Sunday 28 June 2015

If we do not secure their hearts......


When the students finish, the time comes for reflecting on how the year went? how we felt? what would we do differently?
This year I have taught the same way I have always taught but with an entherisise on helping them mature as adults. Getting them working with other people in a professional way, to be better communicaters and gain more life skills as well as how to be hairdressers of course!
Its been a very 'full' year and probably my best year yet.


 I started my teaching year this year as I do every year by recalling a teacher called Mrs. Mc Lochlin.

When my first child started school I noticed Mrs Mc Lochlin was the only teacher who, when the children were all in lines in the playground, waiting to go into their classrooms, would go down the line and speak to each child individually. 


Saying things like, ' your hair looks nice today' thats a pretty dress you have on' or ' is that a new hair slide? She found something nice to say for each child. I remember looking at the childrens faces and saw how special she made them feel. 

From that day I promised myself to be that teacher who made her students feel important and special no matter how small the compliment might be or how hard it might be to find one!
I couldn’t agree more with author, Madeline Levine, who states, “The biggest impact you’ll have as a teacher is the relationship you establish with your student.”
So in my first year of teaching I experienced the power of believing in each and every student and how doing so has made an enormous difference to every one taught.


Thirteen years later, many of them still keep in touch, I know how they are doing, where they are, career paths they’ve chosen, and number of children they’ve had. ( now that makes me feel old!) some still ask me for hairdressing advice for something they haven't come across before.


I also know they remember me and know that I cared about them. To this day, I hear the odd Auntie Lisa being shouted when I'm in town and they will rush over to show me or tell me some news they have.


Yes, this year has been hard, one of my hardest yet but also the most enjoyable and rewarding I have ever had.


Recording their journey on this blog has been a wonderful experience and not only shows how they have grown but they have seen for themselves a change.

A change in how they react to situations, approach tasks and problems, of course the many hairdressing techniques they have conquered and their I.T skills ....well ...we have learnt together on that!

On reflection, showing the students how much you care, how special and how important they are from the begining has been a must as well as everyday reassurance. 


The trips out, the team building, the tantrums, tears, laughter and the much needed hot chocolate and cake moments have all been a part of this year and would I change anything?

 A few moments yes but on the whole... What an amazing year.

I cant wait to see how they progress on the level two programmes and beyond.
Heres to next year! When I will remember again.

“If we do not secure their hearts, we do not have a shot at their brains.”

 Thank you Mrs Mc Lochlin.

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Last day mayhem!

Well the time has come to say goodbye. How quickly has this year gone? I can hardly believe it's over. We spent the last day having hairdressing treats, munching on buffet food,  looking back over our blog, laughing, crying and doing what we have done all year... Having fun! 
And nearly set the fire alarm off with party poppers in the process.
Everyone brought some goodies in and we all had a fitting end to our year together including, of course our last ever group selfie!









Tuesday 23 June 2015

To my students.....

To my students,

I would like to say a great big thank you to you all. You have made me so proud and given me one of the best years I have had. 
 You came in September as excited but nervous individuals. Most of you wondering how you were going to cope with college life, the assignments, learning the skills and how to deal with new problems when some old ones hadnt yet been dealt with. 
You now leave as mature, confident, sensible (ish) adults that I have become so proud of. You have each followed a personal journey and allowed me to be a part of it.
I wish you all the best for your future plans and with your level two programmes. You will all be great!
Just remember, 
Once your tutor, always your tutor. You know where my staffroom is.

Your tutor

Lisa 

And in the style of the Xfactor

Here's some of your best bits





Meet the stylist now. Part 4

Demi
 
Now



And then
 
 

I have had the most amazing year and I would do it all over again If I could. I have loved having Lisa and Mary with us.
And thank you everyone for looking at our blog!


Adam
 
Now
 

And then

I have learnt so much on level one hairdressing. Ive learnt how to cut, colour and wash hair.
I feel I have come far in this course and become closer to the others in the group.
I wouldn't be at this stage if it wasn't for the both perfectionist teachers Lisa and Mary.
They have both helped me through all my year.

I've absolutely loved it on this course and don't want to leave!

Molly
 
Now
 

And then


I have really enjoyed being on level one and I have learnt a lot and enjoyed everything we have done. Im excited for level two and to learn new things.

Loni
 
Then
 
Now

 
I have really enjoyed this year at college. I have met lots of lovely people and I have had the best tutorI could of asked for and teaching assistant. Lisa and Mary have been not just here to help us learn but they have supported all of us on our own journeys.
 
At the start of the year I had to start late and there have been poiints where I thought about giving up due to personal circumstances but the tutors and whole group really amde it so good to be here, I couldn't.
 
