South Downs College hosted one of the nine regional heats held across the UK, for the 2016 World Skills competition.

Students from all over the country showcased their vocational skills for the chance to make it through to the next stage in Birmingham. The Synergy Hair and Make-Up Salon at South Downs College held twenty-eight talented students, their models and tutors as they prepared for the judges today.

This heat focused on the role and tasks of a Beauty Therapist. Those who took part carried out a range of treatments that reflected current and traditional treatments. The categories being judged included;

• Beauty Body
• Fashion and Photographic Make-Up
• Media Make-Up
• Beauty – Hand and Face.

Students had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills under timed conditions and against their peers.

Lois Parnell, Learning Manager at South Downs College, ran the event:

“We were really excited to host the regional heat this year, with some competitors coming all the way from Scotland! All of the students have worked extremely hard in preparation for today. A lot of the work produced has reflected professional industry standards.”

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Carnival UK, who operate cruise ships all around the world, have linked with South Downs College for the first time to find apprentice chefs.

South Downs College lecturer Andy Backshall nominated his ten most high performing students to meet representatives from Carnival. From this, five were shortlisted for a cook-off, which took place in South Downs College’s Restaurant kitchens today.

Five students, four from South Downs College and one from Eastleigh College, worked as a team to serve up three delicious courses. Darren Rustiforth, Hotel Fleet Trainer (Culinary), was joined by his colleagues Ernest D’Souza and Ewan Legg, to observe how the students coped under the pressure.

Rhys White, age 19 and studying Level 2 City & Guild Craft Catering at South Downs College, said:

“The cook-off has been challenging, but I did really enjoy it. It’s been nerve-wracking being watched so closely. I wanted to go for this because it’s a great opportunity to take my cookery further – all over the world in fact!”

Those who make it through this round will be invited to an interview. Successful students will be offered an 18 – 24 month apprenticeship where they will learn their trade whilst travelling the Mediterranean, Caribbean and/or on a tour of the world. The final apprentices will split their time between studying at College and putting their skills to practice on cruise ships, such as the Queen Elizabeth and P&O’s Britannia.

Debbie Smith, Assistant Principal, said:

“We’re very pleased to work with such an innovative company as Carnival. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our high calibre students to work with such a prestigious company. South Downs College seeks out the very best employers for our students to gain industry experience and we are exceptionally proud of our students, who work so hard to learn these skills. I wish them every success in their future careers.”

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South Downs College enjoyed a Victorious weekend at the popular festival in Portsmouth, with talented up-and-coming artists from the college, staff and former students showcasing their skills throughout the weekend.

Not just about the music, Victorious was a stage for current and former students from the BTEC Level 3 Acting course who spent the weekend performing a number of roaming theatre acts. The performers approached unsuspecting festival goers to perform Shakespeare and staged a National No Smiling day protest in front of the AMP Stage. Other roaming performances included The Coneheads, Banana and Gorilla, The Detectives, Google Girl and The Bell Boys. All acts were warmly received by the crowds and many people joined the staged protest!

South Downs College AMP Stage was located in a prime position on Market Way, close to the D-Day museum and reported to have had a hugely successful weekend, with a range of performances from current, former students, and the staff even had their chance to be in the spotlight.

Participation in the event enables students to perform and learn from their peers and mentors on a professional stage. Many previous participants have valued their experience so much that they are keen to be involved each year, giving up their time in the run up to the event to rehearse and help with the smooth running of the stage.

Highlights from the Amp Stage included The Novellas – Tom Hewson, Hugh Seckington, and George Mansfield who completed the BTEC music programme in 2013. They also performed on the Seaside stage, before heading off to Hertfordshire for another festival Sunday afternoon. Veludo Planes comprising of Sam Wardle, Oli Shaw, and twin brothers Christian & Mike Smith completed their BTEC Extended Diploma 2012. They have recently performed in festivals in Europe and it was a great pleasure to have them perform on the Amp Stage

David Robinson studied between 2006 and 2008 and recently topped the iTunes Blues Chart with his single ‘Picture on the Wall’ and recently supported Sir Bob Geldof at a festival in Nottinghamshire.

South Downs College music staff Gary Shaw, Hayley Callender and Jon Callender had the chance to perform, with fellow musicians as band Peach and the New Beats followed by a special appearance by Los Hombres Ingles who reformed after 21 years and certainly created a party atmosphere!

