Alastair Da Costa, former Chair of Governors at Capital City College (previously known as Capital City College Group), has been awarded a CBE as part of the New Year’s Honours list.
With a turnover of £135m and over 35,000 students, Capital City College (CCC) is the largest further education college within London.
Alastair was the Chair of Capital City College from its inception when it was formed from the merger of City and Islington College and Westminster Kingsway College in 2016, followed by a second merger in 2017 with the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. Before that, he was Chair of City and Islington College, where he had been Chair since 2014 and a governor since 2011. At the time of joining, he was a Managing Director of DLA Piper, the largest global law firm at the time. In 2014 he was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the Princes Trust International, whose aim is to address youth unemployment around the world. From 2018 to 2021 he was the voice of Further Education on the Social Mobility Commission, becoming the Deputy Chair shortly after his appointment.
Alastair said: ‘I am delighted and humbled to be receiving this award, which is a tribute to the achievements of the many hard-working members of staff within Capital City College. Colleges are often the forgotten story in providing technical training and education in line with the needs of local employers, and I hope that I have contributed, along with many others, in helping people achieve their professional aspirations.’
Michael Davis, the newly appointed chair at Capital City College, said: ‘The awarding of a CBE to Alastair is recognition of his enormous contribution to Capital City College, but also to further education as a whole. Alastair’s leadership and belief in others has been inspirational and unwavering, and this award is just testament to this.’
We talk to Favour Nnawuchi, a former CCC engineering student who is currently an apprentice with Mace Group.
Favour Nnawuchi completed the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering at Capital City College (CCC) which enabled her to embark upon an MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) apprenticeship with Mace Group. Mace is a leading global firm within the construction and consultancy sector. The company delivers impactful projects that transform the landscape across the world, from the skylines of large well-known cities, to the infrastructure of smaller communities. As part of her apprenticeship, Favour spends 80% of her time working and 20% of her time studying at LSBU.
What did you enjoy most about your time at college?
I would say it was spending time with my friends from my course. My friends really helped me to stay motivated and we had a group chat that provided a lot of support and helped me remember things like coursework deadlines.
My friend Tasmin and I really helped and supported each other during the course. She’s also at LSBU doing a full-time degree course and we’re still in touch. I think it’s really important to keep hold of friends that help you stay motivated.
What did you like most about your course at CCC?
I really enjoyed the lessons on AutoCAD, where we learnt how to develop a 3D model. It was something I’d never done before and they took us through it step by step.
Also, the teachers were really good and the Head of Engineering in particular always made sure we got to lessons on time and that we were doing our coursework. There was one piece of coursework that I had to complete two weeks early because it was all starting to pile up. He was great at encouraging us to do the work rather than leaving it all to the end. I’d definitely recommend the college because the teachers there really motivate you and push you to do the work, and that was the biggest thing that helped me.
Did you have to overcome any challenges during your course?
One challenge I had was getting to lessons on time in the mornings. I live with my family and we’re all waiting for the bathroom in the morning, so there were days when I ended up being nearly 30 minutes late. To overcome this, I started to prepare myself better by waking up earlier while everyone else was still in bed so that I could leave on time.
Another issue was completing the coursework, because the deadlines started to pile up at times. For example, after our AutoCAD lessons, we had to do a piece of coursework on the manufacturing processes of a material. We were given a practical task and had to make a physical pencil holder and an AutoCAD model to go with it. It was challenging because I had to make time within the day to go into the workshop to produce the material for the project. I started to book time in the workshop in the evenings so that I could make sure I had the right measurements and calculations to complete the project. That was the biggest challenge but, in the end, I got a Distinction for the project so I was happy with that.
How did the course and the tutors help you prepare you for your apprenticeship?
I told the teachers that I was aiming for an apprenticeship and they guided me through the coursework and helped me ensure I was covering everything I needed to get the best grades I could.
A lot of the General Engineering that we studied links to what I’m doing now within MEP. The AutoCAD lessons in particular have been really useful because I already know lots of the shortcuts and how to use the software.
What can you tell us about the apprenticeship application process?
After my course, I got my grades and I was trying to decide between going to university and doing an apprenticeship. I had to do my research because I wanted something that would lead to a degree and I ended up doing applications for a few different companies.
