Tuesday 18 December 2012

LRC CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES

LRC CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS 

LRC CLOSED
Friday 21st December 2012 to Tues 1 January 2013
 
LRC OPEN
Wed 2 January to Fri 4 January 2013
9.30am – 3.30pm
Open for individual study and the use of resources and computers.
No admittance to the LRC without your ID card.
Normal LRC Opening Hours resume
Mon 7 January 2013
8.15am – 5.15pm
 
 
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year
From all of the LRC Staff

Monday 17 December 2012

Happy Christmas

With only a few days to go before the holidays, the LRC team would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Christmas tree shelves @ Success Library by Cockburn Libraries
I'm sure you are all looking forward to a well earned break, but remember that exam time is just around the corner!  So before you leave on Thursday make sure you have all the resources you need to help you revise over the festive season.  Most resources issued now will not be due for return until the first week of term in January.


Thursday 29 November 2012

Honk!



http://www.allabouttheatre.org/honk2011.php
We now have a display in the LRC to advertise the college production of Honk! – a musical retelling of the famous fairy tale The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Anderson. Come and have a look who is in the show, find out about the author of the original story, and don’t forget to support the college and your fellow students by buying some tickets!


 

Monday 12 November 2012

TRC CAREERS FAIR

TRC CAREERS FAIR

 

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2012

 10.30am to 2.30pm

 
SPORTS HALL
 
 
 
 
The second TRC Careers Fair is being held this week on Thursday 15 November 2012 in the Sports hall from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
There will be representatives from some Universities, Colleges, Employers and Training providers, as well as various talks taking place in the Lecture Theatre or Foundation Room throughout the day.  Come and see the TRC Careers Fair display in the LRC, which provides all the details of this event.
 
LECTURE THEATRE TALKS
 10.45- 11.50am
What HE opportunities are available locally?
 
11.50am-12.50pm
Student Finance
 
1.15-2.05pm
Why go to university
 
2.00-2.30pm
Gap Year Talk
 
 
 
FOUNDATION ROOM TALKS
10.45-11.50am
What apprenticeships/employment opportunities are available locally?
 
11.50am-12.50pm
Overview of STEM careers in the Health and Social Care sector
 
1.15-2.05pm
Armed Services Careers
 
2.00-2.30pm
How to get the job you want
 
 
 
 

Friday 2 November 2012

Remembrance Day


November brings us the Remembrance Day, which is a day to think of fallen soldiers who have sacrificed themselves for our freedom. While Remembrance Day is on the 11th of November, as the Armistice was signed “on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” in the UK the second Sunday of November is known as Remembrance Sunday, to give people opportunity to observe the significance of the Memorial Day.

In early November, many people will wear the remembrance poppy. This symbol of remembrance was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Its opening line “In Flanders fields the poppies blow” refers to the poppies that grew in Flanders Fields, a mass grave for fallen soldiers.

In modern times, Remembrance Day is inclusive to soldiers who have lost their lives in other wars, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the LRC we now have a display about Remembrance Day, with some famous war poetry, and a selection of books.

Wednesday 24 October 2012


LRC October Half Term Opening Times


 

Mon 29 Oct to Fri 2 Nov 2012   
9.30am to 3.30pm

 

Open for individual study and the use of resources and computers.

 

NO ADMITTANCE TO THE LRC WITHOUT YOUR ID CARD.

 

LRC in the Holidays

The first half term is nearly over and I'm sure you will all be looking forward to a well earned break.

Just a reminder to all students that you can borrow books over the half term holidays.  Any one week or three week loans issued for the remainder of this week will not be due back until term starts again.

We are however open during the break from 9.30am until 3.30pm every day for study and revision purposes, along with the use of resources and computers. 

Students must remember to bring their student ID card with them to use the LRC.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Black History Month


October is Black History Month, and to recognise this we now have a display in the LRC, celebrating notable black people such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

Black History Month was founded by historian Carter G Woodson in 1926, to highlight the history and culture of black people in America, which he argued, “were overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them."(Current Biography 1944, p.742).
The resources we have on display will be very useful for students studying history, but also fascinating and insightful to all, so make sure you come and take a look.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

E-Safety Competition

The LRC has launched an exciting competition for TRC students to create a design based around E-Safety to help raises awareness of responsible internet use.

The successful entry will win a prize along with seeing their design in print on both a poster and mouse mat that will be used around College.

This is an excellent opportunity for any budding graphic designers out there  who want to add something to their CV.

