BURY COLLEGE STUDENTS BRING HOME TROPHIES

Bury College students have been participating in the Greater Manchester College’s Group Skills Competition, and have hosted the Early Years and Health and Social competitions here on campus. Students from colleges throughout Greater Manchester visited Bury College to compete against one another in technical Skills Tests, Presentations, and Numeracy and Literacy activities.

Health and Social Care students, as part of their Skills Test, completed a role play with Performing Arts students, who played casualties of a mock car crash. The Health and Social Care competitors treated their wounds, got information about their injuries, and put those who needed it into the recovery position. Early Years Childcare students also completed a Technical Skills Test, mock changing and feeding a dummy baby. They also completed a Literacy and Numeracy test as if they were supporting children in acquiring these skills.

Both subject groups also gave presentations to the judges on a topic of their choice within their area, and completed a quiz on key knowledge.

All students were then invited to a Prize Giving Ceremony, where they were treated to a performance from the Performing Arts Boys Dance Group. Students were then given certificates for their hard work and participation. One judge said, “I have to say how enjoyable the competition has been today. The standard was fantastic – you all deserve to be commended, you all deserve to be winners.”

Bury College Health and Social department were awarded first place in the Quiz category, and the Early Years department won first place in Numeracy & Literacy, the Quiz, and the Skills Test. They also came first overall in their subject area.

Early Years student Jack Schofield, 17, said, “It feels amazing to have come first in our category – we worked hard. Competing took time and planning but it all pulled together in the end.”

Bury College students have also been travelling to colleges throughout Greater Manchester to compete in other subject areas.

Hair and Beauty students took home first place in Level 3 Media Makeup and Level 3 Swedish Massage, and were a close second in Level 3 Hair. They also scooped up third place in Level 2 Hairdressing and Level 2 Nails.

The Media team, competing at Stockport College, created a short film about mental health, which was very highly commended. The web and graphics team came second for their design in response to a brief asking for a positive mental health message to young people.

The Construction team were hosted by Bolton College, and two Bricklaying students competed at the Guild of Bricklayers competition at Accrington College. Bury College student Dominik Smertyha came first in Level 1 Plastering, and Max Forster placed second in Level 2 Plastering.

Our Hospitality students came home from Tameside with first place awards for both their scones and their chocolate tarts, also scooping up third place for their macaroons. They were also overall winners in the Hospitality competition.

The Engineering and Science department came first in the Level 2 Maths category, and Second in Level 3 Sheet Metal. The Business team also came second in Level 2 business.

Bury College students also came first in Level 3 Musical Theatre, and were a runner up in Level 3 Music.

Ray Carruthers, who studies Level 3 Music Performance and Production, was part of a team that finished in second. He said: “It was great to perform. I also enjoyed meeting students from the other colleges and sharing ideas with them.”

Andy Tomlinson, Head of School of Performance, said, “It’s been 2 years since learners have been able to experience the GMCG Skills competition and so many have not had this opportunity to test themselves, collaborate and share their talent. The buzzing atmosphere in the competitions I have been involved with this year, and have heard about, is testament to their value and the unforgettable opportunity they offer our learners to engage, develop, and increase their skills and talent. They have done themselves proud.”