Art, Design & Visual CultureTaught by industry practitioners, immersed in real work culture, delivering tomorrows creators.

2

I believe that students should follow their hearts. In our department we support and inspire you to become specialists and to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Our students are set to become this country’s next generation of performers, musicians and creatives. We focus in particular, on developing your own personal brand - a key element in selling yourself to employers and clinching jobs that will lead to the top of the creative professions from animation to fashion and film production. Our former students can be found working for the BBC, Sony, JVC, Gucci, Ralph Lauren and many more high profile companies. Before joining the world of work, many of our students progress to Higher study at some of the most prestigious universities in London and the United Kingdom.

You’re incredibly lucky to be living in what is one of the world’s greatest hubs for the creative industries. Not only can your learning be enriched by the city’s vibrant music, art and performance scene, but major industries from media to advertising have established London as the go-to place for the best fresh talent.

From the plunging necklines and high heels of fashion to cutting edge games design, the creative industries are the capital’s second largest sector and contribute around £20 billion to the economy and employ nearly 400 thousand people . We know from previous students and industry trends that you’re almost as likely to work for yourself as you are to be employed by a firm. Employer surveys show that professional education is thought necessary. With around three quarters of the creative workforce obtaining BTEC Level 3 Diplomas or above its essential that you also ensure you have the correct training to enable you to compete in this dynamic talent pool. That’s why we offer our students the ability to combine the practical side of learning with the academic study that underpins it.

As the world of work evolves, we adapt and develop by updating industry equipment, software and skills. We also update our course provision to meet emerging opportunities for

work, such as the digital world. This involves updating to industry-leading software packages like Maya and Logic and sending our staff on training that means we can offer qualifications that are formally accredited by the likes of Apple. We also update our course provision to meet emerging opportunities for work, for example in gaming and animation, to give you the best possible chance in entering the employment market when you have completed your studies either at the College or within Higher Education.

Nobody in this department makes a great distinction between college and work. We proactively generate commissions for our students from external organisations for photography, performances, sculptures, logo and website design. Whilst some of this work may be done for a fee, we’re more interested in helping students to create impressive portfolios that can be shared with employers. Unmissable fixtures in the Art and Design calendar are our Creative Showcase at Brent Cross Shopping Centre in January, where our students have a platform to attract the attention of industry insiders as well as potential buyers at a major public exhibition; and our amazing end of year shows held in June.

Next year we will be formally launching our College pop-up shop to opportunistically showcase and market our talents to the widest possible audience; and our fashion students’ work will, once again, be featured on the catwalk at the Clothes Show Live and in Beijing, China.

I hope this introduction gives just a brief glimpse into the vibrant, creative scene on our campuses and what lies beyond for those who invest their time here wisely. My staff and I are motivated as much by the joy of sharing our expertise as we are to learn from our students and their novel ideas. I hope you’ll want to join us.

Valerie Dresden Head of Creative Industries

Welcome to

Art, Design and Visual Culture

3

Creating a personal brand 6

Alumni Spotlight: A dream job in fashion 8

A snapshot of self employment 10

Working with real briefs, in the real world 12

Gaming and animation, a growing industry 14

Experts Spotlight: Art & Design 16

Experts Spotlight: Fashion 18

Encouraging students to aim high 20

Alumni Spotlight: Following a dream to perform 22

Calendar of events 24

Giving you a helping hand 26

Schools Liaison Team 27

The Fun Stuff 28

Get Digital! 29

Parent Power 30

Getting the right advice for your child 31

Our Study Centres 32

Qualifications Unpicked 34

Your journey to enrolment 36

How to find us 38

Disclaimer: The details in this publication were correct at the time of going to press and we aim to provide accurate and relevant information to inform your choices. However, changes to provision since the printing of this prospectus may occur so please check details via the Barnet and Southgate College website: www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk

This publication is one of a series of guides that offers you advice on our courses and possible career paths. Other titles in the series include: A Levels / Automotive Technologies / Business, Accounting & Computing / Culinary Arts & Hospitality / Hair and Beauty Therapy / Health, Education & Social Care / Learning Difficulties & Independent Living / Property & Construction / Foundation Learning / Pathways to Employment (ESOL) / Sports Science & Management

Contents

6

This journey of creating a student’s own personal brand is significant and life-changing as whilst they’re at College they really might find the one creative outlet that goes on to define their future career. Valerie DresdenHead of Creative Industries

7

For any student in our department creating a diverse portfolio of work will be paramount to them as they consider moving on after their College

studies, however Barnet and Southgate College offers much more than just helping you compile your work. We will help you create your own ‘personal brand’. When you join us, sometimes from school or for more mature students after another course or career; you come to us as a blank canvas, it is then our job to help you shape your ‘art’ of choice and hone your skills. Slowly shaping your own style of work and likes and dislikes, we will support you in a safe and creative environment to explore what you excel at and perhaps guide and advise you to follow a direction of the industry that you hadn’t even perhaps considered before.

School is often a much smaller environment, whereas College offers a much wider range of staff expertise and student expertise; both providing a diverse range of creative influences, whether this is in the form of music, textiles, fine art, graphics, sculpture, drama or photography, the breadth of choice and facilities here are truly outstanding. In fact coming to College is a fantastic opportunity for you to develop your own creative expertise which will eventually shape your own brand as you explore what you like and what you’re good at.

Our students not only work on their academic and practical elements of the course but they are exposed to a huge variety of exhibitions and shows, benefiting from the proximity to London; one of the World’s creative hubs, our students also visit Paris, Berlin, Seville and Venice to name but a few destinations to visit international trade shows and exhibitions searching for inspiration for their projects which will form part of their final portfolio, nowadays in an electronic format rather than the huge folders of the past, so students have all sorts of multimedia content in their portfolio to reflect their multiple skills.

Work experience and ‘live briefs’ are also integral to all of our courses, so students get a chance to use what they’re learning in the classroom in a real life workplace scenario; whether that’s pitching for a design brief or a photographic shoot or playing a live music set at a public venue.

This journey of creating a student’s own personal brand is significant and life-changing as whilst they’re at College they really might find the one creative outlet that goes on to define their future career. A brand that might take them onto high profile places in the future, our students are lucky to be exposed to so many vocational experts in all of the creative industries areas that they might be on a foundation fashion degree course but they will have exposure to everything from photography, music, art and design – and vice versa. Everyone shares the facilities and their ideas.

From College our students progress on to universities, apprenticeships, employment, internships and even becoming self-employed in whichever field they’ve chosen. Being a creative student here is about trying lots of different artistic mediums and you need a lot of support and guidance while you do this, the College provides that in a safe environment, so you get to try things out and receive practical feedback.

The end of year final exhibition at College is where you actually unveil your personal brand whether that’s through a clothing collection, paintings, sculpture, photography or music. It’s your chance to say – this is me – this is my personal brand – this is my work. I believe this individual development at College is as important as the final qualification.

Related CoursesCreative Drawing – All levels @barnetsouthgate

2 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. An introductory course for those who have an interest in drawing. #art #bsc

Interior Design – All Levels @barnetsouthgate

2 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. A practical course introducing aspects of Interior Design from fabrics and colour to room layout, creating lighting, space and balance. #design#bsc

Pottery and Ceramics – All Levels @barnetsouthgate

2 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. A programme for mature students who wish to learn about all aspects of pottery, covering the processes of hand built and wheel-thrown pottery. #art#bsc

Sewing Skills – All Levels @barnetsouthgate

2 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. A basic course designed for those who wish to learn and explore sewing techniques. #art#bsc

Jewellery – All Levels @barnetsouthgate

2-3 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. A basic course covering the techniques used in making Jewellery such as sawing, metal shaping and soldering. #art#bsc

Creating a personal brandValerie Dresden, Head of Creative Industries.

8

This course has broadened my artistic ability, allowing me to experiment and learn various techniques, whilst also giving me the opportunity to progress with my education further at London College of Fashion to study Fashion Styling & Production this coming September. Yasemin HakligilBTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies Art and Design

9

I was just finishing my GCSEs and really didn’t want to stay where I was at school, I really wanted to study fashion and or textiles and explore those areas further.

My mum actually pointed the course out to me and as soon as I saw it I knew that’s what I wanted to do! When I went for my first interview to enrol I knew that this was the course for me, Joanna the course leader really inspired me from the get go and the rest is history.

I had the best possible opportunity thanks to the College, not only did I learn a huge amount about fashion and the technicality behind design but I was given the freedom to explore a number of areas in the industry. From this I quickly realised what I wanted to do within the industry and I started working towards my future. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the life lessons and skills I learned from Joanna and the team at Barnet and Southgate College.

I’m 29 now, live in Hampstead and I co-own my own company. I had to work hard to get to this position taking a number of internships at magazines, PR companies and stylists.

