College News

Partnership success for Independent Living Skills and Apprenticeships

The Independent Living Skills (ILS) and Gower College Swansea (GCS) Training departments celebrate the fruits of their new joint first initiative which has enabled two students with additional learning needs to transition from a one-year work internship programme into supported, paid apprenticeships with local employers this April. 

Minister talks to College students following EMA announcement

Gower College Swansea was delighted to welcome the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, to the Tycoch Campus on 17 April.

The Minister dropped in to speak to students and staff, including Principal Mark Jones, following the announcement that Wales is set to be the first UK nation to increase the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) payment for learners.

From April 2023, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will increase from £30 per week to £40 for eligible further education students in sixth form or college.
 

Gower College Swansea learners step into the spotlight at Creative Futures event

Gower College Swansea hosted an exciting Creative Futures event on Thursday 23 March, bringing together fashion, hair and makeup and music in a showcase. The event took place at Tycoch Campus and was attended by pupils from Bishop Gore School, College learners, parents and guests. 

Gower College Swansea sponsors Mumbles Duathlon

Gower College Swansea was the title sponsor again this year for Mumbles Duathlon on 25 March.

Not only did the College sponsor the event but students from its Sports Massage Therapy level 3 and 4 course volunteered at the finished line, easing some very tired muscles. The students volunteer at numerous racing events throughout the year, building up hours of experience for their training.

A couple of Travel and Tourism Level 3 students also volunteered at the event, gaining some valuable experience of events management.

Valuable learning during Travel and Tourism field trips

It’s been a busy few weeks for our Travel and Tourism students.

Level 3 students recently visited Folly Farm to look at how visitor attractions can attract different types of tourists. They took photo evidence of the diversification methods used to attract new customers.

Pro:Direct Football Academy trial – Wednesday 12 April

Following the success of the open trial in February, the Pro:Direct Academy are excited to announce another on Wednesday 12 April.

This trial is open to male footballers who are currently in Year 11 at school, and will be located at Penyrheol Leisure Centre 3G (SA4 4LP), 10am-12pm. 

The Academy is the only Pro:Direct Football Academy in Wales, and allows players to train full-time like a pro, with UEFA and FA Licensed coaches, weekly competitive fixtures and pro-level fitness and recovery programmes. 

College lecturer set to talk on Esports success

Gower College Swansea lecturer Kiran Jones is heading to the BETT 2023 exhibition as a keynote speaker.

Taking place at ExCel London from 29-31 March, Bett 2023 is the biggest education technology exhibition in the world. 

Kiran, who teaches Computing, IT and Esports at the Tycoch campus as well as overseeing the social media accounts for the College’s wildly successful GCS Owls, will participate in the Level Up in Esports Education discussion on 30 March. 

Students asked for views on Welsh broadcasting

Students from Gower College Swansea recently enjoyed a lively discussion with members of the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee.

The Gorseinon Campus hosted the roundtable meeting between learners and Geraint Davies, Labour MP for Swansea West; Stephen Crabb, Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire; and Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion.

Former student returns to inspire young creatives

A familiar face recently returned to Gower College Swansea’s Gorseinon Campus as former student Billie-Jo Matthews stepped in to help inspire the next generation of young creatives.

Billie-Jo completed a Level 3 Extended BTEC in Creative Media at Gower College Swansea before progressing to Swansea University to pursue a BA (Hons) in Media and Communications, followed by a MSc in Strategic Marketing.

Bilingual teaching bursary available for Welsh language learners

As part of our aim to develop a bilingual workforce and train new staff to offer the Welsh language to our learners, this fantastic opportunity is available to you. 

If you speak Welsh and are considering doing a PGCE qualification in order to qualify as a tutor or lecturer in the post-16 sector, there is a great opportunity for you to practice embedding the Welsh language in the classroom with bilingual groups. You will be eligible to apply for the bilingual teaching bursary worth £500 per year.