College experience for young scientists

Degree students from Cornwall College Newquay have been providing an insight into the exciting world of science for local primary school children. 

Around 140 Year 6 pupils from Newquay Junior Academy attended the ‘Cornwall Science Fair’ event at the College campus as part of British Science Week.

The wide range of interactive science-based activities on offer were all organised and delivered by first-year Foundation Degree students from Cornwall College as part of their Personal and Employability Skills Development (PESD) module.

“Our original inspiration came from the British Science Week theme of discovery. We wanted our watchers to come on the journey with us following a well-known story that maybe people didn't know as well as they thought they did” said student Abigail Farrant, one of the foundation degree students in Wildlife Education & Media who took part in the day’s events.

She continued:  “We hope that everyone who saw our play, adults and the children, get a taste for how education can be so much more than just a day in the class and can take away how there are so many exciting opportunities for learning everywhere you look!”

The ‘Cornwall Science Fair’ ties into a wider initiative of raising aspirations in relation to studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects that Cornwall College currently leads.

Throughout the day, the school children took part in a series of short sessions, designed to educate them on a number of different subjects and show them that a white coated scientist working in a lab is just one of many vastly different professions that can result from studying science.

The activities included making a necklace of their own DNA, completing a freshwater invertebrate’s survey from the onsite pond, shaping a surfboard, taking part in a recycling challenge, learning about the marine environment using the college’s virtual reality headsets and experiencing a play put on by the degree students about the lives of celebrated naturalists Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.

The day culminated in an explosive finale of different outdoor, large-scale science experiments to all of the school children as a group. The series of experiments looked at how to get the most bang for your buck - speeding up the rate of chemical reactions used in rocket propulsion. These included the effect of particle size, state of matter and availability of oxygen on combustion reactions, including demonstration reactions of powder flames, whoosh bottles, coke fountains and elephant’s toothpaste.

For more information on the range of Zoology, Surf and Marine courses available at Cornwall College Newquay visit www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.

Smiles and serious messages combine at Spring Fair

It was a weekend of exciting family activities and science-related fun at Cornwall College Newquay’s Spring Charity Fair. 

The College’s annual community event saw hundreds of people flocking to the campus behind Newquay Zoo, for a wide range of fun activities aimed at the whole family. Throughout the day, visitors got up close to animals, had a go on an indo board, had their faces painted, took part in raffles and bought lots of cakes, all in aid of a range of different environmental and conservation charities. 

Programme Manager at Cornwall College Newquay, Brender Willmott, said the students “never cease to amaze me with their creativity and the amount of effort they invest in the awareness raising event that they organise for their chosen charities”. 

“This event offers them a fantastic opportunity to engage with potential future employers and also to bring to the forefront of people’s minds some of the extremely important and difficult issues facing us in terms of conservation, safety, ethical trading and the environment,” she continued.

“I feel really proud to be part of a team of such a caring group of people.”

The event was organised and delivered by higher education students from Cornwall College Newquay as part of their Personal and Employability Skills Development (PESD) module and was designed to either raise funds for, or awareness of a chosen charity.

The students raised just over £1,019 for a range of animal, environmental and zoological conservation causes including Surfers Against Sewage, The Wave Project, Prickles and Paws, Newquay Marine Group, The Shark Trust, Plastic Free Newquay, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, One Wave, St Francis Home for Animals and others. 

In addition to fundraising, the aim of the day was to get the students working together as teams and to put on an event that would make a real difference to the charities they were supporting. As well as event management skills, the students also learnt more about leadership, organisation, marketing and general business.

Student Abigail Farrant, who is studying a foundation degree in Wildlife Education & Media, was one of a group of students performing an educational play during the event, about the lives of celebrated naturalists Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.

Abigail said: “We all felt the day went really well as we put so much love and time into it. It became our baby and it was amazing to see it come together. We really hope that those who came along left impacted after a day that was fun and full of energy and maybe even learnt a few cool new bits of information that could change the way they think!”

For more information on the range of Zoology, Surf and Marine courses available at Cornwall College Newquay visit www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.

Educational Inspiration as a new wave of attention hits Cornwall

by Jason Birt, Programme Manager – FdSc Wildlife Education and Media

Waves are present throughout our natural world and the same can be said for media attention. Just in the way we visually perceive the world via the electromagnetic spectrum through light waves and hear the world around us through sound waves, we are currently experiencing a wave of media interest in our marine environment.

The sheer magnificence of its scale and the species contained within were the focus of the latest series of Blue Planet II, with clear messaging about the human influence on this environment, particularly the scourge of plastic pollution.