I met my business partner at an agency, we worked together for a few years then both moved to another company. We didn’t actually plan to set up on our own but when the opportunity came about we just went for it. We’re a fashion PR company but we also nurture young talent, it’s mostly brand management and development. I originally wanted to be a fashion stylist but after trying to avoid it for many years I eventually gave in and took a job in PR.

I love my job, I love the people I work with and all of our clients, my business partner is my best friend and this is everything to be honest. The job we do really takes over your life so it’s very important to love it and to want to be at work. College really helped me to find the perfect career path and being at College was a huge and positive chapter in my life, it’s where you transition from a child to teenager and I loved it.

Related CoursesFashion & Clothing – Level 3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Wood Street Campus. A practical and vocational course providing a broad technical and creative grounding to develop relevant skills required for working in the fashion industry. #fashion #design #bsc

Spotlight on our Alumni

A dream job in fashionElla Dror is 29 and lives in Hampstead. She co-owns her own fashion company and studied Foundation Degree in Fashion at the College.

10

The facilities available for students in the photography department at the Wood Street Campus are of a very high level. Tomasz WozniakExtended Diploma in Photography

11

I studied for the BTEC National Diploma, which later changed to the Extended Diploma in Photography, I enrolled in 2010 and completed my course in 2012. I came

to Barnet and Southgate College after doing my A Levels in German, Mathematics and IT at Nicholas Breakspear School in St. Albans. Before that I was studying in Poland.

I found the teaching at Barnet and Southgate College of a high quality and my tutors were always very helpful with both inspiration and technical aspects of my practical projects and essays. I’m currently in my first year of the B.A. in Photography at London College of Communication. I applied for the course during my second year of the BTEC but I deferred my application and took a gap year to work as a freelance photographer and get more experience in photography in general by assisting other professional photographers.

My College course and freelance work has really helped prepare me well for my degree and I’d really recommend continuing your education after College to help expand your skills and knowledge of the industry. The College has been extremely influential for me as I had a chance to assist professional

photographers at a number of shoots for the College Marketing department.

This allowed me to gain real life experience of working in the industry and it also helped me to build a network of contacts with professionals that I still work with now on a freelance basis. I’ve since worked with the Marketing department as their official photographer for a number of events, which again gave me a chance to gain experience and get paid for freelance work.

The facilities available for students in the photography department at the Wood Street Campus are of a very high level, both studio space and the darkrooms are always in very good condition and ready to use. I also know that students can use facilities normally provided for different courses if they need to such as the woodwork workshops. All staff are friendly and always happy to do their best to provide the best support and give students any additional help they may need. It really has set me up in my career in photography and I think being a Barnet and Southgate College student has had a massive impact on where I am today.

Related CoursesPhotography Diploma – Level 3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Wood Street Campus. A course covering the knowledge needed to work within the photography environment such as darkroom practice, studio or location photography and Photoshop publishing. #photography #bsc #artanddesign

Digital Photography – Introductory @barnetsouthgate

2 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. An introductory course to improve photography skills and understanding of Digital cameras. #photography #bsc #artanddesign

Digital Photography – Advanced @barnetsouthgate

2 hours a week over 10 weeks. Wood Street Campus. A course for those with a basic understanding of a digital SLR, covering manual control, studio lighting, visual composition and enhancing images on Photoshop. #photography #bsc #artanddesign

Creative Media Production – Level 2/3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Wood Street Campus. A broad programme enabling students to develop core skills in video and media production, creative media audiences and products. #creative #bsc #artanddesign

A snapshot of self-employmentTomasz Wozniak, is 22 and lives in Camberwell. He is now studying at London College of Communication but is also a self-employed photographer.

12

I’ve enjoyed taking part in the live briefs. One of these was for the re-design of the College’s branding and logo. Luiza MadjarovFoundation Degree Graphic and Multimedia Design, 2nd year

13

It’s important to show the relevance of what students are learning and what it means in the world of work. It also keeps our curriculum fresh, so we’re not churning

out the same course content year after year. The employability of students after the course is paramount, so the more experience they get working in this way the better it is for them when applying for university courses or applying for a job in the industry.

We’ve had a number of live briefs recently, some have been working with Saatchi and Saatchi; where some of our students are currently working on work experience at their head office in London. We’ve also had College filming, logo, branding and photography briefs and we also work closely with Brent Cross Shopping Centre. Live briefs such as this are very important as it is real life work experience. A group of students recently pitched for some business at Brent Cross. To the Managing Director, alongside external agencies and they won the pitch! They had to produce a professional business plan with a budget and they had to look at it as a real job, which it was and the students are now working on this as part of their course. They had to draft a presentation, present, pitch and come up with all the creative ideas to a daunting panel from Brent Cross, the brief was to design an area in the shopping centre. The students loved the whole process and applying themselves in this way is much more motivating and inspiring, especially as they are shaping ideas at College for a career in the creative industry. This is what they could be doing as a job in the future and it’s important that they understand and experience what that could be like. Whether that’s singing or playing live to a public audience at an event, responding to a design brief, putting on a catwalk fashion show, filming a corporate video or photographing at an event.

Luiza Madjarov is 20 years old and is the creator of the new Barnet and Southgate College logo.

I live in Barnet and started my course at the College in 2013. There are a few colleges

around me, but a lot of people recommended Barnet and Southgate College to me so it seemed like the best choice at the time. I’m really glad I did choose to go here. The teaching has been great and in particular I’ve enjoyed taking part in the live briefs. One of these was for the re-design of the College’s branding and logo.

Our tutor presented the brief to the whole class and it was a genuine professional brief from the College’s Marketing department, which we had to respond to as any other external design agency would. I entered my idea into a College logo competition and I couldn’t believe it when my idea actually won! My idea was based around the emergence of a butterfly; you come to college as a caterpillar and college is your cocoon, after your course you emerge as a butterfly. I can’t believe my actual design is now in use and even being used in this brochure. One of the most exciting things has been working with the external design agency on bringing my ideas to life and learning how they work and how the whole design process works.

The course in general has been great and I’ve really enjoyed the work and my style has really developed since I’ve been here, it’s quite limiting at school but here I’ve been pushed in all sorts of creative directions where I discovered what I want to do in the future. After my course I hope to carry on at University on a design based degree or graphic design degree and in five years’ time I hope to be working as a designer based in London.

Real skills for the real worldThe importance of live briefs is essential for our students as it brings to life the theory that we are discussing in the classroom.

14

Being at College really has been the best time of my life so far and I’ll be really sad to leave at the end of my course. Jamie NotarantonioAnimation and Game Design Diploma, Level 3

15

The games industry in the UK has grown from a bright group of enthusiasts into a major industry, in which the UK leads the world.

Developing (games creation) and publishing (marketing the games) were together a £55 billion business in 2013 according to Gartner, and one of the few businesses that is growing rapidly (In 2012, it was “only” worth £47 billion).

This means that some games companies have changed too: some are now large businesses, employing not just designers, artists, animators, programmers and testers—but also a range of market researchers, marketers, lawyers, salespeople and accountants too.

So whatever you’re good at, there’s a job in the games industry that you can aim for. The bad news is that you have to be very good, and very dedicated, to get it. Knowing a lot about games, or being good at playing them, is only a small part of what employers are looking for.

Every game is a huge risk for a publisher, or for a studio that has a development contract with a publisher: years of work and millions of pounds can be poured into just one title, so they need to employ people with the highest professional standards and attention to detail. It’s not unusual to see people with PhDs working as programmers, for example, because the best games are always stretching what is technically possible.

If you are interested in the development process, there are many types of job. Designers are responsible for the look of a game, and how it plays. Artists create the visual concept in minute detail. Animators create convincing three-dimensional virtual worlds. Programmers may be behind-the-scenes geniuses: they use advanced techniques like artificial intelligence so that the game is unpredictable and lifelike, or write code that means millions of people can play the same game at the same time.

Enthusiasm and passion are expected. On their own, they’re not going to get you into the industry. Recruiters look for two other things: the first is talent, backed up with

strong technical skills. Programming and 3D animation, for example, are highly technical subjects. You’re going to need thorough training, through a university level qualification, to get to the front of the competition.

The second is the drive to show your initiative and creativity. For example, as a designer or artist, your ability to copy existing games is NOT what’s going to set you aside. Employers look for the imagination to create games that we might be playing five years from now. Recruiters will be impressed by a wealth of original work that you have gone out and done for yourself.

One classic way to gain experience is to work as a games tester. You may have seen advertisements that claim that you will be “paid for playing games”. It’s not entirely true, testers tend to work their way through a small section of the game methodically, finding bugs and suggesting improvements. You could well be asked to play the same level many times, trying something slightly different each time. Some testing jobs can also ask for a second language to help create versions for the international market: if you are fluent in another language, you may find this helps in finding you your dream job.

When all your hard work and dedication pays off and you find your creative job in gaming, you could be looking at starting on £25,000 per year or more. You’ll work with interesting and highly creative people.

