-up practitioners to Edinburgh-trained barbers. The salon currently has one spare chair, which they will look to fill in the New Year.Whilst at Borders College, Jodie won the coveted Overall Student of the Year award, which was presented at the annual graduation ceremony.Jodie, who was employed in the hospitality industry for most of his working life, returned to College as a ‘mature’ student after latterly working for Salon Services as a sales representative, where he was able to see for himself the benefits of a career in Hairdressing. It was during this time that Jodie, aged 38 at the time, made the decision to return to College and study for his new career – something

Jodie would encourage anyone to do.Jodie commented: “If you are going to College it is up to you to get as much out of it as you can, and I would encourage anyone thinking about any College course to go for it and make the most of the

teaching available to you.“The tutors at the College are very down-to-earth, approachable and supportive – particularly when things are difficult. The staff encourage and push you to achieve your best and reach your potential.”Commenting on the opening on the new salon, Programme Leader Paula Hutchison said, “Jodie was a great role model during his time

at College, and was a student who always turned a negative into a positive, where he also encouraged all his colleagues to take the same outlook. We wish him every success in his new business.”Millar’s Salon features a one-stop-shop for hairdressing, make-up and barbering, as well as specialist Cabelo hair treatments using premium hairdressing products such as ‘Fudge’.

The Salon is open Monday to Saturday

from 9am. To book your appointment, please call

01896 754388.

‘Train to Care’ participants celebrate success

REPRESENTATIVES from NHS Borders, Borders College Skills Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus came together on Friday 12th February to celebrate the nine trainees who were successful in completing the six week ‘Train to Care’ programme as part of the NHS Borders Sector Based Work Academy.Train to Care provides opportunities to help unemployed people in the Borders gain work within the Health and Social Care sector. The programme focuses on skills development and helps to build a better understanding and insight into working in the Health and Social Care sector.During the course of the six week programme, training included NHS Borders Corporate Induction programme and work placements within NHS Borders and local Care Homes.

John McLaren, NHS Borders Employee Director, presented certificates to the participants at the graduation ceremony, and said: “I would like to congratulate all the participants who have successfully completed this valuable training programme.“The programme provides an excellent opportunity for a number of unemployed local people to develop the desired knowledge and skills required to help them gain employment in the Health and Social Care sector.“We run these programmes on a regular basis and once again we would like to thank the placement areas within NHS Borders and the Care Homes for their support in making this a success.”For further information on how you can apply for similar programmes please contact your local Job Centre Plus advisers.

Borders College remains amongst the best performing colleges in ScotlandBORDERS COLLEGE continues to be one of the most successful colleges in Scotland when it comes to student success. And that’s official!In Scottish Funding Council figures, Borders College continues to ‘punch above its weight’ when it comes to performance and student success.This is the seventh year in succession that the College, with campuses in Galashiels, Newtown St Boswells and Hawick, has been one of the top performers for student success in Scotland.From Art & Design to Mechanical Engineering, Beauty Therapy to Gamekeeping, Hospitality to Health Care and a vast range in between, Borders College receives thousands of applications each year from potential students wishing to equip themselves with the life changing skills and knowledge to give them the greatest opportunity of securing employment and embarking on a fulfilling career.The main results for Borders College in 2014/15 are:

3 77.5 % of further education full time students completed their studies in the year, with 69.1% achieving their award. (This is 5.1% above the national average.)

3 81.8% of higher education full time students completed their studies, with 75.1% achieving their award. (This is 3.8% above the national average.)

3 For all age groups across all programmes longer than 160 hours, 73% or more of students achieved their awards.

3 The highest success rates for FE programmes longer than 160 hours were achieved in Landbased and Construction programmes, with over 80% achieving their awards.

3 The highest success rates for HE programmes longer than 160 hours were achieved in Business & Management, with over 78% achieving their awards.

3 The success rate for learners in a second year of study at the College is very high at 89%. (This is 8% above the national average.)

You can view the full report at: http://www.borderscollege.ac.uk/downloads/performance_indicators_january_2016.pdf.

Open Days at

YOU can find out when our Open Days are by signing up to our free eMail list.

