Kent media production learners got to quiz the chief inspector of schools when he was shown around their campus.

Ofsted head Sir Michael Wilshaw was interviewed by media students, and spoke with staff on his two-hour tour around MidKent College.

MidKent principal Stephen Grix said he invited Sir Michael to Medway to gain valuable feedback on the college’s initiatives.

He added: “We were delighted to welcome Sir Michael to MidKent College and are pleased he enjoyed his visit.”

Sir Micheal saw the college’s state-of-the-art facilities including its kitchens, beauty salons and engineering workshops.

He said: “The college has high standards of accommodation and great facilities, and it’s clear from the teachers and students I’ve spoken to that they seem happy and are having a good experience.

“I think the College is heading in the right direction but what’s important is that it doesn’t take its eye off the ball and continues to focus on the quality of provision.”

Hull FC League have given Lincolnshire sports students the chance to tackle a day’s sporting skills and leadership training.

North Lindsey College students on a range of sport-related courses took part in physical and classroom activities to gain a rugby league leadership award.

Chloe Myers, 17, who is studying a level three subsidiary diploma in sport, said: “I want to go on to university and then
become a physiotherapist or PE teacher. Today’s course has been really useful —
and good fun.”

Danny Scott, ‘Grow the Game’ officer with Hull FC, said:  “Everyone gains a vocational qualification in a day, enabling them to assist with coaching in the community.”

He said the lessons learned could be adapted to any sport or job, and would enable the students to develop their leadership skills. “As well as learning coaching skills, individuals develop their confidence and gain transferable skills, which are great to put on a CV,” said Mr Scott.

High street names such as Sainsbury’s and  cosmetics brand Lush took part in a Devon college’s Fairtrade Festival.

Second year hospitality and event planning students at City College Plymouth, which is committed to using Fairtrade products, hosted the event late last month.

Other departments that took part included hair and beauty and skills for life.

Student Robyn Lockhart, 19, helped to organise the event, which  featured live music, cooking demonstrations and face-painting.

She said: “We are all thrilled to have had the opportunity to plan and host such a brilliant event.

“We have never planned such a big event before. It gave us invaluable experience that we can take into the workplace.”

A new generation of legal eagles and lab boffins from Somerset have visited the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court in London.

As well as an interactive ‘making laws’ workshop, the 26 law and forensic science students from Weston College met their local MP, John Penrose, in a visit organised by Parliament’s Education Service.

The students also watched the Lord Speaker’s ceremony in the House of Lords and listened to a debate in the Commons led by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith.

Law student Gemma Dillon, 19, from Weston, said: “We met our MP and asked him questions about local issues.”

Law lecturer Alexandra Sermon said: “It was a fantastic educational visit. Students were fascinated by the history and atmosphere of the Houses of Parliament and the combative debating style between MPs.”

Billy Schwer, a former British, Commonwealth, European and International Boxing Organisation title holder, recently spoke to youngsters at Barking & Dagenham College as part of its Inspiration 2013 event.

More than 40 students attended the talk, in which the Luton-born 43-year-old discussed topics such as how to deal with fears and setbacks, how to aim for success and how to keep sight of goals in life.

Student union vice president Muktar Teddy Nur, 18, from Ilford, said: “Being a sports studies student and a big boxing fan, it was great to meet Billy. His talk was really inspiring and we all took a lot away from what he said.”

Other workshops in this year’s Inspiration event included a Dragons’ Den session in which students pitched business ideas to a panel of experts, giving them the opportunity to practise their presentation skills and gain valuable business advice.

A Warwickshire College student has dug deep to make the final line-up for the Young Horticulturist of the Year award.

Owen Groves, 23, who studies at Warwickshire’s Pershore College, will be cheered on by classmate Douglas Mackay, 22, who won top prize last year.

Owen, a BSc horticulture student from Cardiff, said: “Douglas and I have been on the same course for the past three years. He has told me what to expect and the kind of questions they will ask, which is handy.

“I’m hoping to go up the final with a few friends for support.

“I’m going to do my best. Everyone’s hoping Pershore can win two years in a row.”

Julie Page, assistant principal for land-based studies at Pershore, said: “We’re really proud of Owen winning the regional final of the competition.”

The national final will be held at the University of Liverpool on April 13.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London celebrated National Science and Engineering Week by launching a host of new courses, including a HNC in applied chemistry.

The new HNC will run alongside HNCs and BTec level threes in engineering. The three courses will give students the opportunity to progress from level two and three courses while staying at the college.

Vice principal of curriculum and learning environment Jane O’Neill said: “Year-on-year we see more students who want to study in this area, so it’s a natural progression that we expand and give students what they need to succeed in the industry.”

The college also plans to introduce HNDs next year, so students can stay even longer.

The engineering BTec level three has been introduced to prepare students for higher education and to allow them to progress on to the college’s HNC in engineering.

Local employer AstraZeneca gave a group of young Cheshire scientists the chance of look at science in a real working context.

Applied science students from Macclesfield College made a short trip to the company’s nearby facility for a first-hand glimpse of life in the lab. Lecturer Amy White said the visit allowed the students to see many of the techniques they used in the classroom — and even allowed them to try on some kit.

“We visited the microbiology labs and the analytical labs, and viewed processes such as dissolution and high performance liquid chromatography, along with looking at samples of micro-organisms,” she said.

“The students dressed in the full anti-contamination gown worn by workers in the microbiology labs and looked at the intricate work to manufacture medicines and drugs.”

The visit also gave the students a chance to ask questions about pursuing a career in the industry.

Art students in the South West have been making an impression alongside a professional exhibition at their college.

Learners at Stroud School of Art, based at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, have created an installation that shows off their printmaking skills. It coincides with the National Contemporary Print Exhibition at the college that showcases local and national printmakers.

Foundation diploma in art and design student Mila Harris-Mussi, 18, from Stroud, said: “The display looks fantastic. It has been a great experience to have been involved.”

The installation is a joint project made up of work created by students working at all levels in the college, including full–time and part–time learners.

Mila’s classmate Sophie Clifford, 19 and also from Stroud, said: “Seeing our artwork on such a spectacular display in the best thing ever. It’s great to see all the finished artwork together.”