I was going through the list on the government apprenticeship website and I saw Mace. There were so many different roles to choose from, I clicked on MEP because I was interested in the mechanical path. The application process took three to four months in total. After I sent through my information, I was invited to a video interview. I was really scared as I’d never done an interview before but I had a week to prepare. Before the real interview, we were given a short practice interview but I was still nervous because I wasn’t sure what they were going to ask me. In my interview they asked about five questions and I used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to answer them.
A week later, I found out that I’d passed the Mace video interview and was invited to attend an assessment day at their assessment centre. This time I had about six weeks to prepare, but I was still quite scared. During the assessment day I worked with other applicants on a few different tasks – one was a collaborative project looking at the advantages and disadvantages of starting a project at a specific location and giving a presentation to show our ideas. Finally, I had a one-to-one interview with the director where I explained why I wanted the job. After completing the assessment day, I was told I’d been successful and could start my apprenticeship in September 2023.
What are the advantages of doing an apprenticeship?
When you do an apprenticeship, you get practical hands-on experience and that’s something that most companies need rather than theoretical knowledge. With an apprenticeship, you learn while you’re doing the job and you may not get paid the same as a graduate but you build it up over time. At Mace, they also encourage you to build your technical portfolio by doing research on a specific area related to your role and presenting it to your manager each week.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
If you know that you want to do an apprenticeship, go for it – but don’t rush into applying without doing lots of research. Make sure you read through the full description of each apprenticeship and work out what it involves and what kind of career path it leads to. That way you can make sure it’s right for you.
You can also read articles about companies or use LinkedIn to find current apprentices within a company and get in touch with them to find out more about the application process, how their apprenticeship is going and what the support is like.
How does your employer support you?
Mace supports me in lots of different ways, and the support I get is really valuable. I’ve had 6 months of mentorship from an MEP manager who has guided me through part of my apprenticeship. I also have an apprenticeship buddy who supports me.
What do you like most about your apprenticeship?
I really like the hands-on experience that you get and the opportunity to go on site and watch things develop. I’ve been on my current project which is the refurbishment of Woolgate Exchange from the start, and I get to observe how the building goes up level by level and see the services installed – it’s just beautiful.
Also, in terms of communication and learning, I go on site a lot so I get to know the site workers really well and learn about what they’re doing each day. It’s a really great environment and everyone’s really friendly.
What’s next for you?
At the moment, I’m in the middle of completing a 2-year Higher National Certificate (HNC) as part of my apprenticeship. After this, I’m going to do a 1-year Higher National Diploma (HND) and work towards getting a degree. In the future, I’d like to explore other types of engineering such as Aerospace engineering.
Capital City College students embrace the wide range of cultures within the college community by organising a Culture Day.
Students from across Capital City College (CCC) celebrated Culture Day with an event at the college’s King’s Cross centre on 10 December.
The Culture Day was coordinated by Student Governor Ali Akhtar, who is studying A Levels in Maths, Physics and Fine Art. Ali led a number of organisational meetings involving a team of student representatives from various faculties and the students worked together to set up and promote the event around the college.
The Culture Day event was a vibrant celebration of diversity which aimed to showcase the rich heritage of the student body and involved around 300 students from various college courses. Students were invited to carry their country’s flag and wear traditional cultural attire during the day. The organisers also created a playlist to showcase a variety of multicultural music and organised stalls where students could bring and share a range of snacks and treats from different cultures.
The highlight of the event was the Cultural Catwalk, a vibrant celebration of fashion and dance organised and hosted by Student Governor Ali Akhtar. Students were invited to showcase their cultural attire and traditional dance moves in front of their peers. The celebratory atmosphere and student enthusiasm for the Cultural Catwalk made it an incredibly successful part of the day.
The Culture Day also included an interactive map in the atrium of the King’s Cross centre, Students reflected on what they loved most about their heritage and shared their insights via a projected wall display.
At CCC, we’re always keen to enhance the student experience and amplify the student voices wherever possible. This event came about as a direct response to requests for a Culture Day from students. Student representatives took the lead in organising and facilitating the event and were able to develop skills and build connections beyond the classroom.
The students involved showed exceptional dedication, commitment and collaborative skills. They attended regular meetings to discuss all aspects of the event and shared organisational responsibilities.
Ali Akhtar, Student Governor, organised the event and led the team of student representatives.
Melanie Parra supported with event organisation and ensured the Cultural Catwalk ran smoothly.
Laura Chausheva organised poster design and distribution.
Pranav Duggal and Aleksander Holewa, curated the music playlist for the event, including music for the Cultural Catwalk.
