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Welcome Days

Welcome days are designed to get you on the right course for you. It's a chance to meet our tutors and have a look around.

Get to know us

Welcome days are designed to get you on the right course for you. It's a chance to meet our tutors and have a look around. You will also have an interview for your first choice course with a tutor.

They will either make you a conditional offer of a place on the course, or you will be offered independent advice and guidance to help you decide on another course.

For some of our courses you will need to bring some things to help you or wear suitable clothing. The courses where this are necessary are listed below.

All Courses

All students will be required to bring the following to their welcome day:

  • Pen, Pencil, Paper

  • Latest School Report

  • Any relevant documents or certificates such as personal or academic achievements, work experience or employment history, qualification or attendance certificates

NOTE: We will be unable to view any documents or examples of work on a USB storage device.

Art & Photography

As part of your interview, (Level 2 and 3) you will be expected to:

  • You will be expected to bring at least 12 pieces of work, including final outcomes as well as developmental work and sketchbook work. This can include drawings, 3D work, rough work, written work, photographs, and development sheets. Please do not bring Manga drawings.

  • If you are presenting digital work, you must bring an iPad or phone so that we can view it easily. We are looking to see clear engagement with your projects, including research into the work of other artists, photographers, and fashion designers.

  • If you are applying for Art, Graphics/ Illustration, or Fashion, we expect to see a strong range of drawing from observation within your portfolio.

Career College

All Career College students will be required to wear the following to their welcome day:

  • Sports Kit: to include tee, shorts, jacket/hoodie, jogging/tracksuit bottoms and suitable training shoes.

In addition to:

  • Pen, Pencil, Paper/Notebook

  • Water bottle

  • Latest School Report

  • Any relevant documents or certificates such as personal or academic achievements, work experience or employment history, qualification or attendance certificates

Parents / Guardians are actively encouraged to attend the Welcome Days. Staff will share important information regarding additional costs for uniform, trips and visits contribution and course expectations around attendance and behaviour.

Creative Media

As part of your interview, you will be expected to bring:

Level 2 and Level 3:

  • Applicants are asked to submit a digital portfolio by email or to bring along their portfolio to the Welcome Day which should include three photos taken by yourself with notes to describe the techniques you used and explain the intentions behind your creative decisions.

  • An example of a piece of your written work from a suitable creative subject (such as English, Media, Graphics, etc., not science-based subjects). This could be an essay or a review, of no more than 500 words.

  • Any other creative and directly related work you wish to show us (such as short films or music videos you have made, audio production work, etc.

Level 3 only:

  • At least four examples of print-based media with annotations. E.g. magazine covers, professional photographs, page design, etc.

  • An example of a piece of your own work, which has involved design in some form. This could be an information sheet, design plan, website, drawings, etc.

  • An example of a piece of your written work from a suitable creative subject (such as English, Media, Graphics, etc., not science-based subjects). This could be an essay or a review, of no more than 500 words.

  • Any other creative and directly related work you wish to show us (such as short films or music videos you have made, audio production work, etc.)

  • Bring with you a written personal statement approximately 250 words in length. In your statement, write about why you wish to be considered for this programme. Include details of relevant work experience, voluntary work, interests, hobbies and long-term career plans.

Computer/ Electronics

All Computing students must complete a pre-interview before attending their welcome day.

All computing students will be required to bring the following to their welcome day:

  • Latest School Report

  • Any relevant documents or certificates such as personal or academic achievements, work experience or employment history, qualification or attendance certificates.

Electric Engineering

All Electrical Engineering students will be required to bring the following to their welcome day:

  • Calculator

In addition to:

  • Pen, Pencil, Paper

  • Latest School Report

  • Any relevant documents or certificates such as personal or academic achievements, work experience or employment history, qualification or attendance certificates

Performing and Production Arts

As part of your interview, you will be expected to: 

  • Wear appropriate clothing if expected to perform, especially dance. 

The following subjects require you to: 

Performing Arts 

  • Prepare and perform a song or monologue. 
    Choose a professional piece written for theatre, not your own work. This should last 2 minutes and be memorised. If you are using a backing track please do bring this along, any format is acceptable.  

We will conduct a short, informal interview to develop our understanding of your experience, knowledge and approach to learning.  

Level 4 Performance 

Please prepare and present two contrasting pieces selected from the area (or areas) of your performance specialism, eg; 

  • Two contrasting monologues (classical and contemporary) 

  • Two contrasting songs (at least one from a stage musical) 

  • A song and a monologue 

You can perform these at the interview; please make sure you provide any required musical backing on USB, MP3, CD or WAV files. 

Music 

  • Prepare and perform a short musical piece of your choice. You should bring your own instruments and equipment if needed. 
    We will provide amplifiers, drum kits (excluding drum sticks) and keyboards on the day. If you are using a backing track please do bring this along, in any format.   

  • We will conduct a short, informal interview to develop our understanding of your experience, knowledge and approach to learning. 

Dance 

During your Welcome Day you will be required to work with our choreographers for a couple of hours and take part in a short interview.  

There is no requirement to prepare a solo piece.  

Production Arts 

  • Prepare for a formal interview, where your commitment, experience and subject knowledge will be assessed. You will be expected to outline your specific area of interest in technical theatre 

  • Bring examples of work that relate to technical theatre – testimonials, project briefs, references, photographs, models. If you have been involved in productions this may include production notes. 

Level 4 Production Arts 

At your interview please present a physical or digital portfolio showing your design, production and or technical work. 

This should contain examples of your own work that demonstrate your interests, skills and achievements. 

Digital portfolios should be available via a web link or PDF or on a device that you bring along. 

Please advise us of any additional needs or queries about submission of material prior to the interview. 

 

Events Management

As part of the selection process for the Level 3 Events Management course, we ask all applicants to complete a short creative and planning task. This allows you to demonstrate your interest in the events industry and your ability to develop ideas visually and in writing.

Task Instructions

  1. Choose one event type from the list below:

    • Music Festival

    • Charity Fundraising Gala

    • Corporate Conference

    • Product Launch

    • Community Cultural Event

    • Fashion Show

    • Wedding or Private Celebration

  2. Create a Mood Board for your chosen event.


    Your mood board should show the overall style, atmosphere, and concept of the event. You may include:

    You may bring your mood board in digital format (on your phone/tablet) or printed.

    • Images

    • Colours / themes

    • Venue ideas

    • Décor and layout inspirations

    • Examples of entertainment, branding or staging

  3. Prepare a short Event Plan (1 page).
    This should outline the key considerations for your event, such as:

    • Event purpose and target audience

    • Proposed venue and date

    • Running order / schedule

    • Staffing and roles

    • Basic budget considerations

    • Health, safety, and risk awareness

    • Marketing or promotional ideas

What to Bring to Your Interview

Please bring:

  • Your mood board

  • Your event plan

  • Any notes or additional materials that support your ideas

What We’re Looking For

We are not expecting perfection. Instead, we want to see:

  • Creativity and enthusiasm

  • Your ability to communicate ideas clearly

  • Basic awareness of how events are planned and delivered

Entry Criteria

You will need 4 GCSE's preferably including English Language and Maths at a minimum grade 4 or a merit at Level 2 in a related subject.

You will be required to attend an Welcome Day, where you have an interview.

Mechanical Engineering

All learners will be required to dress appropriately to be in a workshop. Please wear older clothes or overalls. If you do own boots, please wear them