120,000 visitors attended Victorious this year with organiser James Ralls *saying ‘It’s been an incredible two days and it has been our best-ever event’. South Downs College value the partnership with the event as they are a great supporter of young musicians and it is a wonderful chance to showcase the incredible talent from South Downs College alongside such a high profile line up.

The full line up on the Amp Stage over the weekend was: Life and Soul Band, HND’s, Danny Burke, Ronk Torp, Veludo Planes, The Novellas, Those Restless Knights, David Robinson, Simon Heartfield and student DJ’s Troy and James. On Sunday: MP1B Band, Sillence and the Staves, Black & Blue, Peach & the New Beats, MP1B Band 2, Los Hombres Ingles, MP1A Band, The Smiley Campbell Band and Eyes to the Skies.

*Quote from the Portsmouth News online.

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South Downs College enjoyed a Victorious weekend at the popular festival in Portsmouth. Talented up-and-coming artists from the college, staff and former students showcased their skills throughout the weekend.

Not just about the music, Victorious was also the platform for current and former students from the BTEC Level 3 Acting course, who spent the weekend performing a number of roaming theatre acts to unsuspecting festival goers. Students also staged a National No Smiling Day protest in front of the AMP stage. Other roaming performances included You’ve been Shakespeared, The Coneheads, Banana and Gorilla, The Detectives, Google Girl and The Bell Boys. All acts were a big hit with the crowds!

Our very own South Downs College AMP Stage was located in a prime position on Market Way and hosted a range of performances from current, former students, and the staff even had their chance to be in the spotlight. Many previous participants have valued their experience so much that they are keen to be involved each year, giving up their time to rehearse and help backstage.

Highlights from the Amp Stage included;

• The Novellas – Tom Hewson, Hugh Seckington, and George Mansfield. They completed the BTEC Music programme in 2013. They also performed on the Seaside stage, before heading off to Hertfordshire for another festival Sunday afternoon.
• Veludo Planes - Sam Wardle, Oli Shaw, and twin brothers Christian and Mike Smith completed their BTEC Extended Diploma in 2012. They have recently performed in festivals across Europe.
• David Robinson – who  studied between 2006 and 2008 and recently topped the iTunes Blues Chart with his single ‘Picture on the Wall’. He recently supported Sir Bob Geldof at a festival in Nottinghamshire.
• South Downs College Music staff Gary Shaw, Hayley Callender and Jon Callender had the chance to perform with fellow musicians, in the band Peach and the New Beats. There was also a special appearance by Los Hombres Ingles, who reformed after 21 years and certainly created a party atmosphere!

120,000 visitors attended Victorious this year with organiser James Ralls* describing it as  ‘our best-ever event’. South Downs College has sponsored Victorious Festival for many years, as alumni music students launched the popular event. It also gives students the opportunity to practice their skills with an audience outside of their peers and lecturers.

The full line up on the Amp Stage over the weekend was; Life and Soul Band, HND’s, Danny Burke, Ronk Torp, Veludo Planes, The Novellas, Those Restless Knights, David Robinson, Simon Heartfield, DJ’s Troy and James, MP1B Band, Sillence and the Staves, Black & Blue, Peach & the New Beats, MP1B Band 2, Los Hombres Ingles, MP1A Band, The Smiley Campbell Band and Eyes to the Skies. Well done for providing some fantastic, local talent.

*Quote from the Portsmouth News online.

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Alumni student Paul Wilkins returned to South Downs College to spend a day teaching masterclass workshops to our BTEC Level 3 Musical Theatre students.

Paul Wilkins studied the same course at South Downs College between 2008-2010. When Paul left, he went on to study at Arts Educational Schools London for three years before joining the cast of Les Miserables. He now tours with the international cast, playing the role of Marius.

Paul Wilkins said:

“It’s really great to return to my roots at South Downs College, it makes me reflect on how the college experience is like a buffet with so many things to choose from… Coming here today reminds me how I’ve applied so many things I learned at college in my career to date.’

The students were put through their paces, learning about the stamina, hard work and enthusiasm needed to audition for, and work in the musical theatre industry. Paul’s direction throughout the day encouraged the students to try new techniques and work outside their comfort zones, which led to some memorable workshop performances throughout the day.

Lauren Bergin, Musical Theatre Lecturer, said:

‘It was a pleasure to see Paul engaging with our students, having come so far since leaving the College. The students and I were excited to hear about his journey in the musical theatre industry and are thankful he took the time to come back and share some of that with us. It was a smashing day.’

