Rhyd-y-Creuau – a classroom with a view.

STUDENTS will be heading to a classroom with some of the best views in Britain tomorrow.

International Baccalaureate students are going to the Snowdonia field studies centre – otherwise known as Rhyd-y-Creuau – to study the ecology of the landscape.

“It’s the chance to study in an outdoor classroom like no other,” said Tutor Jo Rogers.

From the Drapers’ Field Centre you can explore the diverse habitats and environments of Snowdonia National Park; from glaciated valleys, rivers and wooded hillsides to dramatic coasts and sand dune ecosystems.

The centre itself is a Georgian house set in two hectares of wooded grounds with Eco-Centre status, allowing you to experience a sustainable lifestyle.

The Field Studies Council has developed specific fieldwork courses for the Internal Assessment element of the IB Diploma Programme.

Fieldwork investigations offer an opportunity to assess students for the Internal Assessment elements of these IB Diploma subjects.

They also provide a valuable chance for students to experience learning in the outdoor classroom.

Jo said Priestley’s cohort would be able to challenge themselves during the visit.

“They will each design their investigation and gather their own observations,” she said.

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PRIESTLEY College won the male league in the recent regional Team NINETEEN tournament.

Held at Orford Jubilee Park, 14 student teams from across the North West showcased their talents.

Cheshire was represented by Priestley, Wirral Metropolitan, Macclesfield, Stockport and South Cheshire College.

The tournament had a World Cup theme, with the top two from each group going through into knockout matches.

All of the matches were played in great spirit, yet the competitive edge was there throughout and Priestley did Cheshire proud emerging as winners of the male league, with fine performances too from the three other male teams.

There were also two girls’ teams representing Cheshire – both from South Cheshire College – and even though Manchester College came out on top, they did the county proud.

Prizes were also handed out for Team Spirit, Goal of the Tournament and Best Celebration after scoring a goal, so every game featured flair and skill as each player tried to outshine the others.

“From day one Team NINETEEN has been a fantastic initiative helping students get involved in football and once again they have helped facilitate another brilliant event, bringing together colleges from across the region,” said Andy Turner, County Football Development Officer for Colleges at Cheshire FA.

“Warrington Collegiate hosted a superb event and I would just like to say how proud I am of all the college students from Cheshire who took part; they were a credit to the county.

“Priestley were fantastic too, winning the male section and I hope everyone who was involved from across Cheshire is encouraged to stay in football and attend events like this in the future.”

If you have any questions about Team NINETEEN or want to ask Andy anything please email him at andy.turner@cheshirefa.com

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A PRIESTLEY College student has been awarded a scholarship to help him with his accountancy studies.

Zach Wilde, from South Dale in Penketh, is one of only 19 students in the country to receive the Kaplan scholarship.

He will carry out an apprenticeship as an analyst accountant with Manchester-based ASC Renewables and receive full training, worth up to £15,000, to become a fully qualified management accountant.

“It takes some of the pressure off because I don’t need to pay for my training, which makes such a big difference,” said Zach, a former pupil at St Gregory’s High School.

Zach will be expected to complete a three years study in accountancy at the Kaplan Building in Manchester.

He was selected after a phone interview followed by a face-to-face meeting with a group of leading employers who also asked him to give a business presentation.

Simply by applying Zach improved his chances of securing an apprenticeship job as 48% of shortlisted applicants go on to find employment through Kaplan’s free recruitment service.

“Throughout high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but since coming to Priestley I have discovered that I really enjoy accountancy,” he said.

Priestley Tutor Peter Bann said Zach, who studies A Levels in Accounts and Business Studies, deserved his success.

“Zach has worked hard and shown a talent for accountancy so we’re very proud that he has secured this prestigious scholarship,” he said.

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STUDENTS got a taste of the high life when they learnt how to be members of a cabin crew.

Cabin Crew Workshop visited Priestley College in Warrington and shared some of the secrets to becoming the perfect airline hosts and hostesses.

They shared tips on group interview techniques, creating a good first impression, personal grooming and effective communication.

“Students enjoyed the practical workshops and group work the most,” said Tutor Vicky Turner.

The Cabin Crew Workshop team have 40 years of flying experience between them on eight different types of aircraft.

They usually train people at airports, but visited Priestley College to share their knowledge and passion for the industry with a younger generation.

Their practical exercises are designed to develop teamwork and communication skills as well as boost confidence.

The students, who are all studying BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism, were also given invaluable information about airline safety, customer service and how to present a professional manual demonstration.

“It was a great experience for them and one they thoroughly enjoyed,” said Vicky. “It may have even inspired some of them to consider becoming a cabin crew member themselves in the future.”