Visit the website at:

www.borderscollege.ac.uk/opendays

and we’ll let you know when our next open day is.

If you can’t make our scheduled Open Days then drop us an email and we’ll arrange a ‘personal tour’. Please email

marketing@borderscollege.ac.uk

You can also visit the Salon on facebook – just visit www.facebook.com/

millarhair.

4 www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52

THE highlight of the academic calendar at Borders College took place at Kelso’s Springwood Park in September 2016. Over 160 students celebrated their achievements at the annual Graduation Ceremony, supported by around 700 proud family, friends and special guests. One of the many highlights of the occasion was when an Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Rosamund de la Hey (inset), owner of Mainstreet Books in St Boswells.

College graduates celebrate achievement

Corporate Parenting pledge signed by Borders CollegeBOARD members and Staff at Borders College undertook Level 2 Corporate Parenting Training delivered by Who Cares? Scotland. The training provided information on what it’s like to be a ‘care experienced student’ as well as focussing on what it means to be a Corporate Parent.The training has really ‘fired up’ staff into thinking positively about how, as a College, we can be ‘good corporate parents’. Hearing first-hand the stories of the young people’s care journeys proved to be very powerful, allowing staff to understand the challenges for a care experienced student and how the little things can make such a huge difference.Liz McIntyre, Principal at Borders College, said: “The College is totally committed to working as a team, in partnership with care experienced young people, to ensure that we provide the best possible opportunities for these young people to develop their talents and achieve their full potential.”Shilla Zwizwai, Care Experienced Campaigner, said: “I’m so happy that Who Cares? Scotland and Borders College are working together. I hope this partnership marks the beginning

of substantial change in the outcomes for care experienced young people. I see the potential and ability of care experienced young people every day and know that they have so much to offer. That’s why what Borders College is doing is such a great thing. Many young people leave school and leave care with little belief in themselves, and very few qualifications, just like I did. Borders College plays a pivotal role in helping students build their confidence and take charge of their lives. It is so important that everyone in the College understands care experienced young people, listens to them and takes action to ensure that a young person’s start in life doesn’t determine their future.”After the training, the Borders College Principal signed the ‘Who Cares? Pledge’, which will see Borders College become an effective Corporate Parent.Corporate Parenting responsibility became legislation under the Children & Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 where, as a Corporate Parent, all staff have a responsibility to promote and support the physical, emotional, spiritual, social and cognitive development of a looked after young person or care leaver.

Photo: (L-R) Jen MacKenzie – Borders College Learner Success Mentor, Alicia Santana – Who Cares? Scotland, Liz McIntyre – Principal, Shilla Zwizwai – Who Cares? Scotland, Robert Foster – Who Cares? Scotland.

CATERING for Life is a 10 week programme which is funded by DWP and is a partnership between Borders College, NHS Borders, the Healthy Living Network and Jobcentre Plus and is available to all Jobcentre Plus claimants, regardless of their benefit type, and required attendance at College for 2.5 days per week.It helps unemployed people in the Borders with mild and moderate health conditions and disabilities to focus towards securing and sustaining employment. The programme focuses on the removal of actual and perceived barriers by enhancing the participant’s employability skills and building self-confidence by the provision of a range of Industry Recognised Short Courses and transferrable work and life skills. Work

placements took place within NHS Borders Facilities Department, where individuals were able to spend time with the porters, with the Healthy Living Network in a range of community projects both at Burnfoot

and Langlee, and Scottish Borders Council School Meals Service, where individuals were involved in preparing and serving lunches in primary schools in Kelso, Hawick and Tweedbank.

During the evaluation of the programme the participants were asked if they would recommend Catering to Life to others, to which they all replied, “WITHOUT A DOUBT!”Those present in the photo – from left to right – are Steven Kyle, Karen Edmond, Maria Taylor, Martin Lauder, Lindsey Smith, Miranda Whellans, Graham Gordon, Kevin Brodie and Beth James. (Ian Donaldson was also successful; however, not present at the celebration.)

