ADAM SMITH COLLEGE

INSPIRING LEARNING

2008
annual
REVIEW
2009
 Contents
Page
1 Welcome
2 An Exceptional Year in Fife
4 An Exceptional Year across the Globe
6 Finance
7 College Facts and Figures
8 21st Century Learners
9 Highlights of the Year

James Cranston
Stepping Stones and winner of Fife Adult Learners Award 2009

“I worked as a butcher and in construction for many years and knew

it wasn’t what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I couldn’t read or
write very well so I enrolled on the Stepping Stones course giving me
the opportunity not just to improve my skills but also to get used to the
College and find out how I would fit in. It was extremely daunting joining
a course where everyone else was much younger than me, but the
College staff were extremely supportive and the other students seemed
to take to me!“

Adam Smith College is proud to be working with colleges throughout the country under the banner of
“Scotland’s Colleges” to promote and enhance the college sector locally, nationally and internationally.
 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

Welcome
This has been an exceptional year for Adam Smith College with 35,000 students now enrolled.

The College has developed new courses and facilities and has continued to embrace and
develop new methods of teaching and learning, as well as new partnerships. The success and
achievements of the College in the community and for the economy of Fife reflects the quality,
relevance and flexibility that all good colleges need to achieve.

We continue to make excellent progress in creating Adam Smith College, as can be seen in this
Annual Review. We will do our best to ensure that this continues into the future.

Dr Craig Thomson
Principal

On behalf of the College’s Board of Governors, I would like to congratulate the College staff and
students on a very successful year.

In this fourth year as Adam Smith, the College has proved that it’s got what it takes to run one of the
largest colleges in Scotland.

We continually endeavour to move forward and develop every aspect of the College, from learning
techniques to resources, to ensure that our students are given the maximum opportunity to experience
a high standard of education in modern, well-resourced facilities, supported by our excellent staff. By
compiling an Annual Review, such as this one, it allows us to reflect on the year gone by, and to see
many of the results achieved so far and share these with the wider community.

Graham Johnstone
Chair of the Board of Governors

2008/09 was an exciting year, not only did we start it as the newly re-named Adam Smith
College Students’ Association, but we moved to new premises. We were particularly delighted
when students from the NQ Construction Foundation Taster course agreed to do the painting
and decorating, helping to transform the place!

A record number of class representatives were trained this year, equipping them with the
knowledge and confidence to assist in improving the learner experience here at Adam Smith.
For the third year running, our student ceilidh proved a hit with students and staff.

We also witnessed the introduction of the Sports Union, which we hope will continue to
develop in the forthcoming years, providing students with the opportunity to participate in
extra-curricular activities.

On behalf of the Students’ Association I would like to thank our student members and College
staff for their ongoing support. I look forward to another eventful year.

John Scott
Student President

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 An Exceptional Year . . .
WORLD-CLASS EVENTS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS

World-renowned artist During the 2008 Graduation ceremonies, a new strategic

Jack Vettriano helped
kick off this inspirational
year at “An Audience
with Jack Vettriano” by
entertaining 350 guests
with responses and
anecdotes skilfully drawn
out by the BBC’s Anne
Mackenzie during an
interview and by questions
from the audience.
The Adam Smith
Foundation – the
charitable trust of Adam
Jack Vettriano helped raise a massive Smith College – received
£12,616 for students at “An Audience all of the proceeds from
with Jack Vettriano” the event to purchase
additional materials and
resources for students
within the College’s Centre for Creative Industries to further
enhance their studies.
Another world-renowned visitor to the College appeared through
the Adam Smith Lecture series, which celebrates the life and
work of Kirkcaldy’s most famous son, Adam Smith. The event
continuously attracts prestigious national and international
speakers and this year was no exception as the College welcomed
former United Nations Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan as
speaker.
partnership was announced between the University of Abertay
Dundee and Adam Smith College, enabling students studying
for Abertay degrees at the College to enjoy enhanced access
to University-level resources and teaching while still studying
close to home in Fife. 365 individuals since merger have gained
degrees through Adam Smith and Abertay.
Developing this
significant university
presence in central
Fife endorses the
College’s mission to
provide high-quality
learning, and was
commended by the
College Chancellor,
Prime Minister
Gordon Brown,
who praised the
partnership and the
higher level of skills
and opportunities it will provide for students, as well as local
companies who will benefit from expertise and support in the
development of their business.
By sustaining successful partnerships with local schools
throughout Fife, over 600 pupils were able to develop skills
in vocational subjects through the Skills for Work courses,
receiving a recognised SQA qualification on completion of the
course.

Joined on the stage by Chancellor of the College, Prime Minister The importance of their studies to the future of the economy was
Gordon Brown, Mr Annan, in his speech, entitled ‘Africa and acknowledged at an event held at the beginning of 2009 where
the Global Economic Crisis’, urged the international community the pupils received a ‘Chancellor’s Award’ presented to them
to ensure that its response to the current economic crisis is by Prime Minister Gordon Brown which recognised achievement,
underpinned by the universal values of justice, generosity and attitude and ability.
public spiritedness outlined by Adam Smith in his ‘Theory of Moral
Sentiments’. The Prime Minister praised the students and the schools,
commending the programme for being highly effective in
The College was also very pleased, thanks to our expertise in the developing valuable skills and work experience, which will
area of creative technology, to share this unique experience with significantly enhance the pupils’ employability.
friends and colleagues across the world thanks to the launch of
Adam Smith TV – www.adamsmithcollege.tv. A new and exciting
Craig Young and Susan Dobie,
initiative where viewers
both of Glenwood High School,
will have the opportunity
with Craig’s Chancellor’s Award
to watch College events
and get a flavour of the
wide range of international
activity that takes place
in a modern, vibrant
educational institution.

Chloe-Belle Higginson
(15) from Balwearie High
School receiving her
Chancellor’s Award from
Prime Minister Gordon
Brown, with Principal
Dr Craig Thomson

Kofi Annan speaking at the

Adam Smith Lecture

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

Adam Smith College’s commitment to ‘Inspiring Learning’

. . . in Fife
through 21st Century learning was made evident this year
via various vibrant, creative and innovative activities and
high-quality and enjoyable learning programmes.

Artist’s impression of the new Centre for

Engineering, Construction and Science
In Leven, the Right Honourable Sir Menzies Campbell
MP launched “a very exciting and unique project” - the
development of a pioneering new centre at the Levenmouth
Campus which will house an integrated information and advice
service covering education, training and skills development
opportunities and will bring together a range of key agencies.

