Tag: Manchester College

Wythenshawe students capture “Greater Mancunians” on camera for exhibition

Shaun Ryder
Shaun Ryder by Harry Yeates

Movers and shakers who have influenced Manchester life are to feature in a stunning photography competition by students from The Manchester College which opens tomorrow  (September 4th).

Musicians Clint Boon and The Happy Mondays, boxer Ricky Hatton and poet Lemn Sissay are some of the famous faces from Greater Manchester who will feature in the exhibition at the Nexus Art Cafe in Manchester.

More than 30 people who have made a cultural difference to the city have been photographed for the ‘Greater Mancunians’ exhibition by 30 Level 3 Photography students from the College’s Northenden campus.

The ongoing project has been a year in the making, with students gaining unparalleled access to stars of music, sport, art and business, and directing each individual photo shoot to capture a series of striking yet intimate shots.

 

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Pics: John Cooper Clarke by Harry Yeates, Stacey Copeland by Kristina Salyklyte, Tierney Heap by Katie O’Neill

Now photos of celebrities, sports stars, actors and activists, including performance poet John Cooper Clarke, boy band Take That, comedian Jason Manford, Tate director Maria Balshaw CBE, ballerina Tierney Heap and boxer Stacey Copeland, will grace the walls of Nexus Café in Manchester’s Northern Quarter when the four week exhibition launches .

Photography tutor Harry Potts said: “The project started when former student Harry Yeates photographed his idol John Cooper Clarke for his end of year project. The other students asked to do more and it just snowballed from there.

“I’ll set the meetings up, but then it’s down to the students to direct the photo shoot and create the image. The celebrities are quite happy to help our students and have been very accommodating during the shoots, which have taken place in the studio, down an alley or even up a ladder.

“The project not only gives the students great industry experience and some fantastic images for their portfolio, but the one thing they gain the most is confidence and life skills to be able to direct their subject and create some truly memorable images.”

Student Katie O’Neill, who completed her Level 3 Extended Diploma in photography with a distinction and is set to study BA Photography at Falmouth University, said:

“Over the past two years, I have photographed Bill Roach, Tierney Heap, Take That, Robert Powell and Graham Nash. Each photo shoot has allowed me to gain new knowledge from different experiences, from having only 10 minutes to get the shot to capturing fast movement. This has helped me to build up my skills and confidence, and has given me insight to working in a fast paced environment and working with others to create a project.

“Having my work featured in the exhibition is really exciting. I love people being able to see my work and I love watching their reactions to it. I am proud and thankful to be a part of this project.”

‘Greater Mancunians’ runs from 4 to 29 September at Nexus Art Cafe, Dale Street, Manchester, M1 1JW.

 

Manchester College celebrates A level and vocational results success

Manchester College’s A Level students are celebrating today following the highest number of students achieving A* and A grades in recent years.

The results, which saw an impressive 42 per cent increase in the number of A* and A grades at A Level and a nine per cent increase in those achieving A grade equivalents on vocational qualifications, reflect an outstanding year for The Manchester College’s students.

Overall, the College’s A Level pass rate remains high at 94 per cent, with grades A*-C increasing by six per cent and those at AS Level increasing by 20 per cent.

Overall, the College’s A Level pass rate remains high at 94 per cent, with grades A*-C increasing by six per cent and those at AS Level increasing by 20 per cent.

Principal Lisa O’Loughlin said: “This is fantastic achievement, we’re really proud of all of our students and it’s wonderful to see their hard work pay off.

“Today is a celebration of all learning and we’re equally proud of all our students who have remained dedicated and completed their studies, whatever their grades and whichever pathway or qualification they have taken.”

Ailin Guo, who hopes to forge a career in finance and investment, achieved three A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Accounting. She said: “Picking up my results has been a nice surprise, as I’ve done better than I hoped and got the grades I needed to study Mathematics at Warwick University.

“I’ve really enjoyed studying at The Manchester College. The teachers have been fantastic and many of the skills I’ve learned, such as problem solving, have been useful for real life too.”

The Manchester College’s vocational students have also excelled this year, with a huge 83 per cent of Level 3 Diploma students receiving the equivalent of high A Level grades.

Alistair Sheehan gained a Distinction in his Creative Media Production course and benefited from an industry partnership between the College and leading global marketing, technology and commerce agency Amaze.

