Inside:What’s APPenin? | Don’t Discount the Diploma | GetAGrip | 5 Minute Interview | Morphing | We Can Help | Rantand much more...

VOIC

E VOIC

ESpring/Summer 2013

The mCommunity Project is led by Pembrokeshire College in collaboration with Gower College Swansea and TSSG, is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Cross Border Programme 2007-2013 (INTERREG 4A).

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Voice aims to be just that – a voice for students wishing to comment on College life. This is our second issue of the student mag and the team has placed a lot of e� ort and commitment into getting this magazine better than the � rst!

So what’s in this issue? We’ve got news and reviews, competitions to win DVDs and iTunes vouchers and plenty of student opinion. If you would like to contribute ideas for the next issue, please email the team - voice@pembs.ac.uk

written by students for students

VOICE is the o� cial student magazine of Pembrokeshire College. Published by the marketing department, Pembrokeshire College. Tel: 01437 753 163. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Senior Management Team

VOICE

The VOICE Team:Back row, left to right: Hugo, Rhys and Richard Front row, left to right: Abby, Sian and Angharad

VOICE is the o�cial student magazine of Pembrokeshire College. Published by the marketing department, Pembrokeshire College. Tel: 01437 753 163. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Senior Management Team

MOROCCO

Get yourself a life experienceBy Sian

Discover the blazing colours and wafting aromas of Marrakech, a crossroads for travellers and traders for centuries, where souks and bazaars o�er a continent’s worth of riches.

Step out of this vibrant world and get your boots dusty as you head out to the silent desert wilderness of the Atlas Mountains. Undertake a community project in a Berber village and trek to the mighty summit of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4167m).

Descend to the cooling breeze of the Atlantic and spot camels on the beach in the colourful �shing town of Essaouira –welcome to extraordinary Morocco!

• Experience traditional Berber life• Reach the pinnacle of the Atlas Mountains, Mt Toubkal • The sights, tastes and beaches of the Atlantic coast• The souks of Marrakech

Expedition: Summer 2014For more information call Gareth Davies on 01437 753 267

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What inspired you to start making jewellery and when did you start?I was inspired by my father who is a silversmith and a blacksmith. As a young girl I always watched him at work in his workshop and as I got older I started making little pieces of jewellery with his guidance. My own separate business started around 2-3 years ago, and I’ve been going strong ever since.Do you see this as becoming more than a part-time business?At the moment I’m concentrating on my academic studies – I’m in the middle of my A-levels, but it might happen in the future, you never know! I also see it as a really nice thing to take with me to Uni. Do you do commissions?I do indeed! I’m more than happy to try make anything someone asks for and I can also turn your own broken jewellery, for for example a broken earring or necklace that has sentimental value, into a brand new piece. Do you come up with ideas by yourself or are you inspired by other things?Often I’ll be playing around in the workshop and a piece will almost create itself! I’m also greatly inspired by my fathers jewellery and the Steam Punk movement, I love it!

GetAGrip with Angharad...An interview with A-Level student & entrepreneur Angharad Jenkins-Wendon Images & interview by Abby

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If you are interested in buying any of Angharad’s jewellery or commissioning a piece, please email voice@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

GetAGrip with Angharad...An interview with A-Level student & entrepreneur Angharad Jenkins-Wendon Images & interview by Abby

How do you advertise your work?I have a Facebook page – GetAGrip – Handmade Jewellery – and I sometimes have a stall in town or college, as well as just wearing my jewellery! People come up to me and comment on it, it kind of advertises itself!

Who’s that? Win an iTunes VoucherIf you know any of these guys send your answers to voice@pembrokeshire.ac.ukAll correct answers will be entered into a prize draw to win an iTunes voucher. Closing date 28 March.

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Who’s that? Win an iTunes VoucherIf you know any of these guys send your answers to voice@pembrokeshire.ac.ukAll correct answers will be entered into a prize draw to win an iTunes voucher. Closing date 28 March. Not so

far to go for a DEGREE

Architectural Technology | Animal Science Business | Childhood Studies | Computing Construction Management | Design | Engineering Tourism Management | Sustainable Design in Construction

Pembrokeshire COLLEGECOLEG Sir Benfro

pembrokeshire.ac.uk/degrees

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It’s hard to imagine a �lm more epic in scale than the full 166 minutes of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D, unless it of course is the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. Needless to say Peter Jackson once

again aimed to deliver a visual masterpiece and certainly, in this respect, he did not disappoint. The Hobbit’s stunning CGI merging seamlessly with intricate set-design and the sweeping landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. In short, Middle Earth has lost none of its beauty, this being easily one of the best looking �lms of the year.