Simos Benetatos and Sanaa carried out photography and videography for the event, capturing highlights and ensuring a range of excellent content.
Alisha Sharif and Kazrin Mala provided a wide variety of desserts and snacks for the event.
The Culture Day event provided a unique opportunity for the college community to come together and celebrate diversity while highlighting the power of student collaboration and creativity in bringing event ideas to fruition.
If you’re interested in becoming part of our vibrant college community, take a look at our wide range of expert-led courses and apply now!
Students from a range of Music courses take to the stage to perform in the Creative Media and Music Christmas Concert.
Students from Capital City College (CCC)’s showcased their talent at the Creative Mediaand Music Christmas Concert. The event, which took place on 17 December at the college’sTottenham centre gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and development as part of an exciting live performance.
The festive event was organised by staff members from the Creative Media and Music Department and was led by Music Lecturers Donal Koteros and Stefan Di Stefano.
The concert featured performances from students on a range of Music coursesranging from Level 1 to Level 3. Solo acts and group ensembles took to the stage to perform a variety of pieces, with some students sharing their original compositions with the audience. The show enabled students to develop their performance abilities while also allowing them to refine their skills, build stage presence and gain experience in collaborating with other artists.
A popular performance by the Mandem Choir brought together students from all levels and a powerful solo performance by O’Dari Smith, a Level 2 Music Performance and Production student, received a standing ovation.
The students involved in the event gained valuable live performance experience while also benefiting from the opportunity to participate in technical rehearsals, build stage management skills and improve audience engagement skills. The concert also encouraged students to reflect on their progress and allowed them to gain constructive feedback from their peers and tutors in a celebratory and supportive environment.
Queenjane Tobin, a Level 3 Music Performance and Production student said: “Performing at the concert was such a confidence boost! It was amazing to see how far we’ve all come since the start of term.”
Music Lecturer Donal Kofteros said: “The Christmas concert was a great way to celebrate the students’ hard work and to see them grow as performers. It was a proud moment for all of us.”
At CCC, we offer industry-standard facilities featuring state-of-the-art equipment and strong connections with creative professionals. If you’re interested in performing or supporting performers using creative digital skills, take a look at our range of Creative Media and Music courses and apply today!
Students from Capital City College (CCC)‘s Green Skills Academy took part in a workshop hosted by global construction firm Mace Group.
On 11 December, a group of 18 students from Domestic Retrofit courses attended the Mace Group event at CCC’s Tottenham centre. Social Value Managers Sara Wright, Cory Ricketts and Oliver Kiely from Mace Group led the day’s activities which were organised in collaboration with Mishary Alfahad, Head of the Green Skills Academy.
Sarah Wright began with an informative presentation on the history of Mace Group, a leading name in the world of global construction and consultancy. The company has been involved in a number of high-profile projects including The Shard, the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and employs over 5000 people in the UK.
Following the presentation, students had the opportunity to take part in an interactive workshop where they completed design-based activities that encouraged interaction and teamwork. They were tasked with designing a new sustainable building, which allowed them to apply their existing knowledge while challenging them to use their creativity and collaboration skills.
During the event, students learnt about the range of roles and pathways involved in entering green careers. Sarah led discussions on a range of career paths and students gained insight into the skills needed to pursue different roles.
As part of the event, students also received valuable advice on the job application process and worked on improving their employability skills. The students learnt how to enhance and expand their job searches using social media and were given support in building and refining their CVs. The session also included mock interviews which gave students the opportunity to gain first-hand interview experience and receive feedback on their interview skills.
The students found the experience to be beneficial and motivating, with many commenting that the event had contributed to increased confidence in their career aspirations.
Tutor Dorna Shaieioun said: “The session was productive and very beneficial. I can see that my learners have enjoyed and benefited from it.”
The college’s Netball team were crowned regional champions after winning all of their regional tournament matches. The 10-strong CCC netball team come from a range of courses, including Criminology, Psychology andBusiness.
Team morale was high as they progressed through the tournament, gaining an understanding of their opponents’ style of play with each match. Having only played two games this season, the team took the opportunity to build on their skills and develop their tactical experience. They claimed victory against Newham Sixth Form College, Leyton Sixth Form College, Uxbridge College and St Charles College and were clear winners of the Regional Championships.
There were seven table tennis players representing CCC at the tournament. Marcel Ndongala, a student from the college’s Angel centre won all of his matches and was crowned Men’s Table Tennis Regional Champion.
