Creative Arts students at Solihull Sixth Form College got a taste of where their current studies could lead, thanks to an Alumni Day on campus.
Six former students returned to College to talk to current learners about what they have been doing since they left the College. They talked about fascinating degree courses and jobs they are working on, including in the areas of Textile Design, Games Art, Jewellery Creation, Photography and Drama.
Farzana Akter, Violeta Naumenko and Keeley Horton delivered the first presentations of the day. As a second year Textile Design student at Birmingham City University (BCU), Farzana talked to students about surface patterns for interior, printmaking and embroidery for fashion, as well as the placement she was awarded with Jennifer Clair, London. Violeta and Keeley’s workshop covered Illustration: Colour and Line and turning 2D into 3D design, as well as their current studies at BCU and Coventry Universities on Illustration and Games Art degrees.
Katie Holtom delivered the mid-morning presentation. A former A level Drama student, she spoke about her current role with the Solihull Cultural Education Partnership, working as a Development Co-ordinator and freelancer.
The lunchtime sessions were delivered by Leah Lola Watson and Luke Mears. Leah spoke about her jewellery business called Leah Lola Atelier, located in the Custard Factory in Birmingham, while also leading a Hand Embellishment workshop. Meanwhile Luke, a third year Photograph student at Falmouth University, talked about his degree and delivered a workshop of Colour Grading using Lightroom software.
Creative Arts Curriculum Leader Zoe Maksymiw commented:
“We have been holding Alumni Talks for many years, but this was our first full day of talks and workshops. It was so great to have some former students back in College for this event, and for our current learners to hear about their experiences and successes. It’s fantastic to see how they take what they have learned at College to thrive in Higher Education and working in the creative industries. We learn a great deal from our Alumni students, specifically about chosen universities and courses, which in turn helps us inform our current students. We do our best to keep in touch with our students after they progress onto their exciting destinations, and support them with advice and promotion. Our current learners were really inspired, and they got a great deal out of learning about some of the possibilities for their own futures.”
3 April 2023