NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMPIONS

SERC students (L-R) Brooke Pastuszak, Beauty Therapy,

Ashleigh Dickson and Laurie Gaffney, both Sports Studies,

were recently crowned Northern Ireland School U19

Novice Trampoline Champions. The girls fought off tough

competition from 12 other teams to secure their crown. In

the individual events Ashleigh picked up a further prize

when she claimed the individual U19 Novice Crown.

CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS ON

BECOMING NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

IN THIS

ISSUE...

ROAD

SAFETY

STUDENTS’

UNION

TAIO

CRUZ

Welcome to the second issue of our Student Express, your

College magazine that keeps you informed of news and

events.

We would like to find out what you think about this

publication. To take part in our quick survey please click

on the student surveys list on the home page of the

intranet. Alternatively email your comments, compliments

or (heaven forbid) complaints to cmccloskey@serc.ac.uk .

Dates for Your Diary - 2010

Internet Safety Day 9 February

Mid-term Break 15 to 19 February

Students‟ Union Formal 18 February

New Website Launch March

No Smoking Day 10 March

SERC Open Day 10 March

St Patrick‟s Day Holiday 17 March

Easter Break 29 March to 9 April

New Lisburn Campus Opens 19 April

Student Governor Election 12 April

BEAUTY STUDENT SEAS GREAT CAREER AHEAD

College graduate Vicky Dickson has proved she has world

class skills, by securing a job as a Beauty Therapist with

Steiner Cruise Ships, one of the largest and most

renowned Sea Spa companies in the world.

Vicky, who hails from Ballynahinch, began her studies at

SERC in September 2007 studying Level 2 Beauty

Therapy. Upon successful completion she progressed to

Level 3 which she finished in June 2009.

Vicky, pictured here with lecturer Eunice Kerr, worked

throughout her training in a local beauty salon where she

acquired commercial experience. She attended interviews

for Steiner Cruise Ships in June 2009, and was advised of

her selection early in July. Vicky set off to sea at the

beginning of December to embark on her new, exciting

career. Bon Voyage Vicky!

COLLEGE STUDENT MEETS TAIO CRUZ

College student James Hall, a second year on the BTEC National Diploma in Media Production, met chart topping R „n‟ B artist Taio Cruz whilst on placement at the Cool FM studios last year. James was on work placement with Cool FM when he had the opportunity to attend the gig in which Taio was playing. He added; “Taio Cruz is a Brit Award winning and MOBO nominated singer songwriter whose hits include the number one single “Break Your Heart”. “It was a privilege to have had the chance to meet Taio, he

is a very down to earth guy and his performance at the

Freedom Live gig in the Spring and Airbrake was amazing.

I really enjoyed working at Cool FM and would love a

career in the media in the future.”

SHE’S SINGING ON THE TRAIN

You may have heard of singing in the rain but for SERC student Keelta Higgins, it‟s a case of singing on the train. Eighteen year old Keelta, from Glenravel, County Antrim embarks on a one hundred mile round trip everyday to attend her course, the BTEC National Diploma in Music Practice. Leaving home each morning Keelta catches a bus to Ballymena, transfers to another bus which takes her to Belfast and then heads east of the province by train arriving at Bangor in time for her first class of the day. She had this to say; “The reason I decided to travel to South Eastern Regional College was because there was nowhere locally offering the same course and the music facilities that are provided at SERC.” As part of a class which attracts students from Portadown, Lisburn and Belfast, Keelta finds herself in good company when it comes to travelling. Keelta is of course following in the footsteps of former

students on similar courses in SERC‟s Bangor Campus

who went on to form „Snow Patrol‟ who have sold over ten

million albums worldwide.

FULL-TIME HIGHER EDUCATION AT SERC

The College offers a wide range of higher education courses through degree, foundation degree and higher national diplomas. With excellent links to Universities such as Queens University, University of Ulster, Liverpool John Moores, Leeds Metropolitan and Napier University, you have the opportunity to take your education even further!

www.serc.ac.uk/courses/HE

PART-TIME COURSES NOW ENROLLING

CLICK: WWW.SERC.AC.UK

ENTERPRISE @ SERC COLLEGE STUDENT’S MAKE THEIR MARK

The annual Make Your Mark Challenge seen four teams of

students from the College compete in the UK‟s largest

enterprise challenge for secondary schools and colleges.

