Despite the Covid restrictions in place during the first year, I have had a great experience and am looking forward to returning in September. The lessons have been worthwhile and have inspired me to continue working on a portfolio throughout the summer. The tutors have been very supportive of the class and have years of experience in the fields they teach; our year was the first to be taught this course at Wiltshire College so I'm sure it'll be even better for the next year. The facilities available to students in Chippenham and Student Council SSLC team are good.

Extra cleaning around campus and fewer students onsite due to Covid regulations meant that the campus was always very well kept, all equipment used during our filming and editing lessons were cleaned after use. Despite being in our class bubbles, there was still some access to facilities like food and drinks, classroom space to sit/work through lunch and well maintained loo facilities. There is usually a gym area, LRC centre and multiple shared spaces but these weren't in use due to the circumstances. The canteen has a coffee shop, vending machines and a fresh hot/cold food area, reasonably priced for students. There is recording equipment/camera hire for VFX/media students available.

There is definitely a focus on student wellbeing, there are informative wellbeing posters/artwork around the main building for students to see. Tutors can be made aware of any extra support needed for students needing it.

The course is spread over three days a week, this works well leaving the rest of the week to catch up on practical work and other projects/VFX theory work. I have just finished the first year and have already learnt key practical/software skills like using Green Screen filming and creating 3D models. The tutors delivered one lesson a week online through Teams and the other two days on campus, during the lockdowns all lessons were online. Despite the Covid disruptions we were able to complete all our units and only had to reschedule one project for later in the year, the tutors were happy to answer any questions/help with coursework via Teams.

12

There was a unit that specifically focused on employment prospects and how to navigate the industry, we did a mock interview with a VFX company and were given helpful feedback on how to move forward into employment. Other units also touched on employment and asked us to research industry professionals in our chosen field to better understand the journey. I personally feel much more confident in putting together a successful portfolio of work.