The �lm has been fairly controversial amongst critics, yet for the most part fans of Tolkien will not be disappointed. Though the �lm deviates from the book in certain aspects, adding in some new

features and naturally removing some too, the overall e�ect is to widen the scope of the world and enrich the story for long-time fans and newcomers alike. For the most part the �lm stays true to the much loved source material and e�ectively captures the feel of the book. For those new to the world of Tolkien this �lm provides a good starting point, setting up many of the events that will occur in the Lord of the Rings, while those only familiar with the �rst �lms will bene�t from the Hobbit’s backstory and enjoy a lighter more humorous tale.

That is not to say that the Hobbit loses anything on action, in fact there are very few moments where the characters are not at risk of imminent death. From the enticing, incomplete views of Smaug the dragon, laying waste to the dwarven kingdom of Erebor through to the deadly chase by a pack of wargs and the �nal epic confrontation with the Orc King Azog the De�ler; there is barely a dull moment.

As a fan of these stories the Hobbit was truly one of the best �lms I’ve seen in a long time and in many respects superior to the Lord of the Rings �lms. There were areas I did not particularly like, for

example in comparison to the terrifyingly made-up Uruk Hai costumes of the Lord of the Rings, some of the computer generated Orcs of the Hobbit lacked the same realism. However, this is my only real complaint and is certainly made up by the improvements to the now truly savage wargs. With the talent of Martin Freeman, Ian Mckellen, and Andy Serkis, who makes a triumphant return as Gollum, with every battle and sprawling wide-shot brilliantly accompanied by the return of Howards Shore’s musical genius, I consider the Hobbit to be a great success and have con�dence that the next two �lms will not disappoint.

It’s not Middle of the Road for Middle Earth by Richard

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Who wrote the Lord of the Rings trilogy:• Enid Blyton• Stephen King• JR Tolkien• JR EwingAnswers to voice@pembs.ac.ukCorrect answers will be entered into a prize draw. Closing date 26 April 2013.

WINThe Hobbit on DVD

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Students are given the opportunity to use equipment such as digital levels and theodolites to level and survey construction sites and use recorded data to create detailed plans. All in all, we hope to completely change your view on both the construction industry and the Extended Diplomas as an alternative to A-levels. However, breaking down stereotypes can take some time. So for now, keep researching and when you’re part of the Royal Institute for British Architects or the head of your own engineering �rm or even a marketing director, you can look at your friends who started in sixth form and know you made the right choice.

Stereotyped as overweight men in hard hats congregating amongst pneumatic drills and sledgehammers, the construction industry has room for everyone (male or female!) and most roles require an extensive education in scienti�c disciplines or IT

For example, most of the modules rely heavily on computer aided design and require students to use complex programs to draw and plan anything from 3D models to the ground �oor plans of entire streets.

As is the case with most post-GCSE students, I used to believe that the only way to progress through furthereducation and on to university was through A-levels.

The thought of enrolling on any form of Diploma was alien and previously dismissed as a lesser quali�cation. How wrong I was, an Extended Diploma is not only equal to but, in many ways, superior to A-level examinations...

To put things into perspective, an Extended Diploma is the equivalent of 3 A-levels and is recognised by uni’s just as much!

So, apart from busting at the seams with UCAS points, what else happens on an Extended Diploma, in this case - construction? Considering the course is full of technical design work and project planning, the term ‘construction’ should be held loosely.

DON’TDISCOUNT theDIPLOMA By Rhys

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Hugo Recommends...The Extended Diploma in Construction is a two year course, which involves studying interesting modules such as Science and Materials, Mathematics, Graphical Detailing and the most enjoyable of them all is Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD). Being able to use CADD is an essential quali�cation for professionals working in the design sector of the construction industry, with most of the design work being carried out using software, as opposed to the old manual design techniques.

Most of the work for the course is carried out using a computer, so as well as teaching students about Construction and the Built Environment it also helps students to further their computing skills, which are becoming more and more essential in everyday life.

