Portland College

April 14 2010

BBC Blast visits Portland College

On Wednesday 14th April 2010, BBC Blast visited Portland College on the first leg of their whistle-stop tour around various colleges and schools in the local area. The BBC Blast project is aimed at 13-19 year olds to create interest and opportunities in creative arts and media. The purpose of the visit was to provide 20 minute taster sessions in a variety of creative media ahead of the ‘Blast in Mansfield’ event which takes place in Mansfield Market Square on 22nd to 24th April 2010.

Sessions were organized for a variety of the College’s tutor groups and there were also a number of drop-in sessions for learners to get involved. The bus created quite a stir and loads of learners took the opportunity to look at learning new skills or showcasing creative skills that they already possessed!! The sessions included learners creating comic strips about themselves using imaging software and photography, mixing and recording music, and conducting radio interviews with members of staff and from the BBC Blast crew.

The crew from the BBC were very impressed with the College and the level of interest from both staff and learners, and thoroughly enjoyed the day, commenting that it was the ideal way to start their tour.

The ‘Blast in Mansfield’ event will provide free workshops for 13-19 year olds in subjects such as filmmaking, fashion, radio production, songwriting and performance.