Computer Games Switch on Potential Students to Learning in Folkstone
Sixth-formers and school leavers had the chance to test their skills on a range of computer games at a special event held at the University Centre Folkestone (UCF).
Organised by Steve Archer, Senior Lecturer at the University of Greenwich, the aim of the event was to attract young people so they could see the facilities on offer, as well as learn about the new courses available, at UCF.
Steve Archer said: “We wanted to attract the attention of local youngsters and computer games are ideal. We set up a range of games for pupils from schools in and around Folkestone, explaining how they are made as well as the design techniques involved.
“At UCF we run a series of IT courses from taster sessions through to degrees. All courses are designed to meet the skills requirements of local businesses and the best way to let potential students know about what we offer is to get them into the building so they can see for themselves.”
Steve added: “We were keen to be very inclusive in this event so chose games that would appeal to both young men and young women.”
Pizzas were provided as refreshment between games. The event will be repeated in the New Year.
UCF is a partnership between the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University, which opened in September 2007. It is based at the Glassworks, near Folkestone harbour, which have been impressively refurbished by the town’s Creative Foundation.
To find out more about courses available at the University Centre Folkestone visit www.ucf.ac.uk or call 01303 760 600.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The University Centre Folkestone initiative is a partnership between the University of Greenwich, Canterbury Christ Church University and the Creative Foundation. It has strong support from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Kent County Council.
Programmes on offer at University Centre Folkestone
The University of Greenwich will offer foundation degrees and degree programmes in: Multimedia; Information Technology Management for Business; Enterprise Project Management; Retail Technology; Marketing Technology; Small Business Management; Applied Professional Studies.
Canterbury Christ Church University will offer: Performing Arts; Visual Art and Professional Practice; Early Years Education; Entrepreneurship (combined with a creative subject); Professional Development by work based learning.
The University Centre Folkestone will:
• Increase the range and level of higher level learning opportunities in the region and support lifelong learning for young people and adults.
• Widen access to learning for young people through creating new progression opportunities.
• Work with employers to identify education and training needs.
• Provide university level programmes in a range of disciplines related to the arts and creative industries, business and information, and communication and applied professional studies.
• Create a resource of benefit to the regional and local community.
• Forge new partnerships with other education providers and employing organizations.
• Develop enterprise and research activities in partnership with employing organisations.
For interview opportunities, please contact:
· University of Greenwich at Medway Public Relations, tel: 020 8331 9420
· Delphine Houlton, Andrew Metcalf or Jez Durrant, at Maxim, tel: 01892 513033