Lucy Orr used to work as an animator and now writes about the industry for a living. She acknowledges that it’s hard work, with early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends, but as Lucy says, “You feel part of a very special team, and being ‘in the moment’ on a project, working to a deadline when nothing else matters, is an intense, awesome feeling.”

Jamie Notarantonio is studying Gaming Design I’m studying for the BTEC Animation and Games Design Diploma, Level 3, which features computer animation and web design. It’s a brilliant course and I’m so passionate

about my course that it’s actually really fun. My tutors are all great and they really help and inspire me. They really strive to get the best out of you.

As well as my coursework I’m also working on an idea in College for a new video game which is a train simulator 3D game, it’s going to be great. Once I’ve finished my BTEC at College I’d like to go to Southbank University to continue to study in the field, once I’ve graduated I’d like to become an Art Director for video games. College is really helping me prepare for my future career as it has all the best facilities and the PC’s are great and are so up to date with all the latest software.

I also work on ‘Digidesk’ at the Wood Street Campus which is a help desk for students and staff if they have any IT queries in the College library – it’s been great experience for me as it’s helped improve my people skills and learn more about IT technologies. Being at College really has been the best time of my life so far and I’ll be really sad to leave at the end of my course.

Related CoursesAnimation and Games Design Diploma - Level 3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Wood Street Campus. A course designed to develop sketching and drawing techniques as well as the skills needed to produce 2D & 3D animations, computer generated imagery & visual effects, motion graphics, computer games and websites. #gaming #animation #bsc

Graphic Design - Level 3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Wood Street Campus. A programme for those interested in a career in Graphic design, covering illustration, editorial and corporate design, typography, advertising. #graphic #design #bsc

Hard work, long hours and level completedGaming and animation, a growing industry.

16

I’ve been working in the art and design industry for around twenty years and it all started at university for me. The degree I studied for was varied in content, it had

everything from developing creative skills in the theory of design studies, graphic design, product design, print making, photography and project management which was partly working in teams on live briefs.

One school of thought which influenced me profoundly whilst studying at university was the German Bauhaus art movement and the skills they used in the process of developing ideas in a commercial context. We had some excellent tutors at university and they all had a profound influence on the way I think and work today. It also makes me very aware of the impact that we have as tutors on our current students as I’ve been teaching at Barnet and Southgate College for the last thirteen years.

In addition to this I also work freelance as a ‘creative’ generating ideas and concepts to an existing business or a start-up. In the past I’ve also worked in marketing and advertising agencies and also established a design department for the RedBox agency with clients including HP, British Knights, Carson Hair products and local Government. My latest project is the redesign of the artist agency pvuk.com, which is an exciting creative showcase of artists, exploiting video content, a shop and availability using a commissioning diary. All of these experiences provide great feedback for students when I teach them.

I teach three days a weeks and when I’m not working on a freelance project I carry out research and development to develop my own portfolio and skills base.

I really enjoy working in further education and teaching the students at College. I enjoy seeing people turn their lives around – merging the skills of the team I work with at College into one person and seeing them progress with a knowledge and experience that can be life changing. This is personally very rewarding and I enjoy keeping in professional contact with some former students via the College alumni network and social media to see what they’re doing now.

My industry experience really benefits the students, as does giving them a live brief to work on, as they learn exactly what it’s like to be involved in a real project, working responsibly and using their initiative. Most importantly they learn how to conduct themselves in the appropriate manner which is suitable to a working environment. They then begin connecting the class room with the real world; learning a wide range of new skills. In essence it’s about ideas and how one can implement them across all forms of communication which might be down to having to make something. In addition to this I also teach students computer applications, gaming and multi-media. I also provide students with vital work experience via live briefs and we’re currently working on a number of collaborative projects, such e-books, web design, online video virals, identity and traditional methods of design for print.

Spotlight on our Experts

Not just teachers, but industry expertsChristopher Hunt is a Lecturer & Personal Tutor in Art and Design.

17

My industry experience really benefits the students, as does giving them a live brief to work on. Christopher HuntLecturer & Personal Tutor in Art and Design

18

Within my teaching role I’m able to draw on my work in the industry to illustrate the context of each assignment task Gill BaksiFashion Lecturer

19

BackgroundI completed a one year foundation degree in Art and Design followed by a B.A. Hons degree in Fashion and Textiles at Birmingham City University. I was offered an initial 2 week placement in the summer at Jean Muir Ltd during my second year, but I ended up staying longer and was finally offered a job there. I decided to complete my degree but started my first job as a junior pattern cutter and general sample room assistant with Jean Muir as soon as I finished. I’d always been keen to develop my pattern making and construction skills, so this was the perfect place to learn. For the next 11 years I went onto work full time at different companies at various levels and across different product areas, until I decided to try working freelance combining this with teaching part-time. I’ve been teaching on the fashion courses at Barnet and Southgate College since 1986.

TeachingWithin my teaching role I’m able to draw on my work in the industry to illustrate the context of each assignment task. On the Fashion courses, we’ve always worked in line with Industry practice and given emphasis to both the professional and job specific skills needed to succeed. On a weekly basis, I can share information with the students on the ups and downs of the season, discuss how local and global issues might be affecting trade and show them just what might be expected of them at every stage of the season and the design process. We aim to prepare our students for the tough realities of working in this serious, exacting industry but also to show what a rewarding and interesting career path it can be.

Freelance workMy current freelance position with John Lewis is probably the most fulfilling design job I’ve ever had. I’ve been responsible for the design and development across all ranges of John Lewis’ Sleepwear and Loungewear for the last six seasons. My role also involves designing the majority of the woven/jersey prints, woven checks and knitted stripes. I particularly enjoy working with the buyers to plan and develop the ranges and being based in the design studio, which is a hard working, creative and fun environment. But it’s the weekly sales figures that give me the most satisfaction – there’s nothing better than the pleasure of seeing customers buying the products, which you’ve helped to create, especially when they’re good!

What advice would you give someone starting out in the fashion industry? Always do everything as well as you possibly can, learn at every stage of the process, make yourself an expert, look at what is going on around you, talk to people and make friends. You have to be prepared to work hard. Fortunately I’ve never been out of work for more than a couple of weeks and have been employed in the industry for nearly 38 years now! It has been hard work most of the time but I love it and cannot imagine ever doing anything else. The pressure is relentless but every 6-month season is a reinvention and...off you go again! The single most important piece of advice I can give someone for making it in the fashion industry is to never let anyone down and never, ever give up.

Spotlight on our Experts

Not just teachers, but industry expertsGill Baksi is a part-time Fashion Lecturer at the College and Freelance Womenswear Designer and Illustrator.

20

Isabella Thackara is aiming to go to Chelsea School of Art or Goldsmiths I’m getting a lot of work done at Barnet and Southgate College and the facilities at Wood Street are great – really modern and there’s everything that you need. I love my course and all of the staff and tutors are very good, they’re so supportive and help you explore using a lot of materials, which is great for the course as you can try out so many mediums.

My aim is to stay in London after my course, ideally I’d like to get into Chelsea or Goldsmiths. London is the hub of everything creative. I really want to go to university and study Fine Art working in 2D and sculpture. The facilities and campus at Wood Street are so good and there’s so much to work with here, the options are endless! You can try everything from resin casting, screen printing, woodwork, metalwork, painting, acrylics, photography and sculpture. The College really supports you with all your work and what you should be doing later in life. My tutors have been so nice helping me and giving me really good advice about what I should be doing in the future which really helped me choose fine art.

I came to College from a school in Bedford to be closer to London, moving here was the best decision I’ve ever made, yes it was a bit of a change coming to College and I thought it was going to be a bit of a shock but it’s great and so friendly. I came from an all girls’ school and wasn’t actually expecting it to be so easy to settle in, I really didn’t expect people to be so nice and I love it here.

Jake Chancellor is aiming for a career in Advertising or Graphic Design

My course so far has been really good, I really enjoy it. It has been really good learning lots of new techniques and screen printing is one of my favourite things to do so far. I also love using Photoshop on the Apple Macs in the Apple Mac studio here. The facilities are fantastic and you have everything you need that’s current in the industry.

Eventually I’d like to get into a career in advertising or graphic design, working for a company like Saatchi and Saatchi in London or for Vault 49 in New York.

I’ve just finished a part-time job at Saatchi and Saatchi, it was a placement arranged via College where for the last four weeks I’ve been working for them in the London office working on different projects and working on their briefs learning how they work. It has been great experience.

The College is really good I feel really safe here and the teachers are great and the students are really nice - it’s really good. I live at home with my family, my parents are both graphic designers as well so maybe that’s where I get my artistic streak from. Ultimately College really equips me for what I want to do in the future and that’s what it’s all about.

