Ridings' Federation Sixth Form News

Students celebrate baccalaureate successes

Monday 9th July 2012

STUDENTS in Bristol were planning for a future at university after receiving excellent International Baccalaureate results.

Click here to read the full The Post article.

Hairdressing students at Yate International Academy are head and shoulders above the rest

Tuesday 27th March 2012

“Great opportunity to develop my skills”, “hands-on” and “helped me to build my confidence” – these are just some of the great comments from current students of the Level 2 Hairdressing course at Yate International  Academy. The year-long course, which focuses on a range of topics and skills from learning how to colour, perm and cut hair to managing a salon and client bookings, is one of several vocational opportunities that are offered to students after they have finished their GCSEs. The course is run within the Academy’s own hairdressing salon, called ‘Mirror Image’.

Speaking about the course, Teacher of Hairdressing Jane Fitzgerald said “The course is a wonderful opportunity for any student who wants to pursue a career in hairdressing. It is very hands on, and within the first two months students are able to shampoo hair and put rollers in. There is lots of opportunity for them to grow and develop.” Once students have finished the course, there is also the option of going on to study Level 3 – A current Year 13 student, Sharell Plummer, who is due to complete the Level 2 course this year has secured a place to study a  Level 3 at City of Bristol College from September.

So what influenced the decision of current students to study the course? Sophie Simpkins said “I previously studied the Beauty Therapy course and thought that this course would be a great opportunity to learn some new skills. I live locally and it is convenient for me to get to each tutorial, and I have learnt all of the expertise that I need to be able to work in a salon.”

Emma Cheacker went on to say “I enjoy it when the clients come in and I hope after I finish this course that I can progress on to Level 3.” Charlotte Jefferies added “My favourite aspect of the course is colouring hair and I also hope to go on to studying a Level 3 course after I have finished.”

One student already had experience of working in a salon before applying to study the course. Charlotte Lewis said “I work in a local salon as a Saturday girl, and I decided to study this course as I wanted to be able to train to become a qualified hairdresser. As a result of this, the salon now lets me cut and colour hair, which I wouldn’t have been able to do before. When I finish this course, I hope that I can work full time in the salon. “

Mirror Image hairdressing salon is open for client bookings each Tuesday, during term time, between 5pm – 8pm. Kelly Charles said “It’s great that clients are able to book to come into the salon. As a student, it is fantastic experience as it allows you to get used to what it is like when you go on to work in a salon after you have qualified.” All of the services are carried out by the students, with close supervision from their tutor. Prices start from £6.25 for a cut and £10.20 for colour, which is a large reduction compared to high street salons.

If you would like to book for an appointment please telephone 01454 862624.