It's been a great start to the year for the Open Cast Childcare group.  After achieving their Level One in Working with Children last year, the team are now working hard to gain their Level Two in the subject.

As well as studying all aspects of childcare, the group have also had the chance to take home and care for Realcare Dolls provided by OC.  The virtual babies require the same care as a real newborn and give students a great insight into parenthood.  Hannah, 16 told us;

"I really enjoyed taking my baby home, it's a great experience to have. It was hard work though, I was up all night with baby Lacey!"

Open Cast have also opened their own creche which will provide placement opportunities for young people interested in Childcare. 

We can't wait for the rest of the year!

Open Cast are sending out a huge 'Congratulations' to Kieran M A.K.A Mistakay this week!

This OC student turned staff member has always been a talented musician and now his skills and hard work have earned him a place in the charts amongst artsits such as Ed Sheerin and Eva Cassidy.  Kieran (stage name Mistakay) was delighted to reach the top 50 in the iTunes charts;

"It's a great feeling to be up there with such talented and established artists".

The singer/songwriter's first single 'Mistakay - My Coat of Armour' is out now and available from iTunes for just 79p.  Please buy your copy now and support this fantastic young talent.

Here at Open Cast a fantastic website, great magazine and cool newsletter just wasn’t enough! Our latest creation is OC’s very own pop song! 

 

The song was inspired, written and produced by students who hoped to express their love for Open Cast and encourage others to visit the project. Jodie, 15 said, ”It’s a great song, we all had a go at writing the lyrics and singing and it was really fun to do!”

 

Students involved have even starred in a music video, which will be released on the Open Cast website next week. The catchy hit is also set to be recorded onto CD with the OC Enterprise Skills Group designing a cover and selling copies to raise money for charity.

 

To order your copy of the Open Cast CD, speak to Stancey on 01302 638669.

Budding young boxers could soon study the sport at Open Cast. The new Academy will help students gain accredited qualifications with a former champion fighter steering them in the right direction. Former British Featherweight Champion Jon Jo Irwin will work with groups of young people training them in every aspect of the sport. He believes boxing can have great benefits and can't wait to get started with the Academy. “Boxing is not just a brilliant way to keep fit, it's also about discipline and self-esteem. I'm looking forward to giving students a great opportunity,” he said. “Alongside we'll run courses leading to qualifications, further training and employment,” added Jon Jo. According to the Commonwealth Gold Medallist, boxing is not only about fitness but can also engage students in areas such as literacy as many develop a deeper interest and want to read and research more about it.