Related CoursesArt & Design Foundation Diploma – Level 3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1 year. Wood Street Campus. A broad based programme covering a range of 2D, 3D & Design subjects leading to a specialism in Graphics, Fashion, Fine Art or another Design Field. #art #design #bsc

Art & Design – Level 1/2/3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Wood Street Campus. A broad based programme which enables you to experience a range of core and specialist skills including 2D & 3D studies and Art & Design History, fashion and graphics. #art #design #bsc

Encouraging students to aim highWhere to go next? There are plenty of exciting choices.

21

I came to College from a school in Bedford to be closer to London, moving here was the best decision I’ve ever made Isabella ThackaraBTEC Extended Diploma Art and Design, Level 3

22

The College course and facilities were great, we even had a professional recording studio on campus. Modupé ObasolaBTEC National Diploma in Music Technology and Performance

23

Spotlight on our Alumni

Following a dream to performModupé Obasola is a professional singer-songwriter and studied Music Technology and Performance at Wood Street Campus

My dream was always to become a singer-songwriter, which I now am and I even went onto perform for the live shows of ITV 1’s ‘Britain’s

Got Talent’ series.

I was on the BTEC National Diploma course in Music Technology and Performance at the Wood Street Campus in 2011. I fairly recently came off ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and I’ve got new management, I’m in the studio at the moment, working on new tracks, hopefully we’ll have something released later this year.

I think coming to Barnet and Southgate College really set me up for the music industry as I was given a lot of opportunities to get out there and perform live. This experience really helped me explore music and living in London is great as it’s the hub of the music industry. I love performing and even played a small set at the College Student Achievement Awards but I’m always gigging in London.

The College course and facilities were great, we even had a professional recording studio on campus so I was always in there mixing new tracks and working on music. The tutors were great and always so supportive, they really encourage you and push you to do well and to strive for what you want to do. A vocational course really suited me and I think if you want to study anything like music or drama you really need to study something that you can then use to apply to your career in the future.

My advice to anyone wanting to study music or any creative art is to follow your dream and stick to what you want to do and it will eventually pay off. In the future I’d love to release an album which does well and one day I’d love to perform at the Brit Awards or even win a Brit Award!

Related CoursesPerforming Arts – Level 2/3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Southgate Campus. A broad programme covering acting and audition techniques, movement skills and voice projection. As well as script writing, TV, film and theatre performance. #bsc #drama #art

Music – Level 2/3 @barnetsouthgate

15 hours a week over 1-2 years. Southgate Campus. A course for those interested in the music industry exploring ensemble and performance techniques, Midi sequencing software & Composing and Studio Recording & Production. #bsc #music #art

24

25

Calendar of eventsNobody in this department makes a great distinction between college and work, therefore trips to international exhibitions, exhibiting students work and attending many other commercial events are a crucial part of studying at the College. Here is just a snapshot of some of the events that you would get a chance to attend if you choose to study Creative Industries here at Barnet and Southgate College.

Month Event Curriculum

November Skills London, Hair and Beauty skills stand Hair & Beauty

December Clothes Show Live, Birmingham NEC Fashion

December Barnet Christmas Fair – Art show in Tudor Hall Art & Design

February Brent Cross Shopping Centre Creative show Art & Design, Hair & Beauty

February Apprenticeships Hair Show Hair & Beauty

February Berlin Field Trip Art & Design, Graphics and Media

March Creative Conscience Awards Art & Design

April Art Monaco, Monte Carlo – Artwork Exhibited Art & Design

April Alternative Fashion Week, Spitalfields Market Fashion

May Barcelona Field Trip Fashion

May Paris Field Trip Fashion

May End of Year Fashion Show Fashion

June/July Creative Industries End of Year show Art & Design and Media

July Beauty Awards Ceremony, Internal Hair & Beauty

July Student Orientation Days Art & Design, Hair & Beauty

We can give you a helping handWorried about something? In need of career advice? We can help.

ASSIG

NMENTS

AND

COURSEWORK

SUPP

ORT WITH

PERS

ONAL

STATEM

ENTS

FOR U

NIVERS

ITY

AND A O

PPOR

TUNITY

TO WIN

PRIZE

S FOR

THE B

EST ON

ES

REED

NCFE

EMPLO

YMEN

T ZON

E

GRAN

TS

BURSA

RIES

EQ

UIPMEN

T

AND KIT

S

HELP WITH

BOOK

COSTS

HELP

WITH TH

E

COST

OF TR

AVEL

FLEX E

D FLEXIB

LE

PAYMEN

T PLAN

HE MAIN

TENAN

CE

LOANS

HELP WITH

THE COST

OF

CHILD

CARE

24+

ADVA

NCED

LEAR

NING

LOAN B

URSAR

Y24+

ADVA

NCED

LEARN

ING LO

AN

ADDITIONAL L

EARNING SU

PPORT

HE TUITIO

N LOAN

S

SUPP

ORT WITH

APPL

YING TO

UNIVERS

ITY WORK

EXPE

RIENCE

TIME M

ANAG

EMEN

T SUPP

ORT MOTI

VATION

SUPP

ORT

CAREER

S ADVIC

E AND SE

XUAL HEAL

TH ADVIC

E

JOB PLAC

EMEN

TS1:1

TEAC

HING

SESS

IONS

CV AD

VICE

INTERV

IEW

TRAINING

PERS

ONAL & EM

OTIONAL

SUPP

ORT

CYBER

BULLYING AN

D

SEXT

ING WOR

KSHOPS

LANGU

AGE S

UPPO

RT

STUDY

SKILLS

BSL SIG

NERS

FOR HE

ARING

IMPA

IRED

LEARN

ERS

DYSLEX

IA SPE

CIALIS

TS

PHON

ES AS

DICTAP

HONE

S

COUN

SELLIN

G

HELP

WITH ILE

ARN A

ND ON

LINE L

EARN

ING

ZOOM TE

XT OR L

UNAR M

AGNIFI

ERS

CLAROR

EAD RE

ADING

TECHNO

LOGY

DRAGON

VOICE

RECO

GNITIO

N

ALPH

ASMAR

T BOAR

DSHE

LP

WITH

HARDSHIP

TIME M

ANAG

EMEN

T SUPP

ORT

ASSIS

TIVE T

ECHNOLOGY

STUDY

BAR

STUDY BAR

STUDY

BAR

26

We can give you a helping handWorried about something? In need of career advice? We can help.

ASSIG

NMENTS

AND

COURSEWORK

SUPP

ORT WITH

PERS

ONAL

STATEM

ENTS

FOR U

NIVERS

ITY

AND A O

PPOR

TUNITY

TO WIN

PRIZE

S FOR

THE B

EST ON

ES

REED

NCFE

EMPLO

YMEN

T ZON

E

GRAN

TS

BURSA

RIES

EQ

UIPMEN

T

AND KIT

S

HELP WITH

BOOK

COSTS

HELP

WITH TH

E

COST

OF TR

AVEL

FLEX E

D FLEXIB

LE

PAYMEN

T PLAN

HE MAIN

TENAN

CE

LOANS

HELP WITH

THE COST

OF

CHILD

CARE

24+

ADVA

NCED

LEAR

NING

LOAN B

URSAR

Y24+

ADVA

NCED

LEARN

ING LO

AN

ADDITIONAL L

EARNING SU

PPORT

HE TUITIO

N LOAN

S

SUPP

ORT WITH

APPL

YING TO

UNIVERS

ITY WORK

EXPE

RIENCE

TIME M

ANAG

EMEN

T SUPP

ORT MOTI

VATION

SUPP

ORT

CAREER

S ADVIC

E AND SE

XUAL HEAL

TH ADVIC

E

JOB PLAC

EMEN

TS1:1

TEAC

HING

SESS

IONS

CV AD

VICE

INTERV

IEW

TRAINING

PERS

ONAL & EM

OTIONAL

SUPP

ORT

CYBER

BULLYING AN

D

SEXT

ING WOR

KSHOPS

LANGU

AGE S

UPPO

RT

STUDY

SKILLS

BSL SIG

NERS

FOR HE

ARING

IMPA

IRED

LEARN

ERS

DYSLEX

IA SPE

CIALIS

TS

PHON

ES AS

DICTAP

HONE

S

COUN

SELLIN

G

HELP

WITH ILE

ARN A

ND ON

LINE L

EARN

ING

ZOOM TE

XT OR L

UNAR M

AGNIFI

ERS

CLAROR

EAD RE

ADING

TECHNO

LOGY

DRAGON

VOICE

RECO

GNITIO

N

ALPH

ASMAR

T BOAR

DSHE

LP

WITH

HARDSHIP

TIME M

ANAG

EMEN

T SUPP

ORT

ASSIS

TIVE T

ECHNOLOGY

STUDY

BAR

STUDY BAR

STUDY

BAR

Need to know more?

Contact our School Liaison TeamOur experienced School Liaison Officers can visit your school to give support and guidance on the many options available to students when they leave school.

