LRC Closed for Xmas

As we approach the end of term and the start of the festive period - just a quick note to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2014!!

I'm sure you will want to relax over the holidays, but there's always time for a little studying, so make sure you get any resources you are going to need by Friday.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The LRC will be closing at 11.45am this Friday (20th December) and then will be closed for the duration of the holiday period - re-opening at 8.15am on the 6th January 2014.

It's been a hectic, but enjoyable term and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Shiny New Desk

Our shiny new enquiry/reception desk is here at last!!  It has been a long time coming and we thank you all for your patience during this first term. 

Please come in and check out this new facility which we hope you find more accessible and easy to use.

LRC Closed This Friday

The LRC is having a bit of a makeover in the form of a brand new shiny reception desk!  In order for this to be installed however, we need to close the LRC for a short period of time.

Therefore the LRC will be closing at 3.10pm on Thursday (12th December).  We will then be closed ALL DAY on Friday 13th December.

There is no teaching on Friday anyway so we hope this will not cause you too much inconvenience.

So, please remember if you need any resources for the weekend to make sure you borrow them tomorrow afternoon.

And we look forward to welcoming you back into the LRC bright and early on Monday!!

Lots of Displays

The LRC currently has three different displays running, that we encourage you to take a look at.....

The Road - this display gives you more information about the College production that is taking place this week (11th and 12th December), along with useful resources related to this period of time as well a number of texts relating to careers in acting/performing arts.

Healthy Lifestyle Week - this display links in with the events taking place during lunchtimes this week, including Zumba, Gymnastics, Cardio Tennis and free health checks.  This display also points out a number of useful resources that can help you be more healthy.

And last, but by no means least....

Globalisation Week - this display links to current topics in Sociology and provides access to a number of useful resources that are of particular use to Sociology students, but also other areas too.

Please take the time to check out all the useful material being displayed that can help you with your studies!

Anti-Bullying Week

This week is National Anti-Bullying Week - with this year's theme being 'Staying Safe and Connected' which focuses on connecting and communicating safely and showing respect to others online.

This is a really important area and if you want to learn more about being safe online - check out the LRC display or ask a member of LRC staff for one of our e-safety leaflets.

The National Campaign is hosting a competition where you can win £300 by designing something in line with this year's theme - further details can be found here

Remember if you are a student at TRC and are a victim of bullying/cyberbullying or know someone that is - we are here to support you, so please speak to any member of staff in College who will be able to help.

New Term

Welcome back to the new term.  Hopefully by now you have all settled in and know your way around - but please remember if you are struggling with using any of the resources and facilities in the LRC just ask a member of staff.

Last term we were extremely pleased to see so many of you respecting the rules related to studying in the LRC - no eating/hot drinks/noise levels kept to a minimum. 

 

But, be warned, starting from this new term, we will be recording any incidences related to noise and food.  Therefore please expect LRC staff to ask for your name should you be caught breaking any of the LRC rules!!

 

 

NEW: TRC Video

Check out the new Thomas Rotherham College promotional video.

Half Term Opening

Well the term is nearly over and it's been a busy one!

However, just because it's the half term holiday, it doesn't mean the studying stops!

The LRC will be open during half term every day from 09.30 - 15.30 so please do make use of this whether it's to study, use computers or borrow resources.

But please remember all students visiting the LRC over half term must bring their ID card and must sign in at the main reception.

Literacy Week: The Final Day

Well it's been an exciting week and I'm so pleased to see so many of you participating in the Literacy Week Events.

Yesterday, for those lucky students that attended, Victoria Howard gave an inspiring talk about the process of writing and the insider knowledge of the publishing world (along with its pitfalls!).  The students came away with fresh ideas of how to get started with their writing and the important steps to take to getting published.

It's been great to see so many people entering the Dingbats competitions - and there's still one to go, so look out for the entry forms this lunchtime.

And today is the deadline for the Word of the Day Story Competition and the Anagram Competition - so don't forget to get your entries in to be in with a chance to win those cash prizes!!!!

Literacy Week in Full Swing

Literacy Week has kicked off at last with lots of events and competitions taking place across College. 

If you haven't been a part of the Dingbats competition that ran during lunchtime yesterday and today - don't worry, there will be one final chance on Friday - so look out for the entry sheets that will be distributed around the LRC and Courtyard - there are cash prizes to be won!

There's still time to pick up an Anagram competition entry form and try and unscramble the staff names at TRC - entries must be submitted by Friday.

I hope you have all started making some progress with your Word of the Day story competitions - again entries to be submitted by Friday and I look forward to reading them all!

So what's still to come.....

There will be your chance to play Countdown tomorrow during lunchtime - with a cash prize for the winner.

Then Thursday we have Victoria Howard coming in to give a talk to all you budding young writers about the process of writing and getting published. 

Thursday will also see a debate in the LRC about whether 'this house believes that the English Language ain’t wot it used 2 b’.

And don't forget to join in the game of scrabble each day outside the LRC as well as bringing your unwanted books along to the book swap - you can swap any book in good condition for another - absolutely free! 

It is proving to be an exciting literacy filled week and we hope you are enjoying all the activities. 

Literacy Week Events

Next week (7-11 October) is Literacy Week here at TRC and we have a week packed with events and competitions - here's a sneak preview of what to expect.....

Monday 7^th October Events

Dingbats in the Courtyard at Lunchtime (Prize £10)

Poetry Competition Launch (Prize £20)

Anagram Competition Launch (Prize £10)

Maths Crossword Competition Launch (Prize £20)

Along with Book Swap in the LRC / Displays in the LRC / Scrabble outside the LRC / Crosswords in Lessons

Tuesday 8^th October Events

Dingbats in the Courtyard at Lunchtime (Prize £10)

Along with Book Swap in the LRC / Displays in the LRC / Scrabble outside the LRC / Crosswords in Lessons

Wednesday 9^th October Events

Countdown in the Drama Studio at Lunchtime (Prize £20)

Along with Book Swap in the LRC / Displays in the LRC / Scrabble outside the LRC / Crosswords in Lessons

Thursday 10^th October Events

Debate in the LRC at Lunchtime ‘This house believes that the English Language ain’t wot it used 2 b’

Local Author (Victoria Howard) talk in the Lecture Theatre ‘You’ve got a fantastic idea…now what?’ (1pm – 2pm)

Along with Book Swap in the LRC / Displays in the LRC / Scrabble outside the LRC / Crosswords in Lessons

Friday 11^th October Events

Book Club in the Foundation Room at Lunchtime

Dingbats in the Courtyard at Lunchtime (Prize £10)

Word of the Day Story Competition Deadline (Prize £25)

Poetry Competition Deadline (Prize £20)

Anagram Competition Deadline (Prize £10)

Maths Crossword Competition Deadline (Prize £20)

Along with Book Swap in the LRC / Displays in the LRC / Scrabble outside the LRC / Crosswords in Lessons

It's going to a fun literacy filled week so enjoy and make sure you join in with some of the activities!

Word of the Day: The Final List

We hope students at TRC have enjoyed the words of the day posted around college for the past two weeks.

Today is the final word, so now it’s time to get writing………..

In case you missed any, the full ten words are:-

Mendacious (lying, untruthful)

Tangible (can be touched or felt, is real)

Injudicious (unwise, show poor judgement)

Vexed (to be irritated, annoyed, aggrieved about something or someone)

Sagacious (wise, highly intelligent, mentally gifted, shrewd)

Procrastination (to keep on delaying, put off an action)

Pugnacious (up for a fight, troublesome, quarrelsome)

Ratify (confirm, agree)

Antiquated (out of date, old fashioned)

Euphoric (feeling of well-being, excitement)

 

This competition is open to all TRC students.  To enter, write a short story (500 words) incorporating all 10 words of the day.

Entries to be submitted by 11^th October to Emma Hadfield.

£25 Prize.

Don't Miss Out on Today's Word

College may be closed – but we didn’t want you to miss out on today’s Word of the Day…….

So the word for Tuesday 1^st October is Pugnacious (up for a fight, troublesome, quarrelsome)

 

Only 3 more words to go then it’s time to get writing…..

Previous words are: Mendacious, Tangible, Injudicious, Vexed, Sagacious and Procrastination

 

Remember to enter write a short story (500 words) incorporating all 10 words of the day.

Entries to be submitted by 11^th October to Emma Hadfield.

£25 Prize.

Book Club & More Words

Image courtesy of africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The next Book Club will be on Friday 11th October at 1pm - we are starting off with a lighter read and will be discussing Wind in the Willows.  New student members are more than welcome - just pick up a copy of the book from the LRC and get reading.

And an update on the words of the day for this week:-

Tuesday: Tangible

Wednesday: Injudicious

Thursday: Vexed

Word of the Day Story Competition

Literacy Week is coming soon (7th – 11th October) with an abundance of exciting literacy related events and competitions.

To kick start this event, the first student competition will start today with a Word of the Day Story Competition.

Each day on the run up to Literacy Week a new word will be posted around College and on Moodle – once you have collected all 10 words it’s time to get creative and we are looking for the best short story (500 words) incorporating all the words.

Stories should be submitted by e-mail to Emma Hadfield by Friday 11^th October.

There will be a prize of £25 awarded for the best story! 

This can also be a great addition to your CV, particularly if you are thinking of pursuing a creative writing/journalism type career!

And today's word is Mendacious (lying, untruthful)

 

 

Welcome to TRC Fair

Look out for us today in the Courtyard as part of the Welcome to TRC Fair.  We will be advertising the first book club of the academic year, a volunteering opportunity in the LRC along with a competition to win a selection of fiction books.  Please make sure to visit our stall!

We also apologise for the current disruption to the lower level of the LRC as we conduct inductions for all the new students.  You can still get to the books and there are plenty of study tables on the upper level and if you need any help just ask a member of staff.

Hello and Welcome Back

Here we are at the start of a brand new academic year.  It's great to see so many new faces in the LRC as well as many returners.  We hope everyone has had an amazing summer and we are all feeling revitalised and ready to study! 

The shelves have been filled with many new titles over the summer and there are a number of new magazine subscriptions too for you to enjoy.

It's going to be a busy fortnight as we conduct a number of subject related inductions followed by all the new student inductions so there will be some slight disruption to the lower level in order to accommodate this.

Look out for us at the Welcome to TRC Fair next week where you can pick up details about the forthcoming Book Club and enter into a competition to win some new reads.

If you need any help in using the LRC or want further information about what we have on offer, please check out the display in the entrance to the LRC or just ask a member of staff!

CAREERS OPTIONS EVENING

THURSDAY 13 JUNE 2013

TRC CAREERS OPTIONS EVENING

 

 

 

The annual TRC Careers Options Evening is taking place this week on Thursday 13 June 2013 from 6pm to 8pm.  There will be opportunity for you to find out further information on Apprenticeships, Gap Year, Student Finance and UCAS.   Come and take a look at the display in the LRC, to see some of the resources available in the Careers Library, as well as information printed from various websites. Please see the Careers Librarian, Mandy Barker if you require further assistance. You can make an appointment via Student Services to see one of the Careers staff if you require further information and advice.

 

 





Internet Access During Half Term

Image courtesy of ddpavumba / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For those students planning to come into College next week and use the LRC.  Please be aware that due to essential maintenance there will be no internet access on any of the computers on Thursday 30^th May.

The LRC will be open from Wednesday 29th – Friday 31^st May from 09.30 – 15.30. 

All students must sign in at the main reception before using the LRC.

Your E-mail Is Changing

Image courtesy of jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The student college e-mail will be changing on the 13th June.

What does this mean for you?

Currently you access your e-mail and SkyDrive together through Outlook.  From the 13th June you will have two separate accounts.

All students have been e-mailed further information about this and there are leaflets available in the LRC and in Computer Services.  Please take the time to read these as it is important that you understand these changes in order that you can continue to access your e-mail and your SkyDrive account after this date.

If you have any questions or need help, contact a member of the team in Computer Services or in the LRC.

LRC Spring Bank Holiday Opening Hours

LRC SPRING BANK HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

Monday 27 to Friday 31 May 2013

 

LRC CLOSED
 Mon 27 & Tue 28 May

 

LRC OPEN

Wed 29 May to Fri 31 May

 

9.30am to 3.30pm

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

NO ADMITTANCE TO THE LRC WITHOUT YOUR ID CARD. 

LRC Survey

Image courtesy of 89studio/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It's that time of year again when we are looking for your comments and opinions in order to help us make improvements to the resources and services available in the LRC.

We have put together a short survey which we hope you can take a few minutes to complete.  If there is something you don't like and would like to see less of in the LRC, let us know so we can make those changes.   Similarly if there is something you think is great and would like to see more of, we can only put that in place if you keep us informed.

The results of the survey are closely analysed by the LRC team and are then integrated into our future plans, so it really is down to you as to how we can improve the learning resources facilities on offer to students at TRC.

An e-mail has gone round to all students with a link to the survey or alternatively you will find the link on the front page of Moodle.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete our survey.

Authors Visit TRC

To celebrate World Book Night yesterday (23rd April) the LRC held an event where three authors came into the College to share their stories in order to inspire the students and staff attending to not only read more, but maybe to try their own hand at writing. 

The evening kicked off with local author Jack Knight who discussed his supernatural thriller, Darkness Whispers, followed by Kirsty Fisher, a local self-published e-book author of children’s stories who entertained us with a rendition of her recent publication, Franko and the Fishheads and concluded with Keith Souter who regaled us with snippets from several of his texts including his most recent publication, The Curse of the Body Snatchers.

Keith Souter, Kirsty Fisher & Jack Knight with students of Thomas Rotherham College
Copyright 2013 TRC 

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about writing and be introduced to different genres of texts, leaving them brimming with ideas as to how to write their first masterpiece!

Happy World Book Night

Happy World Book Night to all staff and students at Thomas Rotherham College. 

The 23rd April is certainly a day to be inspired to read.  It not only marks the birth and death of Shakespeare, along with being St George's Day - but it is also World Book Night - the ultimate celebration of reading!!

Here in the LRC we will be holding a literary event that we hope will generate excitement and enthusiasm for both reading and writing and encourage students to try something new.  We are extremely lucky to have secured three local authors to come and talk about their experiences of writing and their love of literature including Jack Knight, Keith Souter and Kirsty Fisher.

If you haven't secured your place at this thought provoking event, there's still time, just call into the LRC today for more details.

Whether you are an avid reader, a reluctant reader or somewhere in the middle - today is the perfect time to share your love of books or to take the plunge and turn the pages of a something new.  Books are amazing, they can transport you to another time and place and surround you with magical and wonderous things - reading really does matter - so spread the word!

The Final Term

The LRC staff just wanted to welcome you all to the new term.  We are now in that final stretch of the academic year where exams and coursework deadlines are looming.  But don't despair, the end is in sight and help is at hand!


Image courtesy of twobee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Print credit has been added to all your accounts to help with printing off those all important essays, mock exam papers and revision handouts.

Opening hours have returned to normal with the LRC opening at 08.15 each morning and closing at 17.15 three nights a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) to give you plenty of time to study, revise and borrow those essential resources.

Stationery stocks have been increased to ensure you can buy the things you need including notepads, pens, revision cards and USB memory sticks, all sold at very competitive prices.

And remember, the LRC staff are here to help with your learning.  If you are struggling to find the resource you need, don't panic, take a deep breath and please just ask!


Image courtesy of dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

LRC EASTER HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

29 March to 12 April 2013

LRC CLOSED

Fri 29 Mar to Tue 2 Apr

LRC OPEN

Wed 3 Apr to Fri 5 Apr

&

Mon 8 to Fri 12 Apr

9.30am to 3.30pm

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

NO ADMITTANCE TO THE LRC WITHOUT YOUR ID CARD.

National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week

11 to 15 March 2013

 

Apprenticeships Deliver

Apprenticeships Deliver is the main theme of this year’s, sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from 11 to 15 March 2013.  The week is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.  It’s an opportunity to raise the profile of apprenticeships and see how apprenticeships can deliver for both employers and individuals, whilst showcasing the quality of apprentices and the huge contribution they make to their employer’s success. 

 Come and take a look at the display in the LRC, to see some of the Apprenticeships resources available in the Careers library, as well as from information printed from the apprenticeships website. Further information on businesses offering apprenticeships is available in the Careers Library, please see the Careers Librarian, Mandy Barker if you require assistance.

 

The Careers staff are available on the lower level of the LRC if you need more information and advice on apprenticeships.  Appointments can be made at the main desk in Student Services or from the Moodle page.

Happy World Book Day

WORLD BOOK DAY 2013

THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2013

 

Now in its 16th year, World Book Day on Thursday 7 March 2013 is a celebration about 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.  Log on to the website, http://www.worldbookday.com/ for further information, as well as fantastic downloads and resources available for you.

Alternatively, come and browse in the LRC fiction corner to select a book of your choice or select one of the titles, from the ones chosen for the forthcoming World Book Night on Tuesday 23 April 2013, some of which are available to borrow from the LRC. 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.  Suggestions for future LRC fiction title purchases are welcome, please see any member of LRC staff.

 

NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK

National Careers Week

4th to 8th March 2013

 

 

 

Celebrating the very best of careers guidance and opportunities

 

This week is National Careers Week (NCW), which aims to provide a focus on careers guidance and support to students who may be about to leave college and enter full-time employment. Click on this link to the NCW website to find a range of useful information and resources relating to employment, training and work.

Come and see the display in the LRC, to see some of the NCW information and resources available on their website.  There is also a selection of resources available to from the Careers Library relating to CVs, Job hunting, Interview Skills, Job Applications and Working abroad, which you may wish to borrow.  If you would like any help and assistance in finding Careers resources, please see the Careers Librarian, Mandy Barker.

For any careers advice and guidance, please see a member of Careers staff, Cerise Walters, Justin Gollan or Jill Valentine based on the lower level of the LRC.  Appointments can be made to see any of them via the Moodle page or alternatively at the main desk in Student Services.

 



LGBT History Week

LGBT History week is to remind us that even today; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people suffer oppression and discrimination all around the world. Whilst people still seek to make LGBT people ashamed of who they are, it is imperative they are proud of it, celebrate their diversity and remember the contributions LGBT people have made to the world – this year, LGBT History week is focusing on work LGBT people have done within the fields of maths and science. Please come and have a look at our display. We also have some books on tackling homophobic bullying, and how you can support LGBT young people.

LRC February Half Term Opening Hours

LRC FEBRUARY HALF TERM

OPENING HOURS

 Mon 18 to Fri 22 Feb 2013 

 

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.



National Libraries Day

National Libraries Day is on Saturday 9th February which provides an opportunity to celebrate all things library related. 

This is your opportunity to learn more about your College library, or about your local public library or even learn more about the library profession as a possible future career.  We have a display in the LRC that provides information on all these areas.

Here in the Learning Resources Centre at TRC we would like to encourage you this weekend to join your local public library, whether it is in Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley or Chesterfield.  Or if you are already a member - why not visit a different one and see what they have to offer. 

There are lots of events taking place in libraries across the region with Sheffield offering tours and historical events that are free to attend.

Or if the bad weather prevents you from getting out at the weekend, why not borrow a book from your College LRC and curl up with this in the comfort of your own home - we hold a good collection of fiction titles that you can borrow for up to 3 weeks.  You can also come along and join the TRC Book Club today (6th Feb) and hear about what the current members have been reading, which may generate some ideas of what you can read next!

Safer Internet Day 2013

Today (5th Feb) is Safer Internet Day which aims to raise awareness of how to stay safe online, focussing on various issues from cyberbullying to social networking use.  This year's theme is 'online rights and responsibilities' where you are encouraged to 'connect with respect'.

Here at TRC we expect all students to be safe and responsible online and respect others and we have a number of leaflets and resources to help you with this.  If you want some tips on how to stay safe online, please see the LRC display and help yourself to a free leaflet.

Happy New Year & Exam Time!

Happy New Year to everyone and welcome back to College.  We hope you had a good break and enjoyed all the festivities.

But now it's back to business and ready for exams!  I'm sure you have all been studying hard over the holidays, but there's still plenty of time to fit those final preparations in.

The normal opening hours for the LRC will resume today, opening at 08.15 every morning and closing at 17.15 Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving you plenty of opportunities to visit the LRC for study and revision.

We currently have a display in the LRC providing you with a number of revision tips along with highlighting some textbooks that may help you to revise.

As always, please remember that the LRC is a study space and although stress levels may be rising, it is important to keep the noise levels to a minimum to avoid disrupting other students and their studies.

And just to finish off, the LRC team would like to wish you all Good Luck with your exams!