FROM the wheel changing challenge in motor vehicle studies, to the omelette task in catering and hospitality, students have been putting college courses to the test.

Furness College, in Barrow, has been hosting taster days for Year 10 secondary school pupils and Year Five and Year Six primary pupils.

More than 300 secondary pupils from St Bernard's Catholic High School, Furness Academy and Walney School took part on separate days.

There was a record number of primary pupils, almost 300 from North Walney, South Walney, St James’, Victoria Academy, Greengate, Ormsgill, George Romney and St George’s.

The taster days gave both age ranges the opportunity to see classrooms and workshops across the college campus, to meet the tutors and have a go.

Other challenges included virtual welding, using Photoshop, green screen filming, being interviewed on CandoFM, face painting, basketball and activities provided by the police, Royal Navy and the University of Cumbria.

Georgia Woodhouse, 14, of St Bernard’s said: “It’s been really great. I’ve learnt loads and it has really opened my eyes to the opportunities at the college and new careers. I want to be a nurse in the future so visiting the health and social care clinical room in the college was really useful. I particularly enjoyed the hair media and make-up face painting activity.”

Mark Mills, head of careers at St Bernard’s Catholic High School said: "This has been a superb event as it has really shown our Year 10s not only the huge range of courses on offer at Furness College, but the vast array of careers and jobs they can progress on to. Meeting the tutors, seeing the campus and most importantly experiencing the subject has really inspired our Year 10s.”

Charlotte Bower, head of Year 10 at Walney School said: “The day was absolutely fabulous and although I had high expectations, the quality and the thought of the activities that had been planned, the facilities and the care provided to our students by staff at Furness College exceeded them.”

Furness College staff were very impressed with the enthusiasm and excellent behaviour of the pupils

Jane Ridyard, Furness College director of young people’s learning said: “This new model for our tasters has really given students the opportunity to experience the whole college and everything we have to offer.

"Many students have little idea what to do for a career so events like these really help them to see the different courses on offer and more importantly the different careers they can aspire to. We have been delighted with the response to these tasters and thank all the schools for taking time out of school to support them.”

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