College News

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.  

College welcomes local schools for chef roadshow

120 school students from six Swansea schools enjoyed a hospitality taster day at Gower College Swansea on Tuesday 14 March.

The special occasion, organised by The Chefs’ Forum and free to attend, enabled the College to host school students and give them a ‘taste’ of what to expect from a catering course.

“We call it an insight into the world of the hospitality industry,” said Chefs’ Forum Director Catherine Farinha. “We had a brilliant line up of chefs and front of house professionals and the students lapped it up!”

Menopause Friendly status for College

Gower College Swansea has been awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation status.

This is in recognition of the College’s ongoing work to raise awareness of the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, and the suite of support it has put in place for staff.

Some examples of this include regular Menopause Cafes, opportunities for staff to meet with menopause specialists, and seminars on how to manage symptoms. Most recently, staff and students had a chance to try out a Menovest TM, which simulates the feeling of a hot flush.

Artistic tribute: Gower College Swansea students sweep competition with portraits of Rhys Ifans

Gower College Swansea learners have been busy sketching, painting and creating digital and ceramic art for the annual 9to90 portrait competition, and yet again, have won in multiple categories! 

Organized by Jane Simpson of GSArtists, the 9to90 competitions give the local community, of all ages and abilities, an opportunity to come together and to have their work exhibited in the gallery. Each year, the portrait competition centres on a Welsh celebrity, with the celebrity or their family choosing the winners. There is also always a Pet Pawtrait competition.