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South Downs College’s Music department, also known as AMP, is constantly evolving. They strive to provide students with a learning environment that is up-to-date with current developments in technology. This term, our students will be able to take advantage of our two new industry standard recording studios.

Studio A is equipped with the very latest recording and mixing technology, with multi-core links in to several large live rooms, including vocal and guitar booths, drum room and the 80m square tuneable acoustic recital hall. The specification rivals available commercial facilities, as the equipment incorporates the latest digital specifications including; Apollo interfacing, Genelec monitoring and Slate touch screen mixing with historical vintage analogue pre-amplification, including API, Neve and Warm Audio.

This will be complemented by the completion of a second studio in mid-October 2016, which will be managed and run by the HND Level 5 Music Production students. Studio B will also be equipped with industry standard equipment including Motu, Mackie, Alesis and Tascam.

Joe Sillance, HND level 5 Music Production student, said:

‘I love working with the music lecturers at South Downs College. They are true industry professionals and now the equipment available for us to use is of a very high quality. I can’t wait to help organise and run studio B.’

Recording and mixing projects will be undertaken in these studios by:

• HND Music Performance and Production Level 4 and 5
• Level 3 Academy of Music and Performing Arts
• BTEC Level 3 Performance and Production students
• Level 2 Rock School Production students.

They will all have access to the highest specification Apple Mac computers with programmes such as Logic Pro X installed.

These state of the art facilities help our students prepare for industry. Many of our music performance students, who are not directly linked to studio related modules, are encouraged to act as session musicians in production projects. This promotes a professional approach to recording work and helps students from different music spines meet, bond and collaborate.

If you’re interested in studying music with us, search our courses.

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As part of British Food Fortnight, Emsworth Food Festival takes place every September to celebrate the good food and wine produced by local growers and suppliers.

This year, 2^nd Year Craft Catering students and Level 3 Pastry & Confectionery students from South Downs College took over the Hermitage Restaurant at The Brookfield Hotel on 30 September to plan, cook and serve a three course lunch for 85 people.

Shannon Bone said: ‘Work experience in prestigious kitchens and restaurants has long been a feature of our courses, helping us students secure jobs in highly regarded eateries around the world.’

Paul Mansfield said: ‘It was an excellent day enjoyed by everyone who took part, following the event two students were offered employment opportunities when they finish their studies’

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37 Students enjoyed two nights at Leeson House, Dorset on the Jurassic Coast in September as part of their A Level Biology Course, with excursions over the weekend to the nearby beaches of Kimmeridge and Studland Bay.

Covering both ecology and conservation, the annual field trip is an essential part of the course, offering the opportunity to get out of the classroom and experience biology in the natural environment. Practical work includes investigations into wildlife abundance on beaches, bird ringing, animal handling and pond dipping.

Amy Ludford, Student A Level Biology said:

‘I enjoyed the fieldwork at Studland Bay, the work was interesting and the scenery was beautiful.’

By the end of the weekend, the students had gained valuable experience and completed the fieldwork component of their A Level course. Staff at Leeson House fed back to the tutors at South Downs College to say that they were really impressed with the student’s attitude to work and their level of commitment to the tasks set.

Katherine Milner, Student A Level Biology said:

‘It was an experience I’ll never forget’

If you are interested in Biology and would like a chance to get your wellies on and experience the Dorset wildlife up close take a look at our A Level Biology course.

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On Friday 14 October, South Downs College hosted the Pink Portsmouth Girls School Festival. Nine local schools participated, bringing 128 year seven and eight girls to take part in five football skills workshops delivered by Pompey in the Community, as part of FA Girls’ Football Week 2016.

Girls’ Football Week encourages participation from universities, colleges, schools, community groups, clubs and other organisations across England to host events to drive female participation in football.

Supported by students from South Downs College, the Girls Football Festival not only provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in the delivery and planning of events, but it also brings a new generation of future students to the College.

 Emma James, Milton Cross School said:
‘The event is very well organised and we would certainly like to see more events like this throughout the year’

Positive feedback from the afternoon and collaboration with Pompey in the Community has meant that future tournaments could be planned for 2017.

 Becky Griffin, Warblington School
‘It is great to see students mix with others schools to learn new skills, and it shows that there are other clubs that they can get involved with outside of their own School and they learn new skills’

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Students Elizabeth Davis and Latasha Salvage, currently studying BTEC Dance at South Downs College have been invited to perform at Disney World Florida next year through their involvement with Portsmouth based Distraction Dance Company.

Distraction Dance Company, are 10 women aged 16-26 years old who practice together on a weekly basis. The troupe are all teachers or training to be dancers and have performed in London’s West End and at several high profile fundraising events.

Earlier this year Distraction Dance Company submitted a video of their performance and were invited to audition for the opportunity to perform in Disney World Florida. From the audition, the group have been given the opportunity to perform two separate shows in August 2017. The show will be choreographed by the Creative Director, Amber Leigh Mitchell and will be performed solely by Distraction Dance Company.

Elizabeth Davis, BTEC Level 3 Dance: ‘It’s great to be able to use what I have learnt in my spare time and bring it in to college, equally I value the skills I’ve learnt from my course that I find myself using when I perform with Distraction Dance Company’

Performing with Distraction Dance Company has provided South Downs College students with the opportunity to put the skills they have learned into practise, developing their involvement in the community and gaining industry links.

Latasha Salvage, BTEC Level 3 Dance: ‘I’m so excited to get to perform at Disney World, I’ve always wanted a career in dance and to have an opportunity like this is a dream come true!’

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South Downs College has opened a new Sensory Room designed to help students who suffer from high levels of anxiety, stress or are on the autistic spectrum find calm in the college environment.

Enabling students take time out when they need to, this quiet and supportive space has been resourced with sensory mood lighting, creative equipment, tactile items and curtains that can divide the room into separate spaces.

During development of the project, South Downs College signed up to the The Ambitious about Autism Charter. Guidance from the Charter has been helpful in the development of the Sensory Room, but it has also enabled the College to demonstrate social inclusion and awareness of the needs of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Kevin Filby, Deputy Director of Service Development at Ambitious about Autism, said;

‘Education is the key to transforming the lives of children and young people with autism and it is very satisfying to see mainstream colleges making their facilities more accessible to young people with autism. However, this shouldn’t solely be the responsibility of the supported or assisted learning departments but part of every college’s plan so that young people with autism are fully integrated into college life and have all the opportunities available as other students.

 ‘South Downs College should be congratulated for opening their new sensory room –  young people with autism sometimes need extra support to help them with their studies and this facility will them learn, thrive and achieve.’

The room will be fully supervised at all times by the dedicated Additional Learning Support Team to offer students that additional support as needed.

In addition to the Sensory Room, South Downs College have also opened a Breakfast and Lunch Club room. This room will be available to support student’s break and lunch times, allowing for a much more relaxed and quieter environment for those who may find the college refectory areas overwhelming. The room is equipped with some basic facilities to support food and drink preparation and it also has a combination TV/DVD, a whiteboard and a wide range of activities and games.

Darren Darby, ALS Manager said;

‘I am extremely delighted with our new Sensory Room, it is another valuable addition to the extensive student support mechanisms that already exist within the College. This specially designed and well-equipped room will provide a safe, calm and peaceful space for many of our students and it will contribute significantly to their overall health and wellbeing whilst at College.’

Hear our staff and students talk about how the Sensory Room improves the life of students:

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The Governing Body of South Downs College has opened consultation on the proposed name of the new College when the likely merger with Havant Sixth Form College takes place on 1 August 2017. The plans are still subject to some formal legal work, including the outcomes of due diligence and statutory consultation on the dissolution of Havant Sixth Form College.

The two Colleges regard this merger as a partnership of equals and have been considering the name of the new merged College. It is proposed that the new name, with effect from 1 August 2017, is ‘Havant & South Downs College’ (HSDC). As South Downs College will remain in place, the South Downs Governing Body has to take the necessary action to effect a name change which must be approved by the Secretary of State for Education. Before it can seek that approval, the College must ensure that it complies with the necessary regulations, including consulting with other educational institutions in the locality, other stakeholders and agencies and with the emergency services to ensure that the proposed new title is not in any way confusing or misleading. That consultation process has now been launched and will continue until 27 January 2017.

We would love to hear your views on the proposed change of name of South Downs College to Havant & South Downs College, which is likely to be abbreviated to HSDC, and, subject to the merger, would be effective from 1 August 2017.  Please send them to Pam Robertson, the Clerk to the Corporation at South Downs College by 4.00pm on 27 January 2017. You can either do that by emailing her directly via this email address: probertson@southdowns.ac.uk or write to her as follows:

Pam Robertson
Clerk to the Corporation
South Downs College
College Road
Waterlooville
Hampshire, PO7 8AA

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Jonny Smith, 1st year Craft Catering student at South Downs College has beaten the competition from seven of his peers to win the local district finals of the Rotary Young Chef Competition.

Impressed by Jonny’s three course menu of: tempura prawns with curried rice, pan fried sea bass with creamy mash potatoes and vanilla and yoghurt panna cotta with poached fruits, he now goes on to compete in the overall District final on the 4 March 2017, hosted by South Downs College.

Held every year, the Rotary Young Chef Competition is a well established and successful competition organised and promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain, to encourage young people to develop food presentation skills, their organisational and planning skills and the ability to work under pressure.

The four stage national competition aims to support and encourage development of cookery skills. Some stages may have more than one round.

The competition is open to all students in full time education between ages 11 and 17.

Find out more about the Catering courses offered at South Downs College.

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Alan Knight MBE was welcomed at South Downs College on 10 January 2017 by four Level 3 Extended Diploma Business students to talk at an event they organised as part of their their course

160 students turned out to hear Alan Knight MBE talk about what it is like to work in the football industry from a business perspective. He spoke about the Pompey brand, managing finances at a football club, players being treated like a commodity and the role of social media in the players lives.

Alan Knight MBE said:
‘I thought they would be bored by me talking but the students asked some good questions and seemed really interested’

The event was promoted across College, using a range of techniques, giving the students involved real life experience of coordinating and managing all aspects putting on an event.

Dom Thompson, Business Lecturer said:
‘The students organised the whole thing by themselves and to have a packed out performance theatre is a credit to their marketing skills’

This event was organised as part of the Level 3 Business Extended Diploma in conjuction with Evolve, the student enterprise society. For more information about Evolve, please email: enterprise@southdowns.ac.uk

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Twelve cadets and three Officers from South Downs College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) were proud to accept a Youth United, Social Action Award on Tuesday the 31 January at an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, celebrating the social action undertaken by new branches of uniformed youth groups.

The CCF at South Downs College has had a successful beginning in its aim of giving back something to the community since it was launched in 2015 and was proud to be one of three organisations mentioned by name in the opening address, highlighting our achievements.

QCSM Alex Blockly said:
‘I felt honoured to be given the opportunity the visit Buckingham Palace and meet the Prince of Wales. Even though the CCF at the College has been running for only two years, we have completed so many activities and it great news that we have been recognised for our fundraising and community projects.’

After the awards were presented by the Minister for Civil Society, Mr Rob Wilson, there was an address by The Prince of Wales congratulating everyone on their achievements and highlighting how essential the adult volunteers who turn out every week, to undertake the work being celebrated are.

Second Lieutenant Kirsty Taylor, Company Quartermaster Sergeant Alex Blockly, and Corporal Eleanor Currie, South Downs College elected representatives, had the opportunity to speak to the Prince of Wales about future plans for helping the Cadets into careers they value.

Second Lieutenant Andrew Northover, Contingent Commander said:
‘It was a fantastic day and our Cadets were the perfect ambassadors for South Downs College, the Sport and Public Service department, and the Combined Cadet Force.’

The CCF Cadets at South Downs College are looking forward taking part in more fundraising events this year such as a 32 mile hike in Dartmoor and a 10 mile kayak around Hayling Island.

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A pop up cookery school event took place in the Training Kitchen on 15 February at South Downs College, giving staff the opportunity to learn some new skills from Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business students who also organised the event as part of their course.

The aim of the event, called Culture Club was to give participants an insight into different ethnic backgrounds and traditions. The Trainee Chefs that included the Principal, lecturers and support staff were taught how to cook a three course meal including tiropita, samosas, chicken curry, gulab jamun and baklava that covered three different styles.

The organisers, Sarah Kettlewell, Shazna Begum, Fatima Khatun and Artemis Proddow are also part of Evolve, the student-led enterprise society for any student wanting to explore their ideas and develop an entrepreneurial mind-set. Events such as Culture Club are essential in giving students real life experience.

Claire Andrews, Lecturer said:

‘What a fun way to spend a lunch hour – learning how to cook a curry from some students who really knew how to do it well.  I’ve taken a few good secrets back to my own kitchen.  An interesting combination of dishes from India, Bangladesh and Greece made a great lunch!’

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Dance Students from South Downs College took part in the Rock Challenge Heats at Portsmouth Guildhall on Monday 27 February, bringing home the third place prize.

The Rock Challenge aims to create a positive and supportive environment to communicate health and social education messages through performance. Students rehearsed every week for 5 months to tell the true story of a mother and son who lost each other for 28 years, until the Berlin wall was destroyed in 1989.

Lauren Jackson, BTEC Performing Arts (Dance) Extended Diploma said:

‘It was a great experience, something to take onwards onto my future dance career. I felt that it was a great opportunity and I felt very proud of myself and my teammates for producing such an amazing and emotional piece.’

Participation in the Rock Challenge has given South Downs College the opportunity to showcase the dance department to potential school leavers and gives students the chance to learn something new, gain real life experience, support each other and feel proud about being part of the dance department at South Downs college.

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On 4 March South Downs College Restaurant hosted the District Finals of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year competition. 18 competitors from all over the South (including two from the Channel Islands) took part.

The Chefs prepared a cold buffet to be tasted by judges from three prestigious local hotels. Paul Watts, Executive Head Chef of Meon Marriott Hotel, Clive Wright Manager/Head Chef of Lysses Hotel in Fareham and James Parsons, Head Chef from The Langstone Hotel.

Jonny Smith, Craft Catering Level 1 said:

‘It was a fantastic day. All the other competitors were so professional and the food they produced was top notch. I’m glad to say that I am now in the regional finals at Shaftsbury on the 1 April.’

The competition run by The Rotary Club gives young budding chefs the chance to show off their creative flair to industry professionals while developing their skills.

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Alan Mak (MP) presented the Havant and South Downs Colleges Apprentice of the Year Award to Rosie Lunn from The Emsworth Surgery. Rosie was nominated by her employer because of the dedication and commitment she has displayed during her Level 3 Business Administration course at South Downs College. Despite having some health issues throughout her apprenticeship, Rosie has been the model apprentice resulting in her securing a full time job at the Emsworth Surgery since completing her studies.

Her work based Mentor, Helen Dodds, said she was “over the moon” for Rosie and that this was a “well deserved” award for someone so diligent in their work. She added that Rosie was a “great advocate for the Apprenticeship Programme run by South Downs College”.

On presenting the award, Alan Mak (MP) congratulated Rosie for winning commenting that this is due to the “hard work, dedication and commitment that she has shown to the local residents” and added that she was “an example to all apprentices”. The MP went on to say that, “Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to gain skills and enter the world of work. Havant and South Downs Colleges, are a fantastic local provider of a whole range of different apprenticeships”.

This topped off a great week for Rosie who also attended the West Sussex Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday 7 March at Chichester Cathedral.  She said she was “so pleased to be awarded the prize” adding she had “thoroughly enjoyed her apprenticeship”.

South Downs College’s Director of Business, Growth and Innovation, Aaron Butson, said “this demonstrates the worth of apprenticeships for young people and also the value that it offers to businesses.”

The Surgery’s manager, Kate Hope, who wrote the citation for Rosie’s entry in the competition, echoed these thoughts and said she “definitely recommends the apprenticeship programme to other employers”. Rosie, who up against 20 other entries to win the Apprentice of the Year, stated it was a “complete surprise to have won”. As part of the award, Kate will also receive a guided tour of Westminster.

If you would like to find out more about the Apprenticeships we have available please visit our Apprenticeships page. 

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Students from South Downs College Extended Diploma in Business have organised the first trip to Berlin that the department has seen. The students who are also part of Evolve, the College Enterprise Society planned the trip which took place on 15 March 2017 from start to finish, including booking flights and transport to and from the airport.

Keen to explore the iconic city, the students designed their own tour taking in Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, The Brandenburg Gate, the main Cathedral and even the top of the main Fernsehturm Tower near Alexanderplatz.

13 students and two lecturers walked their way around the city and used public transport to ensure a truly authentic experience.

The aim of the trip was to allow people from the Business Studies department to enjoy a day of culture in a foreign country, with a wide variety of sights and sounds.

Lauren Griffin, Extended Diploma in Business said:  ‘It was an amazing day!’.

If you are interested in joining Evolve Enterprise society please contact Dominic Thompson (DThompson@southdowns.ac.uk) or Alec Dyer (ADyer@southdowns.ac.uk) to find out more. 

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