The new-look wing, named ‘Our Space’, will provide a one-stop

shop for the local community who will benefit from first-class
support and advice and will bring together both the learning
DEVELOPING OUR 21st CENTURY COLLEGE opportunities available at the Levenmouth Campus, with advice
and support from a wide range of partners working with the
Adam Smith College has seen a number of exciting developments College.
this year throughout Fife.

The Board of Governors approved the £16million investment in

the new world-class Centre for Engineering, Construction and
Science at the College’s Stenton Campus, which will be a flagship
for training in this sector. In the economic climate at the time,
this was a calculated decision to support the community, offering
enhanced skills, training and preparing for the upturn.

The development of the new Centre, carried out by builders Rok,

will house state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and testing
facilities as well as motor vehicle, engineering, construction and
trade workshops and will begin welcoming students in August
2010.
Sir Menzies Campbell cuts the ribbon to officially
The new Centre will increase the number of students at the launch the development of Our Space. From left to
Stenton Campus from around 850 to 1500 and staff numbers will right: Carol Humbert (College Director), Lindsay Roy
increase by almost 40% to around 350, helping to ensure that in MP, Dr Craig Thomson (College Principal), Sir Menzies
these challenging times, this 21st Century learning and teaching Campbell MP, Graham Johnstone (Chair of the College
facility is well placed to serve the future needs of industry in Fife Board of Governors)
and beyond.

In Lochgelly, the Lochgelly Miners’ Institute regained its pride

of place on Main Street as invited guests and members of the
public were able to tour the newly restored building and see for
themselves the amazing £2.5m transformation which has created
GRAHAM JOHNSTONE – CHAIR OF CHAIRS
a modern learning centre.
Adam Smith College’s Chair of
the Board of Governors, Graham
The refurbishment of this important local historical building came
Johnstone, was elected to lead the
about thanks to a working partnership between Adam Smith
Chairs’ Congress for Scotland’s
College and Fife Women’s Technology Centre and has been
Colleges.
supported by a variety of funders including Fife Council and the
Heritage Building Preservation Trust.
Each college in Scotland is represented
at the Congress by the Chair of its
Board of Management or Governors.
It meets three times a year and aims to
put the interests of Scottish colleges
Lochgelly Miners’ Institute at the heart of public policy. It tackles
issues such as the reputation of the
college sector, funding, distribution of resources, governance and
regulation.

Graham is in his second term as Chair of Adam Smith College and

sits on the Scottish Funding Council’s knowledge transfer and
employer engagement team.

Ray Harris, Acting Chief Executive of Scotland’s Colleges,

said, “Graham is assuming the role of Chair at a crucial time
for Scotland’s Colleges with recent economic developments
reinforcing the importance of the further-education sector.”

www.adamsmithcollege.ac.uk 3
An Exceptional Year . . .
Prime Minister Gordon Brown,
Kofi Annan and Principal Dr Craig
Thomson
KOFI ANNAN VISITS ADAM SMITH COLLEGE
Adam Smith College welcomed former United Nations Secretary-
General Mr Kofi Annan as speaker at the prestigious 2009 Adam
Smith Lecture on Thursday 23 April.
Mr Annan inspired an audience of 500 people with his speech
‘Africa and the Global Economic Crisis’, sharing his thoughts on
the global economic crisis and his hopes for the future.
Just before the Lecture, Mr Annan was delighted to meet pupils
from secondary schools across Fife who chatted to him and asked
questions — the pupils later viewed the Lecture via a live link to
the College’s Theatre.
Coinciding with the launch of Adam Smith TV, Principal Craig
Thomson, who is the current President of PIN (Post-Secondary
International Network), organised the global broadcast of the
Adam Smith Lecture to further engage with college staff and
students from across the globe, with PIN representatives from
countries including New Zealand, America, Canada, Bahrain,
Australia and Fiji tuning into the broadcast and getting the chance
to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Mr Annan’s
insights on Africa and the world economy.
As part of the Lecture, Mr Annan and College Chancellor Gordon
Brown, also formally endowed the Kofi Annan Adam Smith
Scholarship Fund, which offers financial support to Malawian
students. Adam Smith College is leading this initiative on behalf
of Scotland’s Colleges International alongside partners in Angus
College, Anniesland College, Cardonald College, Cumbernauld
College, Elmwood College, Forth Valley College, James Watt
College, Perth College and Stevenson College.
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MILESTONES IN MALAWI
Over the past year, Adam Smith College and Scotland’s College’s
International have continued their work with Malawi Vocational
Colleges through the EVETS project (Equipping Vocational
Education and Training Staff) where it has seen a number of
Principals, Assistant Principals and Quality Managers share their
combined experience and expertise.
Since its launch a year ago, the capacity building project has seen
principals and senior managers from a consortium of colleges
in Scotland, led by Adam Smith College under the auspices of
Scotland’s Colleges International, work in partnership with
colleges in Malawi to deliver training sessions and seminars to
principals and senior staff in Malawian colleges.
A major milestone in the groundbreaking work in Malawi was
reached as 27 Malawian senior college staff graduated from
two leadership and management programmes designed by
Scotland’s Colleges and delivered in Malawi over the past 18
months. The principals of three of Scotland’s Colleges joined
principals and senior staff from all of Malawi’s vocational colleges
for the graduation ceremony in the country’s capital city Lilongwe.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Craig Thomson praised the
commitment of the Malawi college leaders who attended the
programmes, “Learning provides the doorway to a successful
future for Malawi and the success of Malawi’s vocational colleges
is the key to the development of the economy in this country.
Successful colleges need leaders who are committed to their own
learning and are willing to put in the extra effort required to learn
and develop. The graduates from these programmes have proved
themselves more than willing to make this commitment and to put
in the extra work required.”
Following the graduation ceremony, the Acting British High
Commissioner in Malawi hosted a reception at her residence.
Speaking at this event, Project Director Dr David Astill said,
“This project has moved from networking to partnership to
friendship. The friendships that have been established will last
well beyond the Project and are already evident in the twinning of a
number of Scotland’s colleges with institutions in Malawi.”
Reflecting on his experience working with his Scottish colleagues,
graduating Malawian Principal, Mr Tonny Siyasiya, said, “The
leadership programme has completely changed the way that I
manage and lead my college. I feel that I work more successfully
with my colleagues and also that I have much better relationships
with the other colleges in the country. Attending this programme
has been a great experience.”
Malawi Graduation Ceremony
 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

. . . across the Globe

PRINCIPAL LEADS INTERNATIONAL
COLLEGE CONFERENCE

Adam Smith College Principal, Dr Craig Thomson, joined

international delegates in New Zealand in April to promote the
sustainability of colleges at the 2009 Post Secondary International
Network (PIN) Conference.

