Student Case Studies
16 - 18 College
Learn about life as a 16 - 18 year old student at Newcastle College. Discover why our students chose to study with us, what they love most about their studies and what exciting extracurricular activities they've been involved in!
Read our case studies
Jessica Naylor
Level 3 Fashion Marketing and Communication"One of my tutors studied Fine Art at university, so her experience in the creative industry means she's always challenging me to push the envelope with my artistry, which is really important on a design course! Thanks to her, I go further out of my comfort zone with every project I'm given, which I think will make me a better fashion professional in the end."
Maiya Westhall
Level 3 Fashion Marketing and Communication"The feedback I've got from my tutors has really helped me to delve deeper into my art and the way I think about the creative process. Thanks to this support, I've been able to try different media types, like photography and textiles, as well as different creative design software and do in-depth research into the fashion marketing industry, so studying this programme has really opened my eyes a lot to the opportunities available in the industry."
Phil Stacey
Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance"After I’ve completed my Level 1, I can go and study plumbing like I first wanted to because I’ve got the grades to be accepted onto the course now, which I’m looking forward too. I’ve thought as well, if that doesn’t work out I’ve still got my Level 1 in Automotive so I can go and work in a garage which I’d enjoy too."
Andrei Fordy
Level 3 Aeronautical Engineering"I really enjoy the hands-on experience of using the aircraft, taking apart components, getting all oily and greasy while playing around with tools I’ve never used before! I feel lucky to be part of such a great class because I’m getting much more in-depth teaching about engineering within the aviation industry that I would anywhere else in the region."
Jeremiah Mangena
Level 3 Business"I feel like my favourite thing about the course is the class discussions; I really like listening to different people's ideas and opinions on how a business should move. It’s really great to practise thinking outside the box and to discover new ways to solve problems."
Victor Ohason
Level 3 T-Level in Digital Software Development"For a long time now, I've wondered how easy it is to be a software developer, since I've seen a lot of people making online games or websites back when I was in high school. This factored into my decision to choose a T-Level, since the modules cover all the knowledge I'll need to progress into work in the future, and any work placements give me hands-on experience practising all the technical skills I'll need as well."
Charlie Hartridge
Level 3 Animation and Illustration"I love the creative freedom I get on my course - it's like a breath of fresh air compared to high school! I get to use my own techniques and art forms alongside new teachings from my classes, which I can apply to the practical opportunities that come through my tutors, like a recent project to create a mural on Forth Lane in Newcastle with Josie Brookes, a professional illustrator! I'm getting lots of great experience being a professional creative, which not many other colleges would be able to offer!"
Bailey Richardson
T-Level - Early Years Educator (Education and Early Years) - Level 3"The course is benefiting me because I get to go on a placement as part of my T-Level. This is giving me hands-on experience in the sector that I want to go into, instead of learning only the theory. You're putting the theory into practise when you're at placement so it's very helpful as it gets you ready for your future. "
Cam Burns
Level 3 T-Level in Design and Development (Engineering and Manufacturing)"Choosing to study at Newcastle College was the best decision I've ever made in my life. From changing my mind about doing A Levels to feeling confident in myself and my future engineering career, my T-Level has offered me the chance to really open up my world. By doing a real job with placement hours, I get the experience and hands-on industry skills I'd need to go straight into industry after my course, or go to university or a degree apprenticeship, so I really do have endless possibilities ahead of me!"
Esraa Kelezli
Level 2 Hairdressing"Before coming to Newcastle College, if I did someone's hair I never really pushed myself or seriously attempted more challenging hair techniques, but now I'm able to learn and practice on real people, it's so much better! I feel like I can do anything, but I love the fact I can uplift people through my work so they can feel really good about themselves."
Jennifer Herakova
Level 2 Make-Up"I really enjoy the practical sessions and the free treatments I can do in The Retreat. In my practical classes, I get to practise competition make-up and different make-up styles, like editorial, fashion magazine, drag and special effects styles. It’s so versatile – you can literally be unlimited with your creativity!"
Lilly Gray
Level 3 T-Level in Health (Supporting the Adult Nursing Team)The course is a lot more practical and it’s not all exams, you get to experience something you wouldn’t with A Levels or in school. The course makes you more prepared for the workplace and prepares you for working with patients.
Luke Rowe
Level 3 Health and Social CareWhen you study with Newcastle College, you give yourself the best opportunity you can to develop new skills, make new friends, and learn from tutors with so much experience in industry that everything you learn can be used straight away when you launch your career. The tutors on my course are the best teachers I’ve ever had, they’ve been through it all and are always sharing their experience with us. You’ll get to learn in fantastic facilities, including simulation suites better than the ones at Newcastle University, and you’ll benefit from learning in a really safe, supportive environment so you can learn the skills you’ll need for the front lines of industry.
