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
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
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
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