THE brand new Callywith College in Bodmin opened its doors for the very first time on Saturday, August 19 to hundreds of students and parents looking to discover what the college has to offer.

Prospective students, their families and the local community were given the opportunity to be amongst the first to take a look around the college and tour the campus. They experienced first-hand its state-of-the-art facilities and met the teaching staff that will guide and support students through a variety of courses, including 28 A Levels, 16 Diplomas and a range of academy programmes.

Many students touring the campus were so excited to join the college in September they were inspired to apply for a place there and then, as well as several taking application forms away.

It was standing room only for the talks that took place throughout the day in the college’s brand new Lecture Theatre, where prospective students and parents discovered more about what to expect from life as a student from the college’s principal Mark Wardle.

“We are absolutely delighted to have opened our doors today for the first time, to welcome our prospective students, their families and the community to our fantastic new college. Callywith College has been built for North and East Cornwall and the reactions of everyone today have been a pleasure to see. The day has given an opportunity for students to meet the teaching staff, look round the facilities and to see the resources that will enrich their learning experience. We are thrilled that having seen the college, students have been applying today and for those yet to make a decision about their future, it’s not too late to apply.”

Visitors also enjoyed a variety of activities and demonstrations including virtual reality in the Computing and Games department and trying their luck at the penalty shootout and ‘guess the sport’ activities on the college’s brand new 3G sports pitch.

The science and physics departments were exceptionally popular, with many future scientists and mathematicians testing out industry-standard equipment, experiencing the classrooms’ 75” 4K touch screens and even viewing the college’s very first science experiment in one of its industry standard science laboratories.

The event was also attended by the college’s trustee’s including Phillip Waller, who said: “It’s impossible to think that any young person with ambition to advance in any subject or walk of life who visits the college would not want to attend.”

For those who missed Saturday’s event, Callywith College will open its doors to the public once again for its next open day on November 25 between 10am and 3pm where the college’s staff and the college’s very first student ambassadors will be able to talk about the fantastic achievements and experiences students will have already partaken in during the college’s first term.

Callywith College is still accepting applications, and continues to interview for places over the next two weeks.