The PIN Conference brings together annually senior delegates

at Chief Executive and Board of Governors level from colleges
and their equivalents in Canada, the United States, the United
Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Bahrain. Delegates Craig Thomson and David Astill
spent six intensive days sharing experiences, discussing challenges with visiting Namibian group
and looking at opportunities to develop a coherent international
approach to post-secondary education in the English-speaking
world.  NAMIBIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER VISITS
Craig Thomson, who is President of PIN, said, “The post-secondary
ADAM SMITH COLLEGE
sector is one of the main levers available to make a difference in
the current recession; global problems need global solutions. The High Commissioner of Namibia to the UK, His Excellency Mr
Working together and sharing ideas and expertise will help us to George Liswaniso, was welcomed to the College by Principal,
make a real difference to our communities and to ensure that PIN Dr Craig Thomson, and Dr David Astill, the College’s Director of
itself is sustainable and effective long into the future.” International Business Development.

The High Commissioner’s visit supports a strategy headed by

STRENGTHENING EUROPEAN EXCHANGE LINKS
Adam Smith College continued to strengthen its European links
by welcoming 30 college students and staff from Cuenca in Spain,
Benevento in Italy and Augsburg in Germany in the final stage of an
exciting three-year European Union funded project, Comenius 1.
Scotland’s Colleges International which aims to strengthen
links between Adam Smith College and education authorities in
Namibia, enabling the College to deliver training to Education
Ministry and college staff in the country. The foundations for this
link up were set during a visit to Namibia by Dr Craig Thomson
last year. 

The Comenius project promotes trans-national links based on

co-operation between colleges throughout Europe in an effort to
increase cross-cultural awareness of cultural, historical and artistic
heritage, improve communication and language skills and, of
course, to foster European Citizenship.  Bangalore to conduct a workshop on ‘Surviving Turbulent Times
Along with cultural visits to Edinburgh, which included a tour of
the Royal Scottish Museum, Falkland Palace and St Andrews, the
students also took the opportunity to participate in the international
Ceilidh organised by students every year at the College.
Bernd Zinmeister, a lecturer
from Augsburg, said, “Our
staff and students really
enjoyed this visit with our
partner colleges, and I
must say, once again the
Comenius meeting turned
out to be a highly enjoyable
event. I am absolutely sure
we will manage to continue
this relationship and I am
looking forward to seeing
you all again. I would like
to say a big thank you to
Staff group from the everyone who put so much
Comenius Project energy into the event.”
PROMOTING CHANGE IN BANGALORE
Jim McDevitt, Project Director at Adam Smith College, travelled to
– Accepting Change’.
The workshop took
place at Bangalore
Chamber of Industry
and Commerce
and was aimed
at helping the
industries deal with
turmoil and change
and emphasised the
‘human factor’ in
organisations.
This year staff
from Adam Smith
College also gained
and promoted
partnerships Jim McDevitt with representatives
in Kazakhstan, from the Bangalore Chamber of
Canada and Industry and Commerce
Ghana.

www.adamsmithcollege.ac.uk 5
Finance
Money Does Matter. Our finance and senior staff do a great job
in maximising our services to the community with the financial
resources we have. See how it all adds up with the financial
facts on this page.
Actual income for the year ended 31 July 2008
Adam Smith College has a turnover in
excess of £34 million per annum and our
SFC Grants
financial strategy is to ensure that we
Tuition Fees
remain financially stable and sustainable.
To that extent, the College seeks to achieve
European Income
73%
modest surpluses year on year and to have Other Income
a positive cash flow that will enable us to
invest in the future.

The College’s major source of income is 13%

received from the Scottish Funding Council
to fund our teaching activity. This grant, 5%
in aid together with other grants from the 9%
Funding Council, accounts for over 70%
of the College’s total income. In addition to
grants for teaching, the College receives Actual expenditure for the year ended 31 July 2008
fees from the government, skills bodies,
employers and students to fund its teaching Staffing Costs
activity, which represents some 13% of Premises Costs
the total income. Another major source of
63% Depreciation
income comes from projects funded by
Non Staffing Costs
Europe, of which around 5% of income
comes from this source.

College expenditure is only slightly

11%
below that of income, as we utilise our
resources on the delivery of learning. 4%
The major expenditure is on paying staff, 22%
which accounts for around 63% of total
expenditure. Approximately 65% of this
staffing expenditure is directly related to
teaching. Forecast income for the year ended 31 July 2009

Adam Smith College has a number of SFC Grants

campuses on which teaching activity is Tuition Fees
undertaken. The cost of running and 72% European Income
maintaining these buildings accounts for Other Income
just over 10% of total expenditure. Non-
staffing costs account for 20% of our total
expenditure and represents a vast array
of items needed to run the College, from 12%
the purchase of learning materials through
to the cost of the maintenance of the 6%
computer infrastructure. Depreciation at 10%
4% of the total expenditure represents the
charge over the useful life of the College’s
fixed assets for their use. Forecast expenditure for the year ended 31 July 2009
Staffing Costs
Premises Costs
65% Depreciation
Non Staffing Costs

11%
3%
21%

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

College Facts and Figures

21st Century Learning
21st Century Workforce
21st Century College

Adam Smith College delivers over 5 million learning hours from We have learning centres spread across Fife including St
our campuses and learning centres throughout Fife.  Courses Andrews, Anstruther, Kelty and Bowhill. We also work in close
are not only designed to give students new skills for employment partnership with Fife Council to deliver other courses in areas such
and enhance their existing careers, we are also proud to support as Templehall in Kirkcaldy.  Courses in our learning centres are
individuals who are faced with social challenges.  designed to give individuals a new insight into learning and the
  approach by our lecturers and the type of courses we offer are
As a 21st Century College, our learning centres throughout Fife are designed to build confidence in each individual.
great ways of overcoming barriers to education and learning. 

Five Main Campuses Centres in the Community

Mitchelston - Kirkcaldy Anstruther
St Brycedale - Kirkcaldy BRAG, Crosshill
Priory - Kirkcaldy Bowhill
Levenmouth - Leven Cosmos, St Andrews
Stenton - Glenrothes Kelty
Lochgelly Miners’ Institute (in partnership
with Fife Womens’ Technology Centre)

Student Facts and Figures Most Popular Courses

35,000 Students Access to Nursing
4,700 Full-time Students Access to Teacher Training
30,300 Part-time Students Care
50% Female Students Construction
50% Male Students Hair and Beauty
Average Age of Students – 22 Skills for Holiday Reps/Cabin Crew
We deliver 5 million learning hours

Areas with the highest Unique and Unusual Courses

growth in the last five years Furniture Design
Construction Learning Difficulties/Disabilities
Creative Industries Networking
Engineering Physical Theatre
Hospitality Skills for Holiday Reps/Cabin Crew
Science Working with Communities

Number of Degrees
The University of Abertay Dundee
and Adam Smith College have a long
established partnership dating back to
1994. The two institutions work hand-in-
hand to develop degrees to support the
community and economy within Fife and
beyond. There are currently 11 degrees
available in a wide range of subject
areas.