The theme for this years challenge was “Don‟t be a

Carbon Copy” and teams were asked to come up with a

product idea with a local link and a low carbon footprint.

This years winning team came from the Bangor Campus.

Students Chris Heanue, Patrick Kelly, Sian Devon,

Ashleigh Johnston, Keisha Breen and Jennie Wright came

up with the idea of a Bluetooth panic button connected to a

mobile phone. When triggered, it alerts the police of your

location with the use of the GPS chip in your phone.

Ashleigh Johnston and Patrick Kelly examine a solar

powered robot during the Make Your Mark Challenge.

SHERIDA BURNS WINS DERMOT CURRAN AWARD

Sherida Burns was presented with her award by Down District Councillor Dermot Curran. Also pictured is Nathan Smyth who was awarded “Best Business Plan”.

Media Studies student Sherida Burns was awarded the 2009 Dermot Curran Young Achiever Award. The Awards are designed to recognise outstanding individuals who have demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit and determination needed to achieve success in the world of business. Her idea “Got Guts?” is an ongoing film “festival” where members pay to watch or submit locally made indie productions. Young members of society are encouraged to make and submit their own short films and watch those of others. Membership also includes access to mentoring from experienced film makers.

STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM ENTREPRENEURSHIP MASTER CLASS College students participated in an Entrepreneurship Master class held in Lisburn Civic Centre. During the Master class, students learned how to identify the key entrepreneurial skills required to start their own business, including who to approach concerning financial matters and business advice.

SERC Staff (L-R) Geraldine Boden, Olivia Kennedy and Mary Enright are pictured with guest speaker Billy Dixon (centre) and Downpatrick students Daniel McKendry, Danielle Kearney, Roisin Grant and Tricia McConville.

SERC LAUNCH ENTERPRISE WEBSITE

The College Business Innovation Unit has launched an

enterprise website to support business start-up and

entrepreneurship www.serc-enterprise.ac.uk

The website can provide insight into creating a business idea, business support, marketing, legal advice and financial planning.

STEP CLOSER TO NEW

LISBURN CAMPUS OPENING The £22 million investment in a new Campus building in Lisburn is on course to open on schedule in April 2010. All work is on target but in preparation for this we must advise you that there will be some disruption between January and April due to the decant and demolition of parts of the old building. We would ask for patience during this transition period.

Sports Lecturers Alan Simpson and Jacqui Finney pack up their resources in preparation for the move.

COLLEGE TRAINING RESTAURANTS - ALL STUDENTS WELCOME... Each College Campus has a training restaurant which is serviced by catering and hospitality students. You can avail of these excellent facilities at a discounted price on the following days/times:

Location Restaurant Coffee/Lunch Dinner How to Book?

Bangor The Birches Scribbles

Wednesday and Thursday Food orders taken from 12.15 - 1.00pm 8.30 - 1.30pm daily

Tuesday evenings. Food orders from 6.15pm – 7.00pm -

9127 6772 or abaird@serc.ac.uk No booking required.

Downpatrick McNeill Room - Food orders from Thursday 5pm - 6pm

mmccarthy@serc.ac.uk

Lisburn Bagatelle - D Floor Coffee 10.30 - 11.30am daily Lunch Mon 12noon - 1.00pm Tues 12.30pm - 2.30pm Wed 12.30pm - 2.00pm Thurs 12.30pm - 2.30pm

- No booking required Book at the Lisburn front Reception for lunch.

Newtownards The Willows 8.30am – 1.30pm daily - No booking required.

NEW FULL-TIME PROSPECTUS Our new prospectus detailing all full-time courses across

SERC will be available from mid-February. Grab your copy

from reception!

Students' Union Valentines Formal

Stormont Hotel, Belfast

Thursday 18 February 2010

6:30pm to late

Strictly formal Dress Code

£30 per ticket

Contact studentsunion@serc.ac.uk for tickets

STUDENTS’ UNION UPDATE

On behalf of the Students‟ Union of SERC I would like to

wish everyone a Happy New Year.

