The annual Freshers’ Fayre is back at EKC Broadstairs College, welcoming new and returning students across the campus.
Featuring a range of activities, local businesses, special offers and informational sessions, learners have been exploring what College provides and what the next academic year looks like for them.
There was something for everyone to enjoy; from badge making provided by Margate Pride, raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in the community, to educational talks by universities including UCA, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent.
Held in the Welcome Building, this event was organised by Student Experience Officer, Sean Whyley-Gunning. His role is to create unforgettable and enriching experiences for students, and to organise similar key events to bring the College and local community together.
Students across the College came together to relax between classes, grab lots of freebies, sample ice-creams, try on branded sunglasses and enjoy some free sweets.
First-year student Lily, who is in their first few weeks studying Early Years, is very happy that they chose EKC Broadstairs College as their post-16 option. They said: “I’m really enjoying learning how children develop. The structure here at College is so much more independent, and I feel like I’m able to learn the way I want. Today’s been great – who doesn’t love a pair of free sunglasses?”
Emily who is also in their first year of College, studying Early Years alongside Lily, said: “College for me has been so much more fun than school, I feel supported here and am excited about having more freedom when it comes to learning.”
We were pleased to welcome back Business alumna, Molly, who is now taking part in a HR Apprenticeship with OFP Timber Frame. She was at the Fayre to represent the business, talk about what they offer as well as to give students an example of how they can achieve. She said: “It’s been great to come back and help educate new students about the company. So far, I’ve been sharing my own advice about College and letting them know how there’s a role for them somewhere in the business.”
We also opened dedicated areas for the Students’ Union, and academic guidance from the College’s own careers officers and EKC Training. Representatives from local charities and volunteer organisations were also on-hand to offer their services to our students.
One charity in attendance was Power of Women Thanet, who have worked with the College for the last five years, encouraging local creative talent to thrive and supporting students with mentoring schemes.
Youth Producer and Mentor Susan Crothers from the charity attended Freshers Fayre with three students that she is mentoring for the next seven months. These are Music student Ryo, Art student Lia, and Media student Abigail.
Susan said: “It’s been great to interact with students today, and we’re all looking forward to creating some memorable events that will happen around International Woman’s Day. These are including a gig from music students, art exhibition and some films created by media students. We also mentor three students from the creative industries over seven months and empower them with the skills they need to go out in the world.”
Music student Ryo, one of the students mentored by the charity said: “We’re doing work experience with the charity on a Wednesday. I love fusion music and rock music and I’m looking forward to the collaboration.”
As the day drew to a close, students left with armfuls of freebies, new friendships, and a sense of excitement for the year ahead.
Events like the Freshers’ Fayre gives learners an impressive introduction to the support available at College and offers insight into potential career paths.
Thank you to all business, groups and charities who attended on the day, including:
- Power of Women Thanet
- Manspace
- Badge makers
- RNLI
- WWMartin
- Pass Driving School
- UCA (University for the Creative Arts)
- University of Kent
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- OFP Timber Frame
- EKC Training
It’s not too late to join us this year, apply today and enrol this September in any of our subject areas.
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