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21st Century Learners
Sammy Duffy
Prince’s Trust Programme

“I definitely feel that I am a much more confident person since completing the Prince’s
Trust programme. The work placement aspect of the course gave me a great insight
into the care sector which I really enjoyed and I am now planning a career in this area.”

Tammala Munro
SVQ Level 3 Plumbing (Modern Apprenticeship)

“I finished NC Plumbing at Adam Smith College and found out that I could train with
Fife Council as an apprentice. My work is different every day and we’re out on jobs
around ninety percent of the time. I go to College for one week a month where I’m
assessed on my work. I get to work with really experienced plumbers every day so if
I ever have any questions there’s always someone there to help. I’m enjoying every
minute of it.”

Donna Allan
SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my course, especially the creative side of hairdressing. I

was thrilled to be given the opportunity to take part in the Scotland heat of the 2009
WorldSkills UK competition competing against 50 other colleges. I was ecstatic to
come in second and winning my silver medal.”

Lynn Batchelor
HNC Hairdressing and winner of Gateway to Success Award 2009

“Ever since I can remember I have been interested in hairdressing. As a single mum
of two it has been quite a challenge to run a business and complete College work at
the same time, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. My business is going really well
and receiving a Fife Skills award this year is the icing on the cake. The lecturers at the
College have been a great support to me and I wouldn’t be where I am now without
them.”

Read on to discover more

about our 21st Century College

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

August 2008
College ambitions praised and students’ hard work
reaps rewards The Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaking
at the Chancellor’s Lunch

Prime Minister’s praise for Adam Smith College

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, visited Adam Smith College
to meet with senior staff and student representatives as part of
a tour of key economic and community partners in and around
his Kirkcaldy constituency.

The Prime Minister, who is also Chancellor of the College,

attended a lunch with senior college, industry and community
representatives to celebrate the key role the College has played in
the social and economic regeneration of Fife over recent years. 

The Prime Minister commented, “I would like to congratulate all of

the College’s staff, students, Board members and those who give
valued advice through the advisory boards in not only successfully
creating Adam Smith College, but in reaching the remarkable
standards achieved in some three years.

“I commend the College’s ambitions to make a major contribution

to the regeneration and development of central Fife’s economy. In
this the College is a key player and I know it is a valued partner to
Fife Council, other public agencies, the private and the voluntary
sectors. Fife is a model of good partnership working and I know
that the College and others are committed to building on this
solid base to address future challenges and to realise Fife’s full
potential”.

L to R: Mark Cullens (Assistant Principal Business Development), Evelyn Mackie

(HR Manager Interiors Division), Claire Drummond, Colin MacKenzie (Curriculum
Head), Ashley Meldrum, Scott Gilchrist (Sales Drawing Manager ESA), Patrick
Gascoigne (Group Human Resources Director)

Scholarship ‘Designed’ for Students

Two students were awarded the new ESA McIntosh combined
£1000 scholarship, which was founded to help students studying
NQ and HND Interior Design, HNC/D 3D Design and Advanced
Diploma Interior Design courses at the College.

Claire Drummond (32) from Crossgates, studying HND 3D Design,

received £600, which she used to purchase a laptop. Ashleigh
Meldrum (20) from Glenrothes, studying Advanced Diploma Interior
Design, received £400 towards the cost of a specialist training course.

The company has extended the close links it has forged with the
Kirkcaldy community over the years to provide this new scholarship to reward students at the College for their hard work.

Evelyn Mackie, HR Manager Interiors Division of ESA McIntosh, told of her delight at being able to offer the scholarship, “This
scholarship is another fantastic way in which our company can keep up its links with the Kirkcaldy area.

“We are glad that the students chosen have been able to use the money for a good purpose and hope the scholarship proves to be
an advantageous item to include in their CVs, for when they try and find employment.”

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 September 2008
Students excel at Annual Awards and PM launches
new initiative
Prime Minister launches College ‘CREATE’ project
Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP, in his role as Chancellor of Adam
Smith College, visited the College’s Stenton campus to launch
a sector-leading project designed to improve access to Further
Education and Lifelong Learning opportunities through eLearning.

The European-funded CREATE (Creating Equal Access to Education)

project will address the skills gap and focus on ways to engage hard to
reach learners and employers in the Creative Industries using digital
technology, including the internet, interactive television and mobile phones.
Adam Smith College will lead the partnership with partner Colleges,
Universities, Business Gateway and industry representatives during the L to R: Graham Johnstone, Chair of the
three-year project to share knowledge, skills and good practice. Board of Governors and Gordon Brown,
Prime Minister and Chancellor of Adam
During his visit to the College the Prime Minister toured the state-of-the-art facilities, Smith College
chatted to students and also viewed examples of student work in the Creative Industries area.

Speaking at the launch, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP said, “I am delighted to visit Adam Smith College today, to meet the students
and staff and to see first hand the excellent facilities and fantastic work that is going on in the area of Creative Industries. It is also a
pleasure to formally launch the CREATE project which, led by Adam Smith College, is enabling Scottish Colleges to lead the way in
Europe with exciting initiatives in eLearning.”

Adam Smith Recognises Student of the Year

Adam Smith College recognised fifty students at its prestigious 2008 Adam Smith College Fife Skills Awards ceremony, held
at the College’s Stenton Campus.

Fairy lights twinkled and trophies shone as students, guests and sponsors arrived for a very memorable evening.

Guest speaker at the event was Dougie Vipond, television presenter, anchor for BBC Sportscene, and drummer with Scottish band
Deacon Blue. Dougie spoke of how he had to work hard to achieve his goals in life both with the band and in his various television
presenting jobs. He congratulated the award winners for their fantastic achievements and wished them well in their future careers or
study.

Dougie also presented the Overall Student of the Year Award to Jenny Huxtable. Jenny, 22 from Kincardine, successfully completed
her SVQ Hairdressing this year despite suffering from a hearing impairment that she has had since birth. Jenny who has used sign
language since the age of 6, first discovered her natural talent for hairdressing after styling, colouring and cutting hair for friends and
family which helped to build her confidence. The College supported Jenny by providing communication support and a scribe, with
some of her tutors completing the British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate with her via sign language – providing them with a
great life skill too!

At the event each of the award winners received a glass trophy, cheque
or gift presented to them by the award sponsors and representatives.

During the evening guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal

prepared and served by the College’s Catering and Hospitality students.

Award winners pictured with Dougie Vipond

and Principal, Dr Craig Thomson

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

October 2008
Not ‘just another day’ for Jack and a special one
for Hospitality students
Vettriano visit raises vast sums for College
World-renowned artist Jack Vettriano helped raise a massive £12,616 for
students at Adam Smith College on Monday evening at ‘An Audience with
Jack Vettriano.’

Two Vettriano limited edition silkscreen prints were won on the night – ‘Beautiful
Dreamer’ on eBay reaching a fantastic £3,031 and ‘Just Another Day’, won through
an envelope prize draw by delighted audience member Stewart Wilson from
Bo’ness.

The Adam Smith Foundation – the charitable trust of Adam Smith College –
received all of the proceeds from ‘An Audience with Jack Vettriano’, which will
purchase additional materials and resources for students within the College’s
Centre for Creative Industries to further enhance their studies.

At ‘An Audience with Jack Vettriano’, held at the College’s St Brycedale Campus,
Jack Vettriano answering questions from 350 people were entertained by Jack’s responses and anecdotes skilfully drawn
the audience. out by the BBC’s Anne Mackenzie during the interview and by questions from the
audience.

The main event was followed by a book signing and the chance to have a word with the man himself.

Dr Craig Thomson, Principal, said, “We are delighted with the amount of money raised for the Adam Smith Foundation. Jack has
given us huge support for a number of years and, by participating in this event, has shown his dedication to helping our talented
students reach the best of their abilities. We are extremely grateful to Jack for this.”

Impressive students gain donation for College

Adam Smith College’s Hospitality department received a generous
donation of £500 after impressing the Scottish Wholesalers
Association (SWA) with their culinary skills when they cooked the
dinner for their annual conference at Dunblane Hydro Hotel.

Martin Webster of Nestle UK, the main sponsor for the annual
conference, approached the College’s Hospitality department
requesting students to prepare and serve the dinner for the
conference. Adam Smith College students have previously organised
several dinners for Nestle UK, winning twice their Nestle Toque D’Or
student competition. 

So impressed and delighted were SWA with the students’ work that
they wanted to make a donation to the Hospitality section at Adam
Smith. L to R: Chris Ritchie, Andrew Troupe, Norman
Bendex, Bryan McCabe receives cheque from
Norman Wemyss, Immediate Past President of Scottish Wholesalers, Norman Wemyss (SWA), Kate Salmon (SWA),
presented a cheque for £500 to Bryan McCabe, Department Manager Lorraine Thomson and David Edwards
for Tourism and Hospitality, who bought an Induction Hob used for
cookery demonstrations within the College.

Bryan said, “The department is delighted to be involved in this type

of partnership as is it gives our students an opportunity to experience
working in a hotel environment and allows them to showcase their
skills to a wider audience.”

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 November 2008
New routes to higher education while Modern
Apprenticeships prove popular
Prime Minister Welcomes University Presence for Central Fife
Over 400 successful Adam Smith College students graduated with a range
of qualifications including degrees, HNCs and HNDs in front of proud family
and friends at the College’s annual graduation ceremonies in the Adam Smith
Theatre, Kirkcaldy.

At the final ceremony, the University of Abertay Dundee and Adam Smith College also
announced a new strategic partnership, which will see the development of a significant
university presence in Central Fife. The agreement has been warmly welcomed by
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is Chancellor of Adam Smith College. 

Under the terms of the new partnership, students studying for Abertay degrees at
Adam Smith College will become formally registered as Abertay University students
and will enjoy enhanced access to University-level resources and teaching, while still
studying close to home in Fife.
L to R: Stacy Gilmour (student), John Scott
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said, “I commend the partnership work between the (President Students’ Association), Graham
College and the University of Abertay Dundee. I am aware that this has opened up Johnstone (Chair Board of Governors), Jamie
new routes to higher education for the population of Central Fife which will greatly Dunlop (student) and Cherrelle McDonald
assist its future development. Each year at these graduation ceremonies the results of (student) with the letter of endorsement from
this partnership are evident as an increasing number of students graduate with their Gordon Brown, Chancellor of Adam Smith
Bachelors degrees.” College

Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation,

Universities and Skills

Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills visits

Adam Smith College
Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, visited
Adam Smith to learn more about a range of innovations taking place at the sector-leading
college.

Mr Denham was welcomed to the Stenton Campus - the site of the College’s planned state-
of-the-art Institute for Engineering, Construction and Science where he met with five Modern
Apprentices from Glenrothes firm, Proclad.

One of the apprentices, Ross Anderson (20) from Kirkcaldy, is a 4th year Modern Apprentice
employed by Proclad. Said Ross, “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship which has enabled me
to gain various qualifications and work at the same time. Proclad is a good company to work
for – now that I’m in my 4th year I can work shifts, which gives me extra money and more flexible
hours. Longer term I would like to continue training and improve my engineering skills. My pals
all wish they had apprenticeships like me.”

John Denham said, “Adam Smith College is doing great things for the local community - I’m very
grateful to Dr Thomson and all the staff and students for an interesting and enjoyable visit. It
was fantastic to meet the apprentices and hear first-hand how modern apprenticeships can help
young people get the skills and training they need to get a good, well paid job, and get a great start in life. The fact these apprentices
are the envy of all their friends showed me just how important it is for young people like them to have the opportunity to do an
apprenticeship.”

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

December 2008
Students contribute to Piggy Bank and put
number skills into practice

Adam Smith College students with Sarah Brown who received

the cheque on behalf of Piggy Bank Kids.

Caring for Piggy Bank Kids

Adam Smith College’s SVQ Level 3
Children’s Care, Learning and Development
class raised funds for Piggy Bank Kids by
spending a day in College in their pyjamas
having been sponsored by their family and
friends to do so. They also collected money
from staff and students of the College on
the day itself.

Students were then delighted when Sarah

Brown, who is president of the organisation,
came in to collect the cheque for £674.08,
where she spent time chatting with the
students and staff and explained how the
organisation uses funds in Fife via the Jennifer
Brown Fund.

Countdown Conundrum at Adam Smith College

NQ students at Adam Smith College took part in a
Countdown Challenge, which promoted team work and
was organised by the College’s Institute of Business,
Management and Computing.

Based on the Channel 4 programme ‘Countdown’, 27 students

participated in a variety of letter and number rounds challenging
their mental thinking and encouraging team work.

Management Lecturer, Russell Farquharson said, “This was a

great opportunity for the students to work together as a team
and use the skills they learn in class. This is the first time we
have organised an event like this and I am pleased to say it was a
great success.”

The winning team was students studying NQ Accounting who Participants in the Countdown competition.
were presented with a trophy and a team building day for the
whole class.