The course consists of 18 di�erent modules over two years. For each module the student submits three assignments for assessment, which will be given a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Students looking to continue onto Uni should be looking to gain a Distinction from each assignment because they contribute to the overall grade. A ‘DDD’ grade is equivalent in UCAS points to 3 A’s at A-level, and if achieved you can progress to a variety of prestigious universities throughout the country.

The extended diploma allows students to study a large range of subjects at university, from Structural Engineering to Civil Engineering to Architecture or Product Design, all of which provide a very good salary and can allow graduates to work in various countries around the world.

Images by Abby

DON’TDISCOUNT theDIPLOMA By Rhys

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COOLMORPHING

Images by Esther & interview by Abby

An interview with Esther PhillipsQ: What subjects did you take for A-level?A: Fine Art and Photography.

Q: Why did you take photography?A: I never originally planned to take photography, but when I heard there were places available on the course, I decided to go for it. It’s wasn’t like anything I had ever done before I started College.

Q: Where do you get your ideas from?A: I get my ideas mainly from researching photographers and artists, and taking inspiration from work that I �nd interesting, I’m always looking for new ideas.

Why this dramatic animal theme to your current work? The faces were inspired by a photographer called Wanda Wulz who did the same thing - superimposing animal faces onto people. It really interested me and I really wanted to try it out using Photoshop.

Q: Do you see photography just as a hobby or something more?A: I do see photography as a hobby, but it’s also something that I know has given me a new skill. I think it’s important to learn the ins-and-outs of many art based subjects - plenty of researching!

Q: Would you considering taking up a career in photography?A: I haven’t ever really thought about taking it up as a career, only because I’m not sure of what I want to do yet… I do enjoy it though, so I suppose it could be a possibility.

Q: What do you see yourself doing after A-levels?A: I’ve just applied for the Art Foundation course in College for next year when I �nish my A-levels,after that I’m hoping to carry on doing something art-based.

COOLMORPHING

Images by Esther & interview by Abby

Mel needs OUR HELP By Sian

Mel Lear is a Youth Worker based in the College, and is here to support and help students with problems, queries or ideas to make the College feel more of a community. But what kind of problems of can she help us with? “Anything - problems with your course, �nancial issues, di�culties in the family or other relationships; and if there’s someone who can help you better than I can, I’ll refer you to them,” commented Mel.

Mel is interested in making student voices heard, so if you have any ideas about how to improve Pembrokeshire College, drop into the Learner Contact Centre to see her. In the

past, the College has seen some great events, especially fundraising ones – but there is de�nitely room for more and Mel is keen to hear your ideas, for example should we have a Student Ball?

Mel is certainly well used to organising events for young people “I organised the South West Youth Fest near Withybush, which lasted for 12 hours and was de�nitely my favourite event to be involved with!” said Mel.

If you like the idea of a Student Ball or you have other fun ideas, please let us know, email voice@pembs.ac.uk

Book a lesson today...Call John on 07977 594 230 email johnllewellyn1@hotmail.co.ukwww.goforitdriving.co.uk

GO FORIT

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DRIVINGSCHOOL

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Are one of these lecturing YOU?1. Was he really ‘Mr Tumble’? 2. She’ll put you in the frame.3. Going on tour, no grass under his feet yet! 4. A fan of Mac. 5. No water-pipes blocked with this guy.6. In the eyes of the law she’s innocent.7. We can’t really call him a media darling!

Answers:1. Simon Haslam2. Barbara Simon3. Kevin Hopkins4. Phil Ratcli�5. Nigel Paulett6. Joy Sandifer7. Terrence Cook

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Enquire today call 01437 753 153nursery.pembrokeshire.ac.uk

An award winning nursery for 0-7 year olds, based at the College for students and the general public

Bright Start Nursery

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&Q: How does art feature in your lives outside of work?A: Cath - Art is intrinsic to all aspects of work and home life, and also encompasses our family. For instance, visits and trips always involve either an exhibition, museum, or a practical creative activity.A: Richard - It is part of what we do whether in work, or at home. That’s not something that appeals to everyone. Some people want a job and to keep their home life separate. A creative life is a little more involved than that.

