7 SGS (South Gloucestershire and Stroud College) reviews

a good amount of 1-to-1 support from lecturers

The best aspects of the course is the content and teaching. The teachers are so engaging and helpful and obviously love their job. They are all so enthusiastic about their subject which makes learning interesting and enjoyable. On the course we learn a lot of content for the modules which makes everything feel worthwhile and enriching. Teachers are also super helpful when it comes to assessments and are always keeping us on track. I feel confident in my work due to having lots of tutorials throughout the year. The only complaints would be that sometimes it can be difficult to contact some teachers via teams outside of uni hours, but as long as you know what days they work then there are ways to work things out fine.

My course has its challenges but overall the content is really interesting to learn about. There isn’t a day where we aren’t doing something

Good facilities in regard to computer and library access, lecture rooms are all clean. Being in the Zoo itself is a brilliant perk, although has it's downsides such as having to pay for parking and no discounts for food. Only issues are having to share toilet facilities with the education department (try going to the bathroom after a group of 30+ primary school children) and the odd domestic issue in the kitchen when never seem to be fixed.

The support from tutors is brilliant, you need only ask for it. Too often students are complaining that they couldn't get support or time to talk to a tutor, yet they only sent one email. If you follow up and keep reminding tutors, they are more than happy to sit down and have conversations about work. They have lots to do and I feel that the way most of the staff have time for us is great.

I enjoy a lot of the content, it's relevant and well presented. Lots of opportunity for debate, discussion and our own learning style. Tutors are readily available and most are always willing to go above and beyond for students within reason. Some of the staff which are employed by the zoo are not as enthralled about teaching as others employed by the college, and you can tell. This can sometimes put a dampener on work and leave students less motivated to attend or complete work. Sometimes tutors can over simplify or over complicate lectures, I feel they would benefit from having some support as to making sure everyone is on equal footing. This could be supporting the students who struggle more, and giving additional tasks to students who are excelling.

12

There are lots of opportunities to speak to staff, they are very open and available to talk about anything - be that work in lectures, assignments or your future career plans! In the first year we had a few sessions about employ ability, but were left to our own devices to find work experience as it should be. As a second year student, I would like to have another session about employ ability to check CV's as now some of us are applying for work that may come when we finish in May.

The facilities are nice as we are based within the zoo itself, class rooms are nice as they have good equipment and a good lab for practical's, there is even a library for just us to use and one other class. Unfortunately the common room isn't the best but has some of the basics and there is nowhere to buy food as a reasonable price.

The lectures always have an ear open and feedback given by them is very good and thorough but is sometimes given back after their return deadline. There is many free counselling and support offered by the college for those who want it.

I really like the power points the lectures give but sometimes they set in class tasks which could be completed as homework and I would rather spend this time learning.

13

This aspect of our course is very good! we complete two work experience placements as part of the course amongst other practical day trips to places such as monkey world and hill livery! The college also organise next steps conferences and can point you in the right direction to post grad fairs if your interested.

This course has helped me grow with confidence, it creates triple treats and pushes you in areas that need improvement. The staff are really friendly and professionally trained, with three shows a year you really get a sense of the industry. The audition is really relaxed and I instantly knew I wanted to go to BIPA!

I like how approachable the staff which makes for relaxed working environment.

100

Good access to computers when they aren’t at capacity however because of the location the library, although well run is small and not that helpful

Lots of supports but the course feels disorganised as if they’ve taken on more students than is appropriate

12