We offer bespoke “have a go” taster sessions that can take place at school or we can coordinate large group visits to our 3 main campuses, where students will get to experience a real college environment and “have a go” at a range of exciting career options, from hairdressing to engineering. Alternatively we can simply attend your careers and options days or visit school assemblies with a targeted presentations to suit your needs.

Meet our School Liaison team• Have a go sessions • Help completing applications

• Your assemblies • Open days

• Options days • Careers day

Dionne WilliamsonCareers Adviser

As the Colleges careers specialist Dionne can help answer all of the difficult and challenging questions students may have, what are my career options, what happens next and what do I do if I don’t get my results?

Dionne.Williamson@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8200 8300

Elizabeth ScottCurriculum Manager for Creative Industries

Elizabeth specialises in our Hairdressing curriculum and can help coordinate school curriculum visits to clarify the many study routes available beyond school.

Elizabeth.Scott@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8200 8300

Sue BakerCurriculum Manager for A LevelsGCSEs and Science

Sue specialises in our academic curriculum and can help coordinate school curriculum visits to clarify the many study routes available beyond school.

Sue.Baker@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8200 8300

James PageEvents Planner & School Liaison Team Coordinator

James is your first port of call to coordinate any School Liaison events and have a go sessions. If you’re not sure of your requirements or think you have a tricky request please contact him and he will be happy to help out. He can also assist with requests for College brochures, marketing and promotional materials.

James.Page@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8200 8300

Nicholas NanikhanCollege Sports Maker

Nicholas is our sports enrichment expert and is responsible for coordinating all our sports activities at College from our basketball, football and netball clubs to insanity aerobics, you can follow all the action and updates from Nicholas @bsc_sport

Nicholas.Nanikhan@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8200 8300

James EdgerleySports Development & Commercial Officer

James coordinates the College’s many sports industry partnerships and can bring to life the career options available within the sports industry as well an insight into our work with employers.

James.Edgerley@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8200 8300

27

Fun Stuff Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people, have fun and be part of College life.

Zumba Southgate Campus Gym Badminton ClubTable Tennis ClubVolleyball TuesdaysJogging ClubFootball ClubNetball ClubBoxing Classes

Basketball ClubInsanity AerobicsTable Tennis

Follow @bsc_sport

DEBATING

CLUBImprove your communication and advocacy skills with our debating club.

ARTBlue Beanz Art Gallery, for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and Arts 89, for mental health students.

Get nominated for an award at our annual black tie do!

WORK

HARD

POOLTABLE

SPORTY? WE’VE GOT A HOST OF THINGS ON OFFER

Each weekGet a chance to win £500Each monthGet a chance to win £100Each yearGet a chance to win an iPad

100%ATTENDANCE

l Cluberobicsnis

CHESS CLUB

Got your popcorn ready?

FILM CLUB

StarbucksA great place to meet for a coffee and a chat between classes.

PLACEMENTSWORKWe work with a large network of local employers and advertise voluntary and paid work experience opportunities to our students. We also offer support to students on work placement and guide them on how to make the most out of work opportunities.

ESOLConversation groupsHave fun and meet people from all over the world while practising your spoken English.

BONJOURPRIVET

Game On!

THE EXPERTSMEET

Meet Industry experts from a host of fields, and get support entering industry competitions

Vouchers and Kobo e-reader to be won.

CLASS TRIPS

Home and abroad

WOMEN’S CLUB

10%SAVINGat The Salon, The Spa and The Restaurant.

A great place to chill and relax, with a new library set up.

10% OFF

HUBIN THE

Why not become a Student Governor or a Student Rep?

LIKE TO BEHEARD?

GAMES CLUB

28

Get Digital!Before you start your course, we will be asking you to complete an online induction specific to your course. Go online and take a look: http://tinyurl.com/qgfzepg

We look forward to welcoming you to the world of online and blended learning.Angela Rideau, E-learning Coordinator.

Access 24/7, whenever, wherever

Download coursematerials andassignments

Contact yourcourse tutors

Communicate withother students

File courseworkand create a portfolio

for potential employersand universities

Learn independently

Submit assignments online

College WiFi

Ask aboutuseful apps for

your subjects

Interactive whiteboards

Track your targets and individual learning plans with Promonitor

Come to College and BYOD

(Bring Your Own Device)

Onlineinduction

eBooks and the latest online journals

PCs

Digital literacy support tutorials, online and onsite

Digital Helpdesk (DigiDesk), support and access to IT and digital learning tools

Be a DigiDeskAdvisor and gainwork experience

Apple iMacs

Moodle online learning environment

E-learning

Fun Stuff Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people, have fun and be part of College life.

Zumba Southgate Campus Gym Badminton ClubTable Tennis ClubVolleyball TuesdaysJogging ClubFootball ClubNetball ClubBoxing Classes

Basketball ClubInsanity AerobicsTable Tennis

Follow @bsc_sport

DEBATING

CLUBImprove your communication and advocacy skills with our debating club.

ARTBlue Beanz Art Gallery, for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and Arts 89, for mental health students.

Get nominated for an award at our annual black tie do!

WORK

HARD

POOLTABLE

SPORTY? WE’VE GOT A HOST OF THINGS ON OFFER

Each weekGet a chance to win £500Each monthGet a chance to win £100Each yearGet a chance to win an iPad

100%ATTENDANCE

l Cluberobicsnis

CHESS CLUB

Got your popcorn ready?

FILM CLUB

StarbucksA great place to meet for a coffee and a chat between classes.

PLACEMENTSWORKWe work with a large network of local employers and advertise voluntary and paid work experience opportunities to our students. We also offer support to students on work placement and guide them on how to make the most out of work opportunities.

ESOLConversation groupsHave fun and meet people from all over the world while practising your spoken English.

BONJOURPRIVET

Game On!

THE EXPERTSMEET

Meet Industry experts from a host of fields, and get support entering industry competitions

Vouchers and Kobo e-reader to be won.

CLASS TRIPS

Home and abroad

WOMEN’S CLUB

10%SAVINGat The Salon, The Spa and The Restaurant.

A great place to chill and relax, with a new library set up.

10% OFF

HUBIN THE

Why not become a Student Governor or a Student Rep?

LIKE TO BEHEARD?

GAMES CLUB

29

Parent PowerFrom September 2013 the education leaving age rose to 17 and from 2015 it will rise again, to 18. However, post 16 education doesn’t just mean staying at school full-time: your child can stay at school, go to college, or take up an apprenticeship or a part-time training course. They can earn money and learn new skills at the same time if they want to.

Our A Level department is the second largest provider in the Barnet and Enfield areas, which provides those who wish to progress onto Higher

Education a clear route. However, for many students academic routes are not the most appropriate option; with an increasing number of vocational and professional education programmes on offer there are now other exciting pathways which lead students to greater success and fulfilment in their working life.

A recent Edge Foundation survey discovered that many young people are being actively discouraged from opting for vocational and professional education - with just a quarter of parents (27%) judging it to be worthwhile*. This is despite evidence that people who choose a practical, hands-on approach to learning are as fulfilled as people who took an academic route.**

Additionally, research from the 2012 First Steps to Wealth Report, illustrates that the lifetime earnings of a graduate are comparable with the lifetime earnings of many former apprentices - for example construction apprentices earn a total of £1,504,000 over their life time compared with £1,612,000 for a graduate,*** dispelling the fear that university degrees lead to much higher life time incomes.

The survey identified that many students (22%) are being advised by parents and schools that they are ‘too clever’ for vocational and professional education. Only half (51%) of parents encouraged their child’s choice to pursue vocational qualifications, compared to three quarters (74%) who were happy to support their child through an academic route.

This highlights a growing problem: you as parents are not getting access to the most up to date career information to allow you to make informed choices about your children’s future. We understand that parents remain the biggest influence on their children’s education (44%), so we need to equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to give sound, informed advice about the options available for you child.

There continues to be a stigma attached to vocational and professional education which is unfounded. This country has a huge challenge ahead in ensuring that our children are equipped with the right skills to ensure a successful workforce of the future, and parents are part of that journey. It is essential that parents understand the future job market and therefore enable and encourage their children to train appropriately so they do not become another number in the endless list of university graduates that cannot secure employment.

Recent independent research commissioned by the Association of Colleges (AoC) found that many parents admit they struggle to give their child the right advise when it comes to the world of work. The Barnet and Southgate College REED NCFE Employment Zone has been developed with this research in mind. At the REED NCFE Employment Zone students are professionally guided to help them find the right job after their course, and they are taught how to think and behave in a work environment. This is done via work placements, interview training, CV writing skills and specialist careers advice as well as sessions run by employers within their subject area. In a recent survey of 1,264 employers conducted by REED, 97% put the workplace ‘mind-set’ element ahead of skills, as something they look for when recruiting. In a further study of 30,000 CVs, REED found that demonstrating a workplace mind-set on a CV “tripled your chances of getting and keeping” the best job.

