Croydon College Student Life Newsletter- Spring/Autumn 2017

SPRING/AUTUMN 2017

UNICEF

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CITZENSHIP

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ENRICHMENT

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REPRESENTATION

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DID YOU KNOW?

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Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

UNICEF

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Students Getting Involved!

Stretch & Challenge - Aspiration UNICEF The World’s Largest Lesson In September 2015 World Leaders committed to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

There are 17 goals to achieve 3 extraordinary things in the next 15 years.

• End extreme poverty. Fight inequality and injustice. Fix climate change.

• Realise these Goals everyone, however young they are, needs to take part. So join our movement, teach young people about the Goals and encourage them to • Become the generation that changed the world.

In September students across all schools participated in this global initiative including the Hair & Beauty Classes who decided to focus on: “Education which is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is important to understand the power of education and its ability to transform lives” The UNICEF Steering group led classes on Ending Extreme Poverty and fighting Inequality.

UNICEF UK request On Thursday 22 September at the Emirates Stadium, 5 students were chosen to present to over 250 delegates from UNICEF UK, UNICEF Jordan and UNICEF Lebanon with the focus of the day being on Children on the Move.

The students explained to the audience why being the only Rights Respecting College was an integral part of the college ethos and explained on behalf of the student body the many student led projects that have made such a positive impact to the local, national and internal communities. The students then led an interactive session to engage the audience on issues about the global Refugee Crisis.

They received two standing ovations for their presentation and subsequently have made new international contacts that will contribute to the learning and experience of the student body this year.

The Curriculum Enrichment Classes were able to identify the Goal of their choice to adopt as a volunteer focus for the year as part of this global initiative.

‘Community involvement is an important aspect

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of the Croydon College have established a

that students put into the making.

strong reputation for student-led volunteer

Croydon College the UNICEF rights respecting

projects that create a big impact on the local

college that it is and very much deserves to be.

and international community…….and I am very

The applause we received was overwhelming

proud to be in this college’.

and as we left we were thanked and

Rabya – UNICEF Steering group

congratulated on all that we do. Such an incredible day and I am so pleased I was able to

‘It was an honour to be asked to represent

be a part of it’.

Croydon College by presenting to UNICEF UK,

Vikky

Jordon and Lebanon at the Emirates Conference Centre in London with the focus on the global

Our college was invited to present to UNICEF

refugee crisis and UNICEF’s current campaign.

UK, UNICEF Jordan and UNICEF Lebanon at the

We were able to share our experiences of being

event on Thursday 22nd September in London.

part of a college community that welcomes

We were the only college invited because we

refugees and migrants and how inspiring it is to

are the first and only further education college to be a right respecting college. I was selected by the UNICEF steering group to represent the students and was invited to give a presentation on what we do in our college for refugees and migrants, as the main purpose of the event was the ‘Children on the Move’.

So apart from the presentation, I also had the chance to answer some of delegate questions and the chance to lead an activity that we have chosen for over delegates. It was a very important opportunity for me because I had the chance to meet new people and specially to discuss an

volunteer with them and learn of their cultures.

Some may have been through horrific journeys to get here but that does not deter them from wanting to improve the lives others and it was a privilege to be able to speak out on their behalf.

Before the conference I was so nervous as I knew we would speaking to over two-hundred and fifty delegates of UNICEF, however, I became at ease when talking about the passion and dedication

issue that is rising in these days.

The event also helped me to develop different skills such as public speaking as we talk in front of 250 delegates, time managing because I had to ensure that my speech does not across the time limit, which was given to me. It also helped me develop my team working skills because I was part of a team as other four members of UNICEF steering group went to the event and we had to

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make sure that everyone had a chance to, answer

academic education.

to delegates’ questions.

Some emergencies are short-lived, but most

I really enjoyed the event and I feel very proud to

are longer-term and have knock-on effects for

be a student of Croydon College and a member

generations.

of UNICEF Steering group.

School provides children with stability, hope,

Rabya

and routine. School is often a place where humanitarian organisations can reach a mass of

#Emergency Lessons Campaign

children, to provide food and water, medicine,

The #EmergencyLessons campaign rests on

medical advice and other support.

the core idea that school is so much more than

School helps children survive – and thrive.

the walls – it’s the community, teachers, parents,

Education is the universal right of every child. This

peers, that support a sense of hope, the stability,

right must be upheld in all circumstances.

the safety – that gives every child a fair chance to

The UNICEF Steering group led class sessions

survive, thrive and learn.

to a range of students using several films which

Emergencies can be defined as:

showed the value of the makeshift schools being rebuilt, in order to provide a safe and inclusive environment even in a situation when a crisis had hit the community.

The ‘Speak out for Change’ Gateway group also worked on the #Emergency Lesson project supporting the UNICEF UK campaign and the UNICEF steering group. As an introduction to public speaking skills (a requirement of their project), the whole group working in small

1. Man-made – civil or international conflicts, fighting, wars 2. Natural disasters – floods, earthquakes, droughts, typhoons 3. .Health emergencies – outbreaks of disease

teams led presentations to 8 ESOL classes following public speaking training workshops.

This was a truly inspirational experience because other ESOL students wanted to participate and support the important issue.

Students and staff across the college were

When crises hit, a child’s right to an education is

encouraged to share the #Emergency Lesson

compromised. However, the desire to learn – and

and there were clear indications that the

teach – often transcends the circumstances and

message had been spread, according to

this should be celebrated.

feedback from UNICEF UK.

This campaign was all about celebrating what a school gives to children – in addition to an

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Brussles – EU Parliament Event.

The UNICEF Steering Group led the College wide #Emergency Lessons Campaign and developed strategies to promote the vital role education plays for children suffering this global crisis. Due to their outstanding efforts UNICEF UK offered 5 places for members of the group to represent the UK at the EU Parliament in Brussels.

This was an opportunity to meet and work with other EU UNICEF delegates and prepare a formal presentation to put forward their case to increase global funding for this cause. The students were able to promote the efforts of the many students and film footage of their classes and the webpage were shown throughout the event. They successfully negotiated with Linda

appreciated along with all the other incredible

Mcavan the EU MP Chair and Christos Styliandes

people who participated. It was a heart-warming

the European Commissioner for Humanitarian

sensation that words have been put into

Aid and Crisis to increase the global funding to

action, for such an important issue. The entire

support education for children in crisis by 6% for

thing was incredible, from the campaigning to

2017.

the event, as from it I have gained reasoning skills and learned to cope with pressure that

‘A once in a lifetime experience, going to

comes with such a responsibility along with

Brussels and attending the closing event of the

managing a larger group of people. Also the

campaign #EmergencyLessons. All the work

communication skills I have gained from the

being put in this campaign by me and the

managing of the volunteers to the meeting new

team I have been working with, completed and

and important people for this issue. It was an amazing experience as a person in my position being able to attend the event and meet people that have power into making the changes. Most of all I appreciate the success of this campaign as every single individual participating put in a tremendous amount of work which has been well paid off’.

Julia

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made us realise how we take so many aspects ‘On Monday and Tuesday, the 5th and 6th

of life for granted particularly education but the

December 2016, I was chosen to attend the EU

event showed us how education is a platform

Parliament in Brussels (representing Croydon

that not everyone has access to even though it is

College and UNICEF UK) for the UNICEF

their right. It was a very successful event and I feel

#EmergencyLessons campaign. It was such an

extremely privileged to have been chosen for

amazing opportunity as I got to collaborate

such a prestigious event’

with other UNICEF campaigners from different

Sharon

countries such as Italy, Slovakia, Greece, ‘I’m a member of Croydon College and UNICEF Steering Group. As a UNICEF steering group I been chosen to go Brussels at the EU Parliament on the 5th and 6th December on behalf of the UK, about the campaign called #Emergencylesson. for the amazing two days we been working together UNICEF Campaigners from Italy, Greece, Ireland, The Netherlands, Ireland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Slovenia

Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary to finalise the

and Hungary – in order to present important

formal Presentations and campaign messages

messages to the key members of the European

to the EU MPS. Our goal of this campaign was

Parliament, to assist in creating positive change

to give emergency lessons for children who

for children across the world whose education

unable to study because of War crises, Natural

was intermitted as a result of their schools being

Disaster and Poor countries who unable also to

destroyed due to emergencies such as natural

study because of luck of facilities. As UNICEF

disasters and man-made disasters such as war.

