The College ran their half-term tasters with a twist this year by inviting Year 10 and 11 pupils to online tasters in sports, nuclear engineering, digital, creative arts, business and catering disciplines, to provide an insight into these exciting subjects. Pupils took part in activities, and joined guest speakers and College tutors via live chats.
Throughout the week, pupils had a range of activities to get stuck into. In the sports department, there was an impressive line-up of guest speakers from football, hockey, netball, rugby and trampolining were available to answer questions and explain their path to success through a series of webinars. These included professional footballers Natalie Haigh and Emily Symes who play for Aston Villa ladies, and former BTC students Josh Gould who plays for Swansea City and Emma Trunks who represents Holcombe Hockey Club in the Women’s Investec Premier League. English rugby union players Jake Woolmore and Clara Neilson who play for Bristol Bears in Premiership Rugby, and netballers Anya LeMonnier and Kim Borger from Team Bath Superleague Training Association were also online, plus pupils could meet Laura Gallagher who is part of the British trampolining squad set to compete in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Team BTC Manager Jamie Laird said,
Sports Development days had to run differently this year, but we were determined to make it as interesting and interactive as possible. It was so exciting to have such an outstanding guest speaker line-up. The talks were open to anyone, not just those interested in studying sports, since all BTC students can participate in a range of sports alongside their course through Team BTC. We had a great turn-out and everyone enjoyed meeting these outstanding players.
If pupils wanted to get creative, there were tasters and live chats in subjects such as music, media, animation, stage management, dance, performing arts, fashion and photography, plus a competition and exhibition welcoming entries.
Andy Berry Principal and CEO said,
Yet again, I feel immeasurably proud of the staff team here at BTC. When faced with running taster events for Year 10 and 11 pupils, they stepped up to the challenge and put on an amazing array of activities. It’s amazing to think that pupils were able to talk to such prestigious guests, learn web design and Python skills, get creative with the creative arts team and even attend a baking master class from home. I only wish I’d been able to taste some of the bread that was being baked across the county!
While we are still all living with the pandemic, I have to say the vaccination programme being rolled out provides some real optimism for the future. The College is an energetic and optimistic place, and this optimism comes from our staff and students. I remain hopeful that we will welcoming students back to our campuses in September.