A group of six badminton players from the college took part in the competition with Angel centre students Leo Nguyen finishing in 2nd position and Andy Xu finishing in 4th position. Their high-ranking positions qualify them for the AOC National Championships next year.
Winners of the Regional Championships join other qualifying teams and competitors to take part in the AOC National Championships which are due to take place in April 2025.
Robert Murphy, Sports Development Manager, said “We’re immensely proud of our student achievements at the regional championships. Results like these only go to further enhance the college’s reputation for our sports provision. Everyone at the college is now looking forward to taking our students to compete at national level next April following our regional successes.”
CCC proudly supports students developing their sports skills with its range of Sports Academies. Our Sports Academies are open to anybody aged 16-19 who is enrolled on one of our courses and provide plenty of opportunities across a broad variety of sports including athletics, basketball, esports, netball and football. The Sports Academies work in collaboration with local professional organisations to give students the best training, advice, and opportunities.
Congratulations to all of our sporting students and coaches for your success at the AOC Regional Championships!
If you have a passion for sports and are interested in studying a sport-related course, take a look at our wide range of Sport and Fitness courses.
If you would like to join a Sports Academy as part of your studies, please add your chosen academy to your basket when applying for a course.
The current course, Entry to Wind Power Skills Bootcamp for Londoners, is proving incredibly popular with both students and employers. The fully funded course focuses on helping participants to develop the initial skills required to work in the Green Energy sector and has been designed to support Londoners in gaining productive employment.
The month-long course is provided in partnership with 3t, the leading training provider to the global offshore wind market and the UK energy. The unique ground-breaking programme includes skills related to working in wind energy that are in high demand, such as IRATA Ropes training which teaches students how to work safely at heights and general safety training.
During the course, participants cover specially selected industry-relevant training elements including:
GWO Working at Height course
GWO Advanced Rescue Training IRATA Rope Access
GWO Basic Technical Training
GWO Fire Awareness
GWO Control of Hazardous Energies
GWO Enhanced First Aid
The course also provides the opportunity for students to boost their employability skills, giving them the confidence to seek out and apply for various roles or further training. The course is assessed through a combination of practical exams as well as a student portfolio of work created over four weeks.
The college’s extensive resources and strong employer partnerships maximise student access to relevant post-training pathways. All students taking part in the course are offered an interview with a good work employer, providing a unique opportunity to progress into employment or take on further training as required.
CCC is committed to supporting the UK Government in its aim to cut CO2 emissions. By addressing the needs of both learners and employers through its timely and relevant education offerings, the college seeks to support the wind industry by providing well-rounded initial training for those looking to pursue careers in Wind Energy.
CCC’s Green Skills Academy, one of the Mayor of London’s skills academies, also works to provide a skilled workforce and address the longstanding skills shortage in the construction sector while simultaneously targeting emerging green occupations.
Capital City College’s Creative Skills Academy has been announced as a finalist in the Best Workplace Readiness Scheme category as part of the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2025.
Capital City College (CCC)’s Creative Skills Academyhas been shortlisted for the Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATA) 2025 in the category of Best Workplace Readiness Scheme. The awards, which are organised in association with FE Week and City & Guilds, recognise and celebrate excellence in the UK’s apprenticeship and training sector across 20 Award Categories.
The award for Best Workplace Readiness Scheme recognises the college’s commitment, innovation and impact in preparing students to enter the workplace. CCC’s entry featured the Creative Skills Academy’s Live Project Network (LPN) programmes, which enable students to develop their practical professional skills by working on authentic live briefs with industry professionals. During LPN programmes, students have the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge, improve their working practices, and refine essential processes and workflows. In addition to developing communication and collaboration skills, the programmes also empower students to reflect on their own strengths and gain a clearer understanding of possible future pathways for growth and employment.
The LPN initiative includes programmes across a range of creative subjects such as commercial film production, promo-producing, graphic design, production accountancy, creative content and set design and build. These programmes are supported by the college’s strong partnerships with community organisations and employers such as BBC Studios, Islington and Hackney Councils and a number of creative studios and agencies.
Students taking part in the set design and build Creative Skills Academy course.
LPN programmes deliver training that meets real-world industry standards and gives participants genuine examples of workplace demands relevant to the career pathways they aspire to follow. The award nomination recognises the Creative Skills Academy’s success in delivering high-quality training that fosters emerging talent and supports students in their transition to employment within the creative sector.
