City of Glasgow College was proud to host Glasgow’s Armed Forces Day 2025 at our Riverside Campus on Saturday, 28 June—a powerful day of remembrance, recognition, and community connection.

With George Square unavailable due to redevelopment, the College stepped up to welcome the city’s flagship civic event, led by Glasgow's First Citizen, Lord Provost Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, held in partnership with the Glasgow 850 celebrations. The day brought together veterans, serving personnel, members of the public—and our own students and cadets—for an uplifting afternoon that honoured the dedication and service of our Armed Forces. 

The event featured a lively programme of activities, including family-friendly attractions, Armed Forces information stands, and stirring musical performances from the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir and Swing Sensations big band.

Honorary Royal Navy Captain Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College, and Deputy Lieutenant for City of Glasgow, said:

“Hosting Armed Forces Day 2025 was a tremendous honour for our College—not just as a civic partner, but as an educational institution. It was a day full of pride, community spirit, and learning, and one we were delighted to be part of.”

Students played an active role throughout the day, gaining valuable hands-on experience in event support, media production, hospitality and public engagement. We are especially proud of Louis Dalziel, who filmed and edited a video capturing the highlights of the event, with additional filming support from Aiden Earley.

This memorable occasion offered a unique opportunity for our students to connect with Glasgow’s wider community and to learn by doing—contributing meaningfully to a civic celebration of national significance.

City of Glasgow College is committed to supporting events that bring people together, celebrate service and sacrifice, and provide real-world learning opportunities for our students.

Alison Bell, Dean of Creative Industries, led a project to create a framework and curriculum to support students in developing key skills valued by employers.  Based on the SDS meta-skills framework, Curriculum for Excellence, and the UN Sustainability Goals, this work resulted in City Attributes — a structured, student-led programme delivered across all College faculties and the student experience directorate.

The City Attributes course focuses on 4 key meta-skills:

1. Curiosity.
2. Optimism & Openness.
3. Global Readiness.
4. Contribution.

Students are asked to self-evaluate for each of the four main City Attributes, set goals and re-evaluate as they progress through their educational journey. Participation in the course helps students learn more about themselves and soft skills while also giving them hands-on experience in reflection, planning and self-understanding – useful skills for future employment. 

Early demonstrations of our approach received positive feedback from industry representatives, particularly around our focus on employability, demonstrating the need in industry for future employees with both qualifications and meta-skills.  

Launching in August, City Attributes was rolled out as a course on Canvas for lecturers and students.

  Workshops were held to explain the purpose and design of City Attributes, and since August, Guidance lecturers have been delivering the student-led course across all college faculties.

To measure success, the City Attributes project team completed a survey of teaching staff and students to identify areas for improvement in the course content and delivery. 

The survey provided the team with plenty of feedback, which will be used to improve the City Attributes programme as it’s developed further with many positive comments around employability and communication skills and pathways to personal growth.

Dean of Creative Industries, Alison Bell said

"City Attributes has been a key priority for the college, ensuring our students are recognised not only for their formal qualifications but also for the broader skills they develop. These attributes go beyond technical knowledge, reflecting our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Through SCQF credit-rated digital badges, we provide our students with meaningful recognition that supports their future aspirations and highlights the value of their personal and professional growth." 

With employers across Scotland and beyond increasingly prioritising personal attributes alongside qualifications, initiatives like City Attributes place our students a step ahead in a competitive and changing job market.

The City Attributes project team has been working on refining course content delivery and has adapted the course for different academic levels, from SCQF Level 3 through to SCQF Level 8. 

Next year, students can progress onto the relevant City Attributes level for their individual courses. For example, 2nd year HND students will be using the City Attributes SQCF Level 8 course. 

A group of Illustration students at the College have added a fresh splash of creativity and calm to campus by transforming the beauty therapy room with a vibrant new mural. This project was part of a live brief challenge, giving students the chance to work on a real commission and see their work come to life in a public space.

From 12 submissions created by students across different courses, the panel– featuring Associate Dean May Donald and Curriculum Head Alison Bell– selected Aimee Gibson’s design as the winning entry.

“I was a bit intimidated at first by the idea of a live brief,” said Aimee. “But it also made me really focus and put a lot of effort into my design because I knew it would be painted on an actual wall.”