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 January 2009
Gail and Amy’s journeys to success

Community learning is just the ticket for Gail

When Gail Taylor (42) from Kirkcaldy walked through the doors of
Templehall Learning Centre 6 years ago after her daughter started nursery,
little did she know she was making a life changing step.

Templehall Learning Centre offers courses run by Adam Smith College in

partnership with Fife Council and based within the Community Centre in Beauly
Place, Kirkcaldy - just a few streets away from Gail’s home and so was the ideal
place for Gail to start learning.

Said Gail, “At my first visit to the Centre I found the staff very friendly and they
put me at my ease. We discussed the various classes available, as well as
what they involved. I started classes straight away and enrolled in everything
including the GOALS course which was a great help – making me aware of my
existing skills I didn’t realise I had.

“When I had gone as far as I could at the Learning Centre my tutor encouraged
me to do a course at the College’s Priory Campus. I completed an NQ
Administration and IT course and then went on to complete the HNC. College
was a great experience; I met so many good friends and enjoyed learning in a
relaxed atmosphere.”
Gail Taylor
Since completing her HNC Gail has returned to Templehall Learning Centre to
catch up with her old Tutors and has also become a buddy to others who are
just starting on their path to learning.

Adam Smith actress lands top job in Italy

An actress from Adam Smith College’s Graduate Theatre Company, Re-Cognition,
landed her dream role in Italy, after posting her audition tapes on YouTube.

Amy Irvine, from Dunfermline, headed to Italy to join the ‘Theatrino’ company on its
six month tour of the major Italian cities. The company has been set up by the Italian
government to promote the teaching of English to primary school pupils throughout the
company. 

Amy (21) said, “The work I’ll be doing in Italy is really similar to what we do in the Adam
Smith College company, but with the added bonus of it being abroad! I’ll be performing in
English language productions at primary schools throughout Italy. We’ll be doing fairytale
type plays and afterwards we’ll hold workshops with the children to help develop their
English skills.

“The Re-Cognition Theatre Company does a lot of school work throughout Fife – we
performed our production ‘Boozebusters’ in front of all 4,000 second year pupils in Fife.
Once I started touring with Re-Cognition I knew I wanted to work with young people. The
experiences with the company opened my eyes to how broad the theatre spectrum could
be and how it could contribute to education. I’ve also been volunteering with Fife Shed,
an inclusive theatre company that works with able and disabled children so I’ve got some
good experience behind me.”

Amy Irvine

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

February 2009
Lesley goes live in the studio while Tracey goes for
her Masters Dr Craig Thomson and Lesley Riddoch
in the Radio Studio

Adam Smith College joins forces with Feisty Productions

Adam Smith College launched the first ever radio show to be broadcast
live on a regular basis from a Scottish college.

BBC Radio Scotland’s popular Riddoch Questions show will broadcast live
from Adam Smith College’s state-of-the-art radio studio at their Stenton
campus in Glenrothes every second Friday.

The new partnership brings together Feisty Productions — run by one of

Scotland’s most respected broadcasters, Lesley Riddoch — with one of the
country’s leading providers of media training and education.

The first programme’s guests included local MSP Bruce Crawford, Minister
for Parliamentary Business and Labour MSP Margaret Curran. A firmly
established Radio Scotland favourite, Riddoch Questions has a strong
reputation for probing into the Scottish political issues of the day.

Lesley Riddoch, commented, “Glenrothes won the Carbuncle of the Year

Award as the most dismal town in Scotland. It may not be as pretty as neighbouring towns like St Andrews, but Feisty has moved
here for the skills of the young people and the superb studio facilities at Adam Smith — not the looks or the roundabouts! And who
knows, with Bruce Crawford in the studio, Glenrothes may now be front of the queue in the government’s new fund to improve town
centres in Scotland.”

Aileen Lamden, Executive Director for the Centre of Creative Industries, commented, “We are delighted that Feisty Productions
has decided to broadcast Riddoch Questions from our radio studio. This not only demonstrates that our facilities are truly industry
standard, but also gives our students the rare opportunity to observe what goes on behind the scenes of a live radio broadcast.”

Tracey works her way up the educational ladder

Five years ago, Tracey Hynd, from Leven, decided to turn her life
around and enrol on an HNC Applied Chemistry course at Adam
Smith College. One year later she had moved onto HND level and, on
completion, had her sights set on furthering her study at the University
of St Andrews. 

Tracey completed her studies at Adam Smith College in June 2006 and
worked as a research technician at Leven based research company
Siberline before starting the BSc (Hons) Chemistry course at the University
of St Andrews. Now in her Honours year at St Andrews University Tracey
has decided to go onto a 5th year to gain her Masters qualification.

Tracey Hynd in the lab at Adam Smith College
Tracey said, “After my daughter Evanna was born, I knew I wanted a career
change. The reason I decided on HND Applied Chemistry was because I
always regretted not continuing with chemistry after school. I wanted the
opportunity to finish where I left off and get the qualifications and career I
should have worked towards when I was younger.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities that Adam Smith and the Science
Department have given me. The childcare offered by the College was also
excellent; I couldn’t have completed my course without it. It has been hard
work but definitely worth it and I would recommend anyone looking to
pursue a career in applied chemistry to go through the college/university
link.”
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 March 2009
Sports stars go nationwide while
robots inspire future engineers
Sporty students showcase talents in first national championships
Adam Smith College hosted the first Scotland’s Colleges Sport National
Championships on Wednesday 4th March, showcasing the most up-and-
coming sporting talent from 10 colleges across the nation.

The event brought together the finest athletes from Scotland’s Colleges, with over
500 students competing in six different sports. The Championships saw males and
females compete in rugby, football, basketball, badminton, volleyball and cross
country running over three Fife venues.

Not only did the College play host to this inaugural event but students from Clockwise from top: Laura Guthrie (Aberdeen
Adam Smith were also heavily involved in the organisation of the Championships. College), Fraser Reynolds (Telford College),
Students from other areas in the College also benefited from the event - beauty Natalie Moir (Adam Smith College), Megan
students offered massage support and creative industry students filmed the Thomson (Motherwell College), Lisa McLardy
sporting action. The College itself had athlete representation in each sport - all (Kilmarnock College), Paul Donnelly (Cardonald
having qualified via the College National Championships. College) and Chris Nicol (Dundee College).

James Shields, Scotland’s Colleges Sport (SCS) Founder, National Championship

Organiser, and SCS Secretary, said, “It is a fantastic achievement for Adam Smith to have hosted the Championships and to be able
to provide, through SCS, improved accessibility to competitive sport in Scotland’s Colleges.

“The event signifies not only a move to increased participation in sport, where previously there was nothing for colleges, but also the
possibility to develop athletes for the future.”