Barnet and Southgate College recognise parents as a valuable source of information to help us provide you with the detail to make an informed choice about your child’s future education and progress. We want to know what is it you want from us in terms of advice and guidance and how we can help you to better advice your children? With this in mind we have developed various communications channels for you to engage with us.

A parents’ webpage: http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/information-for-parents

a parents’ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BarnetSouthgateParents

and look out for our Parents’ Survey, coming soon!

To encourage you to engage with us we often offer prize draws for survey entrants, these include track days, short culinary arts courses, spa treatments and many more – so it’s worthwhile! Let us know what you want, and what you think.

The Edge Foundation Survey*Research conducted by OnePoll in January 2014, surveyed 2,230 people aged 18-35 in full time employment in the UK.

**Respondents were asked to score on a scale of 1-10 (where 10 = happiest)

***Research sourced from the First Steps to Wealth Report, published in 2012

30

Getting the right advice for your child“It is essential that parents understand the future job market and therefore enable and encourage their children to train appropriately.”

There are five careers advisors at Barnet and Southgate College, two are based at Wood Street, two at Southgate and one at Grahame Park.

Members of our team also work at Edmonton Green, Child’s Hill Library and Burnt Oak Community Centre.

The essence of careers guidance is helping people to make decisions about learning and work, and to manage their career progress. Advisers do this through offering one-to-one help and delivering group workshops. Our aim is to give students a full picture of their options, talk through the pros and cons and help each student to identify the best course for them.

Some common questions students ask are: What are my options for next year, What should I study at university, Can you check my personal statement, Would you have a look at my CV, What jobs can I get after this course and even: I want to earn lots of money but I don’t want to work very hard – what should I do?!

However, a fundamental part of the careers adviser’s code is impartiality. We are not a sales team working on behalf of the College and it’s not our job to sign up your child to College courses. Our role is to explore the full range of appropriate options with them, looking at the advantages and disadvantages and through this to help young people make decisions which are right for them – and that actually might not be to study on a course at Barnet and Southgate College.

We welcome parents to come in and talk to us with their child. In fact, this can be really helpful as parents know their children well and often have useful insight regarding what their children enjoy and are good at.

“I think we offer a number of things at College that schools just do not offer. I think we offer a wider range of opportunities in our mix of academic and vocational courses and consequently the chance to study something

new which is not available in school; a fresh start - a chance to define yourself as you wish, rather than conforming to other people’s established expectations of you; a chance to interact with a broader mix of people and to expand your horizons.

As part of our job we attend a number of external events such as Higher Education Fairs with students, and we also participate in school events. We are also starting to work at Employer Fairs this year so that students can meet employers and find out about jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering and training opportunities.

It’s important for us to connect with students at schools and within college. At the beginning of the academic year, the Learner Services team carry out induction talks with each group of new students. This gives us the opportunity to tell students about our services and how to find us. Class tutors can also sign up for further group talks which gives us the opportunity to reach more students. We cover things like Introduction to Higher Education, Alternatives to HE, Applying to University, Writing a Personal Statement, what to do next after your current course, Preparing for Interviews and Career opportunities in specific fields and Progression.

Sometimes students sign up for a course which really doesn’t suit them which can easily lead to de-motivation and under performance. We can help support them to identify better options and channel their energies into something they are more enthusiastic about. We are here to help them take the next step, whether that’s Higher Education, another further education course, an apprenticeship or employment.

We also help to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to put their career plans into action so that they can get into the courses for the job they want.”

Susan Jackson, Careers Advisor

I love my job. I meet a variety of people at different stages in their lives and with such a wide range of needs and ambitions. There’s always something new to learn and I receive continuous on-going training and this has all sorts of benefits. For example, I recently went to an event at a local university which was focused on nursing and midwifery. Learning about what makes a high calibre applicant for these degrees has really helped me when advising clients and giving mock interviews.

I think employers these days are looking for a work ‘mind-set’ and by that I mean a willingness to turn up on time, focus on the task and apply themselves, a readiness to muck in and do both the humble and the more complex tasks, a willingness to learn and to sometimes put up with the odd mundane task. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I’ve been working at the College for nearly two years and there have been so many good things about this job but two in particular that stand out to me is when a student walks out of your office with a smile on their face because they have a plan and they’re excited about it and secondly when they rush up to you in the corridor to tell you that they’ve been offered a place on the course they wanted or have got the job that they went for, it’s very rewarding indeed.

Parent PowerFrom September 2013 the education leaving age rose to 17 and from 2015 it will rise again, to 18. However, post 16 education doesn’t just mean staying at school full-time: your child can stay at school, go to college, or take up an apprenticeship or a part-time training course. They can earn money and learn new skills at the same time if they want to.

Our A Level department is the second largest provider in the Barnet and Enfield areas, which provides those who wish to progress onto Higher

Education a clear route. However, for many students academic routes are not the most appropriate option; with an increasing number of vocational and professional education programmes on offer there are now other exciting pathways which lead students to greater success and fulfilment in their working life.

A recent Edge Foundation survey discovered that many young people are being actively discouraged from opting for vocational and professional education - with just a quarter of parents (27%) judging it to be worthwhile*. This is despite evidence that people who choose a practical, hands-on approach to learning are as fulfilled as people who took an academic route.**

Additionally, research from the 2012 First Steps to Wealth Report, illustrates that the lifetime earnings of a graduate are comparable with the lifetime earnings of many former apprentices - for example construction apprentices earn a total of £1,504,000 over their life time compared with £1,612,000 for a graduate,*** dispelling the fear that university degrees lead to much higher life time incomes.

The survey identified that many students (22%) are being advised by parents and schools that they are ‘too clever’ for vocational and professional education. Only half (51%) of parents encouraged their child’s choice to pursue vocational qualifications, compared to three quarters (74%) who were happy to support their child through an academic route.

This highlights a growing problem: you as parents are not getting access to the most up to date career information to allow you to make informed choices about your children’s future. We understand that parents remain the biggest influence on their children’s education (44%), so we need to equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to give sound, informed advice about the options available for you child.

There continues to be a stigma attached to vocational and professional education which is unfounded. This country has a huge challenge ahead in ensuring that our children are equipped with the right skills to ensure a successful workforce of the future, and parents are part of that journey. It is essential that parents understand the future job market and therefore enable and encourage their children to train appropriately so they do not become another number in the endless list of university graduates that cannot secure employment.

Recent independent research commissioned by the Association of Colleges (AoC) found that many parents admit they struggle to give their child the right advise when it comes to the world of work. The Barnet and Southgate College REED NCFE Employment Zone has been developed with this research in mind. At the REED NCFE Employment Zone students are professionally guided to help them find the right job after their course, and they are taught how to think and behave in a work environment. This is done via work placements, interview training, CV writing skills and specialist careers advice as well as sessions run by employers within their subject area. In a recent survey of 1,264 employers conducted by REED, 97% put the workplace ‘mind-set’ element ahead of skills, as something they look for when recruiting. In a further study of 30,000 CVs, REED found that demonstrating a workplace mind-set on a CV “tripled your chances of getting and keeping” the best job.

Barnet and Southgate College recognise parents as a valuable source of information to help us provide you with the detail to make an informed choice about your child’s future education and progress. We want to know what is it you want from us in terms of advice and guidance and how we can help you to better advice your children? With this in mind we have developed various communications channels for you to engage with us.

A parents’ webpage: http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/information-for-parents

a parents’ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BarnetSouthgateParents

and look out for our Parents’ Survey, coming soon!

To encourage you to engage with us we often offer prize draws for survey entrants, these include track days, short culinary arts courses, spa treatments and many more – so it’s worthwhile! Let us know what you want, and what you think.

The Edge Foundation Survey*Research conducted by OnePoll in January 2014, surveyed 2,230 people aged 18-35 in full time employment in the UK.

**Respondents were asked to score on a scale of 1-10 (where 10 = happiest)

***Research sourced from the First Steps to Wealth Report, published in 2012

31

32

33

Our Study CentresBarnet and Southgate College features many state-of-the-art facilities, including Mac studios and comfortable, modern relaxation areas.

Qualifications UnpickedA guide to qualifications and levels.

What is a BTEC?BTEC courses...• Give you specialist, practical skills,

knowledge and understanding of a specific job area

• Include lots of theory and written work, but some practical, hands on tasks too

How long does a BTEC last?• Level 1 = 1 year

• Level 2 = 1 year

• Level 3* = 2 years

* In the first year you will study 90 credits in some instances and if successful will progress onto the 2nd year completing an Extended Diploma.