Once the design was finalised, a dedicated team of students worked over 50 hours to bring it to life. Year 1 students Ella Wilson and Eryn Ferguson joined Year 2 students Faatima and Muhammad, along with Year 3 Design Practice student Katie Pickering. Their teamwork and commitment helped turn Aimee’s vision into a stunning mural that complements the space’s calm and welcoming vibe.

Amy Whiten, Curriculum Head, emphasised the project’s value for students, saying:

“These projects are invaluable for students because they provide practical experience and help develop skills needed in the creative industries. Collaborating with another department within the college made it even more rewarding.”

The mural now adds a welcoming, artistic touch to the College environment while giving students hands-on experience in design and teamwork. This project highlights how creativity and collaboration can make a real difference on campus.

10 talented Barbering students from City of Glasgow College have returned from an unforgettable educational experience in Heraklion, Crete, funded by the Turing Scheme. The international trip was designed to develop practical skills, encourage cultural exchange, and provide real insight into the barbering profession beyond Scotland.

Accompanied by lecturers Leanne McGuire, Lynsey Maclean, and Georgios Kynigos, the students from Levels 5 and 6 immersed themselves in Greek barbering culture. Over two weeks, they engaged in workshops, live demonstrations, and collaborative training with local professionals and students.

The itinerary featured visits to some of Heraklion’s top barbershops, including GP Barbers, MR Barber Salon, Foudou Barber Salon, and Barbero Calvo. At Barbero Calvo, students observed advanced grooming services like open razor shaving and beard styling, gaining an appreciation for the precision and speed with which Greek barbers operate.

The group also spent two intensive days at SxoliPapazoglou, a respected training institute with over 35 years of experience. There, students worked alongside Greek trainees, learning colour techniques and practising cuts on mannequins and live models. Local experts Giorgos Melas and Michalis Fortetsanakis from Bros Barbershop delivered high-energy workshops focused on skill refinement and time management behind the chair.

A visit to Stelios Frroku’s barbershop—complete with an upstairs art gallery—added an artistic dimension to the experience, where students witnessed creative cuts, cornrow styling, and innovative hair design by stylists like Sofia Galanaki and Maria Ian.

Beyond barbering, the trip offered rich cultural immersion. Students explored the Koules Fortress, visited the Creta Aquarium, and enjoyed the vibrant hospitality and cuisine of Crete. A particularly meaningful moment came when the group joined a local community project led by hairdresser and volunteer Gogo Pilatou. Together, they repainted a long concrete staircase connecting two neighbourhoods—a gesture that left a lasting impact.

Students were struck by the pace and professionalism of Greek barbers, who regularly completed high-quality cuts in just 15 to 20 minutes, operating in tightly coordinated teams. The experience broadened their understanding of international salon practices and customer service models.

Reflecting on the experience, lecturer Georgios Kynigos said, “Our students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism. They were fantastic throughout, and we’re so proud of how they represented the College. This was more than a learning trip—it was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and pride.”

City of Glasgow College is proud to announce that two exceptional students – Nadine Fisher (HNC Bakery) and David Turner (HND Professional Cookery) – have been awarded the prestigious Macphie Scholarship.

Now in its second year, the Macphie Scholarship was originally exclusive to bakery students but has now expanded to include professional cookery, reflecting the growing commitment to employer engagement and career development across disciplines. This evolution of the scholarship highlights the College’s focus on equipping students with the real-world experience and skills needed to succeed in the food and drink industry.

From an initial group of eight applicants, students were asked to submit a note of interest before being shortlisted for interviews with Fraser Hogg, Ambassador & Employee Trustee at Macphie UK. Each candidate was required to research and present on the company, outlining how the scholarship could shape their future careers. Nadine and David stood out for their professionalism, detailed research, and clear passion for their craft.

As recipients of the scholarship, Nadine and David will gain a week of hands-on work experience at Macphie’s Glenbervie site near Stonehaven, with accommodation fully covered. In addition, they will each receive £550 to support and enhance their learning experience while at college. This combination of financial support and real-world industry exposure offers a valuable stepping stone toward their future careers.

Aileen O’Meara, Curriculum Head for Bakery at City of Glasgow College, celebrated the announcement, saying:

"I am incredibly proud of Nadine and David for being awarded this scholarship and gaining valuable work experience with a well-established food manufacturer. Opportunities like these not only enrich our students' learning but also strengthen the vital connections between further education and industry. I look forward to seeing Nadine and David’s continued success and their next steps in their chosen careers."