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AN artist has received one of the greatest accolades in the art world for his age group.

Daniel Banks, who studies Fine Art and Graphic Design at Priestley College, has seen a piece of his artwork included in the Royal Academy’s A Level Summer Exhibition Online.

His piece – Construction 2 – was one of only 36 included in the showcase out of 2,100 entries from 1,280 aspiring artists.

“It took a few days to sink in, but now it has I feel extremely proud,” said Daniel, from Rydal Avenue in Lower Walton.

“It was a joke in my class that I never picked up a pencil because I was more interested in construction so this has been great for my confidence because it means I was doing something right.”

Each year the Royal Academy chooses pieces for its online exhibition that it believes will inspire other young artists across the country.

This year’s judges – including curator Dr Adrian Locke, RA Schools student Julie Born Schwartz and Humphrey Ocean RA, one of Britain’s most successful contemporary painters – narrowed the entries down to 36, all of which are now in the virtual gallery.

Daniel, who is 18, was inspired by the work of Janet Nathan for his piece, which is made from a deconstructed old bench and new pieces of wood.

The former Bridgewater High pupil hopes it will generate discussion because different people will see different things within the lines and shapes he has created.

“While I’ve been at Priestley I have discovered that I would much rather create something structurally than paint or draw,” said Daniel, who is staying at college to complete an Art Foundation course.

The Royal Academy describes having work chosen for the exhibition as one of the greatest accolades for young artists.

Curator Dr Adrian Locke said: “The overall standard of work submitted remains impressively high, a very positive reflection on their creative imagination and technical ability.

“At a time when art as a subject is under threat, it is essential to realise how important it remains as a means of expression.

“It has been a pleasure to judge the sophisticated and mature work and it is worth remembering the valuable support of teaching staff in the creative process.”

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Beth Roberts

TODAY’S photographers are used to adding filters at the touch of a few buttons on their phones or computers.

However, photography students from Priestley College recently discovered what it was like to produce a photograph in the 1850s and the results were magical.

Under the watchful eyes of experts from Black Glass Studios in High Street, Runcorn, they created images that transported them back in time.

“We are encouraging the students to think differently about photography rather than just being on a computer and working digitally,” said Tutor Kevin Crooks.

“They become intrigued by what is about to appear and the end result is magical.”

Wet plate is one of the earliest forms of photography having been invented in the 1850s and involved models sitting for between five and 15 seconds while the image is taken.

It revolutionised Victorian society leading to a global explosion of portrait studios.

The images are photographed directly onto glass or metal and a clever use of chemicals and skill in the darkroom transforms the milky-looking negative into a recognisable photograph.

All of this must be done whilst the chemicals on the plate are still wet, which gives the process its name.

The pictures are a mirror image of ‘real life’ so any writing appears backwards.

“We aim to open up new ways of thinking about image making and the students at Priestley really engaged with the pre-digital techniques they were introduced to,” said Casey Carlin, from Black Glass Studios.

“Creative thinking is actively encouraged by the tutors so it was fantastic to hear the ideas that the workshop generated.”

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One of the characters created by the computer games design students.

DESIGNERS hoping to crack into a multi-billion-pound industry have been given the first chance to show off their work.

Priestley College’s first cohort of Computer Game Design students have exhibited their work for tutors, parents, examiners and the public.

Among the creations are creepy character designs, virtual reality worlds and educational games.

“It’s a really big deal to the students as it is the first time they have completed a game design they have written from scratch,” said Tutor Matthew Wilson.

The BTEC Extended Diploma students have all examined the art and design of creating computer games.

Their studies have been geared towards helping them secure university places and jobs in the highly-competitive industry.

“We aim to give students a head start teaching them skills in digital art software as well as the traditional art techniques such as drawing, life drawing, printing, model making and contextual studies,” said Matthew.

“We look into the theory of character design, writing narratives for computer games and the mechanics of how games work.”

Over the two years students will cover character design, environmental design, level design, vehicle design and a self-set project that makes up their final exhibit.

“If the students feel they don’t want a career in this particular industry at the end of the course, they will find their newly-developed skills are transferable to many other creative subjects and careers,” said Matthew.

Priestley has invested in the latest piece of kit – the Oculus Rift – to ensure its students are able to use the up-to-date technology in gaming.

It is at the forefront of virtual reality computer games and is set to revolutionise gaming, social media and communication.

Priestley is believed to be the only college in the North West to be using the Oculus Rift and students are using it to create environments giving them a better understanding of spatial awareness and design details.

“It is important we stay current and with a fast developing industry I want to keep us on the ball introducing as many new techniques and experiences for the students as possible,” said Matthew.