Campaigners we were discussing how could

At the event, I was able to represent the UK in

we change it and what do we need to tell MPs

asking questions to the panel of MEPs and it was

to change it. we split to different groups to get

encouraging to know that they really believed

ideas and see how we could change it, and

and were listening to what young people across

then we came out a solution to present for the

the world had to say and wanted them to do in

MPs. So MPs who came was: Ms. Linda McAvan,

order to aid the campaign better. I am so grateful

European Parliament chair committee on

for this experience as it allowed me to network

Development, Mr. Christos Stylianides, European

with MEPs and make new friends from different

Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis

parts of the world as well as acknowledge how

Management, Mr. Justin Forsyth, UNICEF

we all came from diverse backgrounds, but all

(global) Deputy Executive Director’.

came together with similar goals in mind. It truly

Dualle

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The event at the EU parliament was highly successful in my eyes because I was able to get my ideas across all the other wonderful EU UNICEF Ambassadors which were present and I believe it impacted on the final message for the parliament. Additionally I was fortunate enough to make friends with the other UNICEF Ambassadors. During the event I had the opportunity to speak to the Head of UNICEF and the other EU Parliament member who was impressed by the voluntary work that we do after inquiring about them’. Ashan The UNICEF UK – Outright Campaign 2016/17 There are now 5 UNICEF Steering groups and they meet at different times each week to work on the many facets of the Outright Campaign which is extremely relevant to current global events. The new UNICEF Steering group members have begun to develop their understanding of the refugee crisis and its impact on children, as well as their own perspective on how to improve the rights of unaccompanied refugee children. All five groups chose a different campaign strategy to raise the profile of the campaign across the college and in the local community.

They have been focusing on promoting and protecting the rights of unaccompanied refugee children and their rights to family reunification through a wide variety of approaches to engage students across the college in this very important campaign. Some of the learning activities have included planning short workshop sessions for their classes with the aim of raising awareness of

the issues to empower students feel informed and inspired to take action for the rights of Refugee children. Others have used powerful images to stimulate discussions about the rights of unaccompanied children and the living conditions across various countries in Europe.

All groups have developed their higher level research skills so that when working with their peers they are fully informed about the situation and can answer any questions raised in the workshops.

Two of the UNICEF group chose to organise and deliver a Welcome Event for the new 14 – 16 students so that they would develop a sense of belonging and feel part of the college community.

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teamwork, organisational skills. We were ‘For the Welcome Event, we were able to

young men and women from different

develop good planning skills which included

backgrounds impacting their life by giving

designing and practising delivering the activities

them a smile’.

we decided to include at the event. Some of

Patience

the activities we decided to use were about

‘With the Welcome Event we were able to work

the history of London as well as the prominent

as a team. We also helped to teach the ESOL

people and places in the UK. We were able

students our activities and the most surprising

to talk to the students and hear about their

thing was that one student pointed out a mistake. I then realised that some of them knew more than me. I also enjoyed speaking to them and the knowledge I acquired was working as a team mate, helping to organise the event and learnt a lot from the activities as well. Although I was scared at first, the event was a success and I am looking forward to the next event.’

Elizabeth

The U-Report – update Stretch and challengeThe Croydon College UNICEF Steering group are launching their U-Report nationally in the New Year. Two members of the group were invited to speak at a U-Report Stakeholder Panel roundtable event held in London in November.

The aim of the event was to encourage discussion among other organisations about the U-Report’s potential role in the UK, and adventures. The whole event taught me how to

the two Steering group members talked about

plan an event and to care for other people. It

their work and experiences in the college to key

was a remarkable event’.

senior managers including those from NCS, The

Robinson

Children’s Society and Save the Children.

‘Listening skills are very important and I have listed to each of the ESOL students carefully

‘Just want to say huge thanks again for their

and have communicated clearly during

support in this event. They were really brilliant

the Welcome Event. The event promoted

and a huge credit to Croydon College, so you

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should be very proud of them!

Emma Ferguson U-Report Project Manager ‘My ambition is to raise awareness about the critical and abusive politics in India (Jammu and Kashmir). Innocent civilians of Jammu and Kashmir are going through injustice in their own land. It is sad to say that people of J&K have been fighting for their rights for 70 years.

However, nothing has been done to change their situation by both countries, India and Pakistan.

This is all due to political issues between two countries. I am very passionate about this project and I am certainly looking for a change! This can only happen if I can manage the time and work on my project.’ Hafsa – Tea & Fun Age UK - Intergenerational fun and collaboration The UNICEF Steering Group planned a Tea & Fun event for 50 Age UK guests as part of the Student Life celebration of Black History Month. Members of the UNICEF Steering group planned and delivered a variety of challenging activities around the theme of Black History and the Hospitality students also devised a menu befitting a celebration of Black History. The intergenerational experience was invaluable to all those involved and several new UNICEF Steering group members gained a great deal from this Just to let you know that the Tea Party was an enormous success and I was so glad that I came along to it. It was great exchanging pleasant

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conversation with the helpful young UNICEF Ambassador students. The food was also divine and I really enjoyed myself.

It was a fantastic event all round. Janet Richards The Food Trolley - Students Getting Involved!

Stretch & Challenge –resourcefulness!!

Following the huge success of the Food Trolley collection in previous years the students were set a challenge to collect 4,000 non-perishable food items to support the borough campaign to provide food for vulnerable families during the 12 days of Christmas. Students and staff from across the college took just two weeks of concerted efforts to collect 5,593 food items which was a huge increase from the previous food trolley collection of 2,200 food items which supported 37 families. Once again the UNICEF Steering Group with the Student Representative Body led the competition to find which School would collect the most food items. The school of School of Health & Social Care, Child care, Travel, Public Services & Sport were second with the School of Humanities of Science and Business the overall winners collecting the most items. Special mention must be made about Fatima Beston, (BA Criminology) who raised ÂŁ200 as well as collecting many food items from across the University Centre. She was an inspiration to other students and she demonstrated tenacity and perseverance that ensured the challenge set was not only met but exceeded.

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New Aspirational Opportunity!

Voices of Youth, UNICEF’s global vibrant youth community, has announced the launch of its Climate and Environment Blogging Internship.

Any students who are passionate about the environment and seeking to improve their writing skills can consider applying for the 3-month internship, from February-June 2017.

Those who are successful in their application will get regular feedback on their writing; get access to tips & tricks on how to write a good blog post, exchange ideas with other blogging interns and hear from experts in the climate and blogging field.

THE RIGHT TO UNITE Event in March to lobby the proposed closure of the Dubbs Route for unaccompanied and vulnerable refugees.

RIGHT TO REUNITE Children need Safe Passage !

#DUBSNOW

‘I joined the UNICEF Steering group in September 2016. I believe that this decision was the best decision of my life. I have gained so many skills which will help me in my course and in my future career. I have learnt time management skills, and I have also developed my speaking skills.’

Lubna, Business

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‘I have noticed that from the research tasks as

advocating for the rights of refugee children.’

part of the UNICEF group I have noticed the

James Asfa Citizens UK

difference in my course – my research is much better than before’. Maria, Access

‘I have really learn a lot with UNICEF, how to communicate, working with different people

‘Working as a part of UNICEF has given me

and also how to express myself and how to do

the chance to learn both new things and

event planning. UNICEF has given me sight

polish on the old things, example improving

knowledge on politics and also understanding

on my communication skills, how to work as

the power of words. I have had an opportunity

part of a team, leading and planning an event

to learn on how to do research and on how I

and presentation skills. UNICEF has opened

get information on what’s happening in the

my eyes to what really goes on around the

society.’ CHINEA

world and the effects politics has on families’ especially children. I really enjoy doing this

‘With the UNICEF group, I have learnt how to

project as it has made me think about people

research, plan an event, express myself and

with less privilege and I feel very lucky for the

communicate effectively. I have learnt on how

chance I have been given.’ RHODA

to address or speak to more than two people or a bigger group. I have also learnt on how

‘Since I joined UNICEF, I have learned how

to change something to what you want and to

to work as a team and to be more confident.

know what kind of people and things to do. I

I also loved to work with refugee children

am able now to work in a group or be part of a

and getting to know the right of every child. I have never worked or volunteered in any organisation but working with UNICEF is been good and it also teaches you some of the great things in the world.’

