Scott Bannister, an S2 pupil at Eastwood High School, was named the winner of the National Secondary Schools Jewellery Design Competition, run annually by the Craft & Design department at City of Glasgow College. His thought-provoking design – a rhino delicately balanced on its own horn – powerfully symbolises the fragility of the species and the existential threats it faces due to poaching and habitat loss.

Scott’s winning piece was selected from more than 800 entries submitted by secondary school pupils across Scotland. The judging panel included Sandra Gunn, Chair of Craft Scotland and Trustee of the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, alongside leading jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

The design was brought to life using CAD technology and cast in AgAIN Silver – a sustainable material reclaimed from discarded NHS X-rays – by VIPA Designs Ltd. The pendant is now available to purchase via Edinburgh Zoo’s online shop, with all proceeds supporting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and its vital conservation efforts.

Scott, accompanied by his family, teacher, and representatives from City of Glasgow College, presented the first pendant to the Zoo during a special visit. A photo of the presentation, taken at the Zoo, captures the moment the young designer shared his creation with the RZSS team.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft & Design at City of Glasgow College, said: “Scott’s design is not only visually stunning but carries a deeply meaningful message about the precarious future of endangered species. At City of Glasgow College, we believe in the power of design to spark conversation and inspire change, and this project is a brilliant example of young talent doing just that. We’re incredibly proud to see Scott’s idea come to life and support such an important cause through creativity.”

Chris O’ Connor, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland retail operations manager, commented: “Congratulations to Scott who has done an amazing job in creating a stunning and unique piece of jewellery, which is sure to get people thinking about the perilous state of nature and what needs to be done to help it. We are very proud and grateful to be able to make his pendant available for purchase in our online shop, with all proceeds going towards the conservation of animals.” 

The National Secondary Schools Jewellery Design Competition is part of City of Glasgow College’s wider commitment to nurturing young creative talent and raising awareness of global issues through innovative design.

City of Glasgow College proudly joined the celebrations for Glasgow’s 850th anniversary with a joyful and inspiring event: Glasgow 850: A Celebration of Craft and Design. Held in the College’s Ralph Cowan Gallery at City Campus, the exhibition celebrated the exceptional creativity and talent of our Craft and Design students, whose works paid tribute to the city’s enduring spirit and cultural richness.

The exhibition showcased a vibrant and diverse collection of jewellery, applied arts, textiles, and design projects—each offering a unique and imaginative response to Glasgow’s remarkable history and evolving identity. From exquisite craftsmanship to bold, contemporary statements, the pieces reflected the city’s past, celebrated its present, and envisioned its future with skill, sensitivity, and flair.

A highlight of the exhibition was a special collection of commemorative art medals, created by students to mark the city’s 850th celebrations. The excitement reached its peak during the preview evening, when the Lord Provost unveiled the winning medal design. In a moment that added a truly memorable touch to the occasion, the Lord Provost selected winners from our HND Year 1 Jewellery student, Claire Fairley, @clairefairleyglassdesign. 

Commendations were also awarded to Alice Best @swirled_silver and Amber Haddow @ambeeeer4444 for their outstanding entries. These beautifully crafted bronze art medals will now become part of Glasgow’s permanent collection, housed at the historic City Chambers.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head for Craft & Design, expressed her pride:

“This exhibition showcases the extraordinary talent across our department and demonstrates how craft and design can powerfully connect with place, history, and identity. We are proud to celebrate this important milestone for Glasgow with such a thoughtful and inspiring collection from our students.”

Glasgow 850: A Celebration of Craft and Design is a heartfelt tribute to a city that continues to inspire creativity, innovation, and pride across generations.

The exhibition is open until Friday 16th May—don’t miss the chance to experience this stunning celebration of Glasgow’s creative spirit.

Craftex 2025 is just around the corner, and excitement is building for this inspiring celebration of Scotland’s next generation of makers, creators, and innovators. Organised in partnership with the Trades House of Glasgow, Craftex is one of the country’s most cherished platforms for showcasing student creativity and craftsmanship in all its forms.

This year, the Trades House in Glasgow will once again provide the beautiful setting for the event. Set-up takes place on Wednesday 6 June from 8am to midday, followed by the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony on Friday 7 June at 6.30pm. Exhibits can be collected or dismantled on Sunday 8 June, with alternative uplift available on Monday 9 June if required.

