College News

Entrepreneurship project for school pupils launched

A new project to help schools teach enterprise skills to 5 and 6 year old pupils has launched.

The Bumbles of Honeywood is a set of books, online resources and educational materials designed to nurture enterprise skills from a young age - as well as teaching children about the plight of the endangered honey bee.

The project was created by Sue Poole, CEO / Director of the Swansea-based Centre for Entrepreneurial Education and Enterprise Manager at Gower College Swansea. 

Principal named as finalist in IoD Director of the Year Awards

Mark Jones, Principal of Gower College Swansea, has been shortlisted in the IoD Wales Director of the Year Awards 2017, which honour many of Wales’ most influential and motivational business leaders.

Over 35 directors have been shortlisted across the award’s ten categories which include three new categories in 2017: Finance Director of the Year; Director in Human Resources and Director in a Start-Up Business.

Mark has been shortlisted in the ‘Director of the Year – Public Sector’ category which is sponsored by Academi Wales.

Chemistry Olympiad success for students

A Level Chemistry students at Gower College Swansea have performed extremely well once again at the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad, which saw over 5300 young people participate in 2017.

The annual event is open to second year A Level students who are expected to achieve grades of A or A* in their exams, and is a challenging exercise that truly stretches the most committed young chemists.

Four candidates – Ivan Gelemerov, Matthew Brown, Aaron Robey and Briall Baker - achieved Silver certificates and one - Joshua Davies – gained a Certificate of Participation.

Ffion aims for the stars

A young student from Llandeilo is about to reach for the stars quite literally when she joins the International Space School (FISE) in Texas over the summer break.

Ffion James, who lives in Llandybie and attends Bro Dinefwr Llandeilo, is one of only 50 young people from all over the world to be selected for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Ffion will spend two weeks undertaking scientific studies at Clear Lake University and Houston University and will also participate in a ‘flight simulation to Mars’ exercise with her fellow students. 

Junior College student considers career in engineering

Pontarddulais Comprehensive pupil Rhys Thomas has been finding out more about post-school options thanks to Gower College Swansea’s Junior College programme.

Rhys, who is in Year 10, has been trying his hand - and developing an understanding of – engineering at the Tycoch campus.

“Rhys excels in the practical sessions,” says lecturer Ronald Stephens. “When working as part of a team, his confidence has developed greatly, so much so that he will naturally take the lead in tasks.”

GCS students compete at AoC Sport National Championships

Students from Gower College Swansea competed at the recent AoC Sport National Championships in Nottingham, coming home with a Gold medal (in Ladies Rugby) as they helped the Welsh region to finish in tenth place.

Over 30 students - competing in a range of sports including football, netball, hockey, rugby, cross country and ladies football - travelled from the college to the University of Nottingham where they battled against athletes from colleges across England and Wales during the three-day event.

Rhys scoops Silver for his 'tea for two'

ILS student Rhys Harvey has taken a Silver medal at the Inclusive Skills cookery competition, held in Newtown earlier this week.

For the competition, Rhys was required to make a delicious afternoon tea for two within a time frame of just 1.5 hours.

"Well done Rhys, myself and the entire ILS department are all very proud of your achievement," says Learning Area Manager Mark Clement.

GCS student wins place on Hay Festival writing residency

Gower College Swansea A Level English Literature student Matilda Gregory is one of only 20 young people to win a place on the Beacons Project residential writing course at the Hay Festival 2017.

The Beacons Project offers Welsh students the opportunity to develop their creative writing skills and explore careers in writing and journalism by working with professional writers, broadcasters and journalists such as Stephen Fry, Tracey Chevalier and Owen Sheers.

Fingers crossed for Ryan!

Following the recent (and final) selection process, Gower College Swansea is eagerly awaiting news on whether Hospitality student Ryan Kenyon has been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017*.

Ryan’s competition journey began in March 2014 when he represented the college in the WelshSkills Food Service competition – the following year he entered the same competition and secured a Bronze medal.

International students tour Cambridge University

A group of International students from Gower College Swansea recently visited Cambridge.

The students stayed at Churchill College and attended application seminars and subject masterclasses. In addition, they visited other Cambridge colleges and were given tours by former Gower College Swansea students who are currently studying at the University of Cambridge.

Pictured: International students from China and South Korea at Churchill College with Felicity Padley, Oxbridge Tutor and HE+ Co-ordinator, and Mark Jones, Principal.