How is a BTEC assessed?• Most BTECs are assessed through

coursework, although, on some subjects there are now some external assessment requirements

Can I study anything else with a BTEC?• Possibly GCSEs in English/Maths or

Functional Skills

• Possibly A Level/s with a BTEC Level 3

What can I do after a BTEC?• Further study (including Higher Education),

training or employment

Who might BTECs be suitable for?• Those who have an idea about their future

career and the subject area they need to study

• Those who are better at coursework than exams

• Those who wish to keep Higher Education as an option (after Level 3)

What are Vocational Courses?Vocational courses...• Give you skills and knowledge in a particular

subject for a specific job/employment job/employment sector

• Are more practical than A Levels or BTECs

• Help you gain a recognised qualification for the industry you wish to work in

What are examples of vocational qualifications?• Diploma, NVQ, IMI, City & Guilds, AAT,

CACHE Diploma

How long does a course last?• 1 year for each level

How is a vocational qualification assessed?• Vocational courses are assessed by a

mixture of coursework and practical and written assessments and external assessments

Can I study anything else with a vocational course?• Possibly Functional Skills or GCSEs

English/Maths

What can I do after a vocational course?• Further study, training or employment

Who might a vocational course be suitable for?• Those who know exactly what job they

wish to go into and want to develop some relevant skills for this

• Those who are fairly practical

• Those who are not particularly interested in Higher Education as an option

What is a Technical Baccalaureate?Technical Baccalaureates... • Are Level 3 vocational programmes which

include 3 important elements:

• A high-quality level 3 vocational qualification - recognised and endorsed by industry

• A level 3 ̀maths’ qualification

• The extended project qualification, which develops and test students’ skills in extended writing, communication, research, and self-discipline and self-motivation

This new vocational pathway provides young people aspiring to a vocational career a first-class alternative to the more traditional A Level route, ensuring they leave college with both high level technical and employability skills needed for successful progression into the workplace.

What are Apprenticeships?Apprenticeships...• Provide on-the-job training where you

undertake work with an employer and are released for a proportion of the time to undertake your studies. Apprentices are paid at least minimum wage

What qualification would I get?• A NVQ Level 2, 3 , 4 or 5

How long does an apprenticeship last?• Depends on you, your employer and the job

area (3 months - 3 years)

How is an apprenticeship assessed?• A mixture of practical and written

assessments which are used to slowly build up a portfolio of work

Will I study anything else with an apprenticeship?• Functional Skills e.g. English, Maths, IT

What can I do after and apprenticeship?• Employment or higher level apprenticeship

Who might an apprenticeship be suitable for?• Those who want to work, earn and study at

the same time

• Those who know exactly what job they wish to go into

• Those who want to develop work-related skills and experience through an employer whilst gaining a qualification

• Those who are fairly practical

What are Traineeships?Traineeships...• Are a pre-apprenticeship option for those who are not quite ready for an apprenticeship. Traineeships provide work preparation training, English and maths support (if required) and a work experience placement with an employer.

BTECHNCCCVOCATIONALA LEVELSATIONAATIONA

34

What are A Levels? A Levels...• Involve study of general academic subjects

at Level 3

How long does an A Level course last?• 2 years: usually study 3 or 4 AS Levels in the

1st year and 3 A2 Levels in 2nd Year.

How are A Levels assessed?• A Levels are assessed mainly by exams, but

can include course work for some subjects.

Can I study anything else whilst I’m studying A Levels?• Possibly GCSE English/Maths or

Functional Skills

• Possibly a BTEC at Level 3 (Subsidiary Diploma)

What can I do after A Levels?• The majority of students progress onto

Higher Education either here at the College, or at university, however further training or employment is also an option

Who might A Levels be suitable for?• Those who want to keep career options open

• Those interested in careers where Higher Education qualifications are required, for which A levels are essential

• Those interested in progressing to Higher Education

• Those who are better at exams than course work

What are Access Courses?Access qualifications are...• Qualifications which prepare students for

study at university

• Qualifications for those who left school without qualifications such as A Levels, or those looking to gain promotion or change careers and require a Higher Education qualification to do so

• For applicants who are 19 years or above

What are Higher National Diplomas?HNDs are...• For those students wanting a practical route

to the workplace

• Work related Higher Education qualifications

• These are highly-valued by employers

What are Foundation Degrees?Foundation Degrees are...• An alternative to university with practical

and industry related elements. They are equivalent to the first 2 years of a degree; and you would complete your final year at university

• Designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that businesses are looking for

• An alternative route into Higher Education

What are Higher Education Certificates?Our Higher Education Certificates are...• Certificates designed to give you the skills

and knowledge required by employers

• Our HE Certificates are run in conjunction with Middlesex University and will enable you to progress into Higher Education with this institution.

What are Professional Programmes?Professional Programmes are...• For those who know the profession they

want to work within and need a certain qualification to do so, or are trying to progress within their job

• For those who would like to change careers and need a qualification to help them do so

What are Teacher Training qualifications?Teacher Training qualifications are...• For students who want to teach in primary,

secondary, further or Higher Education.

Entry Requirements for coursesTo study at Level 1 you will need to have gained:• Good level of literacy and numeracy

• Some GCSEs grades A* E for some courses or an Entry Level qualification

To study at Level 2 you will need to have gained:• A minimum of 2 GCSEs grades at A*- D, or a

Level 1 qualification

These may need to include particular subjects and/or Level 1 literacy/numeracy

To study at Level 3 you will need to have gained:• 5-6 GCSEs grades at A*- C, or a Level 2

qualification

These may need to include particular subjects such as English and Maths, and/or possibly B grades in some subjects

For study at Level 4 or 5:There are no clearly defined entry requirements as many different factors are taken into account, including work experience, life experience and previous study. This will all be discussed with you at your interview.

If you are unsure about what Level you should be studying, our staff will help you at your interview or speak to one of our Customer Service Advisors who will be able to help you in setting up an appointment with our Careers Advisors.

CC HEPPRENTICESHIPEEFOUNDATIONDEGREES

HEHEACCESSEE TRAINEESHIPQualifications UnpickedA guide to qualifications and levels.

What is a BTEC?BTEC courses...• Give you specialist, practical skills,

knowledge and understanding of a specific job area

• Include lots of theory and written work, but some practical, hands on tasks too

How long does a BTEC last?• Level 1 = 1 year

• Level 2 = 1 year

• Level 3* = 2 years

* In the first year you will study 90 credits in some instances and if successful will progress onto the 2nd year completing an Extended Diploma.

How is a BTEC assessed?• Most BTECs are assessed through

coursework, although, on some subjects there are now some external assessment requirements

Can I study anything else with a BTEC?• Possibly GCSEs in English/Maths or

Functional Skills

• Possibly A Level/s with a BTEC Level 3

What can I do after a BTEC?• Further study (including Higher Education),

training or employment

Who might BTECs be suitable for?• Those who have an idea about their future

career and the subject area they need to study

• Those who are better at coursework than exams

• Those who wish to keep Higher Education as an option (after Level 3)

What are Vocational Courses?Vocational courses...• Give you skills and knowledge in a particular

subject for a specific job/employment job/employment sector

• Are more practical than A Levels or BTECs

• Help you gain a recognised qualification for the industry you wish to work in

What are examples of vocational qualifications?• Diploma, NVQ, IMI, City & Guilds, AAT,

CACHE Diploma

How long does a course last?• 1 year for each level

How is a vocational qualification assessed?• Vocational courses are assessed by a

mixture of coursework and practical and written assessments and external assessments

Can I study anything else with a vocational course?• Possibly Functional Skills or GCSEs

English/Maths

What can I do after a vocational course?• Further study, training or employment

Who might a vocational course be suitable for?• Those who know exactly what job they

wish to go into and want to develop some relevant skills for this

• Those who are fairly practical

• Those who are not particularly interested in Higher Education as an option

What is a Technical Baccalaureate?Technical Baccalaureates... • Are Level 3 vocational programmes which

include 3 important elements:

• A high-quality level 3 vocational qualification - recognised and endorsed by industry

• A level 3 ̀maths’ qualification

• The extended project qualification, which develops and test students’ skills in extended writing, communication, research, and self-discipline and self-motivation

This new vocational pathway provides young people aspiring to a vocational career a first-class alternative to the more traditional A Level route, ensuring they leave college with both high level technical and employability skills needed for successful progression into the workplace.

What are Apprenticeships?Apprenticeships...• Provide on-the-job training where you

undertake work with an employer and are released for a proportion of the time to undertake your studies. Apprentices are paid at least minimum wage

What qualification would I get?• A NVQ Level 2, 3 , 4 or 5

How long does an apprenticeship last?• Depends on you, your employer and the job

area (3 months - 3 years)

How is an apprenticeship assessed?• A mixture of practical and written

assessments which are used to slowly build up a portfolio of work

Will I study anything else with an apprenticeship?• Functional Skills e.g. English, Maths, IT

What can I do after and apprenticeship?• Employment or higher level apprenticeship

Who might an apprenticeship be suitable for?• Those who want to work, earn and study at

the same time

• Those who know exactly what job they wish to go into

• Those who want to develop work-related skills and experience through an employer whilst gaining a qualification

• Those who are fairly practical

What are Traineeships?Traineeships...• Are a pre-apprenticeship option for those who are not quite ready for an apprenticeship. Traineeships provide work preparation training, English and maths support (if required) and a work experience placement with an employer.