As an educator, it was positive to see the impact this series has had on people.The government has been prompted into action and recently issued its 25 year environmental plan where plastics feature prominently. But how does this relate to Cornwall and what can we do with this new wave of peaked interest in our waters?

With such diverse habitats on offer, Cornwall has numerous operators in ecotourism and establishments offering environmental education and entertainment.There are boat operators offering the chance to get closer to charismatic marine creatures; there are facilities that care for injured marine animals; there are those that offer walking tours of the coasts and moors; there are companies springing up that educate about foraging and even survival training.

Add those that combine our environment with hobbies such as photography, painting and film-making, and you have an amazing playground for self-improvement.

Then you have the Cornwall Wildlife Trust offering days on the rocky shore, amongst many other activities, where you can learn about the many species nestling in the crooks and crannies of the shore. Or Sunday lunchtime guided observations of the sea, looking out for whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and sunfish.

With these many opportunities for engagement with marine life comes a need for those who can educate. It requires individuals who can take often complicated scientific concepts and relate them in a way that everyone can understand, without patronising them.

It’s not only imparting knowledge, but inspiring a desire to learn more.

We can even aim to bring about behaviour change, getting everyone to look at their own lifestyles and alter them so that they are more sustainable.

The course I teach at Cornwall College Newquay produces graduates that have these skills and if you have received environmental education in Cornwall you may have already been taught by an alumnus.

Our educators are the guardians of our area of natural beauty and I hope this current wave of environmental interest produces a wealth of new students who want to continue this legacy – the future of our coastal waters depends on it.

For more information on the range of Zoology, Surf and Marine courses available at Cornwall College Newquay visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/newquay or call 0330 123 2523.

Alumni Q & A- Tyler Worth

An enterprising former surf degree student from Newquay has been making waves by forming his own tech-focused company.

Tyler Worth, who studied the Surf Science & Technology Foundation Degree at Cornwall College Newquay, has formed Stream Freedom Ltd, a pioneering mobile broadcasting company specialising in live-streaming events.

We sat down with Tyler for a chat:

Since studying on the Surf Science course, we understand that you have formed your own company. Could you tell us more about the company and what you have been involved in so far?

Tyler: Since my graduation from Cornwall College Newquay & the Surf Science & Technology Degree I was inspired by lecturers such as Dr Brian Mills and my fantastic course co-ordinator & the muse for my success, Brender Wilmott, to form my own broadcasting company in order to pioneer a mobile, live-streaming platform for the UK Pro Surf Association; developing my involvement within the UK’s only professional surfing tour, which grew directly from the events module within the course, as it’s Social Media Event specialist. Stream Freedom, a limited company was founded to fill this niche & to bring all the live action from the UK Pro Surf Tour to its audience.

Could you tell us more about your sponsorship you have received?

Tyler: I initially gained external interest in the project from a pre-emptive Crowd Funder project, which although unsuccessful in raising the start-up funds, did start a very large marketing campaign that attracted the interest, investment & mentorship from another previous Surf Science student, Mr John Cusick.

John Cusick with Surf Science Lecturer Brender Willmott

John Cusick, who since studying in Newquay has set up multiple successful businesses in the digital marketing industry as an entrepreneur, was impressed by Tyler’s potential. John explained that “it was 50% on the business plan and 50% in Tyler” when he invested in Stream Freedom.

John: “His ability to learn and implement is immense. When I was at Cornwall College, we launched the SEED surf conference, Tyler’s was the first ticket we sold before he was a student. When it became his year’s turn to take on The English National Surfing Championships, he absorbed every single piece of knowledge I could throw at him to help the event make an impact on the digital media side. That year the event broke my previous record for reach. Stream Freedom is an exciting chance to ride the wave of a new technology and make a massive impact to sports and the business I care about, it was too good an opportunity to turn down.”

During his degree, Tyler developed Stream Freedom based on a growing involvement with the UK Pro Surf Association. Following his graduation, he was then recruited as the Social Media Event Specialist for the UK Pro Surf Tour, streaming all the live surfing action from the tour to a large social media audience.

Tell us more about your involvement with the UK Pro Surf Tour? 

Tyler: Since its inception a year ago, Stream Freedom Ltd. has gained a huge digital audience for the UK Pro Surf Association. This was most notable at last year’s Surf Snowdonia Pro Surf Challenge, which achieved a colossal social media reach of over 601,000 people tuning in to watch the surfers compete in the artificial wave pool.

We also achieved the impossible by successfully broadcasting from even the most remote stops on the UK Pro Surf Tour, for its Scottish Highlands leg of the circuit, the Thurso Surf Festival. In addition we have just hit the great milestone of an entire year designing the event posters and production material for the UK Pro Surf Tour as part of our partnership with the UKPSA.

