From the moment they arrived, students embraced every opportunity to explore the vibrant Hungarian capital. Travelling by tram and boat, and clocking up an impressive 18,000 steps across Buda��and Pest��on their very first day, the group demonstrated energy, curiosity, and a real enthusiasm for new experiences.

A key focus of the trip was to broaden students’ understanding of international health and social care systems. Through visits to a range of healthcare, childcare, and residential settings, students gained valuable insight into how services are delivered in Hungary, comparing practices and approaches with those in the UK. These first-hand experiences have helped deepen their knowledge and will support their future careers in the sector.

Beyond their professional learning, students also immersed themselves in the rich culture and unique attractions of the city. Highlights included relaxing in Budapest’s famous thermal baths, exploring underground caves, and even encountering some unexpected local residents – including pygmy pigs.

The trip provided an ideal balance of education and adventure, allowing students to build confidence, independence, and a global perspective. Staff praised the group for their excellent behaviour, engagement, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

This memorable visit to Budapest will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

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Travelling through The Hague, Amsterdam��and Berlin, the trip gave students a unique opportunity to experience first-hand some of the institutions and locations they study in the classroom.

During their time in The Hague, students visited the International Criminal Court, where they learned about the court’s role in delivering justice for serious international crimes. The group also toured the historic Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice��and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, gaining valuable insight into how international law is applied in resolving disputes between nations.

The visit continued in Berlin, where students explored the iconic Reichstag Building, home of the German Bundestag. While in the city, they also visited several of Berlin’s most significant monuments, reflecting on the events and histories that have shaped modern Europe.

The trip offered an engaging and memorable way for students to deepen their understanding of politics and international relations, bringing their studies to life beyond the classroom.

Sam McMillan,��A Level Sociology & Psychology Lecturer shared that��“one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was watching students engage with the places they normally only read about in textbooks. Visiting the International Criminal Court and the Reichstag brought global politics to life and sparked some fantastic discussions throughout the visit.”

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The special celebration recognised the accomplishments of students who took part in the international visit, where they developed new skills on the slopes while building confidence, resilience and independence. The trip provided a unique opportunity for learners to challenge themselves in a completely new environment and create lasting memories with their peers.

The overseas experience was made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, which supports students to gain valuable international learning opportunities. Through this support, North Devon College students were able to broaden their horizons and experience a different culture while enhancing their practical and personal skills.

The celebration event brought students together with their families and tutors to reflect on their achievements and recognise the hard work that made the trip such a success. Photos and stories from the slopes highlighted the progress students had made and the confidence they had gained during the visit.

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Level 3 Year 2 Public Services students from North Devon College demonstrated impressive professionalism during a recent visit to the University of South Wales, where they took part in a realistic major incident exercise in the Hydra Simulation Suite.

The session placed students at the centre of a live, unfolding emergency scenario, challenging them to respond to changing information, work collaboratively and communicate clearly under pressure. Designed to reflect real-world emergency planning, the exercise formed part of their Unit 7 assessment: Planning for and Responding to Emergency Incidents.

Students were required to make strategic decisions, manage competing priorities and demonstrate effective partnership working, mirroring the demands of careers across the emergency and wider public services sector. The standard of performance was exceptionally high, with all 12 students achieving a distinction for this element of the unit.

Alongside the simulation, the group spent time exploring the university campus, gaining valuable insight into higher education and potential progression routes. The visit offered a clear picture of what the next stage of study could look like, and what will be expected of them as they progress.

When tested in a demanding, realistic environment, the cohort showed they can think clearly, work together and perform at a level well beyond the classroom.

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The visit formed part of their developing knowledge in animal behaviour and conservation, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. Armed with worksheets and observation tasks, learners conducted ethograms – detailed studies of animal behaviour – across a wide range of species, from energetic gibbons to majestic big cats.

Despite the blustery weather, spirits remained high as students carefully observed feeding patterns, social interactions and movement behaviours, gaining valuable insight into how animals interact with their environments. The practical fieldwork is designed to build the analytical and observational skills that are vital within animal management and conservation careers.

A key part of the day was an educational talk delivered by zoo staff, highlighting the vital role modern zoos play in global conservation efforts. Students learned about breeding programmes, habitat protection and the importance of safeguarding Britain’s native wildlife for future generations.

