News reports located on this page = 2.

Students get a taste of life at the Hugh Baird University Centre

THE Hugh Baird University Centre recently held a hugely successful:- 'Get Ready for Uni Day,' that saw potential learners enjoy a taste of what life as a Higher Education Undergraduate is really like.  The University Centre takes immense pride in the student experience it delivers to those who choose to study with them. In addition, their students benefit from comprehensive pastoral support which is particularly valued by Undergraduates who may have thought that studying for a Degree was something they couldn't achieve.

Since the Hugh Baird University Centre opened its doors in 2014, hundreds of Undergraduates have successfully realised their career goals and have successfully achieved 1st Class Degrees in various subjects. All Degree level courses at the Hugh Baird University Centre are approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) meaning students can choose to stay local, develop their confidence and enhance their skill levels, save money and gain a Degree from a top North West University.

Another achievement for the Hugh Baird University Centre is that it is part of an elite group of Higher Education providers in the UK to hold the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold status. The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) was introduced to provide evidence about the performance of the higher education sector in the UK. Through the issuing of Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards, the scheme provides students with a picture of excellence in higher education teaching and learning.

The 'Get Ready for Uni Day' gave those in attendance the opportunity to meet with course tutors, hear from current and past students, tour the University Centre campus and take part in subject specific taster sessions. Attendees also gained information on the financial support available and had the chance to hear 1st hand about the additional learner support available from the University Centre's Student Services team.

Colette Mawdsley, Dean of Higher Education at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:- "The Get Ready for Uni Day was an exciting opportunity for applicants to get a real feel for the University Centre before they start in September. Our staff have helped hundreds of students change careers, develop themselves and realise their full potential. Many of these students didn't think that getting a Degree was something they could achieve, but with our support and their determination anything is possible. At the Hugh Baird University Centre we operate an open door policy and we always enjoy meeting applicants of all ages, whether they be leaving sixth form or returning to learning to gain recognition for the skills they have developed through their careers. Often, learners gain places on our courses on the basis of their previous work and life experience and I'd encourage anyone to come in and visit us at our open events in the coming months. Our inaugural 'Get Ready for Uni Day' was a huge success. There was a real buzz at the event with friendships already being formed between applicants of the same or similar courses which was lovely to see. It was fantastic to see so many applicants in attendance at the event, and I look forward to seeing them all again in September."

Hugh Baird University still have limited places available on our Degree courses for September 2019. For more information please visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK or call:- 0151 353 4444. Or alternatively come along to 1 of our open events on:- 26 June, 18 July, 15 August and 16 August 2019.

Youngster Scott aims high with new Wirral target hub

BARNSTONDALE, an inclusive residential activity centre on the Wirral, has recently unveiled its latest addition, a new target hub. The target hub is proving to be very popular with one young visitor, who has found the hub has enabled him to participate like never before. 12 year old Scott, a wheel chair user who has extensive additional needs, has found that the new set up enables him to take part in the shooting activities available at the centre.

The target hub was opened recently, following 12 to 18 months of fundraising towards its creation. Before its construction, activities such as shooting were carried out in the car park, which wasn't an ideal situation, but was necessary due to the space and distance required. The new hub has multiple primary uses, including:- rifle shooting and archery, but can also be used for any activity requiring aim and precision; including:- bowling, boccia and skittles.

The hub is fully equipped and self contained. It is housed within a wooden cabin building, in keeping with the centre's rustic residential log cabins. There's an antechamber where visitors can hang their coats and a seating area, where they can safely watch the activities in the hub while awaiting their turn. They can also be briefed there on any Health and Safety aspects of the activities, so they are fully aware of how important and careful they must be when using potentially dangerous items such as bow, arrows and rifles.

Scott has been coming to stay and enjoy the activities at Barnstondale for 4 years now; it's his only respite and the break makes a huge difference to him and his family. He really enjoys the rifle shooting, but as a wheelchair user it is not always easy for him to get close enough to the rifle to fire it. The gun is located on a tripod support and the target hub booths now make it much easier for him to be able to aim and fire the rifle.

Heidi Hughes, the business director at Barnstondale, commented:- "Many different donors and supporters have contributed to financing the project and it is them we thank for making the target hub a reality. Watching Scott being able to do something he loves really brings home the importance of inclusivity at a centre like Barnstondale. Seeing one individual being able to participate in this way is as important to us as seeing a large group of children exploring the woodland".

Barnstondale is a residential activity centre in the heart of Wirral, which is passionate about supporting children and young people of all abilities. Situated in 15 acres of beautiful natural woodland and countryside, the centre welcomes day visitors or residential guests to enjoy its many facilities. The accommodation is housed in fabulous traditional log cabins and the range of exciting indoor and outdoor activities including:- climbing wall, nature trails, archery, rifle shooting and more.

For further information on Barnstondale contact the centre on:- 0151 648 1412 or visit the website.