Above: Alice Fenning, Larry Sampson and Bekah Colclough, second year students, at the Welcome Meal. Photography by Lucy Richmond (Student Council)
“I was so nervous in the lead up to coming to Moorlands; I’ve had lots of people praying for me about that. However, since arriving here, the staff and students have been incredible, it feels like I’ve known them for such a long time even though I’ve only been here for three days; everyone is so friendly. The activities that the Student Council have run have really gelled people together.”
Daniel Brooks, first year Christchurch campus-based student
Our MA, South West, Midlands and placement-based students had their week-long study blocks towards the end of September, and now in October, the Christchurch campus-based students have started their term with us.
The Student Council organised five days that were full of relational opportunities to welcome both new and returning undergraduates as part of the College’s Orientation Week (3–7 October).
Chris Bancroft, Community Team Leader, is now in his final year at Moorlands and felt privileged to be in charge of organising the events for the week. When discussing the Orientation programme, Chris shared: “My mission was to make the transition for the first year students as smooth and comfortable as possible. I wanted to show them that meeting people could be fun and not scary.”
Above: Acoustic music around the bonfire at the Moorlands fire pit.
Events included a photo challenge, food and games in our student lounge, team building led by lecturer Alistair McKitterick, wide games on the back field, a bonfire in the College’s fire pit (which included s’mores and sets by four of our student musicians), and a Chapel service also took place in our auditorium.
Hannah Agus, a first year student said: “The Chapel services have been my favourite part of Moorlands so far. Having the time to go to God, giving it all to Him and trusting Him with my worries has been amazing.”
Above: Lydia Burnett and Emma Taylor, first year students, at our Moorlands Christchurch campus Welcome Meal. Photography by Lucy Richmond (Student Council)
The College also held its annual Welcome Meal, where attendees dressed up in their best outfits, spent time in sung worship, Principal Steve Brady shared a word with us all, and our tremendous kitchen team prepared a large spread of buffet food for campus-based students and staff.
The week allowed space for students to meet and share testimony with one another. Beth Davies expressed: “I feel encouraged because I’ve met loads of people who are positive about their experience at Moorlands. I’m so excited to be part of the community here.”
Likewise, Jacob Tyers said, “Through the work of the Student Council, I feel like I’ve come out of my shell; it’s been loads easier than I thought it would be.”
As well as events for our students, Moorlands College has a heart for being outward-looking. On the Friday night, led by Jess Walker (Outreach Team Leader), a team from Moorlands went to Bournemouth on a Nightclub Outreach mission that focused on looking out for those in need and praying for those in the town.
Above: Community Day; Daniel Brooks gardening in the local area.
Additionally, a Community Day, otherwise known as ‘Sopley Clean Up’, took place. Our students assisted those in the local community who needed help with their gardens and general maintenance. It is clear to see that this gesture made a positive impact, as after the hard work, a local resident popped into Moorlands with chocolates and a card which read: “To you lovely people who came and worked so hard today; over the years you have been coming to help me with my garden. I have enjoyed your laughter, smiles and politeness. Thank you so very much.”
The week, and every event included within it, was a great success and we thank all involved for their efforts.
Above: Connie Grant, second year student, with lecturer Chris Sinkinson during Sopley Clean Up.
Looking forwards, when discussing the new academic year with some staff members, Colin Bennett (Vice Principal) stated that he was excited “train people passionate about Jesus to impact the church and world”, Sharon Prior (Senior Tutor at Moorlands Midlands) shared that she is passionate about “seeing students reach their full potential” and Helen Morris (Lecturer) is particularly delighted to be taking on classes for the Old Testament modules for the second year. She also added that she hopes that there are “lots of footballing women who’ve joined the College this year so we can start training for the annual match against LST in the summer!”
In this new season, please be praying for our students as they begin their lectures, start their assignments and as they settle into their placements.