BTECHNCCCVOCATIONALA LEVELSATIONAATIONA

35

Your journey to enrolmentIf your course requires an interview, this is what you should expect. However some part time courses do not require an interview so you can go straight to enrolment.

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3ENQUIRY WE WILL

INVITE YOU TO ATTEND AN

OPEN EVENT

Apply or enrol online via the apply button on our website.

Download application form and post to any campus.

Download application form and drop in to nearest campus.

ONLINE: ENQUIRY FORM

PHONE: 020 8266 4000

IN PERSON: AT AN EVENT

ONLINE: POST ON FACEBOOK

ONLINE: ASK ON TWITTER

PHONE: TEXT ‘1COL’ TO 88020

Bring proof of

portfolio of work if relevant.

Let us know if you can’t attend and we will set you a new date.

Make us aware of any support requirements you may have.

BY EMAIL

BY POST

APPLICATION INTERVIEW

BY SMS

BY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

WE WILL INVITE YOU TO

A COURSE INTERVIEW

BY EMAIL

BY POST

BY SMS

BY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

ONLINEBY PHONEIN PERSON

ONLINEBY PHONEIN PERSON

IN PERSON

36

WE WILL REMIND YOU TO COME IN AND ENROL

BY EMAIL

BY SMS

BY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

STEP 4 STEP 5

Go in person to the campus where your course takes place.

You must bring proof of ID,

reference if appropriate,and anything else that you have been asked to provide.

If you are an adult learner looking for fee discounts you must bring in up-to-date

If you are a paying learner enrolling on a course that doesn't need an interview you can enrol online or in person.

To secure your place you must bring in proof of results, reference or anything else you are asked for.

Unconditional means you can go straight to enrolment.

Referral means you will be refered to another department and have a new interview set up.

Conditional means that you have to meet

some conditions before you enrol. These could be a reference, exam

results or a combination and will be explained at your interview.

OFFER ENROLMENTWE WILL INVITE YOU

TO ATTEND A STUDENT

ORIENTATION OR TASTER EVENT AND

TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE INDUCTION ACTIVITY

BY EMAIL

BY POST

BY SMS

CONDITIONALUNCONDITIONAL REFERRAL

IN PERSON

Your journey to enrolmentIf your course requires an interview, this is what you should expect. However some part time courses do not require an interview so you can go straight to enrolment.

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3ENQUIRY WE WILL

INVITE YOU TO ATTEND AN

OPEN EVENT

Apply or enrol online via the apply button on our website.

Download application form and post to any campus.

Download application form and drop in to nearest campus.

ONLINE: ENQUIRY FORM

PHONE: 020 8266 4000

IN PERSON: AT AN EVENT

ONLINE: POST ON FACEBOOK

ONLINE: ASK ON TWITTER

PHONE: TEXT ‘1COL’ TO 88020

Bring proof of

portfolio of work if relevant.

Let us know if you can’t attend and we will set you a new date.

Make us aware of any support requirements you may have.

BY EMAIL

BY POST

APPLICATION INTERVIEW

BY SMS

BY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

WE WILL INVITE YOU TO

A COURSE INTERVIEW

BY EMAIL

BY POST

BY SMS

BY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

ONLINEBY PHONEIN PERSON

ONLINEBY PHONEIN PERSON

IN PERSON

37

How to find us

Wood Street Campus Wood StreetBarnet EN5 4AZTel: 020 8200 8300Tube: High Barnet (Northern Line, Zone 5)Bus: 34, 84, 107, 184, 234, 263, 307, 326, 384, 389

Grahame Park CampusGrahame Park WayLondon NW9 5RATel: 020 8200 8300Car: On-site parking available.Tube & Train: Colindale (Northern Line, Zone 4) and Mill Hill Broadway (Thameslink) are just a 20 minute walk or a bus ride away.Bus: 113, 186, 204, 221, 302, 303, 382

Southgate Campus High StreetSouthgateLondon N14 6BSTel: 020 8200 8300 Tube: Southgate (Piccadilly line, Zone 4). The Southgate Campus is approximately 200m/2 minutes walk from the station.Bus: W6, W9,121,125, 298, 299, 382

Edmonton Green Campus 2nd Floor23 St. George’s ChambersSouth MallEdmonton GreenLondon N9 0TSTel: 020 8345 7209Train: Edmonton Green (Greater Anglia)Bus: 102, 144, 149, 191, 192, 259, 279, 349, 491, W6, W8

Hospitality House11-59 High RoadEast FinchleyLondon N2 8ABReception@hospitalityhouse.co.ukTel: 020 3074 1200Car: Parking available for £5 per day.Tube: East Finchley (Northern Line, Zone 3) Hospitality House is located directly opposite the station.Bus: H3, 102, 143, 234, 263, 603

SCBPUnit 1Baird RoadEnfield EN1 1SJTel: 0208 443 3821info@scbp.co.uk Car: On-site parking available Train: Southbury Station (Greater Anglia), SCBP is a 5 minute walk from the stationBus: 121, 191, 307, 313

Barnet

Enfield

OakleighPark

Cockfosters

OakwoodHigh

Barnet

Totteridge &Whetstone

WoodsidePark

West Finchley

East Finchley

FinchleyCentral

Mill HillEast

Mill Hill Broadway

Hendon

HendonCentral

Colindale

BurntOak

EdmontonGreen

Silver Street

White HartLane

BruceGrove

Southgate

PalmersGreen

Bowes Park

AlexandraPalace

Hornsey

Wood Green

TurnpikeLane

ArnosGrove

BoundsGreen

WinchmoreHill

Grange Park

Enfield ChaseEnfield Town

Bush HillPark

Southbury

TurkeyStreet

GordonHill

Crews Hill

M25M25

M1

M1

M25

NewBarnet

HadleyWood

A

B

C

E

D

F

A

D

B

E

C

F

38

How to find us

Wood Street Campus Wood StreetBarnet EN5 4AZTel: 020 8200 8300Tube: High Barnet (Northern Line, Zone 5)Bus: 34, 84, 107, 184, 234, 263, 307, 326, 384, 389

Grahame Park CampusGrahame Park WayLondon NW9 5RATel: 020 8200 8300Car: On-site parking available.Tube & Train: Colindale (Northern Line, Zone 4) and Mill Hill Broadway (Thameslink) are just a 20 minute walk or a bus ride away.Bus: 113, 186, 204, 221, 302, 303, 382

Southgate Campus High StreetSouthgateLondon N14 6BSTel: 020 8200 8300 Tube: Southgate (Piccadilly line, Zone 4). The Southgate Campus is approximately 200m/2 minutes walk from the station.Bus: W6, W9,121,125, 298, 299, 382

Edmonton Green Campus 2nd Floor23 St. George’s ChambersSouth MallEdmonton GreenLondon N9 0TSTel: 020 8345 7209Train: Edmonton Green (Greater Anglia)Bus: 102, 144, 149, 191, 192, 259, 279, 349, 491, W6, W8

Hospitality House11-59 High RoadEast FinchleyLondon N2 8ABReception@hospitalityhouse.co.ukTel: 020 3074 1200Car: Parking available for £5 per day.Tube: East Finchley (Northern Line, Zone 3) Hospitality House is located directly opposite the station.Bus: H3, 102, 143, 234, 263, 603

SCBPUnit 1Baird RoadEnfield EN1 1SJTel: 0208 443 3821info@scbp.co.uk Car: On-site parking available Train: Southbury Station (Greater Anglia), SCBP is a 5 minute walk from the stationBus: 121, 191, 307, 313

Barnet

Enfield

OakleighPark

Cockfosters

OakwoodHigh

Barnet

Totteridge &Whetstone

WoodsidePark

West Finchley

East Finchley

FinchleyCentral

Mill HillEast

Mill Hill Broadway

Hendon

HendonCentral

Colindale

BurntOak

EdmontonGreen

Silver Street

White HartLane

BruceGrove

Southgate

PalmersGreen

Bowes Park

AlexandraPalace

Hornsey

Wood Green

TurnpikeLane

ArnosGrove

BoundsGreen

WinchmoreHill

Grange Park

Enfield ChaseEnfield Town

Bush HillPark

Southbury

TurkeyStreet

GordonHill

Crews Hill

M25M25

M1

M1

M25

NewBarnet

HadleyWood

A

B

C

E

D

F

A

D

B

E

C

F

www.barnetsouthgate.ac.ukinfo@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk020 8266 4000Text ‘1COL’ to 88020Follow us on: