Hull in print : Feature - Your Council supporting learning for you and your family

Hard work paid off for west Hull student Jose Tevar.
After studying for his A Levels and AS Levels at St Mary's College, the 18-year-old achieved the grades he needed to go on and study for a university degree in drama and theatre practice.
"I always wanted to go to university and Hull was my first choice," says Jose. "It's one of the best in the country for drama, and although I considered other universities, such as Salford, as soon as the offer from Hull came in I knew it was right for me and my mind was made up.
"It took a lot of hard work to get there – I did A Levels in Spanish, French and drama, and AS Levels in media and English literature, but I knuckled down and was really glad to achieve what I set out to do."
Jose is one of many students who start university in Hull this month, and among the benefits of continuing their education will be gaining qualifications for future jobs and careers, taking part in a wide range of clubs and societies, meeting new friends, and mixing with 2,000 international students from 100 countries across the world.
And having made it to university, Jose is looking forward to what lies ahead.
"For the first year I'll be living at home but in the second year I'd really like to move into a house with friends from my course because it would give me more independence," he adds.
"I've always been interested in drama and I'm a member of the Hull Truck Youth Theatre and recently took part in a production called Our Day Out, which was a great learning experience.
"However, I'd like to do more theatre writing and directing as well as acting and my course will allow me to pursue my interests and give me a solid grounding for jobs and careers in drama.
"Some young people are put off from going to university because of the cost, but I've had a part-time job since I was 16 and I'll continue to have a job to help support myself. I've also had a lot of advice from friends who are already at university so I feel in control of my finances and will hopefully keep any loans and debts to a minimum."
Meanwhile, as Hull City Council continues to invest in education and learning – through programmes such as Building Schools for the Future and Hull Challenge – the aim is for more pupils in the city's schools to achieve better exam results to give them the best possible start to their future lives and careers.

University facts

the University of Hull has over 460 full and part time courses to choose from and has been rated in The Times' Top 20 for teaching quality, so a high-quality education is assured
Hull has one of the highest ratings for student satisfaction in the country
the university has an international reputation for research and is well known for its development of liquid crystal displays used on digital clocks and watches
it is one of the largest employers in the region, with 2,300 employees

Opportunities for all

To ensure students with learning difficulties and disabilities can fulfil their potential a free event is being held to help them make informed choices about what to do when they leave school.
Futures 2009 will take place at the Kingston Suite in the KC Stadium on 11 November to give information about post 16 education, training, work opportunities and leisure activities.
Specialists will be on hand to give parents advice on a variety of topics relating to the future needs of their children.
Pupils from Frederick Holmes, Ganton and Tweendykes Special Schools are invited to attend from 10am - 12noon, and students from Northcott, Oakfield and Bridgeview Special Schools, Pupil Referral Units, and all other Hull schools can attend from 1 - 3pm.
Exhibitors include Hull College, Bishop Burton College, East Riding College, Wyke College, Wilberforce College, and Connexions.

info

For more on the University of Hull visit www.hull.ac.uk, for more on education and learning in Hull visit www.hullcc.gov.uk or call 300300, and for Futures 2009 call Lee Tether on 300300.


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