What Parents Say about RNC

What parents of current and ex students have to say about RNC...

“ We just want to say how pleased we are with the progress Tom  is making. Since coming to RNC Tom’s life has been transformed. For the first time in his education he is actually happy. He is really starting to get the most out of what RNC has to offer, and his anxieties are much less of an issue for him. It has taken Tom a long time to settle in but the progress he has made from being in tears at the assessment day, to boarding three nights a week and loving it is amazing!
Thank you to you all the staff who have supported Tom in college, he is a real success story.”

Libby, Justin & Sian Mosler (family of current student)
 

"Before Sophia came to RNC she had many problems.  One teacher could not teach her because of the many problems.  She was a very lonely young girl.  

We heard many positive things about RNC and you know what, it was the best thing we ever did sending her to RNC!

During her time at RNC she became the person she is today.  She came out of her shell and she attained things she never thought possible.  For example, she obtained several A Levels in Music and Psychology, she also made public speeches both at RNC and at other places around England, on issues that were very close to her heart.

Before Hereford she went to a school which dampened her academic, personal and social confidence, thus limiting her potential.  RNC really made these qualities come to the fore.  As a result she has now graduated from university with a BA honours 2.1 degree in Criminology and has just been accepted to do a masters degree in Criminal Justice.

Sophia's father and I would like to thank RNC profusely for making Sophia's aspirations come true and for helping her to be the person that she is today.  We would urge visually impaired people to come to Hereford to achieve their potential just like Sophia did.  If she can do it then you can too!"

Ellen Brown, mother of Sophia Brown who studied at RNC 2003-2006

 "What can I say about Daffyd's time at RNC? Basically he went a boy and left a man… and I don't just mean that he got older! He developed a lot of maturity during his time at the College. He left the College so much more independent and confident. After initially studying Business Studies, Daffyd went back to RNC and is now studying Sport and Recreation.

As a parent my biggest worry was that he wouldn't settle into RNC. This was his first time away from home and I was worried that he would be home sick. Daffyd went to a mainstream school and he did find it difficult being the only one in his class with a visual impairment and making friends. But that all changed when he went to RNC. He enjoyed the support he got from being with others who also had sight loss. He made lots of new friends many of whom he is still in contact with. He really enjoyed his 3 years at RNC, in particular the social life!

At RNC Daffyd was encouraged to develop his mobility skills. He began using his cane, something we could never convince him to do at home and he even developed the confidence to the point where he was able to catch the train from Hereford to Cwmbran on his own - this was a huge achievement.

My advice to all you parents out there whose son or daughter is thinking about coming to study at RNC is to 'let them do it', it is a big step, perhaps more so for the parent having to let go, but one that is well worth it"

Mrs Williams from Cwmbran, mother of Daffyd who studied Sport and Recreation at RNC.

"For the first time in years Amanda is enjoying learning, so much so that when she joined RNC she intended to stay for just 1 year, but she has really found her feet and is now in her 3rd year having studied a number of qualifications that will hopefully help her get a job.

She missed out so much at school, even though she was statemented, I didn't feel the school really understood or catered for her needs. She enrolled at RNC with a lot of catching up to do. But the College has been brilliant and she has improved all her skills, especially her confidence.

Being one of very few visually impaired people in our home town was difficult for Amanda. Being at RNC means she has support and friendship from other people also facing a future without full sight.

My advice to parents is to start exploring the opportunities available to your son or daughter sooner rather than later - don't leave it until they are in their final year at school. Visit lots of colleges and ask lots of questions. From my own and my daughters experiences, we can't recommend RNC enough"

Mrs Brimble from Bristol, mother of Amanda, who studied Customer Services, Business Studies and Sport and Recreation at RNC.

"When Becky started at RNC  I suppose you could say it was a big a step for me as it was for Becky. As it was her first time away from home there were some initial difficulties but she has overcome every hurdle. I really can't believe it, she is now a different person and her independence has gone from strength to strength.

From a parent's point of view, it has been hard for me to stand back and let her get on with things herself. But she has really developed her life skills, she is now doing her own washing, coping with everyday life and thinking about things herself. This is all down to the staff at RNC.

We are invited to her Reviews so we have an idea of how she is getting on. We are over the moon with the progress she has made. There is also a real difference in her personality. She was a very anxious girl in the past, but now she has so much more self belief, she is becoming her own individual.

My advice to parents is to talk to the staff on the teaching, support and caring sides. Don't be frightened to approach the College if you have any concerns - the College will listen.

I am full of praise for RNC, they have encouraged and supported Becky from day one.

Becky is thoroughly enjoying being at RNC so sending her to RNC was definitely the right decision"

Mrs Brookes, mother of Becky (17), who studied Performing Arts, mobility, independent living skills and ICT.