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SOME writers can wait years to see their work published and for others it never happens at all.

That’s not the story for Priestley College’s poets and authors, however, as once again they will have their work published in a creative writing anthology.

“It gives students the opportunity to be professionally published, which can be motivational and is a reward for their hard work,” said Tutor Chris Atherton.

“The anthology is open to anyone in college and people from different curriculum areas have submitted work. It takes their work that one step beyond the classroom and it has helped inspired past students to pursue creative writing after Priestley.”

Last year’s highly-successful anthology was edited by former students Kaye Blundell, Charlie Brittlebank and Libby Jordan.

It contained everything from haikus to free verse, drama and short stories.

Among the published works were two by former Lymm High pupil Charlie Brittlebank who wrote about relationships with his parents.

He said: “I always hope with my writing to capture the feeling of small moments that have significance to one person.

“I hope these pieces convey my own experiences and feelings. Writing is personal and all I wish is that my writing reflects some part of me.”

This year’s anthology will be sold to raise money for the Priestley Education and Training Trust (PETT), a charity set up by the college to support current and former students through grants, donations and other payments.

Chris said: “It is a huge incentive to see your work in print and to know that is has made the grade.

Many students have bought the anthology as a gift for parents or as a memento of their time at college and for many it will be the first time their work has been published.”

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Priestley teamed up with a leading chemical company last week to inspire scientists of the future.

The college invited more than 60 pupils from Sir Thomas Boteler and St Gregory’s as well as the Beamont Collegiate Academy into college to meet experts from Solvay.

They also discovered what learning is like in a college laboratory and took part in a maths challenge.

Priestley Tutor Shahida Khanam, who coordinated the event, said: “It was an opportunity for us and for the pupils to interact with local industry. We hope those who took part will be inspired to pursue science in future either in education or in a career.”

The third annual Solvay Conference staged by Priestley focused on green energy and sustainability.

During the day pupils – with the support of more than 30 college students – investigated the impact of global warning on the environment and species biodiversity and built waterwheels.

Naomi Smith, Education Manager at space observatory Jodrell Bank, discussed atoms, radiation and the universe.

Solvay’s Managing Director Len Sharpe also spoke to, and answered questions from, students on Priestley’s Graduate programme, which is designed to help top performing learners reach the UK’s best universities.

Martin Griffiths, of Solvay, said taking part in the conference was a way of continuing the work of their founder who established the ‘Solvay Physics Council’ which attracted many eminent scientists including Marie Curie and Albert Einstein.

“Ernest Solvay was passionate about science and we see this conference as a way of continuing his legacy,” he said. “We are not looking at this from Solvay’s point of view, but to inspire young people to provide future scientific developments which will benefit society at large.”

Last year Priestley became the first sixth form college in the country to receive STEM-assured status.

The prestigious honour put the college on a list of the UK’s top providers of education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and confirmed the college is successfully preparing students for university and employment.

STEM status is only given to institutions that support the needs of business and industry through specialist teaching and training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

During last week’s Solvay Conference Mayor Ted Finnegan said he hoped the occasion would inspire the pupils to greater things.

“I’d like to see as many of you as possible getting those top degrees so you will be of interest to the employers working in these technical areas,” he said.

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TWO Priestley College students have secured places on a prestigious programme for the UK’s top young scientists.

Jasmine Morris and Sarah Taylor have been offered Nuffield Research Placements and will spend time working with top scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

“It is great achievement for both Jasmine and Sarah and we are very proud of them,” said Deb Pressage, head of Science and Maths at Priestley.

Former Altrincham Grammar pupil Jasmine is from Padgate and studies Chemistry, Further Maths, Physics and Maths.

She is also on the Graduate programme at Priestley College, which prepares students for applying to Russell Group universities.

Sarah, a former Liverpool College pupil, studies Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Literature, Maths and Physics.

The Foundation said many former Nuffield students had gone on to represent their schools  and colleges at national science fairs as well as winning places at some of the country’s top universities.

“Jasmine and Sarah will get hands on experience of a professional research environment and a valuable insight into the sorts of careers available to them,” said Sophie Robinson, Nuffield Research Placements manager.

“Ours is a competitive programme, so Jasmine and Sarah have done extremely well to be selected.”

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All lessons are taking place as normal on Thursday 10th July

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IT’S a story that has wowed audiences across the country and won over critics with its brilliance.

War Horse – seen by five million so far – is an international team effort, but a former Priestley College student and Warringtonian has played a vital part in this tale of success.

Graham McKnight, who studied at Priestley for three years, is one of two master carpenters responsible for recreating the sets that have helped draw audiences into the First World War epic.