TheCreative Skills Academy is one of the Mayor of London’s Skills Academies and provides training to support Londoners into a wide range of jobs in the film, TV, animation, visual effects and games sectors. The academy works to increase participation and visibility of underrepresented groups within the creative industries.
The winners of the Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATA) 2025 will be announced on 11 March at a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening during the Apprenticeships and Training Conference in Liverpool.
Congratulations to the Creative Skills Academy on being shortlisted for the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2025!
If you’re interested in a career within the creative industries, take a look at our Creative Skills Academy courses and apply now!
Students from Capital City College’s Creative Media, Games Design and A Level Media Studies courses spend a day at a London advertising agency as part of IPA Advertising Unlocked programme.
Capital City College (CCC) students visited London marketing agencies to learn more about the industry and discover a range of creative careers as part ofIPA Advertising Unlocked 2024 on 13 November. IPA Advertising Unlocked is a UK-wide programme which pairs schools and colleges with agencies to showcase the world of advertising to students and provide agencies with an audience of new and diverse talent.
A group of 30 Creative Media and Games Design students visited London marketing agency Elvis to learn more about the industry and discover a range of creative careers. Elvis is an integrated creative agency who has worked with a number of large international food and drink brands including Cadbury, Doritos, Orea, Walkers as well as entertainment group ODEON cinemas.
The students, who are studying Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma and Games Design and Animation Level 3 Extended Diploma courses, travelled to the agency in London. The event began with a tour of the Elvis offices, which gave students an overview of the agency’s workspace and culture. During the day, students took part in a speed-networking event across various departments which enabled them to learn more about different roles within the industry. They also participated in CV writing and interview workshops which were particularly relevant as many of the students will be finishing college at the end of the academic year. The visit also gave students the opportunity to improve their creative and collaborative skills as they were challenged to work on a live brief in groups and pitch their ideas to a team of experts.
Another group of 15A Level Media Studies students visited the advertising agency Wavemaker, which has worked with global clients such as Tiffany & Co, Danone, L’Oreal Colgate-Palmolive and Netflix. During the visit, students learnt about how the agency carries out media planning, delivers brand messaging via social media or TV and builds brand experience for its clients. The students then had the opportunity to work on a live project during which they worked in groups to generate and pitch ideas for a Mission: Impossible film.
Joel Finletter-Mensah, an A Level Media Studies student, said: “It’s definitely inspired me to look into it more, maybe even consider getting an apprenticeship.”
Luis Alberto Ysabel Guzman, a student on the Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma course, said “Industry-related trips truly inspire me to think creatively and expand my perspective. Visiting the agency opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in the media field and helped me see how much more there is to explore. After learning about the variety of roles in advertising, I’m excited about the idea of pursuing a career in this dynamic industry.”
Nick Lawrie, A Level Business Lecturer, said: “Programmes like advertising unlocked are important because, as a teacher, we spend a lot of time in the classroom. It’s important for us to visit people in the real world or the real industry to get a better context and perspective about what we’re trying to learn in the classroom.”
Scarlett Squire, Lecturer in Creative Media and Games said: “Advertising Unlocked Day had a profound impact on our creative and media students, providing them with invaluable insights into the advertising industry. Activities like speed networking, hands-on work with example briefs, and practical sessions on CV writing and interviewing equipped students with real-world skills and inspiration for their future careers. The office tour and direct engagement with professionals made the industry feel accessible, leaving students motivated and excited to pursue opportunities in this field.”
Professional camera operators from broadcaster ITV deliver inspiring and insightful talks about opportunities and careers within the film and TV industry.
The ITV Talks event, which took place on 27 November, welcomed 50 CCC students to learn more about how live and pre-recorded TV programmes are produced. Students were able to develop their understanding of Film and TV language as well as key techniques while hearing inspiring first-hand accounts from industry professionals.
The event was led by two ITV Camera Operators with a wealth of TV production experience, Mark Hackett and Kathryn Webster. Marc Hackett is a Camera Operator who has worked on a number of popular shows including Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, Loose Women as well as channels F1 TV and QVC. Kathryn Webster was the first female Camera Operator and Jib Operator at ITV Daytime, where she still works. Kathryn was part of the team working at the London 2012 Olympics and has worked on a number of shows including Big Brother, This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and Loose Women.
Mark and Katherine shared their personal journeys into the industry and highlighted key learning moments and information about existing career and training opportunities. The event was organised by A Level lecturers Nick Lawrie and Joe Barry in conjunction with ITV’s outreach team.