The Macphie Scholarship is a shining example of the power of industry partnerships in preparing the next generation of bakers and chefs. The College extends its sincere thanks to Macphie UK for their continued support and investment in future culinary talent. We are excited to follow Nadine and David’s journey and the impact they will make in the world of food.

Over 600 students designers from across Scotland answered the call to shape a greener future through jewellery in this year’s National Secondary Schools Jewellery Competition, hosted by City of Glasgow College. The College is delighted to celebrate the winners of this inspiring initiative, which showcased both artistic flair and environmental consciousness.

This year’s theme, ‘Flourish – Jewellery Design for a Greener Tomorrow,’ challenged students to create designs reflecting hope, sustainability, and climate awareness. The response was really strong, with entries highlighting the creativity and passion of Scotland’s next generation of eco-conscious artists.

Winners:

1. Sadie Greig (S2, Balfron High) – The Trash Greenhouse

2. Emily Lin (S2, Kirkintilloch High)

3. Keira Smith (S6, Craigie High)

Commended Entries:

1. Highly Commended: Emaan Khurram (S3, St Paul’s)

2. Jessica Coyle (S3, St Margaret Mary’s Secondary)

3. Ava Connelly (S1, St Modan’s High)

4. Emily Rodden (S2, Springburn Academy)

The judging panel featured leading voices in the jewellery and design world, including Sandra Gunn, Chair of Craft Scotland; Peter Crump, Managing Director of Vipa Designs; and acclaimed jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

Sadie’s winning design, The Trash Greenhouse, stood out for its bold vision and message of renewal. Thanks to a partnership with Vipa Designs Ltd., her concept will be brought to life this autumn using silver reclaimed from discarded NHS X-ray film — transforming medical waste into a powerful symbol of sustainability. Sadie will receive the finished piece at a special ceremony later this year.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft & Design at City of Glasgow College, shared her pride in the achievement: 

"This competition is more than a celebration of creativity, it's an invitation for young people to tell powerful stories through design, connect with meaningful themes, and discover the impact of sustainable making in a changing world."

City of Glasgow College is proud to support young people who merge creative thinking with environmental action. We look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition — inspiring tomorrow’s designers to help the planet flourish.

This week, students from ESOL and Graphic Arts at the City of Glasgow College came together to launch the powerful and moving poetry book and exhibition, Shining Memories and Melodies. Held on Thursday, 19 June, the launch was the culmination of a cross-departmental collaboration that united creativity, language, and personal expression.

The project began in December, when lecturer Rosie Quin led a poetry workshop with her Upper Intermediate ESOL students. Their heartfelt writing explored themes of memory, place, and identity. These poems were later passed on to NPA and NQ Graphic Design students, who were guided by lecturer Ash Rawson to treat them as a live brief — using the poetry as inspiration to create illustrations and book designs.

Each poem was paired with original artwork, and students designed a selection of book covers, with the final design chosen by the ESOL students themselves.

The launch event was attended by students, lecturers, and Curriculum Heads from both the Education and Humanities and Creative Industries faculties. Many students met for the first time on the day — an emotional moment that added to the powerful impact of the readings and exhibition. The event was opened by Siobhan Wilson, Interim VP Student Experience.

“Our poetry book is now an annual event – we are delighted to have collaborated with our Creative Industry colleagues once again,” said James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL & Communities. “The exceptional talent of our young designers has combined with the heartfelt and moving poetry from our ESOL students to create a thing of beauty. We couldn't be prouder of them.”

Copies of the book are available from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, for a £5 donation in favour of St. Andrew's Hospice. The poetry and artwork are currently exhibited in the ESOL Welcome Area, 5th Floor, City Campus.

In a moving celebration of resilience and progress during Refugee Week, the City of Glasgow College proudly marked the return of its ESOL Awards on Tuesday, 17 June. The ceremony, last held in 2018/19 before being paused due to the pandemic, honoured the dedication and achievements of ESOL students from across all levels of learning.

Lecturers were invited to nominate students who had gone above and beyond — whether through outstanding progress, supporting their peers, or consistent contribution to class activities. The nine recipients represent the full range of ESOL study, from Starter to Advanced:

1. Ayman Omer – Upper Intermediate for Work and Study
2. Joanna Kolackovska – Advanced
3. Amr Elmeslmany – Literacy
4. Hussain Wohab – Intermediate
5. Mohamed Ahmed Hussein – Elementary
6. Amar Al Fayan – Pre-intermediate
7. Jacek Stwora – Starter
8. Hossein Rahimi – Beginner (unable to attend)
9. Hazel Lok – Upper Intermediate

The event was made even more special by the return of Hadi, a former ESOL student and a long-time supporter of the programme. His powerful story — from newcomer to thriving learner about to embark on his postgraduate education — served as an inspiration to both the award winners and the wider College community.