“It’s incredible to be a part of something that has been so successful and is so well respected,” said Graham, who is from Great Sankey.

“We find the design aspect really engaging. For me it was always the idea that if someone was on stage I could enhance their performance with the technical elements.”

Graham’s passion for production arts developed during his time at Priestley College where he took A Levels in Drama, English Language, Film and Media Studies.

He quickly developed an interest in working behind the scenes on the college’s ambitious productions.

“The skills were there but as a kid I was easily distracted,” said Graham, who is now 27.

“After two years I wasn’t ready for uni so stayed on at Priestley and it helped me to confirm the direction I wanted to go in. The tutors at Priestley are great at spotting the potential in young people and they were pivotal for me at that time in my life.”

Graham’s former Tutor Helen Lowe said: “Graham really grew in confidence in his time with us and gained a drive to do well in life. He took the opportunities offered to him to develop his skills base and worked hard to get himself on the road to an amazing career.”

After Priestley the former Penketh High pupil secured a BA Joint Honours Degree in Technical Theatre and Drama at the University of Cumbria.

While at university he worked at the Sands Centre Theatre in Carlisle, going from casual stage hand to stage manager in just three years.

After 18 months one of the touring theatre companies who had visited his theatre called and offered him a job.

“I’ve learned that above anything else you need to be a people person and good at networking,” he said.

“I stayed in touch with the people who came through the theatre and one of them called to ask if I would be interested in touring work.”

It was a call that changed everything as he accepted the offer and has since gone on to work behind the scenes on national shows including High School Musical, the Strictly Come Dancing tour, Fame and Lord of the Flies.

One of his best assets was a knowledge of all aspects of production from sound to lighting and eventually he added carpentry skills.

Disney spotted his all-round talent when they recruited him for a cruise ship tour that took him as far as Florida, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Graham’s skills were even put to good use at the London Olympics where he helped build the walkways in the athletes’ village before he was asked to join the Dirty Dancing tour.

“It’s very exciting industry to be in, but it is very competitive,” he said.

“During a tour you become close enough to feel like family then after the run is over you may never see one another together again. Being a nice person to be around is as important as your skill set because if someone doesn’t like spending time with you they are not going to take you on.”

For the rest of this year he will be responsible for building the wood and metal sets that help make War Horse such a special experience for the audience.

First he will be closer to home when the production comes to the Lowry in July and later this year will tour South Africa.

At each stop he will be responsible for building the sets. Depending on whether they fit, he has to make certain adjustments to the scenery.

“It’s like a copy and paste scenario,” he said. “Every time it has to be perfect so that every audience member enjoys the same experience.”

For details about the War Horse tour and to buy tickets go to www.warhorseonstage.com

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FUTURE performers, artists, sportsmen, carers and businessmen took the next step to realising their ambitions on Tuesday.

More than 300 students at Priestley College are due to receive their BTEC results this summer and head off to further education, apprenticeships and employment.

“We’re very proud of their achievements in what has been another great year for our BTEC students,” said Deputy Principal Matthew Grant.

“There has been success across the board and no doubt these young people are going on to even greater achievements.”

Among the greatest achievements at Priestley this year were more than 20 offers from top theatre schools to the college’s Performing and Production Arts students.

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A STUDENT is raising money for a charity that provided a home for his parents whilst he underwent brain surgery.

Duncan Cathie, who is 18 and from Lowton, has endured two operations including a craniotomy at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

His parents were able to stay at Ronald McDonald House during his stints in hospital and now he is looking to repay the favour by completing the Three Peaks Challenge.

“It gave them somewhere comfortable and free to stay when they needed it,” said Duncan, who studies at Priestley College in Warrington.

“It meant that I knew when I woke up my parents would be at my bedside within minutes. I was happier because I knew I always had my family nearby.”

Duncan was diagnosed with a Pituitary Adenoma in April 2012 after suffering severe headaches.

Over the next two years he had two intrusive operations – one lasting 13 hours – and was in hospital for his 17^th birthday as he recovered from surgery.

Part of his the brain tumour had to be removed through a craniotomy.

During this period his family spent many nights living at Ronald McDonald House, which needs £500,000 a year to remain open.

“Imagine if you were a parent who had a child going in for surgery but couldn’t stay by their bed because you had to travel home or back to a hotel,” he said. “That’s why it is such an important place for parents and for the children being treated.”

Duncan – whose family has already raised more than £2,000 for Ronald McDonald House – has been in training for the past few months including a ‘trial run’ up Snowdon.

He’s also been in the gym to make sure he is fully fit for ascents of Snowdon, Scafell and Ben Nevis with friends on July 22 and 23.