KATE ‘In the midst of the greatest refugee crisis of our generation, it is so inspiring to see Croydon College students at the forefront of creating a more welcoming society and

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group.’ AMINA ‘In the past few weeks I have learnt so much being part of UNICEF steering group, I have improved on my communication skills and how to work as part of a team effectively, planning an event, time management, I also learnt on how to do research. My listening skills have equally improved. As a UNICEF steering group member I have been able to organise myself and prioritise my work. It has been very interesting and educative so far.’

OMEBELANLE ‘Volunteers from the Salvation Army, Croydon branch collected 15 bags of clothing donated by our learners.

Also photographed is Emale Aze (Skills for Life) who helped the Student Life team to load up the van as part of his work placement with us.

CITZENSHIP

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Citizenship

House of Lords Chamber Event November 2016 –

The House of Lords Debate

The Free Speech Debate: As part of its outreach programme, the House of Lords opens up the chamber once a year to non-members for debate. The aim of the intergenerational event (held on Friday 25 November or Friday 16 December) is to provide an educational and enjoyable experience to members of the UK public from hard to reach backgrounds that would otherwise not have the opportunity to engage with the House of Lords. Due to the college involvement with the setting up of a Speakers Corner in Croydon, the college was invited to select two students from to represent Croydon at the debate alongside 220 participants drawn from across the UK. Mahdi Choudhury and Ioulia Kaloudi attended the training day in September to prepare for the debate in November and Ioulia was selected as one of the speakers to debate from the floor due to her exceptional performances during this session.

The debating theme and title was: ‘The Free Speech Debate: Should there be limits to freedom of speech in the UK?’ A debating motion outlining three angles for debate sits under this theme: • No limits: Speech should be as free as possible.

The best counter to harmful speech is debate not censorship.

• Censor it: We should be able to restrict or censor harmful voices or divisive figures from expressing views that aren’t consistent with our nation’s values.

• Monitor it: Speech shouldn’t be censored but the government should be allowed to monitor closely what people are saying and intervene if they need to for security reasons.

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‘There should be no limits to freedom of speech in the UK. It’s an ever increasing reality, and largely accepted, that the attitude of most young people toward politics is uninterested and disengaged. But one key factor in this occurrence is education. As a student,

it feels that young people are not encouraged in schools to participate in political matters if an

message: that a young person can and should

interest is not there in the first place. An education

impact the political process.

which does not even consider the important role

A voice that is heard is respected but unfortunately

in which a young person plays when it comes to

many young people don’t believe their voice is

politics can lead to them being unable to form a

heard and the importance of democracy and the

knowledgeable opinion and eventually misguided

practice of voting becomes lost. It is not realised or

trust when electing political representatives.

instilled in the younger generation that the vote that

Young people are the building blocks of a society

we are entitled to is a way of expressing our voice

and if we don’t engage them in politics from an

and opinion. In order for this to happen, young

early age, this sends a negative reflection on how

people need to feel involved in politics and it is

their opinions are valued. But, if we show their

worthwhile to do so.

voices matter, whether that is through the education

A way to politically educate and promote

syllabus or opportunities such as mine to speak in

involvement from a young age could be to

the House of Lords, then we are sending the correct

introduce a civics lesson to UK syllabus which covers the aspects of citizenship, political engagement and encouragement to form your own politically ideology. Politically motivating young people isn’t something that can be taught once, it needs continuous involvement.

There are many other positive reasons to engage young people in politics as the skills in which are needed to debate a topic in parliament are transferrable to everyday life. If we equip young people with the tools to address issues in which they perceive to be unjust, they are better prepared to use their voice in a positive manner that allows

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them to fight for their rights or the rights of others.

‘It was an outstanding and invaluable experience

Furthermore, involvement in politics allows people

to be in the House of Lords and to be selected to

to make compromises within their own opinions and

be a floor speaker as I am now more able to put

so makes them more open minded and less prone

across my opinions in a more informed manner.

to discrimination.

It has been an honour to be selected to speak at

When the opportunity arose to take part in this year’s

this prestigious event tackling an issue that is of

House of Lords Chamber event, where alongside

the greatest importance for young people on an

200 other participants and 9 other schools, we will

international scale’. Ioulia

debate whether there should be limits to freedom of speech in the UK. I realised that this was my chance to show that I am engaged and my voice matters and be an example to other young people that we count, even if it may not feel like it. By opening up the chamber to young people, the House of Lords are encouraging political involvement and if can continue to politicise the youth of today, we create an educated and informed future’.

Ioulia’s speech from the floor It was an extremely well debated them with wellconstructed arguments for against each of the three angles.

‘In a vote taken before proceedings got under way, 43% supported the first proposition, with 46% opting for the second and 11% for the third.

But after a two hour debate of the highest quality with passionate, principled and persuasive speeches on all sides of the question, a second vote revealed a decisive shift. 52% (up 9%) now supported the argument that free speech should be its own best defence, with 40% (down 6%) favouring some form of monitoring and 8% (down 3%) backing censorship.’

Peter Bradley Speakers’ Corner Trust

LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP STRONGER COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP BOARD Community Cohesion Sub Group Students have attended the Community Cohesion Sub Group meetings in September, November and February with the purpose to bring the community together. The aims of the group are to ensure the people of Croydon have a sense of belonging and opportunity by fostering good relations, promoting community cohesion and integration, supporting Croydon’s cultural offer, tackling inequality, and providing an environment for a thriving voluntary, community and faith sector.

In the first meeting the students contributed a great deal to the conversations giving creative ideas on how to prevent young people from joining gangs, and suggestions for keeping young people active and therefor out of trouble. They

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Students were very keen to encourage bringing

First Step Croydon Campaign

the local community together irrespective of age

The Croydon College students have been awarded

difference, ethnicity and religious beliefs, quoting

a South London Citizens Award for the work

several of the student led project in the college such

they contributed towards the First Step Croydon

as the DV App, and the partnership with Age UK

Campaign. Through the hard work on this

with several events organised by students for the

campaign, students negotiated 120 placements for

residents of Croydon. The second meeting included

young people in Croydon – 33 of which are paid

a resident group survey on Hate Crime which has

placements. Kadija Francis who was one of the key

been shared in the college as part of encouraging

leaders in this campaign, is currently studying politics

student awareness about this issue. We were asked

at Liverpool University so the UNICEF Steering

to update the sub group on the student led DV App

group members collected the Award on behalf of

project with the police and the intergenerational

the college. These work placements were on offer to

events with Age UK. Complete from Feb meeting

students across the college and students have been encouraged to apply. Following on from the success

The Borough Focus Groups Stakeholder Events

of this campaign, college students were offered the

Ambitious for parks and green spaces in Croydon

opportunity in January to apply for work experience

- working with our communities

(some being paid placements) with major Croydon

Students were offered the chance to participate in

employers.

some of stakeholder discussion sessions being held

Stretch and challenge- aspiration

at the Council offices in relation to Croydon’s parks

‘Who am I?’ documentary film

and open spaces. This was a good opportunity for the students to contribute to strategic group

This new project has been in partnership with

discussions to help the borough team shape the

Counterpoints Arts and students from the Royal

thinking around the themes that arose from the

College of Art. The students from the Skills for Life

Croydon Council cabinet paper

School volunteered their time to participate in this

A variety of UNICEF Steering group remembers

project which included making short documentary

chose to attend either the Getting active Focus

film about how they experience reality and then

Group - Tuesday, 11th October, and the

shape it to tell a story. The aim of the workshop was

Making it pay Focus group Wednesday, 26th

to explore individual storytelling skills; the stories

October during the evening.

students wanted to tell and why, their cultural identity, documentary styles and story structure.

‘Your students came along last night and I hope

The other aim was to help students acquire a

they found it a useful experience’. Roy Ebanks,

series of practical skills; filming, sound recording,

Interim Parks Transformation Programme Manager

creative writing, interview technique and editing.

Croydon Council

The final outcome of the workshop is a 2 - 4 min. documentary film directed, shot and edited by the

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students themselves.

London.

