 BALTIC CAMPUS OFFICIAL LAUNCH 2008.
Past and present staff, students, community groups and school children were invited on four consecutive days for the launch of the new Gateshead College. Blaydon Writers were invited on Wednesday 2nd July as part of the community groups. Elizabeth Burdiss, Stella Rutherford, John Frostick and Bob Mather attended. They didn't know what to expect but it was to be a most exciting and interesting afternoon.
They were welcomed in the Theatre by David Cheetham the Principal. He told us there were also a Sports Academy, a construction centre and 800 apprentices working for Nissan. His speech was followed by The Villa Alice rappers, Road to Mothers Rouen, Katie Doughty-singing and playing the piano accompanied by Johnny Kearney on guitar and Nicholas Pounder. All are from the Performing Arts groups and were superb.
Everyone returned to the Reception area for the unveiling Ceremony and today Maureen Duffy did the honours. We then went to a Restaurant where we had canapes, chicken kebabs and a fruit drink called Baltic blush. They were all made by the Catering Students. Everything tasted delicious.
We began the tour in the entrance hall divided into small groups. Each floor has an access area where students can sit and have refreshments and chat .We went through the studios where art and design projects were on view. All media, photographs and artwork were on display. There were rooms full of computers. Modules are used so students can study away from college. It does away with paper work and they have access anywhere
We entered an enormous library spread over two floors. There were thousands of books about every possible subject and once again more and more computers. In the middle of the room was a floating staircase that was surrounded by prisms that shed more light. It was fantastic and futuristic.
We went along endless corridors that held meeting and conference rooms and staff services. We passed the Memory Station where all programme problems were sorted out. There was a language centre, Biology laboratory and several rooms for sitting exams.
On the second floor one side was filled with silent rooms. Someone could use it to study and no sound could be heard inside it. We passed a beautifully laid out Japanese Garden where one could sit and relax.
We proceeded to the most spectacular part of the building. It was like being in a five star Hotel. There were showers with various coloured lights to help one relax. There was a spa, sauna, a wet steam room, a flotation suite, a massage department, hair saloon and a gym. It was fabulous.
We went to the music department where students record and perform. All the rooms are soundproof. They were for technology, music, multi media, video, with all the correct equipment in each room.
We passed the Advice and information centre where students can apply for jobs. There is a higher education centre, a post room. On one side of the building were several large rooms which were hired out to external companies to hold courses or lectures.
There was a Creche with a mini kitchen where babies and young children's meals were cooked. Students don't have to stay at home to look after children these days as in the past. Further on was a Xerox copy shop and rooms for people with learning difficulties.
We looked into the Enfield Caf6 managed by students who supply great food and great service. There is no alcohol on the premises but people can bring their own wine that can be corked at a charge of £2. The general public are invited to use this Restaurant. To book a meal call 0191 490 2457.
We passed the students kitchen, with Steve, head chef in charge. We couldn't enter as it has P.P.E. outside the door, (personal protection equipment) A pin number has to be inserted for health and safety regulations. Further along were the changing rooms for students and staff.
In another entrance was a shop Next to this was the Business Development Centre with large conference and hospitality rooms. These were rented and used by external companies. It must be pointed out that every room has exceptionally tall glass windows to enable lots of light in. It's environmentally friendly.
We were very impressed by our two guides Martin Scott and Andrew Herron. They told us all this information and were so pleasant and helpful to us old fogies. Many thanks from us. It was a wonderful afternoon in a wonderful building.
Stella Rutherford. Blaydon Writers.
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Baltic Campus at Gateshead College,
Beautiful building for the sharing of knowledge.
Hello Folks, Have you been inside the Baltic Campus at Gateshead
College yet? What an experience!
Even if you don't want to do a course, do a visit. I am green with envy
that young people have the opportunity to learn anything they want;
within such beautiful surroundings; with such vibrant staff and an
enthusiastic Head- Master who will make the earth move for you.
Spacious classrooms and libraries full of books to help you: Food outlets
to feed you: Quiet places to set the world to rights and computers, and
computers. Don't take my word for it - go and see - and ask questions.
THIS IS YOUR COLLEGE. Happy studying.
Elizabeth Burdis.
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