‘Catering for Life’ participants celebrate success

For further information regarding this programme please contact:

Stephanie Bell, Project Manager on 01896 662577 or email

sbell@borderscollege.ac.uk

www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52 5

A huge thanks to Chief Petty Officer Gary Richardson, Royal Navy, and the Royal Marines Visibility team, who came down to teach Borders College students about the whole joining process and all of the roles and responsibilities of the Royal Marines. The presentation was very informative, keeping the whole class interested, and the Royal Marines did a very good job of answering all questions that were asked.The fitness was an eye-opener to the training style of the Royal Navy/Royal Marines. The class really enjoyed the high intensity training and team building exercises that were set out. It has now changed the minds of some of the students, who are now considering a career within the Royal Navy/Royal Marines.

Royal Marines Visibility Team put Preparation for Armed Forces students through their paces

Report by Cameron Fender (Student) on behalf of Preparation for the Armed Forces course.

First Customer Service Apprentices for Scottish Borders Council

SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL has recently recruited two Customer Service Apprentices: Kathryn Wallace has joined the team at the Hawick Contact Centre, whilst Michael Scott is working with the team at the Galashiels office. As part of their Apprenticeship, both are undertaking their SVQ Level 2 Customer Service qualification.SBC recognises the importance of excellent customer service and, as part of their Modern Apprenticeship, have enrolled Kathryn and Michael on to the SVQ Level 2 Customer Service qualification, which assesses the skills and knowledge that are required to perform their job effectively. This means that, once they have achieved their SVQ, they are able to prove they have the skills and knowledge to do the job to the standard of competence defined nationally by the industry.Scottish Borders Council is working in partnership with Borders College, who are

assessing the qualification, which is being funded by Skills Development Scotland.Susan Mason, Customer Service Assessor, comments: “The Customer Service SVQs are designed to be assessed in the workplace, so Kathryn and Michael don’t need to spend lots of time away from their work undertaking this qualification. It also gives them a qualification that will be useful not only in their current role, but will be a great addition to their CV and for a range of employment opportunities in the future.“The Customer Service SVQs are designed for people working in a wide variety of areas where quality customer service is an essential part of their role.”Since starting their roles as Modern Apprentices, Michael has been successful in securing a full-time position as a Customer Advisor with Scottish Borders Council and both Kathryn and Michael hope to complete their qualifications within a year.

For more information on Modern Apprenticeships and Customer Service SVQs contact Andries Fourie email: afourie@borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 01896 662633 or Susan Mason email: smason@borderscollege.ac.uk

COUNCIL Business Administration Apprentice Lauren Dyer was working as an Administration Assistant with another company when she heard about the Apprenticeship opportunity through word of mouth, as well as on the Scottish Borders Council website.Seeing an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, Lauren embarked on the SVQ Level 2 Business Administration course through Scottish Borders Council’s Apprenticeship programme, supported by Tutor Jill Lawrie of the Borders College Business Development Unit. Lauren says of Jill, “I found that she supported me with any queries or questions I had and was very prompt at getting back to me.”Lauren has benefitted greatly from this experience – not only has it helped to boost her confidence but it has provided her with valuable lifelong skills. Lauren intends to continue her career within the business administration environment and hopes to have a bright future with Scottish Borders Council.

Council support Business Administration Apprentice

SUSAN MANION, Chief Officer for Integration of Health and Social Care, Scottish Borders, and Carin Petterson from Scottish Borders Council came to Borders College recently to meet with students studying HNC Care and Administrative Practice, HNC Social Care, Higher Health, Access to Nursing and Higher Social Care, to consult on the new draft strategic plan for the partnership between Health and Social Care.Students took part in a range of different workshops and gave feedback on these workshops to both Susan and Carin. The workshops focussed around how future services could be delivered to individuals in the Scottish Borders and how best to support staff working in the sector.Head of the Care Faculty, Jayne Gracie, commented: “These workshops certainly increased student awareness of the changes that are likely to take place in the near future around service delivery and how best to meet individual needs. Students also understand why the changes are being made, which is to improve outcomes for service users, their carers and their families.”

