Confidence building with the Kernow King

The Kernow King did some brilliant workshops with Callywith students this month to help them learn transferable skills that will benefit them in the future including improving communication, boosting confidence and learning to work in a team.

Edward Rowe; The Kernow King, who is a renowned Cornish comedian, actor and festival headliner, did some brilliant workshops organised by Next Steps SW with Callywith students this month to help them learn transferable skills that will benefit them in the future. The workshops included improving communication, boosting confidence and learning to work together in a team – skills that are vital for students progressing onto Higher Education.

Heather Venables, Outreach Officer for Next Steps SW commented: “Edward admitted to the students that he used to be shy when he was younger, but he has overcome that and has a truly successful career as a performer.  He is passionate about giving back to the local community and working with students, and as such, he is a great role model and inspiring to the students.

“The workshops helped to boost the confidence of students, and watching some of them transform was a real privilege. One student started the session by whispering his name and trying to avoid eye contact, and at the end of the two hours, he gave a stellar performance in front of the group.”

Drama Lecturer Clare Underwood, who was also involved in the workshops commented: “Drama can be a really useful tool for students who’ve not opted for the subject at A Level. Transferable skills such as public speaking and creative solution solving are all skills that can be developed through role-play and group work. Students were able to understand that some employers include role-play situations in interviews. The tasks they participated in today enabled them to work as a team and develop leadership in group work settings.

“Watching students become more open to drama activities and perform at the end of the session was fantastic to observe.”

Callywith students added: “The key thing we learnt today was to not let anxiety hold us back and that being more open to new opportunities is fun!”

Assistant Principal Lucy Maggs, who leads on the student experience at Callywith College said: "We always want to give the students the opportunity to experience new things and develop further skills so as to feel more confident and be more successful in the future. We were so pleased to welcome Kernow King and Next Steps SW to the College and the student feedback has been absolutely fantastic."