Alistair, who was awarded the College’s Adult Student of the Year 2018, said: “My course and tutors have helped me discover things I didn’t know I could do or enjoy. Most importantly, the College has encouraged me to actually have ambitions where I didn’t before.

“My tutors set up work experience placements and we had guest speakers from the industry who came in, reviewed your work and chatted to you about what the industry is really like. We also took part in employability hour, which I found important. To have a college that helps prepare people for their future careers or further education is refreshing and takes the pressure off what will happen when you leave.”

Lisa added: “Whether you’re continuing your journey with us or moving on, we wish you all the very best with your future plans. “

Manchester College crimpers spring birthday treat on Elsie, 97

Elsie-Oates
Shereen Wilkinson-Rennicks (second left), Michaela Cole (fourth left) and colleagues from the Hair and Beauty Team at The Manchester College with Elsie Oates and her daughter Margaret Figueroa (second right).

The hair and beauty team from Manchester College in Wythenshawe treated their most loyal client to a surprise celebration to mark her 97th birthday.

Elsie Oates, from Baguley, has enjoyed a cut and colour at the college salon for almost 50 years, helping countless students over the years gain their hairdressing qualifications.

The much loved grandmother-of-three still travels by public transport to the Northenden campus every few weeks for her regular hair appointment. Continue reading “Manchester College crimpers spring birthday treat on Elsie, 97”

Manchester College names new building after much-loved former student, Kirsty Howard

DSC_0201The Manchester College  named their Wythenshawe site Howard House in an official VIP naming ceremony earlier today (23 March), in honour of former student and prolific fundraiser Kirsty Howard.

 Kirsty’s family were VIP guests at the ceremony and unveiled the plaque announcing the new name of the recently-refurbished site to guests from the community, staff and local MP Mike Kane.

 At the ceremony, Francis House Children’s Hospice was named the Group’s charity partner of the year in honour of Kirsty and was presented with a cheque for £5,000 to kick-start their fundraising efforts.

 

Phil Taylor, Director of the Kirsty Club and speaking on behalf of Francis House, said: “Thank you to the LTE Group for its very generous donation which will have a huge impact on the charity. Naming the building Howard House and fund-raising for Kirsty’s charity of choice is a wonderful tribute to her memory.”

 The LTE Group has recently invested over £1.5m in upgrading the facilities at Howard House, which first opened in 2010, to house over 160 staff from the Finance, Health and Safety, HR, IT Services and Marketing and External Relations teams. The move has helped to consolidate group operations teams and promote closer collaborative working.

 Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Mike Kane attended and spoke with the family, staff and students. The Labour Shadow Schools Minister said: “I’m delighted to have been invited here today. LTE Group’s investment in Howard House, and the surrounding site occupied by The Manchester College, represents a significant investment in Wythenshawe.

 Today has also been an opportunity to remember and celebrate the life of Kirsty Howard. Speaking to Kirsty’s mum and dad I know they are very proud of their daughter’s achievements, not only as an unbelievable charity fundraiser but as a student at The Manchester College. Naming this building ‘Howard House’ will serve as a fitting and long-lasting tribute to Kirsty.”

 The investment forms a key part of the Group’s estates strategy and its vision to transform the way it delivers leading post-16 education, training and skills.

 John Thornhill, Chief Executive of the LTE Group said: “The Manchester College is incredibly proud to have supported Kirsty in her studies and we’re honoured to name the building Howard House, to reflect her connection to us and the local area.

 “We will also be using the occasion – and other events throughout the year – to raise money for Francis House in her memory, including entering a team of LTE group runners in this year’s 10k Great Manchester Run on Sunday 20 May.

 “Kirsty was, and continues to be, an inspiration to many in Manchester and she remains a fantastic example of the values which we encourage in our colleagues, students and learners.”

 To learn more about LTE Group and The Manchester College, visit their respective websites:www.ltegroup.co.ukwww.tmc.ac.uk.

Air ambulance called to Northenden college after student falls from balcony

Police have begun an investigation after a student fell from a third floor balcony at Manchester College in Northenden today.

Emergency services have been called to the Sale Road, campus at around 4pm today, police said.

The Manchester Evening News has been reporting from the scene.