CATH FERRIE
Director of Curriculum Support and Development, Angus College
- What does Director of Curriculum Support and Development mean?
- I’ve read about College Outreach Centres – what are they and what is their role?
- Where can I find out about all the different courses that are available to me?
- What are the best ways to find out what a course is really going to be like before I apply?
- How are the courses taught? Do you sit in a classroom all day?
- Are the College tutors just like teachers at school?
- Is it possible to change to another course after I start?
- In your opinion, what are the three best things about going to college or university?
1. What does Director of Curriculum Support and Development mean?
My job means that I’m in charge of everything that students use to support their studies while they are at College. This includes things like information technology, the College library and student services – students use all these facilities regularly, so it’s very important to provide the best service for them. There are several other Directors in the College and they are in charge of other areas. It’s a really varied job that involves working closely with lots of different members of staff and organisations outside the College. I am also the main contact for school-college partnerships across Angus which involves a lot of work with local secondary schools.
2. I’ve read about College Outreach Centres – what are they and what is their role?
At Angus College we have 4 outreach centres in the local area. They are centres of learning for people who for a variety of reasons, can’t travel to the main college buildings in Arbroath to attend classes. The Outreach Centres offer some similar courses to those taught at the main campus, while also offering others that allow the student to progress into a course at the main college upon completion. The Centres are excellent places of informal learning and provide support and confidence to those who have been away from education for a long time, so for many people they act as a first step back into education. They also offer drop-in sessions and leisure and recreational classes – they’re great facilities for students of all ages and for many can offer a different form of college study.
3. Where can I find out about all the different courses that are available to me?
If you come to the College to find out about courses, there is lots of help available! Student Services and the Admissions team is a great place to start for information and it is also very useful to attend College Open Days where you can get a real flavour of the place. Student Services are really important because if you have any particular needs, we will be sure to give you the best possible support when you become a student. Our Outreach Centres also have information on all the courses available. You should also look at our prospectus and also check out College 4 U, a promotional book produced by us. Guidance staff at school and Careers Scotland are also excellent resources to find information about college courses.
4. What are the best ways to find out what a course is really going to be like before I apply?
There are different ways you can get a flavour of what a course is like. A great way is to get some practical experience in a subject area – the College offers taster sessions (parents are invited too!) where you can get to try out various different activities. Gaining experience through a part-time job or a volunteering activity is also really worthwhile. We offer one week work experience placements to pupils which really give them a feel for college life. These are all great ways of getting some valuable experience of a course. Alternatively, we go out to local schools and talk to pupils about what it’s like to be at college, and Student Services at the college are always on hand to help. Equally, if you get the chance, speak to current students or graduates – they’ll give you an accurate picture of what courses and student life are really like, after all they’re the experts!
5. How are the courses taught? Do you sit in a classroom all day?
No! It really depends what you are studying but it’s certainly not a case of sitting in a classroom all day. Courses can be taught in workshops, fields, schools, hairdressing salons, production kitchens and so on. A lot of courses have placements and industrial experiences so they’re very practical in nature. There is no set rule on how and where a course should be taught – it’s whatever is best for the individual student and class group that counts!
It’s important to have flexibility and variety in learning. Also, as well as I.T suites and the library, we provide informal student areas called pods where students can do some private studying, work on a computer or relax with friends.
6. Are the College tutors just like teachers at school?
No, there are lots of differences between college tutors and your teachers at school. You will be on first name terms with your tutor and will probably find yourself in smaller class groups than you were at school. Your tutors will know that you are there because you want to learn, so if you show willingness and enthusiasm for your course, you will be treated in a more adult manner.
You don’t need to wear a uniform either – college is really a different environment of learning than school.
7. Is it possible to change to another course after I start?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to change course. Please don’t sit in a course you’re not enjoying – speak to a member of the Student Services team and help will be on hand. If you’re not enjoying your studies, for whatever reason, you’ll be less likely to do well and more likely to leave, which would not be a good situation for anyone.
8. In your opinion, what are the three best things about going to college or university?
- Meeting new people and making friends.
- Taking on a new challenge in your life and being able to do something you enjoy.
- The qualification you’ll walk away with will provide a great stepping stone to the future, it’s really valuable so go for it!