For further details and competition guidelines, please collect a flyer from the LRC and Good Luck!!


E-Learning Concept: image courtesy of Master Isolated Images / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
For students wanting further information about E-Safety, we have a number of leaflets in the LRC for students to take away, including 'tips for staying safe online' and 'keeping smart online and on your mobile'.  Leaflets are located on all the enquiry desks in the LRC.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Back to Business

It's been a hectic week with a lot of disruption in the LRC as we were conducting inductions for all new students.  For those that attended an induction, we hope you enjoyed it and went away with some new knowledge about the LRC - and for the lucky ones that won the Bingo - congratulations!

This next week will see us getting back to normal.  The lower level will re-open on Monday morning for students to use  for individual silent study.

Teenage Girl Shows Silence Sign by stockimages

Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net 
Hopefully you will all have received your student ID cards by now and have figured out how to print using the new system.  However if you are still struggling or haven't got your card yet - please come and see us in the LRC where we will be able to help.

Some things to look out for this week...

- The first TRC Book Club of the new academic year will be held on Tuesday 25th September at 1pm.  New members are welcome, so please come along and bring your current or favourite read.
Opened Old Book by adamr: Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net 
- We are launching an E-Safety Competition for TRC students to create a mouse mat/poster design around E-Safety.  The lucky winner will get an Amazon voucher and see their design in print.  Further details can be obtained from the LRC.

- Finally, we are seeking volunteers to help out in the LRC, so TRC students looking for a volunteering opportunity to add to your CV, please get in touch.


Sunday 9 September 2012

Welcome Back and New Stuff

A huge welcome to all new and returning students as we set forth on another academic year!  Where did the summer go?!  The LRC team hope that you all had a relaxing and enjoyable summer and are feeling revitalised and ready to learn!

We have made quite a few changes in the LRC over the summer which we hope you will find useful, these include:-

1) A new fiction area that is more spacious and has more comfy chairs - and look out for our  magazine subscription to New Books!

2) A new printing system that includes a combined printer and photocopier in the LRC, Woodhurst and Chancellors and new printers in T001, M004, Study Area and the IT Suite. 

3) A new print credit system whereby all students now get £10.00 free credit per term - and extra credit can be obtained from the new cash loader machine on the upper level. (Tip: you can now use your print credits to copy and print colour in the LRC!)


4) The Careers Library has moved to a lighter, more spacious area on the lower level and all the prospectuses and careers information have been updated ready for the 2012-2013 year.

5) The team has changed - and now consists of 4 members - Emma, Lynne, Mandy and Paul.  You will find these team members working at various enquiry points around the LRC during the day so if you have a question - please ask - as they are there to help!

LRC Inductions for new students will take place during week commencing 17th September, where you will be given information about all aspects of the LRC.  If you are a returning students and can't quite remember how everything works - ask for a refresher induction, which we would be happy to arrange. 

We look forward to seeing you all around the LRC soon!!

Wednesday 27 June 2012

The Olympics

Olympic Games by Salvatore Vuono
The London Olympic Games 2012 are almost here with only 30 days to the opening ceremony.  But the excitement has been building for months now, with the bidding for tickets and the Olympic Torch making its way across the nation.  Hopefully some of you were lucky enough to catch sight of the Torch in Sheffield on Monday and/or Rotherham on Tuesday.  If not, there's still chance as it hits Chesterfield this coming Friday.

To celebrate the forthcoming Olympics the LRC has put together their final display for the academic year which we hope you all enjoy before you depart for the summer.


And that's it for another academic year!  Whether you are heading off to university, starting a new job, figuring things out, or, of course, returning for your next year of College in September - all the LRC staff hope you have a great summer and wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do next!!

Thursday 31 May 2012

The Diamond Jubilee


2012 marks 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign as Britain's monarch, making this her Diamond Jubilee.  This weekend, celebrations will be taking place to mark this momentus occassion.  Many of the UK will also be benefitting from the extra bank holiday on Tuesday 5th June!

Students might not notice the extra bank holiday as it falls during half term, but look out for celebrations in your area which might include a street party, music event or a fete.  On the 2nd June Rotherham Town Centre will be holding a 1950s style street party, followed by numerous other events including a procession in Maltby and the lighting of 6 Jubilee Beacons across Sheffield on the 4th June.