Now its my last day and I feel proud of my achievement and cant thank you all enough.
I will never forget this year.

Bekki 
Then



Now 
 
I have really enjoyed this year it has been amazing!
 
I cant thank Lisa and Mary enough for everything they have done for me and for making the course so enjoyable. I hope level two will be the same.


 

Monday 22 June 2015

Meet the stylists now. Part 3

Emily L

I cant believe I am now a junior stylist! I have loved every minute I have been there. much thanks to Lisa I can look forward to my level two and becoming a qualified hairdresser.

Emily M




I have enjoyed every second of this course and I can't wait to start my level two.

Leah





When I started I was really scared and very nervous1 but now I feel really confident in myself and in my work. I have really enjoyed my course and have met some amazing people. Lisa and Mary are amzing tuors and they have helped me through a lot of stuff, I am going to miss them loads!

Mamoona
 



I cant believe I have completed my level one programme. It first I was so nervous but now I feel confident and I have polished my skills with Lisa and Mary ready for level two.





Wednesday 17 June 2015

What happened to the sun at Blackpool today?

Our last trip today to Blackpool pleasure beach but the weather wasn't kind at all! In fact it didn't stop raining all day. Did we let that spoil our fun? Of course not!

Ponchos on ready to brave the elements. 


On the Big Dipper. You can just see Bekki and Loni waving.


Of course Zahir was up for this photo.


Mary practising for The Cube.


A Starbucks break from the rain.


Still smiling in the rain.


Will miss these girls.


Drenched after Vallhala!


A blow dry on Pepsi Max then!
Here they are in action!


A great last day out. Happy last day to fantastic people. 





















Tuesday 16 June 2015

Meet the stylists now. part 2


Zahir
Then

And now




I feel better now than I did when I started and I have loved it! Lisa has helped me with my work and without her help I wouldnt have managed it.
My advice just keep going on with it! I just wish I had Lisa next year.

Kara 

Now

And then




At the start of the year I was nervous but now I've got to know everybody and my tutor i jusr don't want the year to end.
I am excited to start next year as I can be open with everyone as we are like a family.
What life lessons have I learnt?
To keep my mouth shut and dont let everyone know your business, then evryone will get on and be happy.
What will the new level ones need?
They wil need positive thoughts, pens, paper, and a big smile!
You also need to make sure you always wear your uniform and bring your kits.

Rosie
Then




And now

When I started college in September I was really nervous but now I'm not at all. I love my group and hairdressing especially cutting hair.
I will be sad to leave level one but looking forward to doing Level two in September.

Becky W

Now
I started this course later than most in October. I was really nervous but once I had started I really have enjoyed myself. I'm looking forward to starting level two and meeting more new people.

Then... So shy she wouldn't have her photo took! 

They all look so much more confident! 


Sunday 14 June 2015

Meet the stylists now!

At the beginning of the year I asked the new students to write about how they felt about starting the programme. Now they have completed and are ready to start their level twos, I asked them to say how they feel now.

Kirsty

Now 

How she was in September


When I first started college I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. 
Now it has come to the end of level one I am really excited to be starting level two and feel very proud of myself for how much I have achieved in the past few months. I am very confident that I will become a good hairdresser and I have enjoyed learning and taking part in all the different activities we have done.
When I first started I was nervous that I wouldnt get along with the people in my class. We have had our ups and down but after support and team building I now think I have made some very good friends who will probably be my friends for a very long time.
I have also met two amazing teachers in Lisa and Mary, without these two I wouldnt be where I am today!
Thanks to Lisa I have not only learnt how to be a hairdresser but I have also learnt to be a better person. I gave gained many life skills from my time at college and look forward to my future as a professional hairdresser.
If I could gave any advice to someone starting this course I would say.
Always be yourself, keep positive and remember why you are at college. ALWAYS listen to Lisa because she is always right! and if you want to go far... get you head down and concentrate.

Charlotte

Now

And then


I feel that I can now be more confident with myself and I have learnt so much over this last year and feel that I am ready for level two.
I have had so much fun with our class having Lisa as our tutor.

My advice to the new level ones. always remember your uniform and kit, pen and paper for theory lessons. You will learn all the basics and feel ready for starting level two. The life lessons you will learn are to be yourself and not let anyone get in your way of completing your hairdressing course.


Jayleigh

Now

And then



I feel like I have learnt a lot over the year and now we have all bonded really well. I wish Lisa and Mary could teach us on level two. We have had so fun having Lisa and Mary as our tutor and helper.

The advice I would give..
You will need to wear your uniform and kit everytime you are in the salon. You will learn the basics of hairdressing and all the skills you will need for level two.

Wow! Look how they have grown. Don't they look like real stylists now.