What did you enjoy about studying at Cornwall College? 

Tyler: Looking back on my time with Cornwall College, it still amazes me how far I have come since I first embarked on my journey of study 4 years ago at the St Austell campus to complete an Access to HE Science Diploma in order to gain entry onto the Surf Science & Technology program, due to not having completed my level of study at GCSE level.

After achieving highly on the Access diploma, I excitedly stepped on a degree that would change my career prospects forever. The Surf Science & Technology foundation degree covered aspects throughout the many-faceted industry that makes up surfing and marine sectors today, but my most valuable and treasured experiences on the course would have to be learning to hand-shape my very own surfboard from scratch (a dying skill in the surf industry today), a field-trip and surfing adventure from the world famous wave at Mundaka, through the Basque country to the surf history enriched beach breaks of Hossegor and most notably for kickstarting my career came the experience of planning & running your very own professional surfing competition, mentored by UKPSA director & tour manager, Dave Reed (a former ASP/WSL Head judge).

Tyler receiving the Cornwall College Student Award at the UK Pro Surf Awards 

I was exceptionally pleased with achieving well on the Surf Science Degree & count within my lifetime achievements, being a final nominee for the Cornwall College Star Awards and most recently being presented the Cornwall College Student Award 2017 at the prestigious UK Pro Surf Awards events by none other than Brender Wilmott and Kim O’Mara from Cornwall College, in front of UKPSA colleagues and the best surfers from the United Kingdom.

So what's next?

I’m looking forward to a very exciting future for myself, Stream Freedom & would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a fundamental part of this amazing journey. 

Up-coming plans for the business in its second year include developing the Surf tour live-production to include live scoring, interviews & a more dynamic viewer-experience. Stream Freedom will also be diversifying its client base even further to include all types of conferences, seminars, music events & even live-streaming from weddings and other social occasions.

Check out Stream Freedom online HERE

Storms highlight important work of seal stranding investigation

The recent storms and resulting casualties amongst seals has brought the work of a local marine conservationist into sharp focus.

Catherine Barry, who completed her Foundation Degree in Marine Conservation at Cornwall College Newquay, has undertaken a project analysing the link between grey seal mortalities and the way in which marine strandings are reported around the county. 

“Since starting university, I have tried to be as involved as possible with the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, so I wanted to take the opportunity to look into seals and the threats to them,” she explained.

“The project investigates the increase in numbers of Grey seal mortalities around Cornwall and whether this is due to an overall increase in Grey seals dying or an increase in the reporting effort. The data was gathered through the use of the Marine Strandings Network database, which records all reported dead Grey seals across the South West.”

The Marine Strandings Network, run by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, consists of a team of over 100 volunteers who record all reported strandings of marine organisms on Cornwall's coastline.

The volunteers' main activity is recording and photographing all stranded dolphins, whales and porpoises, as well as seals, basking sharks and turtles. Recording stranded animals provides information about the marine environment and the health of marine creatures.

This information is vital in helping to conserve wildlife and provides an insight into causes of death and threats to survival.

Catherine’s analysis uncovered some interesting findings.

“The examination of the data suggested that there is both an increase in the amount of awareness for reporting seals, as well as an increase in the number of seals dying,” she explained.

“There is no certain answer to the project, just a number of suggestions such as a possible increase in danger, with stronger storms, increased bycatch from fishing and a larger amount of marine pollution being possible contributing factors. Or even that the seal population is reaching carrying capacity and therefore there is an increase in competition for food and shelter, we cannot be certain.”

The locational trend which was observed was the distribution of the data has begun to spread across the South West since 2000.

“This was when seal stranding records were added to the Marine Strandings Network, as well as the start of the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, which therefore could suggest that there had been an increase in awareness, thus an increase in people reporting strandings,” she explained.

“It is also worth considering that the number of visitors to Cornwall is rising each year, therefore people are exploring and visiting more places around the county, which is resulting in them inputting data from new locations.”

Caterine had the opportunity to present her findings recently at Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s annual Strandings Forum, alongside leading experts including Rob Deaville and Dr Paul Jepson from the Zoological Society of London. Although Catherine was ‘extremely nervous’, she enjoyed the experience: “I have never been confident when presenting in front of my fellow peers, so the thought of presenting in front of experts terrified me. But after mentally preparing myself, with the support of my lecturer Rebecca Allen and friends in the audience, I really enjoyed it.”

