Record turnout for sixth form's societies

Fresher’s 2016 featured a new record of 35 different stalls and events as the college welcomed a host of organisations, societies, clubs and services from across the region.

Sarah Hawen, tutorial and enrichment manager, co-ordinated the event. She explained: “Fresher’s is a really important event in the college calendar, as it showcases how the college extends its excellent curriculum programme to all students, with the added opportunity to find groups, societies, clubs and events which will enhance their time at Collyer’s.

“There really is something for everyone and it’s a great opportunity to enable students to meet other like-minded people.”

The Fresher’s Fair gives all students the opportunity to become involved in college life and enhance their learning experience whilst at Collyer’s and gain further employability skills, beyond their academic studies and courses.

The event ties into the launch of “Collyer’s Extra” (the extra-curricular clubs, societies and groups) and “Collyer’s Active” (sport for all events and classes) which are run weekly throughout the year.

In addition, organisations from the wider community, who provide young adults with important support services, also attended as part of a pastoral, safeguarding and well-being focus for young people.

Organisations included Community Policing, Young Driver’s Awareness, Horsham Fire Brigade, the ‘Find It Out’ centre for young people and the Snack Wagon. Additional support services within Collyer’s also ran stalls, together with the Library staff and sport teams at Collyer’s.

Jackie Fry, supporting the Collyer’s Amnesty International group, said: “There has been a great buzz as students checked out all the activities on offer. It has been a very successful two days, especially working with students on the Amnesty International stall.”

There has been an extremely positive reaction to setting up an Amnesty Youth Group at Collyer’s and I’m looking forward to helping the students develop skills and acquire experience, which will prepare them for university entrance and the job market.”

Sarah Hawen was delighted: “Each year the number of those taking part increases and the range of societies has become more diverse and interesting. Furthermore, Fresher’s also provides a very effective platform to launch the following week’s ‘Enrichment Time’, which features Collyer’s Active and Collyer’s Extra events that students take part in.”

Vice Principal Melanie Russell was thrilled: “It’s safe to say that this year’s Fresher’s has been a resounding success. Huge thanks to Sarah and all of the staff and students from across the college who made this possible!”

Contributed by the College of Richard Collyer

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