Consultation with students on draft Strategic Plan

6 www.borderscollege.ac.uk Tel: 08700 50 51 52

Top hair styling tips for international news presenter

IF you’re a top Scottish journalist, broadcaster and television presenter currently working with an International News Company – France 24, based in Paris – and need advice and help on hairstyling, who do you turn to?For a former Earlston High School pupil the answer was easy – Borders College! Halla Mohieddeen (pictured on the left) made contact with the Hairdressing department at Borders College, seeking advice on how to style her hair before presenting her early morning news programmes.Halla told us, “I’m on the early shift and start work just after 2am, before the station hairdressers arrive, and I wanted to get some top tips for styling my hair before going live on air.”College lecturer Wendy McCutcheon (pictured right) was only too happy to help and Halla was invited in for a “TV Presenter’s Hair Masterclass”.Wendy said, “Halla knew what she was trying to achieve and was keen to try out some styling techniques that she could do on her own each morning before appearing on TV.”So next time you tune in to France 24 and Halla’s hair is looking great, you’ll know that she got some of the best advice available from Borders College.

LEVEL 2 Beauty Therapy students were joined by successful local business owner Nicola Couperthwaite from At First Sight Beauty Salon in Peebles, who presented an Employability talk. Nicola has 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and has worked at the multi-national award winning city retreat spa, Stobo Castle, and then went on to set up her own business in Peebles three years ago. She was recently a finalist in the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards for Therapist and Beauty Salon of the year.Her talk was very informative for the students and she talked about the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a business, including how to stay motivated even on those quiet days, and advice on how to start up your own business, sharing some very useful contacts.The session was very interactive and she got the students thinking about what kind of job would suit them best, discussing the various careers out there, such as working at a salon, spa, cruise ship, or becoming a product trainer.An important and very beneficial part of the talk was how to stand out in an interview and how to write a good CV. Course Tutor Liesa Hamilton, who organised the Employability talk, said, “It was excellent that Nicola was able to share her expertise and her passion with the students. The students gained a lot from this and they were able to start thinking about what they really want to do within the beauty industry.”Nicola said to the students that, “Success doesn’t come to you; you really have to go to it”, and continued, “Everything you are doing at College is moulding you into being who you want to be. You have all chosen an amazing career.”

‘At First Sight Beauty Salon’ employability talk

Happy hair day for Megan

BORDERS COLLEGE student Jazmine Tomlinson, from Jedburgh, has become the first woman in the race’s 147-year history to win the ‘New Year Sprint’, in front of a 5,400-strong crowd, at Musselburgh on 1st January.18 year old Jazmine, who is on the HNC Sports Coaching and Development course, said: “It was a really close finish but it was a great feeling to win in front of more than 5,000 people – it’s by far the biggest crowd I’ve raced for. I thought the pressure would get to me after I won my cross-tie but it didn’t – I just went for it. It’s unbelievable and it still hasn’t sunk in yet.”Jazmine, who runs for ‘Tweed Leader Jed Track’, was an 8-1 outsider for the final at Musselburgh Racecourse.Race promoter Frank Hanlon was delighted with Jazmine’s victory. He said: “We have been waiting for about the last 15 years for a female winner and it was only a matter of time before the men’s hold on this historic race was shattered. With a record crowd at Musselburgh Racecourse, Jazmine couldn’t have picked a better time to enter the history books.”Looking forward to 2016, Jazmine is hoping to represent Borders College in a number of forthcoming fixtures.

Sports student runs herself into the history books at Musselburgh New Year Sprint