Imogen Meakin
Level 3 Health and Social Care"A few of my tutors were practising clinical nurses. They're all really understanding of how everyone is different, so they're comfortable with adapting how they teach sometimes to make sure that everyone in my class gets the most out of lessons. Thanks to their support and their past experience in the healthcare industry, when I go into the workplace I'll have real stories to help contextualise the importance of everything I learn."
Jaiden Shek
Level 2 Professional Cookery"My course has given me so many experiences from working in a Michelin star fine dining restaurant to a bit more of a fast passed kitchen environment. I had no idea I would be given the opportunity to be involved with these brands and such established restaurants."
Tyler Ridley
Level 3 Professional Cookery"I love the depth studies in my Professional Cookery course and the wider range of dishes we cook. At the College, we don't just learn how to cook standard pub grub food - it's everything from the fundamentals to high-end cuisine in every area of cookery, from pastry to larder, while some courses only do one. I also get to learn about how professional restaurants operate (both front of house and behind-the-scenes in the kitchens), but also in the operations of alternative businesses, like cocktail houses, so there's scope to pursue multiple careers in the industry if I wanted, rather than just as a typical chef."
Jack Foister
Level 3 Entry to the Uniformed Public Services"I hated schoolwork and studying, so I wanted to do something more active and practical. With Entry to the Uniformed Public Services, I knew I would be able to develop transferrable skills at the same time as working towards a specific career."
Dan Mollon
Learning Development - Life Skills Pathway"Even though I have a chromosome deletion and a few other disabilities, I don't really care - I just want to succeed in life! When I left high school, I thought I'd come to the College to study, and I've absolutely loved it! The staff are lovely, the students are absolutely brilliant and I've really enjoyed my time here so far. My Life Skills classes give me experience with things like cooking, cleaning and ironing which are useful to my everyday life, and I'm also taking English and maths classes to help improve my knowledge!"
Alfie Cain
Level 3 Advanced Music Production"Once I started at Newcastle College, I've never looked back - my Music Production course is exactly what I want to do and what I need to set myself up for a strong musical career, and the more I look into it, the more I enjoy the experience. I can honestly say I've enjoyed every second of my time at The Performance Academy."
Aaron Bullha
Level 3 Rail Engineering"My lecturers and tutors have all gone out of their way to make sure me and my classmates know everything we need to know, not just in track and rail but general engineering as well. I feel like having the opportunity to practice on real-life rail equipment will help me no matter where in the industry I progress, and it’s all thanks to Newcastle College."
Archie Hughes
Level 3 Rail Engineering"I enjoy the practicals the most – we recently did a sleeper change and it was really good because it gives us an idea of what is actually going to happen on track. I got put in charge of that practical for my group, which was really rewarding. We managed to get it done a little quicker than the other groups too!"
Chase Maughan
Level 3 Renewable and Subsea Engineering"When you study at college you get a lot more freedom as well as responsibility. Its more similar to real-life, because you aren’t going to have someone stood beside you telling you what you have to do. College really does prepare you for your future."
Ronan Wilson
Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Subsea and Renewables)"My main lecturer has a PhD in Engineering, and the Head of the Energy Academy has also worked abroad for years in the sector so it's interesting to hear their stories from the renewables industry. It's really great that my tutors know exactly what they're talking about and have years of practical experience to back it up, since it means I'm really getting the best of both worlds as I'm learning the ropes!"
George Vincent
Level 3 Applied ScienceA lot of my tutors are from industry, which gives me a lot of insights into what the science industry is like and what kinds of jobs I can do afterwards. I’d love to study microbiology or genetic research for my career, it’s absolutely an interesting field to work in!
Lily Dowling
Level 3 Sports Fitness and Personal Training"I ended up deciding to study the Sports Fitness and Personal Training course because the skills and knowledge I'll learn will open a lot of doors for me in the fitness sector. I'm more interested in the theory behind sports fitness than full-time practical work, so the greater emphasis this course places on theory compared to some others nearby intrigued me. Now, I get to learn how to do client screenings, biomechanics and other elements that I wouldn't have learnt about anywhere else!"
Thomas Kitchen
Level 3 Fitness and Personal Training"On the Open Day we were taken to the Sports Hall, and what stood out was the amount of facilities that the College has, for example, Football pitch, Basketball court, Climbing Wall and a gym that most local leisure centre’s wouldn’t have. I just thought if they’re investing in equipment like that, then the teaching will be the same, if not better."
Emily Howat
Level 2 Travel and Tourism"Travel and Tourism is a really fun course to do, you’ll learn loads of new knowledge and skills that you wouldn’t normally think are a part of this industry, so you’ll always be kept on your toes! You’ll also get the experience of learning how to be a part of industry, to provide strong customer service and remain professional at all times. You wouldn’t get that kind of training or experience anywhere else!"