23rd May 2019
As we approach the end of this academic year the students are gearing themselves up for their final assessments and thinking about their next steps. Obviously the first years have another year with us to complete their foundation degrees but the second years are moving on to new places. Most of the group are progressing to Plymouth University to complete their final year of undergraduate study in History or History with English.
“FdA History with English has been a journey of emotions. Overall one of the best things I have ever done!” – Beckie Rose Reed – 1st Year Student.
This year has been a great year on the History with English FdA programme, all of our students have engaged in some top class research and they have produced excellent work. The lecturers have taught passionately and enthusiastically pouring their heart and soul into the development and progression of these students. In terms of trips and cultural experiences the students in both year groups have had the opportunity to participate in a number of activities that have brought history to life and has given the students a wider understanding of the heritage sector.
In October 2018, as part of the History and Visual Culture module the year 2 (and some year 1 students) visited Coleton Fishacre (National Trust). A wonderful experience whereby students could immerse themselves in the 1920’s and 1930’s, the Arts and Crafts movement and the enjoy and discover the stories of those who lived in this wonderful house.
In December 2018 the year 2 students had the opportunity to visit the SS Great Britain in Bristol as part of the History and Visual Culture module. A great time was had by all as the students discovered and found out about the history of the SS Great Britain, the Industrial Revolution and the heritage industry at large.
In March the Year 1 students visited Torre Abbey in Torquay. Torre Abbey is a brilliant museum detailing the lives and the story of the Cary Family but also through the eyes of the Abbey the wider story of Torbay.
In April both 1st and 2nd Year students visited London for a two day residential. It is always good fun to go to London and to appreciate the nation’s story and to visit some incredible sites and museums. Places visited by the students included the Tower of London; St Paul’s Cathedral (students even participated in early morning mass); The Globe Theatre; Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum; The National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery.
Also in April some of our yr 2 students arranged a trip to Poland where they visited Auschwitz, they will never forget this incredible experience.
At the time of writing students have participated in our History with English FdA Research Showcase Event. This was a great day of celebrating the work and research of all our students and we heard some amazing presentations titles included: Torquay’s First Suffragette; Missionary Adventures; Abdication or Crisis.
“The FdA History with English showcase is a great opportunity for learners to share their resea4rch and hard work. The local history stories are always engaging and inspire others to carry out and research of their own. Well done to everyone who spoke and to the staff for arranging it.” – Jacky Cobbold, Former FdA Student and now Trainee Teacher at South Devon College, (DTLLS).
At the end of this academic year we are looking forward to taking students past and present, staff and anyone else on our fourth William of Orange walk. The first leg of this walk follows William of Orange’s march from Brixham to London in November 1688, known as the Glorious Revolution. We are not doing the whole walk! Just the first leg which takes us from Brixham to Berry Pomeroy castle which also happens to bypass South Devon College. The date for this walk is Friday 5 July and we are leaving Brixham, at the William of Orange statue on the quayside at 10am.
“Just got back from attending the FDA History with English degree programme’s showcase. I cannot recommend this amazing degree programme or the amazing lecturers enough. Going back to Uni was something which I never thought I would do and something that I really didn’t think I would be capable of doing. With the help, guidance and enthusiasm of all the lecturers, I have been gifted an opportunity I never thought I would have. Not only has this programme enhanced my future job prospects it has also changed me as a person, I approach life in a very different manner now. Seeing all the other students amazing, unique research projects today in which they reclaimed and rediscovered unique parts of history really emphasises the importance of this degree programme. Good luck to all the current students in their first and second years from watching all your work today you will all absolutely smash this little part left.” – Ashton Wright – Former FdA student.