BORDERS COLLEGE, Rowland’s – Selkirk and NHS Borders MHOAT (Mental Health Older Adults Team, who provide a community based specialist mental health service for people who have a diagnosis of dementia), are working together to provide a café and drop-in centre for people living with dementia, carers, family and friends, once a month at Rowland’s in West Port, Selkirk.People can meet for a morning coffee with scones on the second Tuesday of every month from 10am at Rowland’s café. Members of the MHOAT (Central) team will be on hand to give advice and the venue will also have a range of information available for anyone who would like to know more about dementia.Students from the Access Department will run the café and, although it will be quite a challenge for them opening for both coffee and lunch, it will test their skills and will also help them better understand the needs of those who are living with dementia.NHS Borders Community Psychiatric Nurse Yvonne Killean explains the purpose of providing this service: “Dementia Cafés

are run in various locations throughout the Borders. Their main purpose is to offer an informal, pop-in venue for people who are living with dementia, their family and carers, and anyone who is worried that they or a loved one might be developing symptoms of

dementia, to meet with each other, as well as members of our team, in order to get advice, support and information about the condition.Rowland’s café is an ideal venue for a dementia café, being friendly, comfortable, central and easily accessible.”

Selkirk Dementia Café opens with help from College students

SUCCESSFULLY completing your College course is a day to celebrate! And for 24 year old Megan Bilsland from Lauder, completing her Hairdressing Level 1 course was certainly a day to pop the champagne.After two years of study at Borders College Megan finally sets off into the world of work to take up a post at Aquarius Hair Salon in Earlston, as a Hairdressing Assistant, where Megan will be shampooing and preparing clients hair for the stylists in the Salon.During her time at College Megan undertook a bespoke ‘Salon Assistant Course’, in addition to her level 1 qualification. This, along with an industrial work placement at her now employer’s salon in Earlston, allowed Megan to gain the skills and experience to enable her to successfully complete her course.Course Tutor – Moira Barbour said: “Megan has been a star student with almost 100% attendance who has worked extremely hard to complete the course.”As well as studying and learning Megan also won third place in a College competition for ‘Long Hair Design’.When asked about what she enjoyed at College Megan said: “I really enjoyed the theory because Moira made it interesting and used lots of fun ways to learn.”Salon owner at Aquarius, Morag Sterrick, commented: “We are all so proud of what Megan has achieved! She is a breath of fresh air and always has a smile on her face. We are all looking forward to Megan joining us at Aquarius as part of our team.”

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Students’ Association –our latest update

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Get involved...To find out how you can get involved, drop us an email: bcsa@borderscollege.ac.uk or visit the website www.tartanmonkey.co.uk

Hey Guys,I’m Kevin Armstrong, and I’ll be your Student President. I hope I get to see you all and chat at some point. Whether it’s about ideas you have, problems, or dilemmas you might face. Hopefully some of those conversations will be more social. I will be there for anyone who ever needs guidance, support, or a friend. Going to College isn’t just about academic achievement. College should be a place where you grow, gain new skills, explore who you are, and the individual you want to become. I never thought when I came to College last year I would be your Student President. I have seen and experienced what life at Borders College can do. I have seen my classmates grow as people, mature, and become adults that take responsibility and make decisions that shape their future. Now it’s your turn.Individuals have ideas that can change the world. Every great invention, every human achievement was once an idea. Yours could be next.Being who you want to be, the freedom to choose how you think, what you say, what you wear, who you love. To express yourself the way you want. You define who you are and the person you will become by the choices you make. To me and the Association, you guys are the most important thing there is here. We want to make your college experience memorable for you. We are here to support you in everything. We want you to leave here with the knowledge, experience, and confidence that you are prepared for the life ahead of you.On a personal note, I am honoured to be your President this year. I’m really looking forward to improving life at Borders College, and engaging with the student body to find out what they want, and making positive changes for them. I hope my time is well spent, and that I am able to help as many of the students as possible, and make Borders College a better experience for learning and growth. Can I just take the opportunity to thank everyone who voted and elected me to be their voice for the coming year.See you soon.

