'The Great Collingham Bake Off' and other exciting activities at the end of term...
In November students organised their own lunchtime Bake Off to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event was a great success, with entries from both students and tutors; the cakes ranging from classic Lemon Drizzle to Date and Orange Cupcakes. The students decorated the hall with bunting and doilies, creating all the atmosphere of the bake off tent in Collingham’s own study hall. There was a great turnout of staff and students, all eager to taste the cakes on display.
The best part of the lunchtime Bake Off extravaganza, apart from the excellent judges and amazing cakes, was that we raised an impressive £300.00 for Macmillan.
King Lear at the Barbican
November: a group of A level students attended an RSC production of King Lear at the Barbican, having enjoyed an introduction to the play by distinguished Collingham tutor Peter Cater the previous week. Student Tilly says that despite not having studied the text, she found the production “entertaining and enlightening, deepening our insight into human behaviour”.
“The production of King Lear was intriguing, involving minimal yet beautiful scenery and brilliant acting. Although I personally have not studied English for some time, the group discussions we had before and after the play really opened it up for me and I found myself getting involved in discussions and analysis. Overall the trip was really great for me and I look forward to participating in similar ones in the future.”
Ben, A level student.
Wellcome Collection Exhibition - Bedlam: The Asylum and Beyond
Students visited the Wellcome Collection to see ‘Bedlam: the asylum and beyond’ - an exhibition exploring the history of Western Europe’s oldest mental institution and our changing attitudes towards mental health. A level student Sophie describes how the exhibition “enlightened us all as to the living conditions in asylums, and the often shocking treatment of the mentally ill, some of whom were simply suffering from what we would today call anxiety”.
Introduction to the Film Industry
A level Film and Media students attended a one-day ‘Introduction to the Film Industry’ held by the British Film Institute which included a series of interactive presentations, talks by guest speakers and Q&A sessions. The day was a huge success. The theoretical content provided an excellent foundation for the further study of the film industry students will be undertaking. Each section of the talk was accompanied by Q&A's with a host of industry experts including the producer of recent British hit 'The Girl With All The Gifts', the head of online marketing for Universal and the site developer for Curzon cinemas. An altogether illuminating and fruitful trip for all involved.