Gateway - Speak Out for Change Project o

English progress

o

Stretch and challenge- aspiration

Gateway 4 students have been involved in curriculum enrichment Speak Out for Change project where they have identified a citizenship issue of concern to them as well as deciding what action they will take to make a case for change. At the start of the programme the group worked on ‘I have started a documentary workshop with

the #Emergency Lesson campaign and supporting

some students from the ESOL class at Croydon

the UNICEF steering group. The students led a

College. The intention with the workshop is to

short presentation to 8 classes following public

give them tools to think about personal narratives

speaking training workshops. This was a very positive

and also make their own short documentary. In

experience for the Gateway students especially as

each session we have done an exercise where

their peers gave such good feedback and several

they produce something that can be used in

of them wanted to participate in and support the

their films. They have written a narration about

campaign.

moving to a new country, which we recorded in

Having discussed a range of issues of concern the

sound. They have interviewed each other about

group decided to focus on improving recycling in

different subjects. They have taken a disposable

the college. The project has offered opportunities

camera home where they have documented

for them to investigate the issues of recycling in

their surroundings, something that makes them happy and so on. They have interviewed people in college about the perceptions there are about their countries. The last sessions will be when we will review the processed photos they have taken of their surroundings so that we can start forming the films and collecting the last material.

Isabel, MA Art, the Royal College of Art. The film was shown to other Skills for Life students and also at the Refugee Week Conference in February at the Amnesty International Centre in

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how our event is going to be.’

SuTha ‘In this project, I learnt how to get an idea to prepare a project. I also learnt that if you want something change, you have to speak out, but not only to speak but get a project through which you share your idea. Before the project you have to identify the subject, how can change and who can help to change. And then we plan our project the college before deciding on their opinions and position in relation to this. The students have been planning an event for 100 delegates and key speakers to support their cause which is to improve the recycling practices in the college. An important aspect of the project is the development of public speaking skills which they will use when running the event to be held on March 29th.

correctly with all elements (budget, area, guest etc) we need to have good final project. We have also to make sure if all things are ready to run the project. The project helped me to develop my self-confidence, how to speak about something to change and how to communicate effectively.’

Atsalie ‘In this project I’ve learnt lots of useful things. I’ve learnt the importance of eye contact, speaking

‘I am very proud to be a member of this golden opportunity. This is an important issue for us, because this project will take us to next level of our learning skills.

I have learnt emergency lesson, new vocabulary, dimension of citizenship, difference between good citizen and active citizen and we have also talked something about national and international.

Truthfully, I have developed my problem solving skill, collaboration skills, organising skills and speak loudly and boldly in the public skills. This project has given more confident to improve my English knowledge and my career. I think this project experience will help for my bright and prosperous future. I am incredibly excited to see,

clearly and loudly with high confidence. I feel very confident because this project has given me courage in public speaking. I think that doing the Speak out for Change sessions has made me to be stronger in speaking my opinions. In total it is an informative experience for me and I’m really proud of it and also happy to working with you.’

Hani ‘I have learnt lot of thing about Speak out for change. I have learnt how to do a presentation and also I learnt a new vocabulary that I did not know before. Now I can manage time, follow instruction, speak in front of people. We have received a training presentation about emergency lessons. This event makes me fell to stand for a

26

change. I really enjoy the project.’

‘I have learned in this project, how important

Mariama

recycling is in all parts, not only in homes or in school, but also everything that surrounds us in

‘I learnt all people have voice in the world, just

our daily live. I have learnt to work in a team and

with trying we can build the world together in

listen to the opinions of my classmates. I have

the best way, you are energetic you taught me

realised that many things have to be changed,

nothing is impossible if we try, if we want! Also

small things at the end you get great things.’

about environment and how we can keep our

Nuria

environment for future.’ Samira.

‘We are learning working in group and ‘I am so pleased to be one the member of speak

communicate with other classmates. I am

out for change project. Since we were starting

improving my vocabulary during this class. This

project I learnt a lot.

project will improve the way the College manages

The project added to me new information, now I

its own environment.’

know what a citizenship in UK is and what is the

Paulina

different between a good citizen and an active citizen. It was a good opportunity to take a part of the public speaking training. It gave to me more

‘This project has developed my skills recently.

confidence to speak. I expanded my vocabulary, I

This skill has been improved, and this project is

leant a new skills that will help me in my life. The

helping me to develop critical and I learn as much

most important things that we had learnt, it was

as possible and now know how to deal with other.

we have voice so we can use that to speak out and

Evaluating is an important skill that all students

change. I am so excited to the event and I think it

need to do what have learned in this class. It also

will be a good successful for all of us.’

helps to see if they value what I learned enough to

Aya

use it in everyday life.’Shamsi ‘In this class we have improved our literacy skills also we have learnt about the importance of the

‘I have been learning how to organizing event.

body language in our speaking. New vocabulary

I knew more knowledge about recycling and

has been added in order to enrich it. We organise

understood the issues that affect our communities.

a campaign in College about recycling as a result

I felt more confident to speak in the front of

of our commitment with the environment.’

people’

Ciber

Xiang

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Debates and Discussion forums

constructive manner. However, at the start of and

A programme of open access Discussion Forums

during discussion forums, students are reminded

and debates has been developed by the Student

that whilst they have an inalienable right to be heard

Life Team and Ioulia Kaloudi as part of her

and to voice an opinion, they must show respect for

volunteering pledge.

the views of others and demonstrate the ability to listen to these various views.

The Interfaith Dialogue Learners from the Health & Social Care and the Hairdressing departments joined the audience together with Student Exec members and Course Representatives from across the college. They quizzed the speakers on the differences and similarities relating to their various faith perspectives and then challenged them on the always controversial subject of theology vs. science in relation to the Creation.

The Student Life team hopes that this lively debate

Students participating in the Curriculum Enrichment classes are provided the opportunity on a regular basis to engage in healthy discussions whilst recognising the college expectations for respecting the views of others. The various discussion forums and debates have been organised to encourage open and frank discussions on controversial topics (whether in a class or in the open access setting), in a safe and respectful environment facilitating and generating thoughtful discussion and debate.

This safe environment encouraging discussion and expression of views on controversial issues is paramount in helping all students to formulate their views based on informed decisions rather than perception or hearsay. The right to ‘agree to disagree’ falls within the ethos of the college that the expression of views is actively encouraged as well as the right to question different views in a

will be the catalyst for a monthly discussion on similar thought provoking topics.

The Hate Crime Debate Students participating in the Curriculum Enrichment sessions have been engaged in discussion around the issues of hate crime and the importance of reporting both hate crimes and hate incidents.

Discussions also included the influence of Brexit and the influence of social media on the increase in hate crimes.

Ioulia Kaloudi organised an open debate on Wednesday 8th February which considered the motion Is hate crime a result of cultural or inherited family prejudice?

Julia – write up plus quote from students

28

‘I was delighted to be able to facilitate yesterday

the hijab’ and .whilst very well attended included

afternoons debate and I learned from it as well. It

some heated discussions at times. Students were

was a joy to see such passionate young learners

strongly passionate about the issue and were

who clearly had worked hard to think about the

eager to express their views. The debate was very

motion and felt confident enough to speak in front

successful and brought greater attention to the

of their peers – never easy!! The high standards

current misconception about the Hijab.

of speaking, questioning, and respect and good conduct to others throughout, made them all a credit to themselves, their generation and to

Domestic Violence Youth Ambassadors make their

Croydon College.’

anti-domestic violence pledges count

Andy Gillman MOD Education Outreach Programme

Students at the college signed up to become domestic abuse ambassadors at the start of the academic year.

Freedom of Speech Debate

‘Weekly sessions with the students have been

A vibrant and lively debate was held in the Student

focused on improving knowledge about domestic

Common room discussing the topic of Freedom Of

abuse and sexual violence as well as increasing

Speech. Several deep discussions continued long

confidence to deal with potentially abusive

after the debate had finished. Student feedback

behaviour both within the college and beyond. A

was extremely positive with several of them wanting

visit to the Family Justice Centre, the council run

to be floor speakers for the next Debate as part of

domestic abuse service provided an insight in to

International Women’s Day about the rights to wear

the breadth of support available, making it more

a hijab

meaningful for when they have to signpost people there for support. Case studies and films have also been used to further embed the learning.

Although attendance of the programme has dropped off due to various reasons, the commitment from students, even when they have had to stop attending has demonstrated the value of such a programme to both their personal awareness as well as to the wider Croydon College community.

Verbal feedback from the students has evidenced an appreciation for the knowledge gained and an

International Women’s Day debate The international woman’s day debate, ‘Wearing the Hijab - are women’s rights being violated by banning

awareness of how much more needs to be done to increase awareness across the board and increase access to support.