Kevin

Everything you need to know about…BCSAFirst and foremost, Borders College Students’ Association (BCSA) would like to extend a warm welcome to all students who will be studying at Borders College after the summer. Whether a new student or a returner, you have automatically become a member of BCSA. Excellent news! So what do we do!?BCSA is an organisation that works for students, and is run by students. Each year we elect a team of Student Officers whose purpose is to improve the student experience at Borders College. Based on your feedback, Student Officers will represent you on a number of issues, including fighting for better resources on campus and in classrooms, suggesting improvements to the way courses are taught, putting on events, and generally trying our best to make your student experience better. We understand that some of you may face challenges while at College. We are here to make sure you have the right support to get through the tricky times, and ultimately be successful in your course. We also know that you may want some events, or to set up a club or support group. We’re here for that too! Come and talk to us about anything at all. We’ll make sure your message gets to the right person, and gets listened to. Top tip: Look out for the Tartan Monkey logo. That’s us!We got some money! What did we do with it?Back in 2014 the Scottish Funding Council (whose job is to fund schools, colleges and universities) gave us money to improve the Students’ Association. The money was granted after the government announced that all Students’ Associations should be effective and well-supported by their colleges. As our members, we think it’s really important we share with you exactly what we have done with that money…

Back to basicsWith extra money, we were able to afford to fund a full-time Student President and a team of three part-time Student Officers, all with different roles and accountabilities. This allowed for greater student representation over all campuses on a variety of issues. Over the past two years, the Student President has had time to attend regularly at important College meetings to feed back student opinion on things like College facilities, the Union, classroom resources and the quality of teaching. We even had two Student Officers (including the President) sitting on the Board of Management. This is a HUGE deal – students actually having a say in how the College is governed!!

To support our full-time President and his team, the College employed a full-time staff member. This staff member was also given responsibility to put into place developments to improve the Students’ Association. One of these developments included the creation of a ‘strategic plan’. Basically, this is a plan of what the Students’ Association wants to achieve over a number of years. Each year, the team focuses on this plan and works to achieve their shared vision. We also developed a Student Partnership Agreement, which is a joint commitment between the Students’ Association and Borders College, to make key improvements to the student

experience together.We have spent time working with a web designer to create a brand new website, just for Borders College students (check it out – www.tartanmonkey.co.uk), and our branding has been updated too. We worked with a designer to create a new logo, which was chosen by Borders College students last year.

Supporting studentsWhile the College does a fantastic job of supporting students, we always think we could be doing more. We work with a range of community support organisations that provide a range of services at Borders College, including drop-ins, support groups, training sessions, and 1-1 support. We also set up the ‘Student Support Network’. Chaired by the Student President, and with membership from local support organisations and the College’s support services, this group works to make sure we are supporting students in the best way possible.

Representing youThe Students’ Association works closely with class representatives. In fact, we are responsible for delivering training to all class reps. Every year we listen to your feedback and make improvements to our training sessions to make them more interesting, more useful and more fun! Over the summer, we are reviewing the entire student representative system at Borders College and will make some recommendations for next year to further improve the student voice.The Students’ Association supports students on a range of things, and have represented individual students, and classes, on issues

including those relating to College facilities, study spaces, access to equipment and uniforms, funding and finance, childcare, equalities, health and safety, timetables and access to social spaces. We regularly attend class rep meetings to make sure your concerns are listened to, and all points raised are dealt with appropriately by each faculty.

VolunteeringBCSA aims to create opportunities for students to gain skills and experience. Last year we recruited seven Student Ambassadors to help us out at various events. Our ambassadors have conducted tours for potential students at

Open Days, encouraged students to register to vote, and helped out at Freshers fairs. This year we welcomed three work placement students, who provided additional administrative support to the Students’ Association. Come and speak to us for more details if you are interested in any of our voluntary opportunities.

EventsThe Students’ Association puts on events that students can attend throughout the year, including Freshers fairs, Scottish Parliamentary Hustings, registration drives for student voters, Stress Busting events before exam season hits, and celebrations during LGBT History month. We also regularly support students and classes to fundraise and put on events.If you or your class would like support to organise an event, our Student Officers are glad to lend a hand and provide additional support throughout the process.

“I am honoured to be your President this year”

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To find out about the wide range of courses available from Borders College, please visit our website

www.borderscollege.ac.uk or call our Student Advice Centre on 01896 662516

Borders College Head Office

Scottish Borders CampusNether Road, Galashiels

TD1 3HETel. 08700 50 51 52Fax. 01896 758179

Borders College,Buccleuch Road, Hawick

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Borders CollegeNewtown St Boswells

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Borders College6 Market Place, Jedburgh

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Charity No. SC021180 Published and designed by Borders College Marketing and Publications Department. Tel: 08700 50 51 52. Issue No. 7 - Summer 2016.