“We are delighted to hold the ESOL Awards once again – this will now become an annual event,” said James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL and Communities. “It was an inspiring and emotional ceremony that showcased the courage, determination, and skill that our students apply to their learning. We are so proud of all our students’ achievements and look forward to continuing to support them after the summer break.”

As the College marks Refugee Week, the awards serve as a poignant reminder that language learning for many is not a luxury, but a necessity. These achievements are a testament to the power of education — and the perseverance of Glasgow’s New Scots.

On Wednesday, 14 May, City of Glasgow College proudly hosted its annual Gastronomy Dinner at Scholars Restaurant, marking one of the most anticipated events of the academic year for HND Professional Cookery and HND Hospitality Year 2 students.

This immersive dining experience saw 42 attendees—including students and their tutors—came together to savour an exquisite five-course meal, complemented by expertly paired drinks featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Each dish was a masterpiece, meticulously created and produced by a team of chefs: Chef Lecturers Darren Seggie and Robbie Phillips; Executive Chef Gary McLean; Head Chef at Margo’s, Robin Aitken; and Head Pastry Chef at Marr Hall, Szilard Szentesi.

The evening’s impeccable food and beverage service was led by a talented front-of-house team from Gleneagles, including Diane Watson, Harry, Eve, and Paul, the Head Sommelier, who ensured every guest enjoyed a seamless and refined dining experience.

The Gastronomy Dinner is a critical component of the students’ curriculum, offering a firsthand opportunity to experience high-quality dining in a real-world setting and to critique the experience for their assessment. This year’s event was expertly coordinated by Kirsty Mill and Donna McGroarty, whose dedication and organisational skills ensured its success.

Kirsty Mill, Curriculum Head - Professional cookery said:

“This event is one of the highlights of our year. It's fantastic to be able to bring in former students to help cook for our current students. To be able to include the team from Gleneagles for our front of house really elevated the evening and gave the students a fantastic gastronomic experience. We're already looking forward to running the event next year!”

The College extends its gratitude to Margo’s, Marr Hall, and Gleneagles for their invaluable support, providing skilled staff who led the food production and front-of-house teams. The College looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and providing its students with enriching, industry-focused learning experiences.

City of Glasgow College Staff

City of Glasgow College recently hosted its inspiring Community and Widening Access Learner Celebration, a joyful gathering that showcased how education transforms lives, builds confidence, and empowers communities. With over 230 students, volunteers, staff, and supporters in attendance, the College marked a year of learning, connection, and achievement.

Empowering through Programmes and Partnerships

Over the past year, our Community and Widening Access programmes delivered a wide range of educational experiences - from cooking and sewing classes to outdoor activity days and a community boat trip organised by our youth team. Learners from partner organisations including The King’s Trust, Simon Community, Glasgow City Mission, Marie Trust, Maryhill and North Glasgow Integration Networks, and Saheliya - supported by Multiply, The King’s Trust, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the Nairn Trust - took part in courses on personal development, ICT, numeracy, wellbeing, care, mental health, art, and more.

These programmes helped students gain practical skills, grow in confidence, and forge new connections. From budgeting meals to using tech, the impact was real and lasting. It’s another example of how City of Glasgow College creates opportunity for many, not just the few.

Celebration, Collaboration, and Community Spirit

Organised by our youth work team, the event was full of colour and energy. A pop-up shop - featuring over £2,000 worth of football clothing donated by SEKO - added excitement, alongside interactive games and student-made decorations. Learners proudly accepted their certificates, celebrating their hard work and shared experiences.

This wasn’t just a ceremony - it was a powerful reflection of how inclusive education builds resilience, opportunity, and belonging.

Honouring Supporters and Looking Ahead

We extend heartfelt thanks to our funders, partners, staff, and volunteers. Your dedication has made a lasting impact, helping us deliver education that truly changes lives.

City of Glasgow remains committed to widening access and ensuring that learning is inclusive, inspiring, and accessible to all - now and in the future.