News February 2010

Students Display Creative Work

Staff and students from Glasshouse College, Stourbridge, attended a presentation ceremony at The OCNWMR Building, Wolverhampton on Thursday 28 January. The College has donated a glass cabinet renovated by the students to OCNWMR to provide a space for displaying 3-D craftwork produced by learners engaged on OCN accredited courses in the West Midlands Region. The cabinet now stands proudly in our entrance foyer, providing a focal point for all those who visit our offices.

Students have filled the cabinet with items they have produced using a range of materials including glass, wood, leather and textiles. Paperweights, wooden cooking implements, purses, woven items and glassware produced by students are now on loan and will be replaced by other items in the future on a regular basis.
Students also loaned textile items for display on walls throughout the building.

Christine Assheton, OCNWMR CEO, expressed delight with the contribution from Glasshouse, saying, “On behalf of OCN I am pleased to accept the donation of the cabinet and the loan of items for display. Both the renovation of the cabinet and the items on show within it illustrate the wide range of skills being developed by students at Glasshouse. The students are justifiable proud of their achievements and OCN is pleased to be able to accredit the learning that is taking place. We would welcome loans or permanent donations of items from learners in other Centres for display in the cabinet and throughout our building. It certainly brightens up our offices and meeting rooms!”

Alan Ellsmore, OCN Co-ordinator of Glasshouse, said, “Staff and students were very impressed by how much time and attention was paid to them by OCNWMR staff. It was extremely valuable to the students to hear positive comments about their work and OCN folders and to experience how craftwork can enhance the interior of a building.”

Glasshouse offers courses in leatherwork, glass blowing and moulding, horticulture, animal care, woodland management, mask-making, preparation for work. The College uses the NOCN Qualifications in Progression and regionally-accredited OCN units to accredit learning.

Pictured is Chris Assheton (centre) with Keith Brocklehurst (left) and other Glasshouse staff with students at the presentation.