We warmly encourage students from across all creative and vocational disciplines to take part in Craftex 2025. Whether your passion is in Art, Graphics, Cake Decoration, Ceramics, Floristry, Fashion (including upcycling, bridalwear, or costume design), Furniture Craft, Hairdressing, Make-up, Jewellery, Musical Instruments, Photography, Stone Masonry—or many others—there’s a space for your work to shine.

Inclusive categories are also available for special educational needs individual and team entries, ensuring that everyone has a chance to take part.

Students at all levels—advanced (HN, SCQF Level 6/7 and above) and non-advanced (NC, NPA, NQ, SCQF Level 5 and below)—are encouraged to get involved. Lecturing staff are asked to support students by checking category entry limits, assisting with labelling, and encouraging participation.

This year, students have the freedom to express themselves fully, as there is no set theme. For photography or poster entries, Craftex will provide hook and loop Velcro fixings for display.

Craftex is a springboard for emerging talent, offering valuable exposure to the public, industry professionals and potential employers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, gain recognition and for some, sell their work.

For more information on how to enter, students can contact their college coordinator, or get in touch directly with Scott Harvey, Furniture and Creative Industries, City of Glasgow College.

As well as welcoming student entries, Craftex warmly invites visitors to come and experience the exhibition and Awards Ceremony.

Whether you’re connected to the Colleges or simply someone who enjoys art, design, and craftsmanship, Craftex offers a unique window into the future of Scottish creativity. It’s an opportunity to see first-hand the imagination, skill, and innovation that students from across Scotland are bringing to their craft.

We would love for you to join us at the Trades House of Glasgow and be inspired by the remarkable talent on show at Craftex 2025.

As the Multiply Project concludes, City of Glasgow College reflects on its tremendous impact. This UK-wide project distributed over £559 million to thousands of partners, to provide numeracy classes to learners. At City of Glasgow College, the Widening Access and Communities team worked with over 400 learners across two academic years, to build their numeracy skills, boost confidence and open doors to new opportunities.

At City of Glasgow College, our Widening Access and Communities team have been proud to play a key role in delivering Multiply, bringing a creative, hands-on approach to the initiative. Instead of focusing solely on traditional maths, Multiply integrated numeracy into everyday activities such as budgeting for meals, measuring fabric for sewing, and applying numeracy in mental health and wellbeing. This approach made maths more relevant and accessible to learners, ensuring they could directly apply these skills to their lives.

The success of Multiply is rooted in its innovative teaching methods. Learners didn’t only solve abstract problems—they used numeracy in real-world scenarios, from grocery budgeting to calculating recipe ingredients. One learner shared, ‘I never thought I’d feel confident using numbers, but embedding numeracy into our mental health classes has shown me how to use these skills for my wellbeing. It’s made everything feel more manageable.’

Our bespoke numeracy courses were designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Classes included subjects like textiles, cookery, and personal finance, all of which connected numeracy to areas of personal interest. This creative approach made learning both meaningful and engaging.

Nicola MacTaggart, Curriculum Head for Widening Access and Community at City of Glasgow College, shared, ‘It has been a joy to be part of Multiply, delivering maths and numeracy in ways that directly relate to our learners’ lives. The project has allowed us to embed numeracy into classes like finances, cooking, wellbeing, and personal development, building confidence and essential skills.’

For many participants, Multiply marked their return to structured education after years away. The welcoming environment, coupled with engaging materials, helped learners overcome the anxiety often associated with maths, allowing them to feel supported and empowered.

Beyond numeracy, Multiply also fostered connections among learners. One participant from our sewing class noted, ‘I’ve learned so much—not just how to sew, but how to budget for materials and plan projects. It’s given me the confidence to start making things for myself. I feel more independent, and it’s helped me connect with others.’

The success of Multiply also relied on collaboration with key community partners such as the Marie Trust, Maryhill Integration Network, Simon Community, and The Barn. These partnerships enabled us to reach a wide range of learners, delivering the project in both College and community settings.

James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL and Communities, reflected, ‘We’ve embedded numeracy into a range of subjects, making it accessible for everyone. Many of our learners had negative experiences with maths in school and never imagined they could achieve a numeracy qualification. Multiply has changed that.’

