Student Testimonials
Ben Pritchard - Foundation degree (FdA) in Graphics and Digital Design
Ben Pritchard, aged 23 from Sandbach, is studied a Foundation degree (Fd) in Graphics and Digital Design at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).
He said: "After finishing my A Levels I went to university to study a fashion marketing degree, but it wasn't right for me. Art and design was always my favourite subject at school so I decided to look into university-level courses at a couple of local colleges.
"I chose NULC because of its excellent reputation for art and design courses and the tutors seemed really friendly and approachable. What's more, I'd heard about the College's brand new campus and the facilities in the new University Centre looked amazing.
"Within the first few weeks at the College I knew I'd made the right choice. Stoke-on-Trent City Council and The Sentinel newspaper launched a branding competition for the six town's centenary celebrations, which the students on my course were invited to enter. The logo I designed was selected as the winner and it's now used for all promotion surrounding the centenary event. Obviously this looks great in my portfolio, and after just a couple of months on the course it was a real confidence boost.
"I was also encouraged to enter the YCN Student Awards. These awards give design students like me the opportunity to work on live creative briefs for huge brands like Ted Baker, Google and HMV. Although I didn't win, it was a great experience to take part in.
"I'm on track to achieve a Distinction overall. Once I've finished the Foundation degree I'm hoping to get a place on the third year of a degree course at a London university. After that, I'd love to get a job in a design agency and one day set up my own studio."
Fay Johnson, Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice
Mother-of-two Fay Johnson, from Tunstall, was working as a bar manager for a hotel when a road traffic accident changed her life forever. Wheelchair bound and unable to work the 38-year-old felt her career was over.
Then, one day, she saw an advert for the Diploma in Introductory Studies in Art and Design course at Newcastle-under-Lyme College. Fay knew that this was her chance to get the qualifications she needed to pursue her dream of one day owning an art gallery.
After completing the course, Fay applied for the Foundation Degree in Contemporary Art Practice (formerly Creative Arts for Employment), which is offered at Newcastle College in partnership with Staffordshire University. At the end of the course, she hopes to be accepted by the University to complete her full honours degree and get a step closer to realising her ambition.
“My accident was a blessing in disguise as it made me realise what I wanted to do with my life. Going back to college was daunting because you expect your classes to be filled with teenagers but it wasn’t the case at all. There are 11 students in my class, with ages ranging from 19 to 60. Some are there to get qualifications, and some attend just because they enjoy it so much. There is a great feeling of community sprit and we each have different skills, so we all help each other out.
“Since I started coming to college, I’m doing things I never thought I would do, such as entering my work into art and photography exhibitions. I’m even organising my own art exhibition with two other students in my class! My son’s also the creative type and is studying graphic design here. I wouldn’t let him attend anywhere else!
“Coming back to college was the best thing I ever did, my confidence has increased and I’m finding my own independence. The best thing is the enjoyment I get from achieving something and I know I will carry on learning for the rest of my life.”