29

Ideas for projects that could go live will be seen to

‘On the 14th of January 2017 Vicki, another

benefit both students and staff. These are projects

member of the UNICEF Steering group, and I

that students have indicated would add value to the

attended this event. The event was organised by

student life in the college on observation of what

the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association (UK).

gaps there currently are within the college and what

The event was about Faith and Loyalty to Britain,

opportunities are available.

The role of Women. The event was in the Baitul

The programme currently has four committed

Futuh Mosque which is in Morden. This Mosque is

domestic abuse ambassadors. The ones of maternity

the largest in Western Europe’.

break have expressed an interest to participate

Lubna –

should they return while the programme is still running.’

Irene, Family Justice The plan for the promotion of the Domestic Violence project will include the organisation and implementation of: • Regular discussion forums for the UCC Public Health and Social Care students • Presentations to Access Students and Health & Social Care students • Information Walkabout Sessions in the Student Common Room on various days As part of her volunteer pledge, Lubna Rahman, Business L3 YR 1, has been assisting with Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association (UK) on a regular basis and promoted an event which promoted the role of women in the community.

ENRICHMENT

32

deliver educational workshops to pupils during Curriculum Enrichment

14th – 18th November as part of Croydon

Curriculum Enrichment Award in Progression

College’s ‘Wellbeing Month’.

Stretch and challenge- aspiration

IMLT Staff will provide teachers with educational

Target setting- goals, next steps

tool kits, which are designed to help with lesson planning around the topic of ‘money

All level 1 and level 2 students studying the

management’. The kit educates young people on

Curriculum Enrichment programme have been

what a loan shark is, how to report one and the

working towards the Laser Award in Progression.

dangers connected to borrowing money from

In December an audit of the term 1 handbook

them. Pupils will be taught on the legal and safer

assessment completion was undertaken. The

alternatives to borrowing money, as well as tips

Health & Social Care L2 A Group completed

on how to manage their finances effectively.

the most assessments with the School of

Financial wellbeing is of paramount importance

Health & Social Care, Child care, Travel, Public

for young people and the programme offered by

Services & Sport completing the nearly all of

the England Illegal Money Lending Team in the

their assessments. Following the marking of

Curriculum Enrichment classes addressed key

term 1 assessments it was agreed that students

issues about Loan sharks through interactive and

would be given feedback about the need to

informative lessons. Students gained a better

consolidate the strong verbal communication by

insight to the dangers of borrowing money from

improving the written assessment to include the

Loan Sharks and how to manage their money

use of full sentences, justification for views, and

more effectively, which help with their financial

improved spelling by using a dictionary more

wellbeing. They were given clear advice how

often. Several students have been attending the

to seek support from the Study Plus students

additional support sessions provided in the lunch

Advisors or the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300

hour to catch up on any assessments not fully

555 2222

completed.

Text 07860022116

CROYDON COLLEGE STUDENTS GET EDUCATED ON ILLEGAL MONEY LENDING The England Illegal Money Lending Team are working in partnership with Croydon College to educate pupils on the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders, more commonly known as loan sharks.

The National Team, who investigate and prosecute illegal money lending offences, will

‘I really enjoyed training the students and a lot of interesting topics were discussed. You should be very proud of your students’.

Karen - (Lead in Awareness, Intelligence, Support & Education) England Illegal Money Lending Team

33

Digital Inclusion – Go on Croydon The IT Level 3 year 1 student organised and planned a programme of IT workshop sessions which they delivered for 2 days for Age UK residents during both the October and February half term breaks.

Borough Press release OVER-60s GO BACK TO COLLEGE TO JOIN THE IT CROWD Students at Croydon College will be passing on their digital knowledge to the borough’s older citizens as part of the recent Silver Sunday celebrations.

Silver Sunday is the annual day of fun and free activities for older people that celebrate the value and knowledge they contribute to our communities, while simultaneously combating loneliness and isolation.

Keen to show the value they place on the contributions of older people, students from the college are inviting over-60s to four 90-minute sessions to help those who lack confidence on a computer to establish key skills which can improve confidence, and open the possibilities of the digital world to those who might not have

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previously had the chance to explore it.

very positive when we left. My’a taught me

Among the skills the older students will be able

and was very warm and understanding of my

to learn are how to:

nervousness. She kindly explained steps for me and helped me write them down, even

• create, save and print documents;

showing me some short cuts. It was very good

• use the internet to search information and

of the young people to give up their holiday

keep in touch;

and I hope you will pass on our appreciation of

• create and send an email; and

their efforts.’

• use Microsoft Office programmes, including

Penny Walker

Microsoft Word.

‘Shahid was very patient in his approach. He Councillor Louisa Woodley, Cabinet Member

is a good listener, helpful and polite. This is

for families, health and social care who attended

a very good way of getting young people

one of the sessions said: ‘This is a great initiative

to integrate with the older ones. Well done

that addresses a number of important areas. In

Croydon College.’

addition to giving the students the chance to

‘I have learnt how to explain tasks in a simpler

pass on the sort of knowledge that seems to

way without using technical terms’. My’a

come so easily to the young, it gives them the

‘I have learnt how to be patient and be more

chance to interact with members of society they

understanding.

might not meet on an everyday basis, but who

Anthony

have so much to offer in regard to insight and experience. And, of course, the older people

I have learnt how that when working with

will benefit from one-on-one, hands-on tuition

the elderly, you have to be patient and speak

in a subject that has previously been a closed

simpler’. Elsaviour

door to them, whether that’s through a fear of the unknown, not wishing to appear silly or, most

‘I have learnt how to be more patient when

probably, a simple lack of confidence.’

teaching the pupil and to explain things in simpler terms and to speak slower when

‘Students Daniel and Kelly were very polite

explaining’. Desiree –

and willing to help, very clear’ Elsia, Age UK it was very good of the students to give up their

Science students lead the way to promote the

free time and for them to help older people’

national JEANS FOR GENES campaign.

Reece, Age UK

‘It was jeans for genes day which was on the 23rd of September, 2016. We set out to lots of classes.

I would like to say thank you for the very

In the beginning, we felt really disappointed

useful course. Three of us attended and felt

and discouraged. Some students didn’t know

35

what it was about, others were waiting for us and others forgot completely. We gave them a brief explanation of what it was about. Some of the teachers gave us donations of £10 and less. We gave them a sticker for their support. In all, we had over £65. Jeans for Genes’ Bernice, Ashan and Jessica Science L3 YR1 World Aids Day Access ‘On behalf of the Public Health Team of Croydon Council, I would like to thank you, the students who volunteered and members of staff who enabled me to recruit the student volunteers for the tremendous contribution to what turned out to be a very successful campaign. We tested almost 600 people. I am yet to work out the final figure. We are indeed very grateful’ Fred Semugera, Sexual Health Promotion Lead, Public Health

36

‘This is a wonderful example of cooperation

Setting aspirational targets for progression!

between Croydon College and Public Health. I

The MOD Education Outreach Programme –

would like to thank and congratulate everyone

‘I have had yet another hugely productive

involved for their enthusiasm and their hard

term supporting students across Croydon

work’.

College both with my interactive role-playing

Dr Ellen Schwartz, Consultant in Public Health

International Crisis Scenario allowing students to unpick an overseas crisis and build an action

Music Students once again support a Global

plan and deliver a press conference, and also

Fundraising Initiative.

my employability skills workshops. These range

The music students set up a charity gig on the

from enabling students to build an ‘elevator

8th December in the performing arts hall, doors

pitch’ to assist them in speed networking across

opening at 5.30. The Charity chosen for the gig is

the business world, making them recruitment

Musicians Without Borders whose ethos is to use

managers, and letting them decide whether to

music to bridge divides, connect communities,

sift in or bin various pieces of material I present

and heal the wounds of war. They go into war-

to them, to the interview preparation workshops

torn countries and refugee camps to do music

which usually culminate in the actual mock

workshops with children affected, something

interviews for a fictional job aligned to the area of

they kindly came in to do with our students to

study.

show them first-hand the work they do. The

Therefore this term I worked with business Level

money we raise will go to training young people

3 under the great enthusiasm of Sue McKeown,

to go into places such as Palestine, Mitrovica and

and with over 50 students spent the whole day

Uganda to name a few. It will also go towards the

with them, and a great certificate presentation

instruments they can take into these areas to try

and group pic on conclusion. I also spent a

and bring something that can give the people

half day with their level 2’s running a sifting and

there some hope and positivity through music.

selection exercise and then 1-1 interviews for

Quotes?

a fictional business fast food position with a

If you wish to donate the link below will take

handout on the skills needed which they had to

you to the page set up in conjunction with our

address in their responses.

students on the Musicians Without Borders

I also spent 2 sessions with Sara Greenidge and

website to do so.

her Travel and Tourism students, the former preparing them for the interview and the latter

https://www.musicianswithoutborders.

the actual interviews with certificates to those

org/2016/11/global-snowball-christmas-

who attended both sessions and also turned up

fundraiser/

in their T and T uniform.