As the project concludes, we celebrate the accomplishments of our learners. They have achieved numeracy qualifications ranging from SCQF Levels 2-5, and also progressed to further education, with some advancing to SCQF Level 6 and HNC courses. One learner expressed, ‘Developing my skills in accountancy has given me confidence. I never thought I could pursue this career again, but Multiply helped me reconnect with my passion.’

City of Glasgow College is incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in Multiply and is excited about the ongoing impact it will have on our learners and their communities. The skills and confidence gained through this initiative will continue to benefit individuals long after the formal sessions end. To all the learners, educators, and community partners involved, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Together, we’ve made a real difference, and we look forward to the continued success of our participants.

City of Glasgow College is proud to be part of an inspiring international project tackling gender-based violence in higher education, working in collaboration with Instituto Federal do Ceará (IFCE) in Brazil and supported by the British Council.

The year-long initiative, Prevention of Gender Violence: Safe Space for All in HE (Brazil), is part of the British Council’s Partnerships programme. It’s focused on creating safer, more inclusive college and university campuses — starting with IFCE’s 33 campuses across the state of Ceará.

This collaborative project brings together students, staff, and experts from both the UK and Brazil to share knowledge, raise awareness, and develop practical ways to prevent gender violence and support those affected by it. The work is especially urgent in Brazil, which sadly ranks second in the world for violence against women and first for murders of trans people.

Lecturers Lee-Ann Clulow, Angela Kershaw, and Douglas Alexander from our Global Skills team are leading the charge for the College. They’re helping to deliver training, support staff and students, and build a strong framework for education, intervention, and reporting in Brazilian colleges.

Earlier last month, Lee-Ann and Angela travelled to Fortaleza, Brazil, where they joined students and staff for a packed programme of roadshows, workshops, and awareness events. They also helped launch engaging campus campaigns and clear signage showing where to get help and how to report any concerns.

The project is all about making support easy to access and helping people feel confident to speak up. It focuses on empowering students to understand what healthy relationships look like and how to spot early warning signs of coercive or controlling behaviour. At the same time, it helps staff feel more confident responding to disclosures, supporting survivors, and challenging inappropriate behaviour in a trauma-informed way. By encouraging openness, accountability, and care across campuses, the project is working to build a culture where prevention and support become a visible, everyday part of college life.

The initiative is built on a four-part approach: research and diagnostics; creation and delivery of learning materials; exchange visits like the one to Brazil; and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. A big emphasis is placed on visibility, with discreet toilet signage, pop-up stands and campus-wide messaging ensuring everyone knows where to turn for help.

Inclusion is at the heart of the programme. It recognises that gender violence affects people differently, especially those from marginalised communities — including people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and particularly trans individuals. By understanding these overlapping risks, the project aims to create spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and safe.

Lee-Ann Clulow, Global Skills lecturer emphasised:

“Being part of this project has been incredibly powerful. The openness and commitment shown by students and staff in Brazil to challenge gender-based violence and support each other was inspiring. It’s a privilege to contribute to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.”

One of our talented BA Design Practice degree students, Lukáš Suchý, has recently returned from an extraordinary international work placement in São Paulo, Brazil. This experience, which forms part of his Degree program module Industry & Enterprise Work placement, has been a transformative moment in his design career and personal growth.

Originally from Slovakia, Lukáš has lived, studied and worked in Glasgow for over a decade. Throughout his time at City of Glasgow College, he has shown immense dedication to his craft and a passion for pushing creative boundaries. Eager to expand his horizons, Lukáš sought out a unique opportunity to gain international experience.

With the support of his lecturer, Lola Paterson, Lukáš was introduced to renowned artist and professor Marcos Mello in São Paulo, a city famed for its dynamic art scene. The placement focused on letterpress printing—an area in which Lukáš already had some experience.

During his time in Brazil, Lukáš had the privilege of working with historic machinery, including the impressive Koenig & Bauer (KB) press from 1929. “It was incredible to work with equipment you usually only see in museums,” Lukáš shared. “To actually use it in my own work was an honour.” The experience was hands-on and fast-paced, offering Lukáš the freedom to experiment and push his artistic boundaries. On his very first day in the studio, Lukáš and the team produced over two hundred large-scale poster backgrounds. “It was all about diving in and creating in the moment,” he explains. “There’s no time to overthink—just let the inspiration flow.”

