College News

Academic Olympiads put students to the test

Students from Gower College Swansea have performed extremely well in a series of recent competitions designed to test their skills and prepare them for their university applications.

The learners were able to participate in the Sêr Cymreig Olympiad scheme thanks to the support of the Seren Network, a Welsh Government initiative dedicated to helping Wales’ brightest state educated learners achieve their full academic potential.

A career rethink thanks to Chemistry!

Ruby Millinship was planning on a career in design until she started studying A Level Chemistry at Gower College Swansea.

“I decided to take chemistry just to try it out really, I was a little intrigued by it at GSCE and wanted to find out more,” says Ruby. “Within the first two weeks, I had found a subject that just came naturally to me. Learning chemistry felt like learning a subject that was already in my mind; it just made sense. Organic chemistry was what first sparked my interest and I soon wanted to know everything I could about it.”

Gower College Swansea hosts SkillBuild regional heat

The largest and longest-running construction skills competition in the UK returns, as Gower College Swansea prepare to host 80-100 students for the SkillBuild 2023 South Wales regional heat.

College supports Digital 2030 vision

Jisc is working in partnership with Welsh Government to drive forward Digital 2030, which aims to see learning providers in Wales harness the potential of digital technology underpinned by principles of innovation, collaboration, co-production and social partnership.

Gower College Swansea is proud to have taken part in two recent case studies:

The Growing Comms project looks at the installation of connected active learning spaces in HE and FE which impact positively on learners.

‘Home away from home’ for Gower College Swansea’s international students

Gower College Swansea’s international students, who are aged between 16 and 18, come from countries all over the world. This year the College have students from Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

FE colleges join forces with CITB to improve provision and support across construction sector

This year, ColegauCymru, on behalf of their member colleges, signed an agreement with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in a move to support the provision of construction qualifications and support for learners, apprentices and employers across Wales. 

This comes as the industry continues to demand talent, qualifications and skills that are fit for purpose, future proofed and that will support the Welsh economy in the long term. The Agreement will strengthen the relationship between FE colleges and the construction industry in Wales. 

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.