During the event, students also took part in an interactive activity where they analysed the studio cameras used on the show Good Morning. They also had the opportunity to learn more about the range of roles involved in Live TV Production from the professionals at the event. The students particularly enjoyed watching a detailed breakdown of a live musical performance. They saw how seven different cameras followed continuous instructions from the producer to focus on particular viewpoints during a live broadcast promoting a West End musical, creating a seamless piece of footage for viewers to enjoy.
Tiarna Lescott-Newton, an A Level Film Studies student, said: “It was fascinating to see how a camera team operates together under the pressures of broadcasting live programmes. I also enjoyed learning about the techniques they use to create a smooth viewing experience.”
Laura Scougall, Head of the ITV Academy said: “ITV Academy is working closely with sixth form colleges on their media and content creation courses to bring industry standard working practices to life for students by doing in-person guest lectures, talks and insight days at our studios. Our hope is that students leave these events both inspired and more informed about the vast careers and pathways there are in the television industry.”
Studying is a skill in itself and it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Master the art of effective studying with our top tips.
Do you sometimes struggle to get started with your studies? It can be a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling multiple subjects and coursework deadlines. At Capital City College (CCC) we understand the importance of strong study skills, whether you’re studying A Levels or completing an apprenticeship. We know that, with the right approach, you can make the most of your study time and successfully achieve your goals.
So here’s our top pick of study tips to help you improve your study skills and make the most of your study sessions.
What is the best method for studying?
There’s no single answer to this question. The best method for you depends on your individual learning style and preferences, so take some time to find out what kind of learner you are. You can do this by thinking about how you take on new information or by completing a learning style quiz.
Some general principles can help you choose the most effective approach for you:
Active learning: Engage with study materials in a way that involves action on your part. You can do this by summarising key points, creating flashcards, or relaying the information in a different way i.e. with diagrams.
Spaced Repetition: When it comes to studying new material, once isn’t enough. You should review things regularly to reinforce learning and improve retention.
Mind Mapping: Visualising concepts and ideas using mind maps can help you to break down complex topics and identify connections.
Short and sweet: Limiting study sessions to 25 minutes followed by a short break (also known as the Pomodoro Technique) can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
How can I focus 100% on studying?
It can be hard to maintain complete focus for extended periods. Whether it’s your phone or your friends, distractions are never far away. You can improve your concentration by implementing these strategies:
Find a study space: Whether you’re at home or in the library, choose a quiet and clutter-free area and make this your study space.
Minimise Distractions: Put your phone away, close unnecessary tabs on your laptop or tablet, and let others know you want to use this time to study.
Manage your time: Plan what you want to cover in your study session by making a detailed list, a mind map or by using digitals tools like calendars or time management apps.
Take breaks: Even the best brains need a break. Factor in time to take a break and go outside for some fresh air to help you stay focussed.
Practice mindfulness: If you find your focus drifting, try not to get stressed about it. It’s natural for our minds to wander. Try mindfulness activities and deep breathing to help you reduce stress and improve your ability to concentrate.
The 1/2/3 method is a simple study technique that involves reviewing material at three different intervals:
1st review: Immediately after learning the material
2nd review: 24 hours later
3rd review: One week later
By reviewing information at different intervals, you’re giving yourself more time to digest and retain it.
Our top 10 study tips
1. Prioritise your workload
Take time to get your house in order. Identify the most important areas for you to get your head round and allocate your time based on your own study priorities. Use tools like a to-do list or a study planner to organise your workload.
2. Choose your study environment
You may not always study in the same place but it’s important to look for spaces that are productive for you. Find somewhere where you won’t be easily distracted and have the space to lay out everything you need for your study session. When you sit down, remind yourself that you are there to study and, if possible, put your phone in a place where it won’t distract you.
At CCC, our centresoffer a range of study spaces where students can focus on their studies. Make sure you explore your centre and find out where these areas are.
3. Create a realistic study schedule
It’s important to come up with a realistic study schedule that balances the requirements of your course with the other things going on in your life. Be realistic about how many periods of study you can do each day when creating your schedule – it’ll make it much easier for you to stick to your plan and maintain consistency.
You should also aim to set SMART goals, which means defining goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) for your study sessions. SMART goals help you stay motivated and focused.
