Ollie Rolph

Ollie completed his Media course with literally top marks. He was awarded a Distinction* and achieved the maximum amount of points possible on a Level 2 course!

He chose the First Diploma because of the assessment methods. ‘I always knew I wanted to do Media, but I’ve never been very good at exams, so I didn’t want to go down the more formal A Level route and chose this course because it’s highly practical. I’d also looked around the College at an Open Event and was really impressed with the facilities available to learners.’

‘The course covered all aspects of the Media Industry. I particularly liked learning about all the different elements that go into the production of a magazine – it’s amazing how much time and effort it takes.’ Ollie has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, but found he did not need any extra help with his learning. ‘I always knew additional support was available if I needed it, but I didn’t.’

During his time at College, Ollie also worked alongside the Additional Support Team mentoring an autistic learner. ‘I find it really rewarding and enjoy helping others. As soon as I finished College in the summer I did some work experience at my old school. I worked as a Learner Support Assistant supporting learners with varying degrees of special needs.’

Ollie has a special word of thanks to his teachers. ‘When I first came to College I lacked a lot of confidence and self-belief. But the teachers are great – they reassure you and make you trust in your own abilities. I think that’s the most valuable thing I’ll take away from my College experience. It was their encouragement, together with my determination to do well, that helped me achieved the grade I did. I couldn’t believe it when I heard – I’m told those marks have never been awarded in the history of the course at college!’

Ollie’s College experience doesn’t end there. He’s returning in September on the National Diploma in Media Production. When it comes to plans after college, Ollie’s not sure ‘I really don’t know what I want to do then I leave. The National Diploma is a two year course, so hopefully at the end of the first year I’ll have a bit more of an idea.

Lexie Porter-Brown

Lexie completed the BTEC National Diploma in Photography, after working her way up through lower level courses. She achieved outstanding Distinction and Merit grades. ‘I was badly bullied at school and dropped out aged 15 with no qualifications. Because I’ve gone through the different levels I’ve been able to learn about lots of things – graphics, art, design, textiles, photography, film and media. I started with a limited knowledge of photography but I’ve been able to realise my talent and that’s the area I want to specialise in. College is a million times better then school for the support and guidance you get. Even I didn’t think I would excel as much as I have.’ Lexie is destined for a successful career in Photography – she has already secured some freelancing work, which she plans to continue while at University.

Kat Harrison

Kat has wanted to be a photographer ever since she was 13. ‘I went on holiday with my parents and they pointed out I was pretty good at using a digital camera. I think that’s when I started to realise this might be something I’d be good at and enjoy. The college course was brilliant and the teachers are great. I enjoyed the practical elements, like when we were introduced to a one hundred year old large format camera. Experimenting with it produced some really amazing shots. Learning about the history of photography and looking at the work of legendary photographers such as Robert Capa was also very interesting.’

Kat completed her course with outstanding distinction grades. ‘I feel pretty pleased with my results. I knew I’d worked hard but I wasn’t expecting such good grades.’

Kat is currently working to save money for university next year. ‘I hope to go to Falmouth as I’ve heard it has a good range of equipment and facilities. I also love the idea of being near the coast for a change of scenery and challenging, new photo opportunities.’

Kat hopes to become a documentary photographer in the future.

Jason Bagshaw

Jason excelled on the BTEC National Certificate in e-Media so much so his tutor persuaded him progress onto the Diploma in his second year. Despite the additional workload, he achieved an overall Merit grade and says the course helped him realise his strong points. He wants to use his newfound skills to work in film or TV.

‘I haven’t always wanted a career in e-Media. Like most people I didn’t know what I wanted to do after my GCSEs. I’d considered engineering but ended up enrolling onto an IT programme at college. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me and I was about to leave to get a job when my friend told me about the e-Media course. I’ve discovered something I really enjoy and learnt skills you wouldn’t necessarily associate with e-Media like 3D work, camera angles, lighting and photography.’

Jason thrived on the learning environment at college. ‘It’s a step up from school – a lot more grown-up. You feel like you’re there because you want to be, not because you have to be. My lecturers on the course were the best teachers I’ve ever had, but you still have to be self motivated. I’ve learnt a lot about time management and organisation which will make the transition to Uni much easier.’

Jason has just started a degree in Digital Media and Broadcast at Portsmouth University.

Tara Hart

Tara achieved triple distinctions on the BTEC National Diploma in Photography. Her final major project, which was based on photography of the human body, was deemed outstanding by her tutors.

Tara has a natural creative flare and always went that extra mile to experiment with lots of different techniques. She even spent the summer in the College’s studio offering friends and family surreal photo shoots to build up her portfolio of work. She is often heard saying how college has changed her life and how the course has enabled her to progress onto a Design & Photography degree at Plymouth University.

Uzo Madu

Uzo completed A Levels in Communication Studies, English and Law and an AS Level in Politics. Her tutors on all four subjects praised her continued effort and excellent attitude. She appeared to thrive on the adult atmosphere which enabled her to learn the importance of self motivation. Uzo’s hard work paid off on A Level results day when she discovered that she had achieved three As and B. She has gone on to Surrey University to study Law.