You Said, We Did! Student artwork brightens Thurrock Campus

FIVE Thurrock Campus students who entered an art competition run by South Essex College earlier this year have finally seen their work come to life after their designs were recently painted onto the walls of the College.

The Thurrock Mural competition was launched in January after students of the College told Principal and Chief Executive John Hayles at a Principal’s Question Time session that they wanted the dull corridors brightened up.

The competition asked for all Thurrock Campus students to send in entries that represented their view of life, community or respect.

Six shortlisted mural designs were uploaded to the South Essex College Facebook page for Facebook fans to decide the winner. Over 300 people voted for in the competition but it was Level 3 Extended Diploma Health and Social Care student Jessica Bade, 19, from Grays who took the top spot with a total of 256 ‘likes’, winning first prize of a £100 Lakeside gift voucher.

Jessica said: “I’m so pleased to have won and really surprised that so many people voted for my design. All the murals look great on the walls of the campus and make it feel a lot more welcoming.”

The competition is part of the ‘You Said, We Did’ campaign which highlights how the College has made changes as a result of comments, compliments and suggestions it receives.

Derrick Griffiths, Head of Quality Improvement, said: “At South Essex College we’re committed to acting on the feedback from our students, employers and the community in order to improve their experience of the College.

“The redecoration of the Thurrock Campus corridors is one of the many changes that have been made as a result of student suggestions; the murals in particular have proved to be a welcome improvement, appreciated by students, staff and visitors.”

The four other finalists were Vocational Choices student Tara Paveley, 22, from Grays and Level 3 Extended Diploma Art and Design students Stevie Gregory, 17, from Grays, Mayowa Olawale, 19, from South Ockendon and Greta Jundo, 21, from Chafford Hundred who submitted two entries.

All finalists received a £10 Lakeside gift voucher.