You may already be aware that there has been a slight

change to the set-up of the Students‟ Union. My colleague

Jenny Reid, who would have overseen activities in the

Bangor and Newtownards campuses is now off on

maternity leave. Jenny had a New Years day baby girl -

Alicia weighing 7lbs 6oz.

In her absence I can be contacted regarding all Students‟

Union related issues at kmcgrogan@serc.ac.uk or

studentsunion@serc.ac.uk.

RE-FRESHERS FAIR SUCCESS

INTERNET SAFETY DAY - 9 FEBRUARY 2010

On 9 February 2010, the Safer Internet Day will focus on

privacy with the slogan "Think B4 U post!" with the aim of

helping people make informed choices regarding the

disclosure of their private information.

COLLEGE PARTNERS

UNITE AGAINST HATE CAMPAIGN

Since its launch in September 2009, the Unite against

Hate Campaign has gone from strength to strength.

The multi-agency driven initiative highlights all six forms of

hate crime including homophobia, racism, sectarianism

and transphobia as well as prejudices based around a

person‟s faith or disability and challenges everyone in

Northern Ireland to unite to stop it.

On the 11 January the College became a partner of the

Unite against Hate Campaign. Over the coming months

there will be a range of different events and activities

taking place that will continue to challenge notions of

prejudice and hate in Northern Ireland.

Adrianne Peltz, SERC Student Governor and Plumbing

student Aiden Flanagan, met Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden

at the launch of the Unite Against Hate Campaign.

Keelin McGrogan - Student Affairs Officer

Add us as a friend by searching SERC SU

The Re-Freshers fair provided you with the opportunity

to speak with different organisations regarding issues

such as mental health, anti-bullying, drug, alcohol and

substance abuse, sexual health Personal and Road

safety. We hope you found it beneficial.

Beauty Therapy students were on hand to give

manicures during the Re-Freshers Fair.

STAYING SAFE ON THE ROADS

Passing your driving test opens up a whole new world of

freedom and independence. However statistics show that

drivers are most at risk of having an accident in the first 2

years after they pass their test. 1 in 5 newly qualified

drivers has a crash of some description within a year.

You may be aware that just before Christmas a student

from our Downpatrick Campus was killed in a tragic road

accident. We would like to take this opportunity to raise

awareness of the dangers and risks faced on the roads.

Please take heed of the following advice;

Speeding – slow down, it is not cool to speed

Over 700 people a year are killed in crashes in which

someone exceeds the speed limit or drives too fast for the

conditions.

Drink Driving – don’t do it

Over 450 people a year die in crashes in which someone

was over the legal drink drive limit.

Seat Belt Wearing – buckle up

Nearly 400 lives each year could be saved if everyone al-

ways wore their seat belt.

Careless Driving – take it easy and be careful

Over 400 deaths a year involve someone being „careless,

reckless or in a hurry‟.

SAFETY DOESN’T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT - PLEASE

TAKE CARE, FOR YOUR SAKE AND FOR OTHERS.

INTRODUCING ADRIANNE PELTZ

STUDENT GOVERNOR

to of my time as the I am an

Adrianne Peltz - SERC Student Governor

Hello fellow students, I would like to take this opportunity to

introduce myself as Adrianne Peltz, SERC Student

Governor. My role is to represent student views on the

Board of Governors and highlight the issues and opinions of

my fellow students on how the College is run.

During my time as the Governor of SERC, I would like to

present a unified voice of the student to senior

management, in order for them to understand the issues

that face students today - particularly in a recession.

I am an international student, originating from South Africa

– and before anyone asks I can‟t get any free tickets to the

World Cup...I am currently studying a BA Business

Management degree at the Bangor Campus. To Bangor

students I may be a familiar face however during the course

of the new term I will be visiting the other campuses to meet

with as many students as possible and get your views,

ideas and feedback on the College.

If you would like to contact me with any questions or

suggestions e-mail me at PEL08138561@serc.ac.uk or

studentsunion@serc.ac.uk.

South Eastern Regional College

Full Time Higher Education at University compared with Higher Education at South Eastern Regional College and University

SERC

STUDY AND SAVE WITH SERC

THE NEXT EDITION OF THE STUDENT EXPRESS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL