There’s a broom inside the door. It has one purpose: to brush away sand brought in by the student soles that walked to class across the beach.
Or had a surf at lunch break. Perched nine steps, yes nine steps, above Newquay’s Tolcarne Beach is a block of modern classrooms.
It’s one of two Cornwall College campuses in Newquay and it hosts some of the UK’s leading lecturers in ocean, sports and animal sciences. Not to mention the best view of any classroom this side of John John’s house.
Chris Jones and professional longboarder Ben Skinner are just two names involved with the practical side of the course
In a time when schools are preparing students for a world that develops quicker than the education system, graduate employability rates are at their lowest and degree course prices are rising, a student’s decision of what route to take after school is becoming more and more important, complicated and seemingly unforgiving.
So with this in mind, Cornwall College has developed a collection of unique degree courses, for students wanting practical experience and an extensive education in their specific areas of passion.
The sun is always shining in Newquay (Spoiler: This may not be true)
FdSc Surf Science And Technology is just one course taught in these classrooms, a foundation degree developed by Cornwall College and Plymouth University whose graduates have gone on to become marketing managers and brand directors of leading board sport companies, sponsored professionals and surf media journalists.
Surfing is a global industry and in the UK alone, has had a £3.96 billion economic impact. But there are only two university courses like this one in the world.
Its program is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the environmental and physiological sciences, history, culture and business economics relating to surfing.
Students gain practical experience in the production of surfing equipment by shaping their own boards and working with industry professionals.
Students also gain practical experience in the production of surfing equipment by shaping their own boards and working with industry professionals. Legendry board shaper Chris Jones and professional longboarder Ben Skinner are just two names involved with the practical side of the course.
For those wanting to top-up to a 3-year Bachelors degree, there are already 5 established progression routes onto courses including Marine Sport Science and Businesses Enterprise management.
And to follow on from their ‘one-off’ course theme is the new FdSc Coastal Safety Management degree, which considers the use of beach and coastal environments for tourism, recreation, events and hospitality from the perspective of safety and relates it to the issues of sustainability and environmental awareness.
“We know the world is changing on many fronts. The challenging local and global economy means you need relevant and industry-focused skills and qualifications to create the future you want. Our expertise is in teaching you these skills, and more, as a Career College for the South West.”
- Cornwall College
So if you’re stuck, confused and panicking under the weight of that big January UCAS deadline, maybe take a look at Cornwall College’s courses. They are after all, in the place DH Lawrence described fondly as “Like the beginning of the world”.
Click to find out more about Surf Science or Zoology at the Newquay campus of Cornwall College
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