Q: Do your individual skills compliment each other?A: Cath - Hopefully! Colour, light and dark, passion for the work of others.A: Richard - Structure, composition, arrangement, concepts and ideas. The art department team works here whether you are married to another lecturer or not - we all compliment and challenge one another.

Q: As one of your students, I’ve seen you both have di�erent teaching techniques. How do you integrate them?A: Bad cop, good cop - you decide! Cath tells you things, and it’s annoying, but usually makes some sense eventually. Richard suggests things quietly, and you learn without realising...damn him!

Cath & Rich Brookes - Creative Arts Lecturers. By Abbi

Q: Where did you both study (university)?A: We both studied Fine Art - Sculpture at Kingston University. We met on the course - Cath is a Pembrokeshire girl and Richard a London lad.

Q: When did you both start working here?A: Cath started in 1993, and Richard in 1995. That seems like an awful long time ago and the College has changed quite a lot since then! In 1993, the Art department was in Tower Hill by Haverfordwest library, in a building that is now �ats.

Q: What advice would you give a student coming to College with no previous Art & Design quali�cations who wanted to study?A: Cath - You need to be focused and enthusiastic about learning, whatever the subject. Seek opportunities to extend and expand on your learner experience outside of a set timetable. Make the most of all opportunities, value the support of your peers, and give the same back.A: Richard - Think big, aim high, work hard. I don’t care if there are clichés, they work. The key to success is to see everything with fresh eyes; attack every task without prejudice and preconceptions, and enjoy the process! Simple really.

Q: You both have a very professional working relationship. How do you maintain it? (How do you separate home and work so well?)A: Cath - We don’t talk at home!

MrMrs

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Beauty StudioWork& Learn OnlineA-Levels

Accountancy | Biology | Business | Chemistry | Computing Economics | English | Law | Maths | Physics | Psychology

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Cath & Rich Brookes - Creative Arts Lecturers. By Abbi

Mrs

What’s APPenin? Apps to get you through a train journey By Rhys

TV CatchupAs the name suggests this app lets users catch up on all missed TV shows but in a very unique way. TV Catchup is essentially every Freeview channel in the UK compiled in to an ordered list for your ease of access but unlike other catch up apps (iPlayer, 4oD) it streams live time tables of every channel in real time. So rather than wait for your next episode of Bargain Hunt to be uploaded to the iPlayer, you can watch it there and then. The only down side to this app is that you do need a relatively strong 3G connection which isn’t the easiest thing to obtain on a moving train.

SuperBrothers – Sword and Sworcery EPAn action adventure game using incredibly simple visuals backed with a compelling story makes this app a must have. Diversifying from normal play styles, #sworcery (as it has become known) utilises music and sound to create what can only be described as a breath takingly beautiful and engaging atmosphere. A long single player mode will leave players in awe at what the SuperBrothers have created and I can guarantee you’ll want more! Platforms: Apple App store, Google Play Store.

We’ve all been there...three hours on a crowded train with nothing but a phone and a pair of headphones. So in the modern age of smartphones and app stores, what do we do?

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What’s APPenin? Apps to get you through a train journey By Rhys

Open Eyes By Angharad

Most people start school at the age of four or � ve, they go through primary and secondary education and are expected to get ten or more GCSE’s, just like ’everyone else’. But for some people, it’s not so easy, linear or planned so far ahead.

Many children with learning di� erences struggle through school if they are not given proper support or guidance. Some children never go to school and are Home Educated by their parents, having to go into schools to sit exams if they choose to.

Sadly many schools and colleges are not accommodating or � exible for people with di� erent circumstances. But Pembrokeshire College welcomes everyone with open arms.

I arrived at Pembrokeshire College with four GCSE’s, which I had done with my parents and had no experience of ‘formal’ education before. I started my A-levels and a GCSE last year and quickly settled in, fully accepted and encouraged by sta� and students, not treated any di� erently, nor given less opportunities than anyone else. It’s thanks to the support I’ve had that I now doing four A-Levels and looking to go to uni.

Pembrokeshire College takes pride in its � exibility and its accommodation of everyone, no matter what their background, and I am not the only one who has bene� ted!

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We Can Help...How are you?We always say ‘yeh I’m good!’ but that’s not always the case. College isn’t just about learning and lessons. There’s a lot going on in life that isn’t related to your teachers or your classes that can be a worry and even end up a�ecting your College work and studies.

