Our 2020 - 2021 Senior Phase Students

Ryan Kemp, Buckie High (S3)

Developing Leadership

I really like anything to do with sports, especially football, and this gave me a chance to do a course in it. I’ve always wanted to do a job with sports, like a personal trainer. The lecturers are really good at their job – they took their time with us and really helped us if we needed them. Stephen really looked like he had done online teaching before. Online learning was quite cool, and Moray College supported us really well through it.

I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I would learn. I’m better at understanding different sports like Badminton, and we also learned about things like child safety in an online course. One of my highlights was the Badminton tournament with the HNC students. When we were studying online, we would do fitness sessions, and they were fun as well, different people from the college would come and give us sessions in things like Yoga. My advice for someone else doing the course is to work hard, it’s fun, so enjoy it.

Nazlie Van Steraaten, Keith Grammar (S5)

Hairdressing

I love this course as it allows me to be creative and do something that I really enjoy doing. We are half in College and half theory online, the lecturer is very supportive and checks up on you. I plan on doing the Beauty Therapy course next year to get more experience in this area. Anyone thinking about coming to College – you don’t know if you are going to like it unless you try it. It’s a good experience.

Marcus Munro, Speyside High (S4)

Practical Engineering

It is a practical course and I like to be hands on. I now know how to weld a joint and fix cables. I had a rough idea that I wanted to be an electrician and will look for apprenticeship. My advice for anyone considering studying at Moray College to give it a go you meet new people and it’s fun and different to school.

Cadie Willets-Forsyth, Speyside High (S6)

Developing Leadership

By taking this course I feel it has helped greatly by building up my confidence that I lacked before. I found the support was great- online and in college. Stephen was always there if I ever needed help and support with something. Stephen makes the course a fun and enjoyable course. From taking part in my placement I have learned how to be involved by taking part and being a leader to younger children. Without this course I wouldn’t have gotten that experience of leading younger children.

In the college course I have been able to build up on my leadership skills and approaches and develop them into my own sessions.  Before starting this course I had a rough idea in mind, with joining the police. Once I finish this course I will explore my options of further courses that might benefit me for my future. The advice I would give to those considering studying at UHI would be go for it, this is my second course I’ve done at the college and both courses were great experiences and I’m glad I done them. I got to develop new skills and meet new people through my course which I wouldn’t have been able to do without taking the courses. My course has been enjoyable, interesting and helpful!

Dylan Lawerence, Forres Academy (S6)

Developing Leadership

This course has provided me with information on how to coach and taught me skills that have brought me out my comfort zone. The class was split between virtual home learning and practical sessions at the College.  I found this separate way of learning beneficial and found the Tutor, Stephen helpful, easy to understand and supportive. I have learned different types of coaching styles and different styles of communication to apply in varied situations. I am learning how to plan and deliver my own coaching sessions depending on the different types of client groups to meet their needs using verbal, visual and nonverbal communication styles whilst being aware of any risk factors that need to be considered. I have just started my placement with active schools teaching p3-4 Football. This is a challenge that is giving me the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice. I am currently looking at the level 6 Sport and Fitness course as the next step in my progression. I would recommend this course as it has great facilities and learning through the courses can give you great opportunities. The highlight of College has been meeting other students with the same interests. My course has been fun, helpful and challenging.

Christine Dolor, Speyside High (S6)

Higher Psychology

I find that Moray UHI was the perfect place for me to study Psychology, allowing me to do a course that isn’t available at high school. I previously did Higher ESOL so familiar with College, however this year it is different as all teaching is online due to COVID. This can be difficult at times but the lecturers are very helpful and approachable. I have already planned my career path to do Nursing at University and this course will help me achieve this. I would recommend College to other school pupils, it’s a great environment to learn in, you meet new people and work with great lecturers every week. It’s a fun and engaging experience.

Hannah Sciascia-Thomson, Elgin Academy (S5)

NPA Cyber Security

This course has taught me new skills and knowledge to do with online safety, digital forensics, data acquisition and analysing digital evidence. My plan is to hopefully do the next level of this course or go into a full-time computing course. My advice to anyone that takes on this course is to not give up and try your best. The highlight of studying at Moray College is the support you get from the lecturer and everyone is calmer. I would describe my experience as fun, interesting and exciting.

Penny Laing, Speyside High (S6)

Higher Psychology

I chose this course as I’m interested in what makes people act the way they do. The lecturers are really supportive and understanding and explain things clearly. The challenge has been online learning, can difficult to stay focused and you cannot be with your classmates. The course has given me knowledge about the brain and why we dream. I learned about prejudices and how easily it can become discrimination. My plan is to go to University to study Politics and Middle Eastern studies or work for a charity. My advice would be make sure you are interested in the course, not just want a day of school as it is a lot of work. The highlight has been meeting new people from other schools, overall it has been challenging, fun and interesting.

Kari Runcie, Keith Grammar (S4)

Beauty Therapy

I chose this course as beauty is something I want to pursue as a career. I found my lecturer extremely helpful and supportive. She is always wiling to help and answer any questions. Doing this course has confirmed that I want to do this as a career and hopefully start my own business. I have also gained more confidence by meeting new people and being in a different environment to school.

Liam Thompson, Speyside High (S5)

National 5 Sociology

I chose this course as it would be helpful for being in the Police. The teacher is helpful and answers questions fully. I have gained knowledge about how people may act in society and certain views people have and how they differ from my own. After school I want to continue with my education and pursue a career in the Police.

Jamie Rankin, Elgin Academy (S6)

PDA Business and Finance

This course enabled me to keep studying business before university as AH Business wasn’t available at school. The lecturers are very supportive with the current online learning. I’ve improved my knowledge of marketing, accountancy, development communication and presentation skills. After completing school and college this year I plan to go to university to study Business and Economics. Studying at college is definitely worth considering as it provides courses that aren’t available at school. I’ve met new people and been great way to learn new skills and expand my knowledge in Business.