Tutors and peers at Priestley College, where Duncan studies Law, Politics and Geology, have also been sponsoring his efforts.

To sponsor Duncan go to www.justgiving.com/mchouse or text Dunk48 and the amount you want to give to 70070.

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Free School Meals and Bursary Form 2014 – 15

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YOUNG engineers put their skills to the test when they designed and built model planes.

Two teams from Priestley College constructed very different planes with the help of experts from Warrington Flying Club and Halton Flying Club.

Tutor Steve Pennington said: “They were given a specific brief so it was a good test of their design and engineering skills.

“It was also an opportunity to develop their ability to work in a team and it was good for them to learn from the experts from the flying clubs who are already top engineers.”

The teams – who all study AS Maths and Physics as a prerequisite at Priestley College – built their planes following a brief set by the British Model Flying Association’s for its Electric Lift Challenge.

They had to build a plane that could carry a number of tennis balls along an aerial course at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire.

Each group was given a power supply as well as a maximum wing length and asked to come up with a great design.

“They came up with two totally different ideas,” said Steve. “Both teams enjoyed the experience of designing their plane and also learnt new skills in actually building it.”

The competition was eventually won by students from a Chinese university.

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A YOUNG actor – who only discovered his talent for the stage after suffering a rugby injury – is heading for one of the UK’s top theatre schools.

Evan Sutton, from Abram, collected three Distinction* in his BTECs on Tuesday after two years of studying and performing at Priestley College.

The 18-year-old is now heading to Guildford School of Acting to study Musical Theatre and has been awarded a bursary of £3,000 to help fund his studies.

After collecting his results he explained how he took to the stage at Golborne High School after a shoulder injury meant he missed trials for Warrington Wolves.

“I was feeling down and a mate asked me to audition for the school show and we both ended up getting lead parts,” he said.

“From that moment I fell in love with the stage and the feeling I get from an audience and performing.”

Evan honed and developed his abilities at Priestley College with the support of tutors and inspiration from fellow students.

His skills as a dancer improved with hard work and his all-round skill saw him take one of the leading roles in the college’s end-of-year production of In The Heights.

More than 20 offers came from the UK’s top theatre schools to his fellow cast members and backstage crew on that show.

“We all helped one another with our auditions and offered each other support throughout our time at Priestley,” he said.

“I improved in all disciplines thanks to the support of my tutors and help from my friends on the course.”

Evan – who took to speaking in an American accent at home in preparation for In The Heights – now hopes for a career on the stage.

His dream would be to appear in Cats, the first show he ever watched, but if that path doesn’t work out he hopes to pass on his passion for acting through teaching at college or university.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into performing and I am just glad that I discovered the thing that I love,” he said.

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PRIESTLEY College was celebrating a decade of success today (Thursday) as students secured a 100% pass rate in 38 subjects.

For the 10^th year in succession there was a 99% pass rate across all subjects with 72% of A Level grades awarded at A* to C.

Deputy Principal Matthew Grant said the success had been achieved despite changes that saw January modules replaced by an end-of-year final exam.

“We’re very proud of students who have been totally focused on securing their results and the tutors who have helped them to achieve their full potential,” he said.

“For the college this has been another great year for A Level results and follows on from tremendous success in the BTECs.”

Among the students celebrating on Thursday was former Birchwood High pupil Kirsty McCready who earned A*s in Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and her Extended Project.

Kirsty, who was also part of the College’s Graduate programme which prepares high fliers for spots in the UK’s top universities, is now looking to study Plant Sciences at The University of Manchester.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Priestley and am looking forward to specialising at university,” she said.

Many subjects at Priestley saw students achieve a brilliant A* to B pass rate of more than 50% including Art, Biology, Chemistry, Dance, 3D Design, Further Maths, German, Graphics, Maths, Media and Politics.

In total nearly 250 A Level grades were A* or A with 22 students achieving a magical three or more A Levels at A* or A.

Matthew Lord, an ex-Bridgewater High pupil, is going to study Dentistry at Sheffield University after securing an A* in Chemistry and As in Maths and Biology.

“I like to help people but Dentistry is also science-based so it is ideal for me,” he said.

There were also success stories for those combining BTEC and A Level studies at Priestley College. Amber Dumbill took home a triple Distinction* in her Performing Arts BTEC and an A* in Maths.

Meanwhile, Alice Cornelia achieved a triple Distinction* in her Art and Design BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. On A Levels day she picked up an A in History and now plans to stay on at Priestley to complete an Art Foundation course.

“My courses combined really well because a lot of art has been inspired by the wars we studied in History,” said Alice, a former St Greg’s pupil.

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