Robots land at Adam Smith for

Techno Games Championship
Over 150 pupils from Primary Schools across Fife, took part in the
Dalek inspires young student annual Techno Games event at the St Brycedale Campus, keen
to get a robot building demonstration from Professor Ian Watts
from the BBC’s hit show Robot Wars and eager to compete in the
‘Sumo’, ‘Football’ and ‘Assault course’!

The Games were held in conjunction with the Institute of Engineering

and Technology and were once again sponsored by Raytheon
Systems Ltd. The aim of the event is to get young people involved
and interested in the world of engineering through the fun aspect of
robots using the three elements of engineering: control, electrical and
mechanical.

During the event the pupils were ‘introduced’ to a robotic chair which
had a mind of its own and another robot who had a habit of spraying
everyone with water while letting off rotating smoke rings! And last but
not least a Dalek from the film ‘Exterminate’ stole the show and lived
up to its reputation by ‘terrorising’ the children who all screamed with
delight!

Jim Trail, Chief Operating Officer at Raytheon Systems, said,

“Raytheon Systems is delighted to support Techno Games – it is
fantastic that so many school pupils took part on the day and had fun
learning new skills about robotics.

“Having world class engineers and technologists in our business is

vital to our continued success and we are certain that initiatives such
as Techno Games and the Robot Roadshows help to inspire our young
people to become great engineers and technologists of the future.”

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

April 2009
Care students choose the healthy option and Young Scot
award winner turns a healthy profit
Students organise a healthy alternative
Students currently studying Pre-Access to Nursing at Adam Smith
College’s Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Leven campuses organised
HealthFest - an event emphasising healthy living and celebrating
cultural diversity within Fife.

Members of the public and school pupils experienced health and

cultural workshops, celebrity chef demonstrations, exhibitors, salsa
lessons and lots more.

Carol Donald who is studying at the College’s Stenton Campus said,

“The organisation of HealthFest has been a challenging part of our
course. It has given us the opportunity to work with various members
of the community including exhibitors and primary and secondary
schools within Fife. Our tutors have given us a lot of help and support
and I hope we can make them proud on the day.”
Working together as a team - the
Pauline Serman who is studying at the College’s Levenmouth Campus
Pre-Access to Nursing students
said, “The planning of HealthFest has allowed us to work with our
fellow students from each campus and work as a team to organise
something we are all passionate about. We have all learnt new skills
including communication, organisation and how to work to deadlines
– this has been an excellent part of the course.”

Enterprising Adam Smith student bucks current

Kirsten Dunnett at Missy La La’s economic trend
Fashion Boutique
A former Adam Smith College HND Fashion Business
student, Kirsten Dunnett (22) from Glenrothes, who now runs
a successful fashion boutique in Dundee city centre, was
announced as the category winner for the Young Scot Award for
Enterprise.

The fashion-savvy entrepreneur opened Missy La La’s on Crichton

Street in Dundee last May, after graduating from Adam Smith in
2007, and business is booming. Kirsten received a £5,000 loan from
the Prince’s Trust to kick-start her business, after spotting a gap in
the market for an independent fashion retailer and formed a business
plan as part of her course.

Kirsten said, “It was really unexpected to win the Young Scot award.
Starting up my own business was something that I wanted to do to
provide a service for people which wasn’t previously there; so it’s
great to be recognised for that.

“From the minute I formed my business plan at Adam Smith College,

I knew this was what I wanted to do. If I didn’t do the enterprise
module at Adam Smith College, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The
course was a great mix of fashion and business, so I got the best of
both worlds.”

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 May 2009
‘Our Space’ launched at Levenmouth and top names on
show at masterclass
Sir Menzies Campbell MP launches ‘Our Space’
Sir Menzies Campbell cuts the ribbon to officially launch the
development of ‘Our Space’. From left to right: Carol Humbert
The Right Honourable Sir Menzies Campbell MP launched
(College Director), Lindsay Roy MP, Dr Craig Thomson,
the development of a pioneering new centre at Adam Smith
Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Graham Johnstone (Chair of the
College’s Levenmouth Campus. The new centre will house an
College Board of Governors).
integrated information and advice service covering education,
training and skills development opportunities and will bring
together a range of key agencies including Job Centre Plus,
Kingdom Credit Union, Skills Development Scotland and
Citizens Advice.

A make-over during the summer will increase the area used by the
College on the Campus to create ‘Our Space’ which will open its
doors to the public later this year. The new-look wing will provide a
one-stop shop for the local community who will benefit from first-
class support and advice. New facilities will include: a café area
and work stations along with interview and meeting rooms. ‘Our
Space’ will bring together both the learning opportunities available
at the Levenmouth Campus, with advice and support from a wide
range of partners working with the College.

Sir Menzies Campbell said, “In such difficult economic times,

it is very encouraging to see a centre such as ‘Our Space’
being created for use by the local community and students in
Levenmouth. The College, along with its community partners, have
created a very exciting and unique project, which once complete will provide a fantastic resource in which support agencies, students
and the community at large can interact.” 

Stephen Glendinning pictured with

models
Top International Stylists ‘Wow’ at Hair Masterclass
Audience members of hairdressers and salon owners from
across Scotland were wowed as some of the top names in
hairdressing put on a fabulous creative show at Adam Smith
College’s Hair Masterclass.

Award-winning stylist and International Artistic Director for Toni

& Guy, Stephen Glendinning – who also appeared on BBC Three
programme ‘Celebrity Scissorhands’ - spoke of his fond memories
of being a student at Adam Smith College and showed his editorial
and stage/show work talents using false hair to create spectacular
shapes for the catwalk and camera.

Also showcasing their fantastic skills at the St Brycedale Campus

Theatre was top German hairstylist, Yves Bubert, who excited the
audience with an ‘Edward Scissorhands’ style cutting demonstration
of creative hairdressing skills, while Michael Barnes, one of the most
respected hairstylists in British hairdressing, showed his ‘underwater collection’ on the stage’s show reel and thrilled the crowd with
his avant-garde long hair and haircuts from his current collection.

Adam Smith College’s artistic team also proved their skills as models took to the stage showcasing their fabulous ‘dysfunctional doll’
themed presentation, inspired from the John Galliano for spring summer 2009 collection.

The event was highlighted by the Hair, Beauty and Holistic Therapies department being awarded the Goldwell College of Excellence
award for creativity and excellence in training - the only College to be awarded this accolade.

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 ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009

June 2009
Sir Tom inspires award winners and students skills
receive a boost
Students scoop Skills Awards at prestigious College Ceremony
Students and staff from Adam Smith College, along with their guests, attended the
Adam Smith College Fife Skills Awards, which saw 49 students receive awards for their
achievements.