I also ran my Crisis workshop twice with Kathleens Hawke’s level 2 pre-access students with their

37

traditional great enthusiasm and buy-in, and of course this is the first of at least 3 workshops with this large group spread across the year’.

Andy Gillman MBE, MOD Education Outreach Programme IT Level 3 YR 1 Students APP The college is working in partnership with Croydon Tech and has agreed a learning programme initially delivering App design for Healthy Eating for 30 level 2 IT students.

OPEN ACCESS ENRICHMENT AND CROSS COLLEGE EVENTS ‘Stoptober’ ‘Stoptober’ is the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England based on the insight that if you can stop smoking for 28-days, you are five times more likely to be able to stay quit resources and support available. Croydon stop smoking advisors across the borough recruited smokers to take part, whilst also encouraging and supporting quitters through the 28-day smoke free journey. As an extension of his ongoing No Smoking Day (March) campaign, Dualle Ahmed, Public Service L3, volunteered to run a stand in the College foyer on the 28th September promoting ‘Stoptober’.

Jenel Morris, Health Improvement Practitioner Smoking Cessation for good. Stoptober launches in-September and encourages as many smokers as possible to prepare to quit from 1 October by signing up to the campaign and utilising the range of free

Croydon Council, Public Health World Mental Health Day On behalf of the team, thank you for allowing Off the Record and CAMHS to raise awareness of

38

mental health on World Mental Health Day. It was a success as we engaged with approximately 190 students. Thank you also for allowing us to have free refreshments from the café – Terry Crooke, BME Mental Health Community Development Worker

Cultural Awareness Event – Cultural Awareness Month Celebration Event; As part of our Black History & Cultural Awareness Month programme, the Student Exec, in liaison with the Student Life team, hosted a workshop for 80 ESOL learners on the 20th October 2016, in the Student Common Room. The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor attended as guest of honour and participated enthusiastically!

39

40

Once again the Hair & Beauty student groups

annual Carol singing event!

Interfaith Dialogue The Student Life team hosted a lively interfaith debate event on the 26th January. The debate was titled ‘What is Faith?’ and was so successful that it continued 30 minutes longer than planned. The event was chaired by Charles Woods from New Life, Croydon and he was ably assisted by Tim Allen, the College Chaplain.

The guest speakers were as follows; Les Kemp. (Buddhism) Stephen Bryars. (Christianity) Rabbi Nathan (Judaism) Ashtaq Arrain (Islam) was also invited to take part but unfortunately was unable attend on the day

paraded a wonderful selection of fashion and hairstyles originating from countries spanning the world. The Music L3 learners ably supported the event by giving a great performance made up of a medley of popular songs sharing the theme of love for each other!

Christmas Carol Singing International Women’s Day Once again, the Enrichment choir were ably

‘Ladies First’, an exhibition that promises to

supported by a group of elderly guests from

inspire and illustrate the importance of women

Age UK Croydon, students and staff during the

in the workforce, women who are empowered in life and women celebrating women. To support

41

International Women’s Day, two science students

have children and also with the surgery she works

were very keen to interview two of the women

for has a rota which is flexible and it helps her to

who will be recognised in the forthcoming

choose the convenient .it also help mothers with

exhibition.

children to choose a flexible rota.

‘A visit was made to a hygienic dentist who

From the interview that I did, it has helped me

happens to be a woman.

to understand the different routes in choosing

During the interview she was asked many

a job. I don’t need to focus on one type of job

questions about being a hygienic dentist .the

and also women can also become a dentist .The

questions and her reply are as follows

hygienic dentist also gave me some tips on how

Firstly, she was asked why she became a hygienic

to clean my teeth and keep it healthy

dentist, who she replied that she actually wanted

Bridget Science L3 YR1

to become a surgical dentist but when she applied for the job she was given another option

One of my best experiences was interviewing

and was told about hygienic dentist which was

a female firefighter. I got to know a lot about

pretty much the same job as a dentist but quiet

how doing ‘a man’s’ job can be a criticism in this

different roles. She also went further to explain that with a dentist he or she is assisted by a nurse however hygienic dentist does the job alone. The juicy part which got me intrigued was when she told us about the NHS paying her fees which I think is a great motivation for students who are interested in dentistry.

Secondly, she was asked whether she feels intimidated by male dentist, which she was really honest about her answer, she said she does feel disappointed if her opinions are not taken into consideration but that doesn’t put her selfesteem down she still makes sure her opinions are heard .she also explained that she once

modern day and how stressful it can be when

worked in a dental surgery where by the owner of

you’re a parent. However, it takes a courageous

the surgery was a man and most of the dentists

woman to prove them wrong.

were men which was quite uncomfortable but

I thought firefighters job were just to off fire.

she made her views across.

However, I they also do other amazing things

Lastly she was asked how she copes with her

like; rescuing a cat on a tree and a whole lot.

personal life and work life, she answered by

I had the opportunity to be in a fire truck engine.

saying, she handles both very well as she doesn’t

I was super excited. I also had the opportunity to

42

take pictures with some of the brave firefighters’.

Intergenerational International Women’s Day

Bernice Science L3 YR 1

Event UNICEF Steering group members planned an interactive session for 50 Age UK residents on March 8th to celebrate International Women’s Day. They researching the facts about the topic in order to modify and adapt their research to devise creative and interesting activities that both challenged and reinforced the importance of this annual event. As it was Maths Month, the icebreaker session involving a set of fun maths activities including working out the difference in the total ages of the Age UK guests and the total ages of the students, the average age of the Age UK Guests and the average age of the students the difference between he averages.

In preparation for this event the Student Life team organised regular sessions in the Student Common room to complete the 2017 International Women’s Day Google Doodle ‘One Day I Will’, and a programme of interactive sessions based around the themes of International Women’s Day. As well as

43

Why I can’t love you back There is a reason why I can’t love you back, It isn’t because my love for you lacked.

It is just this world suck, That in this situation we’re stuck.

I guess we don’t have any luck, Because this love will cause a shock.

I love you and the heaven knows I do.

But this world has a different view.

They said we shouldn’t push this through, Because even God doesn’t want us to.

But if this is wrong how could it feel so true? encouraging more female participation in physical activity, the promotion of the ‘This Girl

Me wanting to be with you.

I guess we should stop this now, I’m sorry my feelings I can’t avow.

Because I know our love they wouldn’t allow, So I’m asking you to take our final bow.

Can Campaign’ which is a celebration of active women who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look is another focus as part of International Women’s Day. LGBT Event at the Mayor’s Parlour Each year students from the college support the borough LGBT Event in the Mayor’s Parlour.

As well as reading out her poem, Peta wanted to show a short film about children in Jamaica having to live underground in appalling conditions due to their sexuality but there were no appropriate facilities for this to happen.

However, the film has been shown at Croydon the library and in David Lean cinema before the start of each film at the cinema.

But before we go let’s make a vow, That we will be happy somehow.

This is our unfortunate reality, The reality that I shouldn’t be in love with thee.

How happy it could be, If they just know how to set us free.

But the world we live will never agree, In this kind of homosexuality.

This love I want to fight for, Causes our families’ uproar.

They will do their best to tore, This love that we swore.

I tried my best to ignore, But fate seems not in our side anymore Peta Henry Construction L3

44

This is my life

me to do more public speaking!’ Norda

Being gay is not a disease, it is not a crime, it is whom I am. It is like a flood don’t look at me and

‘Thank you very much for all your help in

think I am black, I am English, I am Jamaican, I

getting the students to participate in last

am a middle class woman, I am an oppressor, I

week’s LGBT event which was a great success

am clean.

and the students’ performance were excellent’.

Yvonne Gayle Croydon Borough E&D team

You know nothing about real experiences, I know how it feels to be expelled on the edge

‘Please pass on my thanks to the four

to be almost totally submerged .I have seen the

students who performed so admirably at the

inside of a police station, Woman’s Aid Refuge,

Launch Event last Friday. We look forward

courtrooms, psychiatric ward and I was not a

to welcoming students from the college to

tourist in these places.

perform at future events’.

(Di flood is like mi life it’s too much fi bare is like

Peter Blackburn Croydon Borough

it nah go end, mi come in a di country hoping mi cud a get a betta life and comfortable and happy

Maths Month

but a nuh so at all, instead dem treat me like shit

The Student Life Team once again has been

an put mi in a detention fi nutn at all.) Dem tek

actively promoting Maths Month. The BA Public

weh nevery ting from mi just like how di flood come and wash weh every ting mi ave.

Dem mi afi try put mi life to gedda after every ting.In the future Norda ‘When I went in (into the Town Hall) I thought ‘wow’ am I going to be able to do this?

I enjoyed watching and listening to the other performances which calmed me down but I was the first person to speak from our group and when my name was called I had butterflies in my stomach but I took the mike and took a deep breath and read my own poem out aloud. The audience appreciated it and clapped and said well done and I took photos with the Mayor of Croydon. This event has increased my confidence and has encouraged

45

46

the programme.

Refugee Week Preparations - The Croydon College ‘New Union Flag’ Project – The ‘New Union Flag’ project by artist Gil Mualem-Doran aims to re-imagine the Union Jack and acknowledge and celebrate communities that have contributed to the UK’s cultural legacy. In preparation for Refugee Week, Health and Social Care students on placement

each School allocated 30 learners to attend a

in Student Life have been tasked to design their

workshop on Wednesday 22nd March led by

own Maths activities to help other common

Gil to design their own School ‘New Union

room students see the value in everyday mental

Flag’ using fabrics and textiles to celebrate their

arithmetic.

cultural diversity and is a positive method to

During their weekly Cycling Safety Curriculum

galvanise the college population in readiness

Enrichment session, the SLLD groups examined

for Refugee Week in June. All five uniquely

gears and sprockets on their bikes in order to

designed flags will then be put together to form the Croydon College ‘New Union Flag’ which will

learn and use functions. They also timed each

exhibited throughout Refugee Week in June.

other to identify laps completed so that each rider had a time target to beat.

Mahabba

AGE UK guests on International Women’s Day

The Mahabba Network aims to ‘help everyday

were given a variety of mathematical activities by

Christians engage positively with Muslims, by

the UNICEF Steering group including sorting

facilitating opportunities to pray; increasing

people into groups according to age, numbers

understanding of Muslims and Islam; and

of participants as well working out the average of

equipping believers to share their beliefs with

the ages of guests and students.

Muslims locally’. The Student Life team and the

The UNICEF Steering group when finalising the

College Chaplain have been engaged in talks

‘Unite to Reunite’ event registration process,

with staff at Mahabba Croydon to arrange their

organised and planned the registration of 120

trademark ‘Feast’ eve, in which students of all

delegates to ensure suitable equipment, chairs,

faiths and none will be invited to share a meal

tables for mixed delegate groups – this used

together whilst discussing an agreed topic.

Maths in planning for an event, giving students

Watch out for details on this forthcoming event!

resource allocation skills. The students also had to organise the timing of each activity to finalise

Meet Tim the new college chaplain

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Tim is Community Pastor at Croydon Road Baptist Church and comes into the College on Wednesdays, from lunchtime onwards as Chaplain. Chaplaincy is about providing students with a listening ear and a caring presence. It is also about offering students time to reflect on their own beliefs through running half termly faith focused discussion groups, sometimes with visiting speakers. Every Wednesday there is also a Christian Union meeting from 1:45-2:45 pm in the Student Common room. All are welcome.

Tim Allen, College Chaplain.

ENRICHMENT SPORT AND HEALTH September - Sporting Activities The newly organised Curriculum Enrichment sports taster sessions for Public Services and ESOL classes have included Cricket, Boxing, Basketball, Football and Table Tennis and they have been very successful since the start of term with increased student participation which is one of the Student Life aims. A carousel of activities has been organised for the SLDD students including, Golf, Table Tennis, Skills Circuits and Cycling Safety sessions.

LEAP A are a small class of 6 students who are working at Entry level 1 and 2. They are a quiet, gentle and friendly group who are developing their self-confidence and social interaction. They have taken part in 2 blocks of 6 sessions of an introduction to playing golf. Through this course, which they have all thoroughly enjoyed, they have not only learnt golfing skills; they have all gained so much in self-confidence and social interaction.

So much credit goes to Richard their instructor, who has been brilliant, building up such an excellent rapport with these students and keeping them totally focused. He has given them so much encouragement and sense of achievement and success.

Vivienne Herbert Learning Support (SLDD) I have enjoyed the golf sessions a lot. I would like Richard to come back and do more sessions with us.’ Jermaine: I have really enjoyed playing golf and hitting the best shot to win a wrist band. I hope we can play golf again. I am good at putting.’ Bradley ‘I would like to do more golf .It is fun and I have

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at putting.’ Megan ‘I enjoy learning to play golf a lot, and have learnt to chip and putt. I won a wristband for the best shot and I also won the prize for best overall score for the course. Richard ,our instructor is good fun.’ Emi ‘I have really enjoyed learning to play golf and am very good at putting. The competitions have been really good fun, and I am looking forward to more sessions if possible and to visit a golf course.’ Arian The SLDD students have been participating in the cycling safety sessions run by Cycling Instructor Ltd. There are 3 Levels in National Standards cycle training. They are incremental and begin with Off-road basic skills and work up to On-road cycling. If successful then this opportunity will be offered to other students across the college after Easter. The sessions enjoyed the competitions we have done to score points and win prizes.’ Yoliba ‘I have enjoyed learning golf a lot and it has been a lot of fun. I liked doing the competition and winning my wristband for the best shot of the session. Richard is good fun, I am getting better

have been hugely successful with students being offered the opportunity to attend additional support sessions at Croydon Arena on Saturday mornings.

Community Golf League runners up StreetGolf is a fun and engaging golfing activity designed The Golf Foundation, with the help of young people. The StreetGolf format aims to bring golf to young people, regardless of their access to traditional facilities and is ideal for use in an urban or inner city environment. Young people are encouraged to make innovative use of everyday equipment to make sessions different, challenging and enjoyable.

Students from Croydon College competed in

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the StreetGolf competition in September

was at South Croydon Table Tennis Club on Wednesday 15th February in the evening.

Come along and joint the group!

The Student Heathy Lifestyles Working Party 2 groups of Access students have been volunteering each week to encourage greater student involvement in sporting activities and to promote the benefits of Nutritional, Physical and Emotional wellbeing through planning

‘I just wanted to say thank you very much for organising that Dualle joined us on Friday. We seriously could not have managed without him; he was brilliant all round and will certainly be welcome at any Community Golf events anytime. Croydon College can be very proud of him!’

Mandy – Operations Manager A Golf Champion I just want to let you know, I have been nominated Young Ambassador of the Year for ENGLAND GOLF AWARD, and want to say for Croydon College Thank you, If wasn’t Croydon College and Student Life and Community Engagement , I couldn’t get anywhere.

Dualle Table Tennis Students have also been attending weekly open access coaching sessions with a Surrey Table Tennis on Thursdays from 2.00 – 3.00pm since October. Once again, the college has been invited to enter a student table tennis team to compete in the Croydon League which will be a great opportunity for players to develop their skills and match play experience. The first match

and delivering interactive workshops for other students. They have been working with other college students to identify what sporting activities they would like to see added to the programme and which tasters they would like to see included in the current programme. The students will be conducting detailed research to support the IT Level 3 students who are designing App for Nutritional Health giving the most up-to-date and accurate information that will support an APP that promotes healthy eating rather that dieting and weight loss.

Please welcome Troy Bandi who is the new Enrichment Health & Sport Officer.

Troy started working with the Student Life team on November 24th and he is very keen to hear your views about any additional sports that you would like included in the Enrichment Programme, so please come down to meet him in the Student Common Room.