In São Paulo, Lukáš found inspiration in the city’s vibrant streets, where murals and graffiti transformed the urban landscape into a living canvas. “The city itself became part of my work,” Lukáš says. “The layers of urban art were reflected in the layers of my own creations. It was such a rich environment for creativity.”

What truly stood out for Lukáš was the sense of community at the studio. “The artists welcomed me with open arms,” he says. “It felt like I was part of a family. We shared ideas, learned from each other, and created something special together. I’ll never forget it.”

Now back at City of Glasgow College, he is more motivated than ever to continue his studies and apply everything he learned abroad. Lola Paterson, his lecturer said, “Congratulations to Lukas for successfully implementing an outstanding work placement! This accomplishment highlights his exceptional commitment to the BA Design Practice program and serves as a testament to his dedication and drive. It was a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with professional subject specialists who are pioneering advancements in the design industry.

We extend our immense gratitude to Professor Marco Mello, esteemed Professor of Design and Typography, for his invaluable support and the time he invested in establishing a partnership with our BA Design Practice program. His efforts have been instrumental in creating pathways for our students to gain practical experience.

Our degree modules include 40-hour work placements for students in their third and fourth year of the hons program. We are excited to continue building on our partnership with ESPM São Paulo, Brazil, fostering innovative collaborations that enhance our students’ learning and professional growth.”

Lukáš’ story is a perfect example of the life-changing opportunities that City of Glasgow College offers to its students. With the support of the College, students like Lukáš are empowered to take bold steps in their educational and creative journeys.

“Take the leap,” Lukáš encourages his peers. “Go for it. You never know how a single experience can shape your future.”

Check out Lukáš' artwork on Instagram.

At City of Glasgow College, we are proud to see the difference the Scottish Government’s additional funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes has made. This support has expanded our ESOL provision, helping hundreds develop vital language skills and breaking down barriers to opportunity and integration.

Before the funding boost, demand for ESOL classes in Glasgow far outstripped supply, with around 6,000 people waiting for a place. Thanks to this new support, we have been able to offer classes to more than 100 learners who were previously on waiting lists — a vital step in tackling the backlog.

With the funding, we have been able to assess students’ language levels and place them into tailored classes, ensuring a flexible and supportive approach. From beginners with limited literacy to those preparing for university-level English, our programme has met the diverse needs of our learners.

The 12-week course made possible by this funding has already shown real impact. Many students who arrived with little or no English have quickly gained confidence and skills. One student shared, “In this short course, I’ve learned a lot that has helped me in my work and to communicate with colleagues. It’s also helped me make friends.”

Beyond language learning, these classes are opening doors to employment, further education, and fuller participation in community life. Another learner told us, “The lessons were very useful, and I feel more confident using English in daily life now. I’m really grateful to the Scottish Government for supporting this programme.”

Our support doesn’t stop after the 12 weeks. From August, students will return for a full academic year of ESOL study, giving them an even stronger foundation to achieve their goals — whether that’s higher education, employment, or deeper engagement in Glasgow’s communities.

James Davies, Associate Dean for ESOL and Communities at City of Glasgow College, said: “Many New Scots arrive with little or no English. This additional funding has been a lifeline, helping us reach more learners who were stuck on waiting lists. We’re excited to continue working with the Scottish Government and our partners to ensure this vital service remains available.”

The additional ESOL funding has not only strengthened language skills — it has shown the lasting value of investing in integration, opportunity, and community cohesion. As Glasgow continues to welcome New Scots, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to learn English has the chance to do so.

City of Glasgow College are proud to celebrate the success of one of our own – acclaimed Photographer and Picture Editor, Campbell Ramage – who has been nominated for Illustrated Book of the Year at the prestigious Sports Book Awards 2025.

Campbell studied photography at one of the College’s legacy institutions and is now the creative eye behind the powerful photography in We Are Scottish Football – a striking book written by Julie McNeill and published by Luath Press. The book captures the heart and humanity of Scottish football through deeply personal stories and emotive portraiture, showcasing players, fans, volunteers and communities from across the country.

Campbell’s images are more than just photographs – they are moments of connection that reveal the soul of Scotland’s national game. His work for We Are Scottish Football has drawn wide acclaim for its intimacy and authenticity, securing its place among the most inspiring sports books of the year. The nomination at the Sports Book Awards – considered the "Oscars" of sports publishing – recognises the exceptional craft and cultural value of the book.

