George Vincent

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day prior to starting at the College? If so, did you find it useful?

I attended an Open Event at Newcastle College through my high school, since it was one of the options my teachers presented as a next step for students alongside Sixth Form. We didn’t get a visit from the Science team to my high school, but everything I learnt about Newcastle College during the Open Event was really positive, since it taught me a lot about the different courses that could be done at Newcastle College.

What made you decide to come to the college and enrol on the course you selected?

I guess it was the opportunity to do science practicals and learn about different techniques in science, learn the skills I would need to go onto university after I finish studying at Newcastle College to study science. I’d like to study at Newcastle University, but for now I don’t have any firm plans.

How would you describe the advice and support you received from college and your tutors? Have you had any support for our Central Support Team – Pastoral support?

Generally positive, definitely. They’ve absolutely helped me during my time at College by helping me with assignments, any queries I’ve got, any work issues and suchlike. It was mainly skills with time management and technical language on my academic studies, which has been a big help! I’m also in receipt of bursary funding from the College, so the Student Services Team have been really helpful.

Do you have any tutors who have industry experience? If so, how has this helped you?

Yes, a 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!

Did you look into financial support available from the college? If so what were they and

how did they help? 

I get the bursary, and I also get the free bus pass provided by Newcastle College when I first started as a student here. It’s been really helpful during my time here, even if the buses aren’t always that reliable! It was really easy to get financial support from Newcastle College, I just had to speak to a few of my tutors.

What do you/did you enjoy most about your course?

Mainly just learning more and more about science, and thinking about the ways all the skills and knowledge I’ve gained here so far will help me in my scientific career in research. In particular, I really love human body systems and biology, I’m always fascinated by those modules.

How do you feel that the course has/is benefitting you?

I guess it’s helping me to find jobs in science and then progress onto university, which has been really helpful. I’ve also picked up useful skills in lab techniques and following practical methodologies in my experiments. My course has definitely helped to build my confidence as well.

Have you done any work experience or a work placement as part of your course?

Yes, I worked for about a week one half term at Northumbrian Water, which was really interesting in terms of how the company as a whole operates, as well as the science behind water treatment and the research into polluted areas – it was all really interesting and useful! The Work Experience Team helped me to secure the placement by contacting the company and getting my days sorted out, it was all really clear and straightforward.

What would you like to do when you finish your course? Would you consider studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

When I finish this course (after my upcoming second year), I’d like to go to university but also go into the scientific field. I’ve had a look at Newcastle College University Centre, and it definitely has an interesting offer – I went to a Steppin’ Up event where the course was explained to me, and since the course is on Rye Hill Campus I know I wouldn’t need to move far!

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’d like to get a job in genetic research or microbiology, so I want to take that to the next level. I’d also want to look a bit further afield – I don’t have a particular company in mind, but I’d love to just go into research in whatever field I can!

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying a course with Newcastle College?

The Science courses at Newcastle College are definitely interesting – they’re designed to teach you loads of important skills you’ll need with industry in mind, and the staff here are all so supportive so you really can’t go wrong! There’s a really positive atmosphere around the campus, with lots of resources you can utilise, so you’ll do great work at Newcastle College no matter what you study!