We Focus on the BBC

Recently six students from Focus 12 (one of the college’s under 16 provisions) went on a visit to BBC Broadcasting House.

The students, who have been making their own radio shows in the college (Focus FM), were invited by a producer to see behind-the-scenes at a live broadcast.

After a tour around the building the student’s were allowed to practice their skills on a mixing desk before watching a live broadcast of Radio 4’s “You and Yours” where Lord Coe was fielding questions about the 2012 Olympics.

Finally two of the students were interviewed for a future broadcast before being treated to a dinner in the infamous BBC Canteen. The students thoroughly enjoyed the trip and really benefited from seeing a professional radio show in action. Michael Thompson said “The highlight for me was getting to use their studio” while Ibrahim Ilham said “It was amazing to what goes on at a real radio station”.

The student’s continue to work on improving their radio shows and have been invited to the 1extra studios next year.

All I want for Christmas is a home

As we wind down for the Christmas break, we need to spare a thought for the homeless.

Vision 12 and Focus 12 students thought it was only right to try and help. After a week of intensive writing and composing, they put together for a local charity a book of their poems (pictured above).

The book was launched at a special signing on Monday.

During the signing a sobering presentation explained the work of the Branches Day Centre, a homeless shelter in Forest Road.

They later benefited from a donation of the initial proceeds from the first of books that were sold. The cheque was proudly presented by Claire on behalf of the students. Afterwards she said, "When I presented the cheque to the Branches users it really hit home to me how much this meant to them."

Then, to round things off poet Neal Zetter read some of his own work, and a selection of poems from the book.

Adam told us, "It was good, Neal read out my poem, I was embarrassed but it was great to hear my words read by a professional."

A clear vision

Friday lunchtime saw presentations galore as compulsory school age students from Vision 12 and Focus 12 described their various business ideas.

Aided by Powerpoint displays, handouts, and very confident presentations, they spoke to a panel of judges about the enterprises they wanted to build.

Neil Larkin from EduAction explained to the group that it had been a very tough decision to make when selecting the eventual winner.

Each of the presentations had qualities that had impressed the judges, but they eventually settled on awarding Jaimie Johnson and Clair Cooper £50 Enterprise Awards. This was for their work speaking and listening. Clair won the 'recall' quiz about the presentations, whilst Jaimie won for his presentation about the company he wanted to start.

Jaimie's dream company was "Motorsports UK" a company hiring out watersports equipment and bikes to adults and children. If you just happen to have a spare £75K he'd like to talk business with you!