Since completing her studies at Cornwall College Newquay, Catherine is taking time out from education and alongside working she is volunteering with seal pup rescues and rehabilitation through British Divers Marine Life Rescue. She also has plans to volunteer with Archelon, a sea turtle rescue charity, at their rehabilitation centre in Athens in March for 5 weeks before returning to complete her Bachelor’s degree.


Catherine recalled her experience studying at Cornwall College Newquay: “I loved the connections that my course provided me with, it encouraged me to get out in the real world and be enthusiastic with the learning and education side. I also loved being up to date and aware of current global topics. It kept up my momentum to make me want to be out in the environment, feeling like I could help make a difference to the threats marine life faces.”

To report a marine stranding of any type, please call Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Marine Strandings Network 24hr emergency hotline free of charge on 0345 201 2626.

For more information on the range of Zoology, Surf and Marine courses available at Cornwall College Newquay visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/newquay or call 0330 123 2523.

Get a taste of a specialist university education in Cornwall

Cornwall College Newquay is hosting an upcoming taster day for those interested in gaining a specialist university education in the areas of zoology, marine conservation and surf science.

On Saturday 20th January, the College will open its doors to anyone passionate about pursuing a degree working with animals or within the marine environment; who is looking for more information on how to take those first steps towards a rewarding career.

Running from 10am-3pm, the Taster Day is designed to provide an immersive insight into what it’s like to be a student at Cornwall College. Attendees will learn more about the specialist range of courses on offer, get to meet the team of expert lecturers and explore the small and friendly campus.  Dependent on your course choice, the Taster Day will also include a visit to either Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium or the College’s beachside classroom on Tolcarne Beach.

Dr Mark Nason, Head of Campus, said if you have a passion for animals, the marine environment, conservation and ecology, surf science or zoology and would like a university education without moving away from Cornwall, “then we are the perfect choice for you”.

“Cornwall College Newquay offers a range of foundation degrees and full BSc degrees, many of which can be studied full or part-time,” he continued.

“Studying in Newquay gives you access to an amazing environment and incredible opportunities, including international field trips and taking advantage of our close partnerships with local businesses including Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and The Eden Project. The upcoming Taster Day is the perfect way to learn more about your chosen course and we look forward to meeting you there.”

There is no fee to attend the Taster Day and a small buffet lunch will be provided. The student services team will also be on hand to give information on the range of support available to students during their time studying.  As well as getting to hear first-hand the experiences of current student ambassadors, you’ll also get to meet other potential students so there are familiar faces when you enrol.

Former student Rhiann Mitchell-Holland completed the foundation degree in Wildlife Education & Media before doing a third year top up to a full BSc degree in Applied Zoology. Rhiann enjoyed her experience at Cornwall College Newquay and recommends it to everyone.

“Cornwall College Newquay is the place to go if you are interested in studying or working with animals, whether terrestrial or marine,” she explained.

“The opportunities that it opens up for you are endless; you can enter fields such as zoology, conservation, education, welfare, husbandry, research, wildlife filmmaking and many more. In terms of helping you to find your focus, Cornwall College is where it’s at.” 

Student Ben Sherratt moved down from Exeter to study the Surf Science & Technology foundation degree at the College. Ben said:  “Surf Science is a wicked course and I’m having lots of fun on it. I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you’re not a great surfer. As long as you’ve got the interest in board shaping, marketing and enterprise or other aspects of the surf industry then there’s something for you on this course.”


Please visit HERE to book your place on the Taster Day or call 0330 123 2523.

Employability Week 2017

Well done to all the students and staff who took part in our Employability Week. 

Designed to boost our student’s employability skills and knowledge, the week’s activities included an inspirational conference, taking part in mock interviews and hearing about their peers work experience placements. 

 Students showcased the work placement opportunities available to their peers in the region and abroad in an exhibition on the campus. Second year students held talks and exhibited displays about their summer placements to students who are currently thinking about applying for work experience opportunities to encourage them to think about their options. 

There was a wide range of different work placements on display including local businesses Newquay Marine Group, Blue Reef Aquarium, The Wave Project, Newquay Zoo, Cornwall Seal Group, St Francis Dogs Home, Paradise Park, as well as international Conservation companies EcoTraining in South Africa and Danau Girang Field Centre in Borneo.    

Lecturers also posed as employers in mock interviews to show students what they should expect when they attend a job interview. As well as getting used to the kind of questions they might be asked, students were also encouraged to attend dressed as they would be in the real situation.


The culmination of the week was an Enterprise and Employability conference where special guest speakers offered their advice on gaining employment. Inspiring sessions were delivered on a range of topics linked to employability by organisations including Made for Life by Spezia Organics, Leap Media and Surfers Against Sewage. 

Have a lovely Christmas after a busy week!