Portland College “Student Express” official opening

Students at Portland College are delighted with their new and improved campus shop which was officially opened today by GB Paralympic Archer and ex Portland College student, Fred Stevens. Fred was a student at Portland 13 years ago and joined the Archery club as part of his extra curricular activities. He has since gone on to compete at the Beijing Paralympics, which is one of many competitions he has taken part in across the globe.

Staff and students gathered round to watch the opening of the new shop and student Gareth Evans gave the opening speech thanking everyone for their assistance with the project, in particular Independence Team member, Stewart Dickins who has been integral to the project. Stewart said “Working in the shop provides students with valuable experience that helps students to develop their social and communication skills.”

The shop has evolved over the years, from a store cupboard selling snacks and basic toiletries to a spacious room in the main building allowing wheelchair access for students to volunteer to help or browse the shelves. The new and improved shop now gives students access to an increased number of goods, from greeting cards to deodorant at very reasonable prices with profits being reinvested into the shop. 

Stewart is never short of student volunteers to run the shop and they are timetabled on to a rota throughout the week. Supported by members of staff, students are able to use the till, request new stock/lines and price and put away the stock. These activities reinforce important classroom teachings of numeracy and literacy skills and coordination which will assist the student to find employment when they complete their courses and leave Portland College.  

Principal, Mark Dale said, “All the activities the students are involved in during their time at Portland contribute to the overall success of their program. We are very pleased to be able to offer another channel for students to expand their skills which also benefits the whole College Community.”