Hairdressing students head-to-head in creative competition!

05/05/2010

Prize winners from the 2010 competition, from left to right - Jill, Vikki and Fiona

Fourteen students on the Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing at the Crawley campus, recently went head-to-head as they took part in a competition to create the ultimate 'up-do.' The competition, which took place at the Intuition salon, required them to brush up on both their technical ability and creative flair and was sponsored by the Wella Hair Academy.

Over the course of the day, the students were required to demonstrate a variety of 'hair-up' techniques, presenting the finished style as an overall look, which included make-up and accessories, and allowed them total artistic freedom! Professional photos were then taken by Lecturer Marijke Cantillon, which the students will be able to add to their portfolios.

The competition was organised by Course Co-ordinator for Diplomas in Hair, Hayley May, who was keen to incorporate a competitive element into the course to enable students to achieve their learning outcomes and fulfil curriculum requirements, build on their personal portfolios of work, and experiment with the full range of techniques they have learned throughout the course. She said "I really wanted to arrange an event that would have a significant impact on the learners, add value to the course and showcase the students' outstanding talents! Thankfully I was able to enlist help and support from my colleagues when organising the event, and I think we achieved something very special for those that took part!"

Judging the competition was a difficult task for the staff involved, with the marking criteria looking at complexity, creativity, overall finish and general presentation of the look. First place was awarded to Vikki Wickens, from Haywards Heath, with second place going to Jill Mullan, from Horne in Surrey, and third to Fiona Holloway, from Handcross. All the winners were presented with a selection of professional electrical appliances and products, donated by the Wella Hair Academy. Competition winner Vikki was very surprised to win the competition and delighted with her prize, adding that "the competition has had a really positive impact on my learning as it has needed me to demonstrate a whole range of different skills and techniques. I have thoroughly enjoyed my course at Central Sussex College, and can't thank the teaching staff enough!"

Speaking after the event, organiser Hayley May said "The competition has been a real success, with all students involved having a great experience. It wouldn't have been possible without the inspirational teaching team at the College, all of whom I would like to personally thank. I am looking forward to next year's competition, and have begun working on it already!"