NQ in Digital Media Computing student, Andrew Delaney (17) from Livingstone, scooped the
top award of Student of the Year and received it from guest speaker Sir Tom Farmer at the
glittering ceremony.

Andrew, who is also a pupil at Falkland House School - an independent school in Fife, is
on the autistic spectrum. He has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and so has had to
work harder than most to do well. However Andrew has certainly not let his autism stand in
his way of achieving his goals and plans to continue onto an HN Games Design course at
Stevenson College in Edinburgh after the summer.

Guest speaker, Sir Tom Farmer, founder of Kwik-Fit and one of Scotland’s foremost
entrepreneurs and philanthropists, congratulated the award winners and urged them Andrew Delaney receiving his Fife
to go forward and continue to be ‘award winning’ in their chosen career fields. Sir Tom Skills Award from Sir Tom Farmer
described the philosophy that stated “what will be, will be” as nonsense. “What will be is
what we make”, he said. “We need to be ambitious for the future and to make it happen.”
Sir Tom highlighted team work and the value that we place on people as the main factors
determining success.

Skills Minister Keith Brown and Dr Craig Thomson

Principal of Adam Smith College pictured with
students at launch of The Big Plus CD-ROM

Adult Learners to benefit from Literacy and

Numeracy Skills
A new learning resource helping people training for vocational
careers to boost their literacy and numeracy skills was announced
by Skills Minister, Keith Brown.

The Work Skills Academy CD-ROM was developed by The Big Plus
and has been specifically tailored to help those training to work in the
construction, hairdressing, retail and care sectors, giving practical advice
and assistance on areas such as spelling, formal and informal writing,
punctuation, numeracy and listening skills.

Mr Brown, who launched the resource on a visit to Adam Smith College

in Kirkcaldy, said, “Literacy and numeracy are key skills that employers
look for, but at times students studying vocational training do not have
the opportunity to focus on these skills.

“The Work Skills Academy CD-ROM offers an excellent, easily accessible way for students to improve these skills, while gaining an
understanding of the impact literacy and numeracy will have on their future careers.

“The Big Plus is playing a key role in tackling the stigma of reading and writing difficulties that exists in Scotland and this latest
addition to the campaign will help even more adults across the country.”

Dr Craig Thomson, Principal of Adam Smith College, said, “I am delighted to welcome Keith Brown to Adam Smith College to launch
this fantastic new learning resource and to see our learners benefit from such an innovative and user friendly product.”

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 July 2009
Hands-on experience for Construction trainees
and High School pupils
Construction trainees revamp hospital garden
Patients and staff at Glenrothes Hospital are benefiting from a new revamped
garden area thanks to the skills of construction trainees.

The trainees are part of a joint project run by Fife Council’s Development Services
and Adam Smith College which was launched last year to enhance the skills and
employability of those interested in all areas of construction.

The trainees worked with bricklaying students to landscape an area at the rear of the
hospital to create raised flower beds and reinstate a pergola, bird box and seating
area.

Kevin Nunn, Executive Director for Engineering, Construction and Science at Adam
Smith College said, “This project is a great example of how our trainees can gain
excellent practical experience which can benefit the community. The patients and staff
seemed to enjoy having the students around and to watch the amazing revamp of their
garden area which they can now enjoy.”

Trainees involved in the project: Jamie Miller, Kathy Hamilton from Fife Council added, “The new-look garden area is beautiful and a
Greig Ritchie both 17 and from Rosyth, Sean credit to the trainees who are very proud of what they have achieved. We are keen to
Willoughby (18) from Kirkcaldy ensure that our learners gain as much practical experience as possible when they are
with us which helps them to gain employment after their course.”

Funding for the project was made by The Order of St. John, a charitable organisation
which supports projects aimed at helping those who are sick or disabled.

Mastering the Multimedia Challenge
Fife school pupils gained fantastic new technology skills recently as
they took part in the first annual Mastering Multimedia Challenge at
Adam Smith College.
The team from Beath High School who won first
prize in the Mastering Multimedia Challenge,
pictured with Alan Gannon and Shona Irvine from
Adam Smith College’s Computing Department

The event, which took place over two days at the College’s Priory Campus
in Kirkcaldy, gathered together 60 secondary school pupils to participate
in workshops to equip themselves with the necessary skills to design
and implement a web site. Workshops included planning, animation,
video, sound, graphics and web design. The second day consisted of the
competition itself where each team submitted a website built using all the
new skills they had learnt from the workshops the previous day.

Out of the ten team entries Beath High School were the final victors, winning
a £200 prize for their school from Adam Smith College, along with a copy
of Adobe CS4 Web Premium Suite, courtesy of Adobe who sponsored the
event. In addition, the individuals in the winning team received a high street
voucher and a copy of Adobe Photoshop/Premier Elements. Second prize
went to Buckhaven High School, and third prize went to Beath’s second
team. Each team also received a glass trophy for their school.

Shona Irvine, Computing Lecturer, came up with the concept for the event
and organised it with others in the department. She commented, “The
schools commented on what a superb experience it was for the pupils to
get the chance to use all the equipment and software and thought that the
experience and the skills they have learned will encourage pupils to take
computing further.”
 

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Don’t just take our word for it. Hear it from our . . .
. . . Staff
“My job allows me to pass on
my skills and knowledge from
my past career onto my
students. Watching them
improve throughout their course
gives you a great buzz and you
really feel as if you have played
a valuable part in their
development and possible
future success.”
Hugh Loughlan
Curriculum Head, Theatre Arts John Jenkins
Centre for Creative Industries
. . . Students
Alexander Crombie
HNC Administration and
Information Technology
“…The staff at Adam Smith have
been wonderful at helping me
develop my skills ...”
T: 0800 413 280
ADAM SMITH ANNUAL REVIEW 2008/2009
“Since I started I have found the
working environment to be
fantastic. The people here are so
friendly and everyone works
together. No matter who you are
or what you do you are treated
the same as anyone else.
There is such an energetic
atmosphere at the College. “I really enjoy working in the
Coming to Adam Smith was a Bowhill outreach centre. I get to
great decision – I’m definitely see the direct effect the courses
Adam Smith!” have on people, how it improves
their knowledge and boosts their
confidence. I don’t just organise
and deliver courses, I’ve become
part of the community.”
Community Development Worker
Lynsey McIver
Marketing and Events Co-ordinator
Marketing Department
Claire Robertson
BA Management
“The course was initially
daunting for me though I
persevered as I had masses of
support and encouragement
from my tutors.”
Allan McEvoy
HND Graphic Design
“…The equipment was
state-of-the-art and the tutors were
supportive and encouraging ...”
www.adamsmithcollege.ac.uk 21
www.adamsmithcollege.ac.uk

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