We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying IT and Computing subjects at Andover College is like. Meet our lecturers Leigh and Geoff as they set you new and exciting challenges to encourage your creativity and develop your skills!
If you have any questions about the courses available please get in touch, email -AskCreative@sparsholt.ac.uk
Make sure you also take a look at all the additional support we can provide for you at Andover College through our experienced Careers and Wellbeing teams.
Meet your lecturer!
The Activities!
We have provided two different activity options and you should choose the most appropriate activity to your area of interest, however more importantly, you should just be inventive and not worry if you don’t have access to all the resources. For some of the tasks you will need access to the internet to view and or use online applications.
Please select and follow whichever stream interests you the most, if you are unsure which to choose you can carry out both tasks, it’s not a problem! Remember, at this point, we are just trying to help you to further develop your skills. Once in the classroom at college, you will have more access to more resources.
Option 1: Week 1: Animation Research
The first week’s task is a bit of research - we would like you to watch lots of different styles of animation and record them in a table including the run time, animation style used and software used. Have a look at the document below for an example and download the workbook for information on the table structure/contents.
Week 2
Now that you have researched the different styles of Animation, this week you need to look at what software is used to create these animations. Compile a list of the applications collecting information such as cost for creation, type and website.
Week 3
Now that you have researched what software packages are out there for Digital Animation, let's try and do some modelling to get used to the tools. Download Blender from https://blender.org - It's completely free and is a very powerful animation tool.
Once you have downloaded it, have a look around, click some buttons and see what they do. Now, that you have the software downloaded see how many animations you can find online that were made using this software. Compile a list of them.
Week 4
You have downloaded the software and had a little play with it. Now it’s time to learn how to use it.
This is a link to a series of tutorials on Blender - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjEaoINr3zgEq0u2MzVgAaHEBt--xLB6U
Follow the Level 1 tutorial.
Week 5
Hopefully you have a smart looking doughnut from following the Level 1 tutorial,
Now its time to follow the Level 2 tutorial.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjEaoINr3zgEq0u2MzVgAaHEBt--xLB6U
Week 6
This week, the tutorial will take you on a route to create the perfect cup of tea.
Complete the Level 3 tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjEaoINr3zgEq0u2MzVgAaHEBt--xLB6U
Week 7
Level 4 helps bring it all together. Make sure you follow each step.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjEaoINr3zgEq0u2MzVgAaHEBt--xLB6U
Option 2: Mobile App Design & Development
Week 1
Your first task is to come up with an idea for a new app!
Create a document which outlines your App Ideas.
You will need to consider:
1. What will your App do?
2. Why do you think people will use your App?
3. What problem would your App solve?
4. What category is it in, some are listed below?
• Entertainment.
• Games.
• News.
• Productivity.
• Lifestyle.
• Social Networking
Week 2
Next - conduct some market research - who will your main competitors be, identify trends and possible difficulties to overcome.
Option 1 and 2 Week 1 Activity Download
Take a look at the new activities for you to try below!
Option 1 and 2 Week 2 Activity Download
Week 3
Week 3: Option 2: App Features Download
Week 4
Week 4: Option 2 Wire frame Template iOS Design
Week 5 & 6
Week 7
Girls in Computing
The gender gap in Computer Science has been closing for the last seven years with record numbers of girls taking A level and GCSE Computer Science in 2020.
Take a look at these fantastic resources to learn more about this dynamic field and how you can build your career!
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topics you could be studying at Andover College? Take a look at the resources below and let us know how you get on!
Video catalogue recommendations;
Additional learning platforms;
In addition to the resources provided above there are a variety of free online courses available to get stuck in with over the summer. Take a look at our best picks below!
Our Courses:
BTEC Level 2 National First Award in Information Creative Technology ( 1 Year)
BTEC Level 2 First Certificate/Diploma in Esport (1 Year)
BTEC Level 3 National Certificate/Extended Certificate/Diploma in Computing (1-2 Years)
BTEC Level 3 National Certificate/Extended Certificate in Information Technology (1-2 Years)
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/Diploma in Digital Games Production (1-2 Years)
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/National Foundation Diploma/National Extended Diploma in Esports (2 Years)
T LEVELS ARE COMING…
T Levels are a new qualification after GCSE that will take your future to the next level.
From September 2022, the college has been selected to deliver T Levels in a range of subjects including Digital. T Levels are a new, two year qualification for students aged 16 to 19. They have been developed in collaboration with employers and providers to meet the needs of industry and to prepare students for work.
When taking a T Level qualification, you will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and the other 20% in an industry placement. Through this you will learn the skills needed in your chosen industry and then be able to put those skills into practice. You will spend at least 45 days, each year of the course, in your industry placement, giving you valuable experience to help you stand out against the rest.
T Levels are nationally recognised by universities and employers. They also hold UCAS points as they are equivalent to three A Levels.
A message from your lecturers!
"Our names are Leigh Fuller and Geoff Harmer and we run the IT & Computer Science courses at Andover College!"
"We will be your lecturers when you join us and will endeavour to help you develop the skills needed to work in a Technological based environment or move onto University."
Explore our campus including our Virtual Reality Suite and Creative and Digital Industries Suite!
Cyber Skills Live
Take a look at all the great activities on Cyber Skills Live, including file encryption, and photo detective!
Free Coding Courses!
As part of the Innovation South Virtual Campus you can access free courses to upskill in a number of highly required disciplines including coding! Take a look below!
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We also have at the college Romeo our therapy dog! Romeo is part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to wellbeing provision for students. Romeo is based on campus with his owner throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present.
Social Media
We love to post about all our students on our platforms including their achievements, trips and excellent work - take a look at some of the highlights below and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!