The Queen has reigned over our country for 6 decades, making her the second longest serving monarch (with Queen Victoria being the longest at 63 years).  The Queen has seen 12 different Prime Ministers come and go during her reign, starting with Winston Churchill to David Cameron.  To find out even more facts about the Queen you can visit the official website for the Jubilee where you can even send your own personal message to the Queen.


To celebrate the Jubilee the LRC has a display (which hopefully you can't miss with all the bunting!) that gives you information to help you learn about the Jubilee and Britain's monarchy, so please take a look and enjoy the celebrations!

Tuesday 29 May 2012

LRC SPRING BANK HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

LRC Spring Bank Opening Times

Monday 4 to Friday 8 June 2012


Mon 4 & Tues 5 June                  CLOSED
              Wed 6 to Fri 6 June                      9.30am to 3.30pm  

              
Open for individual study and the use of resources and computers.

No admittance to the LRC without your ID card.



Oh Those Heavy Books

It's coming up to the end of the academic year when it is important that you remember to return all your books and resources to the LRC, which includes departmental textbooks too.

Heavy Duty by Mr.Tea
So, don't let those heavy books weigh you down any longer than necessary - help us fill our shelves by returning your books as soon as you have finished with them.

The LRC is even open during the holidays for you to study, revise.....return books.  We will be open from Wednesday 6th - Friday 8th June from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

The final date for return of all resources is the 29th June 2012, so make sure you don't leave it to the last minute and return them after your exam if not sooner.

Monday 7 May 2012

Deaf Awareness Week

From Monday 7th until Sunday 13th May is Deaf Awareness Week. The aim of this week is to provide people with a better understanding of the different types of deafness and the many different methods of communication used, such as sign language and lipreading.

British Sign Language is used in the UK by many people in the deaf community.  This involves using hands, facial expressions and body language to communicate. 


Northern Ireland Executive
If you would like to learn some basic sign language - we have a number of information sheets related to British Sign Language available in the LRC including the alphabet, numbers and colours, so please come and collect one and have a go. 

Thursday 3 May 2012

May Day Holiday

Due to May Day Holiday on

Mon 7 May 2012
 
LRC CLOSED

 
LRC Open
Tues 8 May 2012
8.15am to 5.15pm


Wednesday 2 May 2012

Important Info about Computers

Download Solution Computer Key In Green by Stuart Miles
There have been a few changes recently to the computer systems in College - so just to keep you updated here are some important things you need to know......

1)    When using bookable computers in the LRC or Computer Satellite Areas – if you see the message ‘No Communication’ or ‘Loading Settings’ on the screen, please restart the PC by pressing Ctrl, Alt, Del and clicking on the red Shutdown button in the bottom right hand corner (do not switch PCs off directly at the power button).


2)    The majority of computers in college now have a Power Management system in place whereby they go to sleep after a period of inactivity.  If a PC looks like it is switched off – DO NOT try to switch it back on at the power button, but press any key on the keyboard which should wake the PC up again.

Download Male Hand Typing On Laptop by suphakit73

3)    If you have forgotten your computer password you can get this reset in the LRC by asking a member of staff.  However in order for us to be able to do this, you will need to show your ID card to the member of staff.

4)  And finally if you have  problems with the printers, e.g., paper jam, paper running out – please report it to a member of LRC staff immediately so we can sort it out for you as quickly as possible.

Print Button by Stuart Miles


Tuesday 1 May 2012

Seen the Film, Now Read the Book

The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Twilight, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Woman in Black, The Help, Fight Club......the list of blockbuster hits is endless - but how many of you have actually read the book?

The book can often be far better than the film, filled with greater detail that can't possibly be squeezed into a 2 hour film, allowing your imagination to take control creating your own visuals of the characters and scenery. 

The LRC currently has a display of many of the well known hits you may have seen on the big screen, so why not try the book!  Read those bits you missed because they never made it onto the screen or read the sequel because you can't wait until however long for the next installation....there's a whole two other Hunger Games books just waiting for you, never mind about the final call for Twilight fans!

Wednesday 25 April 2012

World Book Night 2012

The LRC and English Department jointly held an event in the LRC on the evening of Monday 23rd April to celebrate World Book Night.

World Book Night, now in its second year, was celebrated in the UK, Ireland, Germany and the USA by tens of thousands of people gifting books. TRC was lucky enough to be chosen as a giver again this year, whereby we had copies of Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day to give away.

The Remains of the Day is a text that covers issues of class, duty and self-effacement telling the story of the perfect English butler. In line with this, the theme for the evening was the master servant relationship. As the 23rd April also marked the birth and death of Shakespeare we linked this into the event drawing from many of the key master/servant roles within his plays. 
Victoria Howard and A2 English Literature students of Thomas Rotherham College
Copyright 2012 TRC

A number of English students were invited to the event, along with a chosen guest who they wanted to share their love of literature with. The event kicked off with an introductory talk about novel writing from Victoria Howard, author of Ring of Lies, The House on the Shore and Three Weeks Last Spring. Refreshments were then served before settling back into our seats for part two of the event where guests were whisked us off into the world of masters and servants, illuminated through readings from staff and students of various texts including Shakespeare’s Othello and As You Like It.

This was an enjoyable literary evening that hopefully inspired everyone to read more and maybe try their hand at writing a novel of their own!

Monday 26 March 2012

LRC Easter Opening Hours

Easter Opening Times
2 to 13 April 2012
Mon 2 Apr to Thu 5 Apr 9.30am to 3.30pm

Fri 6 Apr to Tue 10 Apr CLOSED

Wed 11 Apr to Fri 13 Apr 9.30am to 3.30pm


Open for individual study and the use of resources and computers.

No admittance to the LRC without your ID card.

Thursday 22 March 2012

Sport Relief 2012

The LRC display this week is for Sport Relief which takes place
Friday 23 to Sunday 25 March 2012.

Sport Relief is a fundraising initiative brought to you by Comic Relief.  The event harnesses the power and passion of sport to change lives for the better.  By doing sport, challenging ourselves, having fun and raising money - everyone can do well and feel good.  All the money raised is spent by comic Relief to help vunerable people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the United Kingdom and across the World's poorest countries.

Thursday 8 March 2012

International Women's Day

Today (8th March) is International Women's Day.  This is a global celebration of women and their lives - a celebration that began in the early 1900s.  Events on and around this day across the globe mark the economic, political and social achievements of women along with raising awareness about equality issues.

To celebrate the event, the LRC has a display that provides biographies of a number of inspirational women including Virgina Woolf, Simone De Beauvoir, Rosa Parks, Millicent Fawcett and Emmeline Pankhurst.  We also have numerous relevant resources that can be borrowed related to these figures, feminism and equality.

There will also be a competition held in College (introduced via PUDS and/or tutorials), to test your knowledge of key female figures in history - the LRC is the best place to find this information - hint, hint!  The competition closes on 19th March and prizes include £30 Meadowhall vouchers.

Thursday 1 March 2012

WORLD BOOK DAY – Thursday 1 March 2012

World Book Day 2012

Today marks the 15th anniversary of  World Book Day.  It’s a celebration of  books and reading.  Come to the LRC and take a look at our World Book Day display and collect a £1 book token, which you can use towards a book of your choice costing £2.99 or more.

Alternatively, come and browse in the LRC fiction corner to select a book of your choice. If you haven’t the time to read a full length edition, there is a collection of Quick Reads, which are shorter versions created by big name authors and celebrities. There are non-fiction and fiction titles available in the series.




Wednesday 29 February 2012

TRC CAREERS WEEK 2012

TRC CAREERS WEEK
Tues 27 & Weds 28 February & Thur 1 March 2012


A display has been created in the LRC to support and promote the TRC Careers Week events and talks taking place over these three days.  Please come and take a look at the Careers Week display in the LRC, outlining the events taking place each day, as well as a range of resources that can be loaned from the Careers Library. 

Please see the Careers Librarian, Mandy Barker on the lower level of the LRC if you require any further assistance.


Tuesday 7 February 2012

E-Safety Competition

Tuesday 7th February is Safer Internet Day which promotes safer and responsible internet use for children and young people.

E-Learning Concept by Master Isolated Images
Here at Thomas Rotherham College we aim to promote e-safety to all our staff and students in order that they understand how to use the internet safely and responsibly.  For more information about E-Safety there is an informative document and video links via the TRC Documents tab on Moodle, that tells you how to identify bogus e-mails and reliable websites, how to protect your online privacy and advice on what to do if you feel threatened or bullied online.

As part of Safer Internet Day we also have a display in the LRC providing lots of different information about online safety.

And finally.......we are launching a competition to create a mouse mat / poster design based around e-safety.  The winner of the competition will be presented with a £20 Amazon voucher, but will also have their design printed onto a mouse mat and poster to be used around College.  This is a great opportunity for those budding graphic designers / artists to show their talent and help raise awareness of responsible internet use.  
For more information on this competition please see the leaflets/posters in the LRC and Courtyard and Good Luck!!

Monday 6 February 2012

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK - 6 TO 10 FEBRUARY 2012

National Apprenticeship Week 2012

Monday 6 to Friday 10 February 2012

Background

Now in its fifth year, National Apprenticeship Week is the time when all eyes are on Apprenticeships and it’s all about raising the profile amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media.



The objectives of National Apprenticeship Week 2012 are:

• To engage and persuade employers of the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices in their workplace


• To highlight the talent and skills of apprentices to employers and the wider public


• To highlight the range of Apprenticeships available in different sectors and the progression routes available to potential apprentices.

Further information on apprenticeships can be obtained from the apprenticeship website http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

If you require any further help or assistance please contact a member of the Careers staff based on the lower level of the LRC.

Please take the time to look at the display in the LRC.





Thursday 2 February 2012

LRC FEBRUARY HALF TERM OPENING HOURS

LRC FEBRUARY HALF TERM OPENING HOURS

13 to 17 February 2012

Mon 13 Feb 9.30am to 3.30pm

Tues 14 Feb 9.30am to 3.30pm

Wed 15 Feb 9.30am to 3.30pm

Thu 16 Feb 9.30am to 3.30pm

Fri 17 Feb 9.30am to 3.30pm

Open for individual study and the use of resources and computers.

No admittance to the LRC without your ID card.

Friday 27 January 2012

Holocaust Memorial Day



HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 2012


The LRC marks this 67th anniversary with a display of information, books and DVDs available to students and staff.

The theme for this year which is set by the Holocaust Memorial Day trust is: to ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’.

The HMD Trust asks us as individuals to do this against the types of discrimination and prejudice that lie at the root of genocides.

TRC student s and staff are also invited to sign a ‘pledge book’ - available in college. Those putting their name to the statement will pledge themselves to: ‘speak up and speak out against those whose words or actions embody the belief that other people’s race, religion, disability or sexuality makes their lives and experience worth less than our own’. By signing the statement they are accepting a shared responsibility to fight the evils of genocide, racism and intolerance of others.

The History Department have organised two events in connection with the commemorative day.
Wednesday 29 February 2010
11am Lecture Theatre - a talk by the Holocaust Education Trust
1.35pm Drama Studio – a talk by Iby Knill, a survivor of Auschwitz

Iby Knill’s autobiography “The Woman Without A Number” is a book available from the LRC display. This is an inspirational story of Holocaust survival and was featured on the BBC Television series ‘My Story’Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp and subsequent genocides.

Monday 9 January 2012

Importance of Reading

A recent article in the Guardian highlighted the importance of reading and how many young people aren't reading enough!  Scientists have discovered that reading stimulates the brain to make us more empathetic and generally more interesting people. 

Reading by Rachel Sian
But the great thing about today is there are so many different ways you can read a book and they are not confined to just the paperback.  There are numerous e-readers on the market now that allow you to carry around thousands of books in one compact device.   Many smartphones also offer e-book applications to allow you to read a book direct from your phone - meaning you need never be without a book again!

Fahrenheit 451 e-book on the Kindle by unten44
If you still prefer the physical book, there are lots of options open to you.  The LRC has numerous fiction books you can borrow - and if you can't find what you're looking for, let us know, as we are always looking to improve our fiction collection.  If you're not sure what kind of book you might like, have a chat with one of the Learning Resource Centre staff on the lower level as they will be happy to help you make your choice. 

The great thing about borrowing books from the LRC is that it doesn't cost you anything (which is always a bonus on a student budget!).  The same goes for any public library.  Rotherham Public Library has a vast collection of fiction books that are suited to all ages, it's free to join the library and free to borrow books.

So if you're not usually a reader - why not make it a New Year's Resolution to give it a go and lose yourself in a good book!  Happy Reading!

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! by LexnGer
The LRC team would just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that 2012 is a good one for you all!  We would also like to welcome you back to College after the festive season and hope that you are fully recharged to get stuck into your studies once again.

There are numerous exams running throughout January and we wish you the best of luck with those.  Remember if you need to buy any stationery for your exams like pens, pencils, rulers, notepads, these can all be purchased from the LRC.

Stationery by xcode
Our normal opening hours have also resumed to offer you a place to study and revise, so we will be open from 8.15am every morning with a late closing at 5.15pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (4.30pm on Wednesdays and 3.00pm on Fridays).