In addition to this recognition, Campbell’s career has been defined by a commitment to telling the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary ways. His recent Maryhill is Wonderful exhibition celebrated the spirit of Glasgow’s Maryhill community with portraits that honour resilience, pride and belonging. The exhibition demonstrated the same photographic empathy and social insight that has now earned him national recognition in the sporting world.

“Campbell's work is a masterclass in visual storytelling,” said Head of Communications, Michael Logan. “He represents what our alumni go on to achieve – using creativity, skill, and a strong social conscience to make a lasting impact.”

From the streets of Glasgow to the pages of a nationally celebrated book, Campbell Ramage is proof that powerful stories can start anywhere.

We’re incredibly proud of Campbell’s nomination and wish him and the team behind We Are Scottish Football every success at the Sports Book Awards 2025, which take place tonight at The Kia Oval in London.

At City of Glasgow College, we are proud to support the next generation of skilled learners — and our recent collaboration with Abercorn High School is a shining example of what can be achieved when education and opportunity come together.

Following a request from our Supported Education department to upgrade the planters in the 4th Floor Community Garden space, it quickly became clear that a full replacement was needed. Rather than completing this work ourselves, we saw a fantastic opportunity for the Abercorn High School pupils currently studying on our National 3 Construction Skills programme to step up and take on a real-life project — putting their learning into practice and building skills that will serve them well in the future.

These pupils, who previously received construction skills training through outreach sessions at their school, have been welcomed into our College workshops as part of the School College Partnership Programme. This move has given them access to professional-grade facilities, equipment, and PPE, allowing for better support and a more immersive learning experience. Under the expert guidance of lecturer Phil Inglis and our workshop team, the pupils demonstrated dedication, creativity, and teamwork — from producing timber cutting lists to preparing, painting, and assembling brand-new planters for the community garden.

Reflecting on the project, Phil Inglis said: "We previously taught construction skills at Abercorn High School through non-accredited outreach, providing hands-on experiences. This year, we’ve brought the class into our College workshop, giving the pupils access to a professional learning environment and the opportunity to achieve a National 3 qualification. This planter project has been the perfect way to enhance their skills and give them meaningful work experience they can truly be proud of."

The pupils themselves have shared how much the experience has meant to them. Marc Carruther said: "It's been great to be involved in both a creative and worthwhile project." Nbou Hiso added: "I've enjoyed working on the project. We did painting and built the planter using hand tools."

The success of this collaboration has gone beyond the garden itself. It has been a confidence-building journey for these young learners, showing them what’s possible with hard work and support. In fact, the programme has inspired the school’s first-ever foundation apprenticeship student — a milestone achievement for both Abercorn High School and City of Glasgow College.

This project perfectly highlights the power of partnership, the value of practical experience, and the positive role the College can play in nurturing talent and supporting future pathways for local school pupils. We’re excited to see where these young learners go next — and proud to have played a part in their journey.

City of Glasgow College is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Primed Talent to deliver the AWS re/Start programme – a first for a Glasgow-based college. This collaborative initiative is set to play a key role in addressing Scotland’s digital skills gap, particularly within the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.

As the demand for cloud expertise continues to rise, programmes like AWS re/Start are essential in building a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of employers across Scotland and beyond.

AWS re/Start is a full-time, classroom-based skills development programme designed to prepare individuals for careers in cloud computing. No prior technology experience is required, and the programme is free for learners. It is specifically aimed at unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking to reskill and access new opportunities in the tech sector.

In addition to providing technical training, AWS re/Start also focuses on professional skills and job-readiness, connecting learners with potential employers upon completion. The programme works closely with organisations that support underrepresented communities, including ethnic minorities, displaced individuals, and young people – ensuring access and opportunity for all.

Ashley Murphy, Associate Dean at City of Glasgow College, said:

“I am thrilled to introduce this cloud-based course as part of the City of Glasgow College’s technology offerings. It is essential for the future success of Scotland that our workforce is skilled in technologies that will drive our economy forward. I am very pleased that this partnership with AWS and Primed Talent is contributing to the creation of a talented pipeline for Scotland.”

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the College’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and industry engagement. By delivering cutting-edge, accessible programmes like AWS re/Start, City of Glasgow College continues to empower learners and support Scotland’s ambition to be a leader in digital transformation.

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