Earlier this month, 12 talented students from our Art & Design, Photography, and Graphic Design courses were given an incredible opportunity to attend a four-day, all-expenses-paid residential at the prestigious Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). The experience left a lasting impact on the students, who gained valuable insights into what life could be like as they consider taking the next step into Higher Education.

Throughout their stay, the students got a real taste of university life. From living in halls of residence to attending creative industry lectures and workshops, they were immersed in the world of higher learning. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing how beneficial the experience was in helping them understand the demands and opportunities that come with pursuing a university degree.

One of our students humorously noted that while the experience was fantastic, the mattress in the halls was rather thin, sparking a lighthearted discussion about investing in a mattress topper when choosing accommodation! Despite this small hiccup, the vast majority of the students enjoyed their stay, and even the food. All students had high praise for the meals, even our self-confessed "fussy eater."!

In addition to their studies, the students had the chance to explore the lively town of Bournemouth. They enjoyed dining out at Cosmo, giving them a further glimpse of life as a Higher Education student living on the mainland. With this blend of academic learning and leisure, many of the students now feel even more motivated to progress into Higher Education.

A highlight of the trip was the glowing feedback from AUB itself. In their words, "The IOW College students were fantastic and an absolute pleasure to have on the residential. They were a real credit to the College." This recognition speaks volumes about the talent and professionalism of our students and is something we can all be incredibly proud of.

We are thrilled that this opportunity not only broadened the horizons of our students but also helped them envision their future academic journeys. For many, this experience will be a stepping stone towards a vibrant and fulfilling career in the creative industries.

The future is bright for our budding artists, photographers, and designers! A huge thank you to Arts University Bournemouth for hosting our students!