Need some advice?Sometimes just having a quiet chat and perhaps some advice sorts it. There are some worries we don’t want to share with family and friends. You might feel a bit silly even worrying about it in the �rst place. A con�dential chat that gives you the facts and puts your mind at rest can work wonders.

Be happy and healthyAt College students are considered adults. There’s a free, con�dential service open to sta� and students that o�ers help and advice independent of your tutors or supervisors. Whether you need access to sexual health services, �rst aid, need help and support regarding addiction, or need general advice to help you with your nutrition, �tness or mental and emotional health, you can obtain the support you need through the College’s welfare and guidance service.

How to seek helpCounselling and Medical/Nursing:Appointments with the College counsellor Zoe Mitchell can be booked with the welfare and guidance co-ordinator Frances Berry. Frances is based in the learner services o�ce near the entrance to the College’s main building. The College’s independent nurse Adele Phillips runs a drop-in service in room G7.0 – �rst door in the G7 corridor.

Not coping?We all feel fed up and down occasionally. When that becomes the norm, and makes you dread coming into College, well, you shouldn’t have to feel like that. Sometimes those feelings can start with someone else and their attitude towards you. If you are feeling bullied or put upon, you absolutely should have no hesitation in seeking help.

Sometimes we are the ones being overbearing and coming across as intimidating. Problems at home or in relationships can have a negative e�ect so that we end up taking it out on someone else. It is better to seek help rather than let things escalate. If you are experiencing di�culties with your College-based relationships, do seek help before it gets out of hand.

The College has an anti-bullying mentor team available to help develop healthy relationships between colleagues and students. Mentors are available for sta� and students. Check out the College’s Anti-Bullying policies on Nexus for details.

Happy CampusCollege is a community not just a building. We all contribute to making it what we want it to be. Kindness in our dealings with colleagues and fellow-students makes it better for all of us.Most people have their fair share of worries and hassles going on in life. If you feel that yours is becoming unmanageable, remember that the College can be your �rst port of call for help.

Want to know more? Need a chat or an appointment?Call: Frances Berry ext 133Click: on the Health, Wellbeing and Anti-bullying page of NEXUS

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We Can Help... RANT! By Richard

When writing this column I was forced to delve extensively into the dark and parasitic world of an acronym; a disease that has ruthlessly spread from the bowels of popular culture to seize the vulnerable in it’s vile grasp. I speak, of course (and I paraphrase here for my own sanity) of the words ‘#Thou solely abide but once’, TSABO, if you will...

I entered hitherto uncharted territory in my investigations into the source of the madness. Indeed, I left the safe con� nes of Led Zeppelin behind and soon found myself the realm of the Antichrist, Drake. Barely 10 seconds into

‘The Motto’; the mindless gibberish “song” that so popularised YOLO, I had already marked the man down for crimes against humanity.

Now I’m not against mottos, especially if they help get you through the day. I myself will always refer to the phrase ‘If the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall o� , which never fails to cheer me up in the more depressing moments that life kindly presents us with. My main issue with the afore mentioned blasphemy is that it does not give an uplifting note on which to persevere, or even, as it was perhaps � rst intended, suggest

that one should enjoy life, despite the risks. Instead, the whole premise of YOLO is to give imagined justi� cation for generally acting like an irresponsible pillock, “You only live once” so drink this.., jump o� that....” Also, (maybe I’m missing something here) social abbreviations are hardly cringe-free at the best of times but YOLO has got to be one of the single most annoying creations of the English language. In fact I would defy anyone to � nd a greater waste of two syllables. Of course this may just be down to the moronic tone in which

YOLO generally seems to dribble forth from the human mouth, usually accompanied by a manic grin and the faintest sound of a last vestige of intellect imploding.

Where will the madness stop? Are we witnessing the � rst footsteps of societal breakdown? Already celebrities such as Zac Efron, with the letters branded into their own skin, have about them something of an anarchic cult. Ok, perhaps that’s an exaggeration and signs are that the epidemic is slowly dying down but it does seem to me that Mr. Drake could have been a little more creative in his ravings, but then when you only live once maybe there’s no time for a bit of imagination.

TTFN, Richard - Send your annoying acronym to voice@pembrokeshire.ac.ukand your name will go into a prize draw for an iTunes voucher.

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