The standout moment for many came at the end of the session, when students met Alba, a three-year-old barn owl. Seeing the striking bird up close brought the conservation message to life and sparked plenty of excitement – and photos – among the group.

The trip is one of many enrichment opportunities built into the T Level programme at North Devon College, ensuring students gain both the knowledge and practical experience needed to progress into skilled employment or further study within the animal care and environmental sectors.

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The Open Day introduced students to the people,��ideas��and opportunities behind agency life. With offices across the UK and worldwide, Bray Leino��showed how��creativity, strategy and collaboration��come together to create award-winning brand building work.��

The day featured a series of interactive sessions designed to inspire and challenge students’ thinking. Highlights included an energetic workshop led by��Mark Lewis, Dean at the London School of Communication Arts, encouraging students to reflect on their strengths,��motivations��and future creative paths��in finding their Ikigai through AI.����

Students worked closely with Bray Leino’s Creative and Events teams, learning about the wide range of roles within an agency and the skills needed to turn ideas into reality. A hands-on workshop delivered��by��Bauer Media Outdoor��gave students the chance to think like professional advertisers,��pitching their own concepts for a Stranger Things out of home experience.����

“This kind of experience really helps students connect what��they’re��learning with the real world. Seeing how a��global��agency works��in a local environment��makes creative careers feel far more tangible.”– Billy Bailey,��Faculty Manager for Creative��Industries, Business��Enterprise��and Digital Technology��

“We’re��excited to welcome students and give them a glimpse into the world of marketing and events. The fresh perspectives and enthusiasm of young minds are invaluable, and we hope our Open Day encourages more young people to pursue careers in advertising.”��– Meg Stacey,��Client Services,��Bray Leino����

The Open Day offered the students a valuable opportunity to��meet the experts, experience Agency life and see where their skills could take them in the future.����

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During their time in Budapest, the students explored the Hungarian early years education system, visiting five local Kindergartens where they engaged with staff and pupils to gain valuable first-hand experience of international teaching practice. Their itinerary also included visits to a bilingual school, the Vadaskert Foundation of Child Psychology, and the renowned Peto Institute, offering learners a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of child development and specialist pedagogical approaches.

As part of their cultural immersion, the group visited the Museum of Sweets and Selfies to discover a cherished Hungarian festive tradition in which Santa Claus descends the chimney to give gifts to children. They also enjoyed a variety of cultural activities that helped them learn more about Budapest’s rich history, including trips to the Great Market Hall, the Jewish Quarter, and the city’s famous Christmas markets.

Throughout the visit, students developed key life skills such as independence, teamwork, and communication—attributes that will continue to support their future studies and careers in the early years sector.

This exceptional opportunity was made possible through funding from the UK Turing Scheme, which supports North Devon College’s mission to provide transformative learning experiences beyond the classroom.

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Throughout the day, students took part in four hands-on workshops designed to bring their classroom learning to life. The fingerprinting and forensics session gave them the chance to explore how evidence is examined at a crime scene, while the policing workshop introduced a virtual search and seizure activity, offering a realistic insight into operational procedures.

In the law workshop, students explored the complexities of sentencing and the factors that influence judicial decisions. They also gained a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system in the criminology session, where discussions centred on probation, rehabilitation, and release planning for offenders.

The trip provided valuable enrichment for students considering future careers in law, criminology, policing, or the wider justice sector, giving them a first-hand look at real-world practice and professional pathways.

North Devon College is proud to provide opportunities that broaden our students’ horizons and support their ambitions — and this visit was a fantastic example of learning beyond the classroom.

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Departing Barnstaple bright and early at 6am, the group set off together for an immersive experience designed to broaden their understanding of the fast-moving creative and digital sectors. Across the two major events, learners explored cutting-edge exhibitions, hands-on interactive sessions, and innovative creative showcases.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to engage with games developers, digital artists, media producers, cosplayers, and eSports professionals, gaining valuable insight into current trends shaping the industry. They were also able to try out emerging technologies, discover new creative techniques, and see real-world examples of the pathways they are studying at North Devon College.

After a full and inspiring day, the group returned to Barnstaple at around 10pm – tired, but enriched by an experience that helped strengthen their understanding of contemporary media and creative industries.

This visit is one of many opportunities North Devon College provides to ensure learners can connect their studies with real-world practice, preparing them for the next steps in their academic or professional journeys.

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