Swindon Learning Town

We know that learning has the power to change lives. We want to gather as many learning stories as possible from across our town and we would like to hear from you.

Featured stories 

I’m a Scientist – Get me out of here Live! 2019

 

On Tuesday 19th March, almost 300 year 10 and 11 students from five different Swindon Secondary Schools came together to take part in an “I’m a Scientist – Live!” event held at The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College. These events aim to bring real Scientists into contact with students in schools, to help raise awareness of options for working in STEM subject areas. Swindon Borough Council and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation, worked together to deliver this event.

Two separate interactive and very lively sessions were held and each group of students heard from 6 real, live Scientists who explained their roles and why they think what they do is important. Students were then able to ask any questions they had, and the Scientists competed to give the best answers.

Some brilliant questions were asked ranging from the light hearted (is the earth really flat?) to the very serious (can you save our Polar Bears?) and the Scientists delivered really interesting, informative answers. 

 

At the end of each session, the students voted for their favourite Scientist, and the winner received a cheque for their chosen charity. A range of science related goodies including posters, badges and educational material were also available for students to take back to schools with them.

 

This was a hugely successful event, enjoyed by everyone who took part.

Schools feedback: Thank you for a really lovely afternoon. Our students really enjoyed it, I think they were just getting warmed up and could have gone on for a second hour with their questions. Please thank the scientists involved for us.

You can find out more about “I’m a Scientist - Live!” here: https://about.imascientist.org.uk/category/special-events/im-a-scientist-live/

Building Bridges – read about Carols incredible journey back to work…

To find out more about Carols journey visit: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/swindonlearningtown/downloads/file/9/carols-story

Building Bridges into Work - a good news story for Tom

 

Tom’s aim is to work for Lush.  With the help of the SBC Building Bridges team Tom is successfully completing a work experience with Lush.

SBC run a Supported Employment Programme called Building Bridges. This is aimed at those with significant barriers to employment and/or volunteering.

For more information:
Telephone: 01793 464770
Email: supportedemployment@swindon.gov.uk

 

 

Abbie's Story...

Abbie McQueen is currently undertaking a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Imagine Cruising in Swindon, with New College Swindon as the training provider.

 

“I didn’t believe full time college would suit me and I was more interested in working in a business environment.

Doing this apprenticeship has definitely brought me out of my shell. I get the opportunity to work with a range of departments, such as marketing and customer support, which means I get to experience different job roles and get an idea of what I like doing.   I like that I have been able to explore a company and find my feet within a business environment.  New College has been very supportive, especially my tutor who has been so helpful.

I would recommend an apprenticeship because it’s a good way to become more independent and understand your future interests as well as being able to earn whilst you learn. I plan to stay on for a full-time job at my place of work and progress further.”

Tom's Story...

Tom Shopland is undertaking a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Technician through New College Swindon. His employer is Scotts and Co, a multi-channel retail business with sites in Swindon and Stow-on-the-Wold.

 

“Doing an apprenticeship allows me to put all my knowledge into practice and showcase everything that I’ve learned – it’s a great feeling!

Tasks in my role involve: infrastructure support; looking after all servers within the business; keeping the network afloat and making sure all users are able to work efficiently on a day to day basis.

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to those looking for a starting point into a particular career path. For the future my plans are to self-study and put the skills I have into advancing my career.”

Stephen's Story

Stephen enrolled on the Salamander course because he is in recovery and looking to his future.

Stephen and another resident from Gloucester House were so open and honest but in a mature and thoughtful manner. Several of the younger boys on the course had been experimenting or regularly using cannabis as well as smoking. They spoke to the young teenage boys about the effects that drugs and alcohol had on their bodies, their mental health, their jobs, their family and friends. They talked about the trouble they had been in and how hard it has been to turn their lives around. It was a real education talking to them and they evidenced the changes in their lives and how this change had come about.

Stephen enjoyed the Salamander course so much that on the last day he applied to become a volunteer with the DWFRS.  Stephen’s long term aim is to work in Childcare so DWFRS also arranged for him to meet the Swindon Young Carers team. He is now their most valued volunteer. He assists at the weekly youth groups for 5-8 year olds and the 9-12 years olds and has signed up to assist regularly during the school holidays.  With new found confidence and developing resilience Stephen has recently applied to do a Foundation Degree in Childcare!

SBC Adult Community Learning and Family Services fund and run the 5 day Salamander courses in partnership with the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for adults aged 19 years or more on 31st August 2018.  Contact the ACL team (acl@swindon.gov.uk)  if you would like more information or the dates of the next course.

Elrich's Story...

My journey started back in 2016.  I wasn’t sure what to do after sixth form and in all honesty, I had no idea about the apprentice route that was available. I always thought that they were only for the building trade!

I had no idea there were opportunities to enter a financial institution through an apprenticeship, but luckily one of my friends introduced me to the concept. I even had an unconditional offer to study business at Uni, but the idea with leaving with possibly 40k+ of debt was a bit daunting. I came across the apprenticeships at nationwide while still at sixth form, and applied then and there in-between my lessons, not actually thinking I’d get the position.
 
Two yeas later, I’ve now moved on from the level 3 I originally started with, and I’m now studying for a business management degree. I can honestly say it’s the best decision I’ve made after leaving full time education. 
 
Earning a salary whilst studying for a degree is truly the best of both worlds. Nationwide have been and to continue to be brilliant; the support network and dedicated emerging talent team really gives you all the support you’d ever need and are always working in your best interest. The possibilities are endless!

Ex-Service Women Find New Careers!

Find out about Jasmine and Rebecca’s learning stories; from the military to cybersecurity...

Sun and Space Workshop at Nythe Primary School ...

Before half term, Year 5 and 6 were treated to an exciting Sun and Space Workshop. Dr Helen Mason from the University of Cambridge visited the school with two representatives from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, which is based in Swindon, and two artists.
 

 

 

The children were treated to a presentation from Dr Mason, where she answered lots of their questions about the sun and the universe. They were fascinated by the infra-red camera that she showed them!

 

 After the presentation, the children participated in some art workshops, where they used a range of materials to create collages on the theme of Space. They also learnt how to use marbling to create their own patterned paper to use in their collages.

In the afternoon, representatives from the Science and Technology Facilities Council shared some samples from the moon and meteors with the children. Everyone was excited to hold a piece of the moon! They also gave the children posters, booklets and UV bead bracelets to take away with them. 

 

 

Everyone had a fantastic day and learnt lots about the sun and space!