4. Take regular breaks
Following on from scheduling, it’s essential that your study plan includes regular breaks. Remember that breaks are not an added extra, but an essential part of any study plan. Use the time away from your studies to do something you enjoy, preferably outdoors so that you can also get some fresh air.
Breaks offer the chance for you to rest and reset and can help you from getting overloaded with information and overwhelmed so don’t underestimate their importance.
5. Reward yourself
What you’re doing is no easy feat. You’ve chosen a course of study and are trying your best to learn something new. It’s important to celebrate your achievements along the way and reward yourself to boost motivation and help you keep going. If you’ve finished going over a challenging topic, reward yourself with something that feels like a treat for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just a way of recognising and rewarding your hard work – it could be your favourite snack or a relaxing bath. Resist the temptation to reward yourself with scrolling or screen time – this can often lead to overstimulation or contribute to eye strain.
6. Learn how to take notes
Believe it or not, there’s more than one way to take notes. You can read about different note-taking methods here.Spend just a few minutes thinking about which type of note-taking you want to use for the work you’re doing and it will help you make the most out of your study session.
7. Practice active recall
For many students, simply reading and rereading is not an effective way to study. Using active methods to test your knowledge is more effective in helping you learn and retain information.
Active recall activities include:
Creating or completing quizzes on specific topics for yourself or for a study partner
Teaching topics to others in a study group
Explaining concepts out loud
Making mind maps and diagrams to help illustrate concepts, processes or organise ideas
Active recall strengthens your memory and understanding of concepts by encouraging you to view things from a different perspective.
8. Work with your classmates
You and your classmates are all dealing with the same content, so why not work together? Make time to collaborate and discuss the materials, quiz each other and make the most of your college community. Studying in a group allows you to share resources, stay motivated and makes learning more enjoyable and effective. Having a study partner or group will also allow you to use more of the active recall techniques listed above.
9. Take care of yourself
It’s important to prioritise well-being while you’re studying – and physical and mental well-being are often interlinked. It’s important to get a good amount of sleep, eat and drink well and get regular exercise, both indoors and outside. A healthy routine can improve energy levels and boost your ability to stay focused while you study. For more in-depth information on this and handy practical tips, read our blog on 10 ways to look after your mental health.
10. Ask for help if you need it
Everyone studies differently, but there are certain key skills and techniques that are universally beneficial. Here are our top 10 tips to help you get the most out of your study sessions.
At CCC, your teachers are always ready to support you along with the college’s dedicated Support and Wellbeing team. If you’re approaching exams, then take a look at our blog on 5 effective ways to manage stress during exam season for a reminder of simple but essential techniques for dealing with stress. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to talk to teachers, classmates and support staff if you’re struggling with a particular topic or aspect of your studies.
When you sit down to study, you are taking control of your learning and making the most of your course. If you can incorporate some of these tips and techniques into your study routine, you’ll improve your study skills and increase your chances of reaching your goals.
Team CCC crowned regional champions at recent Association of Colleges (AOC) competition.
Sporting students from Capital City College (CCC) have taken home the title of regional Association of Colleges (AOC)Sport BasketballLondon Regional Champions for the third consecutive year. The regional championships were hosted at the Score Leisure Centre in Leyton Score on 13 November.
The winning CCC team was made up of students from the Enfield centre, who knocked out their fellow students from a second CCC team en route to the final. In the final game of the regional championships, the winning CCC basketball team beat Barnet and Southgate 13-8.
Robert Murphy, Sports Development Manager at Capital City College, said: “I am immensely proud of the achievement of the students. The tournament win today was a testament to all of the hard work of our students in preparation for the tournament. With today’s win we look forward to again taking our basketball team to Nottingham in April for the National Championships where we hope to be crowned national champions again.”
Congratulations to Team CCC’s Basketball Team on becoming regional champions!
CCC proudly supports students developing their sports skills with its range of Sports Academies. Our Sports Academies are open to anybody aged 16-19 who is enrolled on one of our courses and provide plenty of opportunities across a broad variety of sports including athletics, basketball, esports, netball and football. The Sports Academies work in collaboration with local professional organisations to give students the best training, advice, and opportunities.
If you would like to add a Sports Academy to your study, please add your chosen academy to your basket when applying for a course.
If you have a passion for sports and are interested in studying a sport-related course, take a look at our wide range of Sport and Fitness courses.
Capital City College Group
211 Gray’s Inn Road
King’s Cross
London
WC1X 8RA
United Kingdom
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