Barnet and Southgate College motorsport students get in the fast lane (From Watford Observer)

Barnet and Southgate College motorsport students get in the fast lane

12:59pm Friday 22nd June 2012 in News By Advertising Feature

Barnet and Southgate College offers a wide choice of educational routes for students aged 14 and over. Whether you’re seeking to follow an academic or vocational route, progress to higher education, enhance your job prospects, improve your career by learning new skills, or you want to get back into education, it has probably got the course for you.

The college has five campuses across north London and constantly strives to improve the learning environment for its students, with a high standard of teaching and industry standard training facilities in many subject areas including motorsports, motor vehicle maintenance, catering and fashion. Students are treated as adults, and the teaching staff are experienced, specialists in their field.

The college prides itself on its reputation and close links with the community and local businesses. It offers smaller class sizes and closer tutorial support than many schools and universities, with work placement opportunities via a wide network of industry partners both in the UK and abroad.

Its motor vehicle courses are all based at its Southgate Campus, and cover a wide range of subjects including motor mechanics, motorsport, vehicle body repair, vehicle paint refinishing, management disciplines and fault diagnostics.

This complete qualifications programme from Entry Level 3 Diploma to HND, has been carefully designed and planned to give you the best opportunity for career progression leading to employment in all areas of the motor trade.

Practical and Diagnostic work is a major part of all the courses and is carried out in state-of-the-art workshops. The college has invested in an interactive learning suite, where simulation of vehicle systems takes place and problems are resolved. There are also long term industry links with: Brands Hatch, Rye House Stadium, Morelli and Du Pont.

Here’s what some BTEC Motorsport students said about their College experiences.

Nabil Sebti: “There’s a great atmosphere at Barnet and Southgate College and the teaching and facilities are great, tutors go out of their way to help you – it wasn’t like that at school. We go on trips to track days and work on motor vehicles, one of the best things is the opportunities as far as training is concerned.”

Samantha Bowden: “I’m the only girl on the course, but it doesn’t bother me as the teaching staff treat me exactly the same as the boys – I’ve been interested in cars for a few years so applying for the course seemed like a natural choice. The course has plenty of academic and theory work with the right balance of practical work.

“It’s a lot more easy going here, compared to school and you’re a lot more independent, which works for me as I find it really motivating.”

Jesse Cummings: “My course has totally lived up to my expectations. I found out about the course online and as soon as I saw it I knew it was for me. It’s a really good place to learn; I’ve had loads of good advice and guidance from teaching staff, and you don’t feel alone at all. They help you focus on your goal.”

Sagar Bhagat: “My Uncle took me to Silverstone once and I loved it, the BTEC in motorsport appealed to me; to find an approved qualification in a vocational subject that I want to pursue means that I’m really passionate about the course. Being part of the British Schools Karting Championship has been a personal highlight at College as I was on the winning team.

“We’ve even gone to Germany and visited the Porsche and BMW museums and seen how the Mercedes factory works and visited German colleges to meet their engineering students. I’m also part of the College team working on our very own Formula 1 car, which is a real privilege!

“The teaching is outstanding and I enjoy assignments as the tutors really engage with you and help you learn. I look forward to coming into college as I enjoy my course. It’s so much better than going to school!”

Enrol now for all full and part time courses starting in September 2012. Whether that’s for motorsports and motor vehicle industries or any other subject, it’s also possible to enrol online or download a printable application form. Log onto: www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk, email: info@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk or call 020 8266 4000 for further information.