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PUPILS from around the Scottish Borders are benefitting from a unique academy right here in the Scottish Borders. The South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP) is a pioneering project that brings together senior pupils at colleges and universities in Scotland.The academies aim to smooth the transition between school, college, university and employment, and support the development of Scotland’s key growth industries.One of the courses, the Food Science and Nutrition programme, sees pupils attending, Borders College in Galashiels, once a week, with an additional four sessions at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.The pupils come from Hawick, Selkirk, Peebles and Jedburgh High Schools to study and carry out experiments in one of the labs on campus.Course Tutor Katie Barnes commented: “This is a fantastic course for high school students who want to pursue a career in science. Borders College is an excellent environment for learning new skills and meeting other students from around the Borders and Edinburgh region.”

Food nutrition is on the menu for local pupils

The South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP) has developed four pioneering academies for senior school pupils which maximise educational opportunities and develop transferable skills. The academies aim to smooth the transition between school, college, university. Visit the http://southeastscotlandacademies.org

And the pupils said:Akiko Ballantyne (Hawick): “This course is great for anybody who has an interest in science and is looking to pursue a career in science.”Amy Brown (Peebles): “The course helps me gain a better understanding of chemistry and human biology. The College has a

friendly environment and helps you make lots of new friends.”Orla Kane (Peebles): “I find the course fits in well with the courses I’m taking at school this year. I have made lots of new friends here and enjoy going to the College!”Kinga Gargala (Selkirk): “I think the course is a great experience which helps us

in understanding better how science courses in unis and colleges look like, as well as teaches us new material we might need in future if we want to work in science.”Tamsin Parker (Jedburgh): “I was able to find out if university was the thing I wanted to do when I left school and now know it’s definitely what I want to do.”

Photo above - left to right: Amy Brown (Peebles), Tamsin Parker (Jedburgh), Kinga Gargala (Selkirk), Katie Barnes (Lecturer), Orla Kane (Peebles) and Akiko Ballantyne (Hawick).

Students get the ‘Michelin Star’ treatment from Chef Greg

TOP Chef Greg Anderson was back at College recently to inspire the next generation of budding caterers.Head Chef Greg, who works at the Michelin Star restaurant at Morston Hall (where TV celebrity Chef Galton Blackiston is Chef Patron) in Norfolk gave a practical demonstration to a group of 14 eager students in the Training Kitchen at Scottish Borders Campus.On the menu was Roasted Cauliflower served with an onion and seaweed broth, followed by blackened duck with a carrot purée and vanilla vinegar sauce.Greg entertained the group of first and second year caterers with his informative and yet humorous style of demonstration.As a former student, Greg was awarded the Best Further Education Student Award back in 2008 after completing his studies at Borders College.Hospitality programme leader Vicky MacDonald said: “Greg has kept in touch and I was delighted when he accepted an invitation to carry out a practical demonstration for us.”

Follow Morston Hall, Greg and Galton on twitter: @morstonhall, @GregChef, @chefgalton

STUDENTS on the National Progression Award in Carpentry & Joinery at Borders College recently got involved in a community project for the Selkirk Silver Band, after being contacted by one of the Silver Band volunteers.The task was to create much-needed storage space in the band hall for the band’s instruments and music library. Once the students had carried out all of the necessary measurements and the Silver Band had provided the required materials, the group set about creating two sets of cupboards, with two sliding doors fitted in each set, providing the storage required. The work was completed over three consecutive Wednesdays, which would normally have been spent as timetabled College workshop time.NPA Course Tutor Liam Thomson said, “This was a good opportunity for the NPA Joinery students to work outside College promoting team work and employability skills.” Hopefully this project has helped to demonstrate to the students that skilled and accurate work will be an important part of their working lives. All of the students who worked on this project were able to log their hours of work with the Volunteer Centre for their Saltire Award.

Joinery students work in ‘harmony’ to improve Selkirk Silver Band Hall