Rae-Emily Smith, Deputy Head of Creative and Business, is also the Head of EKC Folkestone Junior College, which offers an exciting, two-year Creative curriculum for those aged 14-16.
We spoke to her about her new role, how students are supported in the Junior College, and how you can apply.
What is your background in education?
I’ve been with the East Kent Colleges Group for over ten years. I started at EKC Sheppey College, where I worked for about five years before moving to EKC Training. There, I taught IT, English, and Maths for another five years.
This year, I began working at EKC Folkestone College in my current role.
My background also includes running my own fashion business and teaching business, so working at the Junior College allows me to combine my experience in creative and business fields effectively.
What is EKC Folkestone Junior College?
EKC Folkestone Junior College is a provision that is aimed at 14 to 16-year-olds, covering Years 10 and 11. We specialise in Creative subjects, offering a Diploma in Art and Design for the Year 10 students and Creative Media for Year 11 students.
Alongside these subjects, students also get to study PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), PE, RE, and their Maths and English GCSEs. They also participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics activities, so it’s quite a packed timetable.
What makes EKC Folkestone Junior College special?
What makes the Junior College special is that it has a focus on students with a passion for the arts and creative subjects.
Our staff bring extensive experience from a variety of creative industries, offering students valuable insights and practical knowledge. The smaller class sizes, typically around 16 students per year group, provide a supportive learning environment that is personalised to each students’ need.
This structure allows us to offer additional lessons in English and Maths, help support study skills, and enable students to build resilience.
We place a strong emphasis on students’ emotional and mental well-being, with resources like the Wellbeing Hub, where students can access a quieter space if needed.
Regular check-ins with student mentors ensure they feel supported throughout their time here.
How have students benefited from Junior College?
Even within my first year at Junior College, I’ve seen significant growth in the students’ confidence. Many students from previous years have progressed to Level 3 qualifications, with lots aspiring to go on to University once they finish College.
One of last year’s Year 11 students, Dylan, advanced to a Creative Media qualification within the department and is now the College’s Student’s Union President.
Who is the course ideal for?
This course is ideal for students with a genuine passion in our specialist areas. It’s a full-time programme, running five days a week from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Students need to be open-minded, ready to experiment, and willing to push themselves. To help with this, we organise a variety of workshops and collaborations with local artists and businesses to really help students grow in their area.
For example, Year 10 students are currently working with a local artist to create sculptures for Kingsnorth Gardens. Opportunities like, in addition to College events, help students build real-world skills, and give them an understanding of activism and environmental issues, contributing to the enriching curriculum.
What would you say is the best part about Junior College?
Junior College offers a unique, full-time, five-day-a-week programme designed to empower students with practical experience and a to prepare them for future levels of education and careers.
As the community here is so close-knit, and personalised to students, I’d say Junior College is an excellent choice for students looking to thrive.
What opportunities are available for me to learn more?
At our Open Days, you can meet me, speak to the team and see what it is that we offer to our students. If you like what you see and want to know more, upon applying there are taster days.
These give prospective students a chance to experience a typical day, engage in creative tasks, and get familiar with the environment, their peers, and teachers.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the website and book in for an information session / taster day.
If you’re interested in Junior College and want to see how the team and Rae-Emily help students, visit the Junior College page.
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