‘I am a Sports fanatic and I have had the pleasure of playing numerous sports at semiprofessional level. I have played for South Africa U-13 and 15 Cricket; Captained Canterbury City Football Club from 2012–2014 and represented

51

Canterbury Christ Church University playing basketball. I have experience setting up sports

In the end, after a hard fought tournament,

related projects in South Africa and worked on

‘Construction 1A’ was crowned as champions

the NCS programme. In my spare time I like

of the day following a string of excellent

to enjoy the outdoors and have a passion for

performances which saw them finish the

camping and outdoor activities.

tournament unbeaten. The team were presented

Fun fact; I speak 5 languages fluently.’ Troy

with winner’s medals and along with other teams, posed for photographs to cap off a successful

Gym Passes

event.

Once again, this year students can apply for a free one day gym pass if their attendance AND

Due to the excellent feedback from students

punctuality is 95% and above, their work is up

and tutors, The Student Life team plan to deliver

to date and there are no negative comments

more tournaments to Croydon College students

on MYPT.

in addition to the other exciting activities that

Please see Troy in the Student Common Room,

are on offer as part of college Enrichment

during opening times to see if you

programme.

Construction Football Tournament Summary Croydon College Construction students

The Student Common Room

participated in the first football tournament

You Said

of the academic year and it was an extremely

Please buy more games and replace the

successful tournament. Over all it was an

broken handsets for the games consoles in the

extremely successful day with over 25 students

Student Common Room.

attending along with some tutors/lecturers.

We

Everybody enjoyed themselves and every student

Have purchased 4 new games controllers to

played in or witnessed a great tournament.

replace the broken ones and 3 new games You Said Can we block out part of the window in the door to the female prayers section as some of the female students feel uncomfortable praying there?

We Put a small poster in the middle of the window to the door. This did not fully block the vision into the room (for Health & Safety reasons) but does give some privacy to those praying.

REPRESENTATION

54

Student Representation Training

Anti Bullying Workshop - November

A comprehensive programme of training has

The anti-bullying workshops cover different

been organised for the Course Representative

forms of bullying, including cyber bullying,

and the Student Exec to support their role in

indirect bullying (gossiping and social alienation)

representing the views of student across the

and physical and sexual abuse/harassment in

college.

different social settings. Students explore the

Leadership – How to be a Great Leader (Serious

various reasons why people bully; the impact

about Youth) October

it has on individuals and others as well as how

different forms of bullying can be prevented and addressed, especially within college, university and at work. We also highlight the role bystanders have in bullying by allowing it to happen and the potential power they have to stop it. Towards the end of the workshop, groups will be tasked to write poetry or prose on the topic, which they would then share with the rest of the group. We use a range of activities and media in the workshop to convey these messages and engage students.

Croydon Voluntary Action January Course Representatives and some of the

The session outlined • The qualities and skills of a leader • Top tips for meetings • This included preparing before meetings, e.g. read previous meeting’s minutes and organising input. Ensuring any action points are completed before meetings. Listening properly and taking good notes in meetings so that feedback is more effective to other students & management • The importance of being proactive, committed and motivated

UNICEF Steering Group attended the training to look at volunteer opportunities that would aid skills improvements. Students discussed and identified several volunteer initiatives they felt they could develop through their role at the college. These included: • Contact with older people’s homes - visiting and befriending; • Offering the gift of friendship to elders living alone in the area; • Using College learning to offer gifts of construction and hairdressing to local people Other students were interested in linking into

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ABCD initiatives in their home areas including

Edward Watson

Broad Green and New Addington ‘Thanks so much for the opportunity to work with students today - what a great group of people. I hope they thought it was useful and I

‘As far as my leadership skills lie, I found that

am more than happy to come back again’.

if the people I am leading push instead of pull

Paul CVA

I become ignorant, shut down and disengage from the group. I learnt communication is

Advanced Leadership and Team Work

key to the success of moving forward in

Workshop

leading and being led.’ Charmaine School

Inner Drive, February

of Humanities Business Science Parliament

The training session included:

Representative

• A discussion of what leadership means • A discussion of the characteristics of great leaders • A discussion of various styles of leadership

‘The workshop we did on leadership included

(authoritative, delegating, bureaucratic,

interactive activities which made me develop

visionary, coaching etc) and their application

both my communication and writing skills

• A discussion of The Four Pillars of leadership

as well as improve my leadership skills as I

(Vision, Passion, Values, Communication) • Practical advice on leadership drawing out

learned about the different methods there are to lead. Lastly I also could identify the way in

the lessons of good and poor leadership

which I lead and how effective it is.’

(House of Cards, Tall Stack)

Sharon UNICEF Steering Group

‘I have learnt about different types of leaders and the styles of leadership. There are different types of leadership. This enables a good leader to manage, organise, persuade and ‘I would like to complement your students on their behaviour and engagement. They were very attentive, helpful and above all engaged in the discussion and in acquiring new skills.

This is one of the reasons we spent 3 hours on the workshop rather than the planned 2 hours.’

encourage their team member. Also I learnt that being a good leader is not just a skill but a personality which comes from within.’

Olayinka - UNICEF Steering Group

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Economic Justice (People & Planet) February

Conference, (Gateway Speak out for Change),

This training workshop aimed to build student

The student led Employability Week and the

understanding of the economy and enable them

Unique Selling Points workshops (Student Exec

to explore issues that have arisen following the

and UNICEF Steering Group) and International

Brexit debate, particularly around the economy

Women Day (UNICEF Steering group)

and work.

The session:

My experience today is to become bold,

• Introduced the economy, and politics, and

when talking in front of the class. Look up

how this affects who can get work, when, how,

and stand straight, I should have confidence

and what sort of work.

in my speech. I should not be nervous. I

• Explained workers’ rights and how we got

should always be prepared to say something

workers’ rights today? Hearing the stories of

when I am asked unexpectedly. After this

dockers, bakers, women in the Ford Factory

presentation I will be able to open up and be

who won a working week, holiday, Equal Pay

ready to stand out and speak without being

Act for Women etc.

speechless.

• Explored issues around zero-hour contracts,

Princess UNICEF Steering

claiming benefits discrimination at work, what a union is etc.

• Discussed problems with possible solution,

Today I have learnt a lot about public speaking, how to look confident when giving

and exploring what options students have

a presentation and preparing for public

when facing issues at work or at the job

speaking. I learnt quite a lot today, the hardest

centre.

part for me was organising a presentation

Students explored what work is and who workers

without using my notes with very little

are before considering the experiences of their

preparation. This is a skill I would need to work

friends and family have had in accessing work.

on in the future. My experience today has

They also analysed the mainstream media’s

been very enlightening.

representation of workers and unemployed

Nathaniel Course Representative

people, including migrant workers, ‘strivers’, ‘skivers’ and people on benefits, disabled

Today’s training has really been of great help

people, particularly in the context of Brexit;

to me. I learnt how to stand and look when speaking in public (which I happen to do quite

Advanced Public Speaking – October/February

a lot without realising it). Jennifer (the public

Students are currently involved in several major

speaking expert) made me understand and

events where they need high level public

actually put into practice how I’m supposed

speaking skills. Events include ‘The Right to

to speak in public. The more activities she

Unite’ (UNICEF Steering group), The Recycling

made us do, the more I improved on my public

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speaking skills. I am so thankful to her and the

workshop the following day when they were

college for this training.

finalising the planning for the Right to Unite

Whitney Course Representative

Event. .

‘I learnt a lot about the risks in terms of

I have learnt how important it is to have a script

planning an event and I also learnt to be more

when addressing a Group, being prepared

detailed in my planning. I now know I have

and concise when delivering a speech. I have

to keep the subject content simple and that it

develop skills such as keeping eye contact,

does not matter how many people are present

slowing down and communicate effectively’

at my event, what matters is how attentive and

Kaylicia Course Representative

creative they are.’

Bridget UNICEF Steering Group

‘The public speaking training is invaluable and even though I have spoken at the events

Prevent Training September/ November

and for presentations on my course, I am still

The UNICEF Steering Groups and the Student

incredibly nervous. However, the training

Exec have attended regular Prevent sessions

provides ways to overcome these nerves by

top recap the training delivered last year. This

teaching us how to compose ourselves by

has included discussing what is meant by the

posture, preparation and how to deliver what

terms ‘terrorism’ ‘extremism’ and ‘radicalisation’,

we want to say.’

any changes in behaviour of someone who may

Vicky UNICEF

be experiencing radicalisation and the various avenues for reporting any concerns regarding

‘They were stars and made great progress

this.

during our short time together. They took on

Students have been considering the importance

the points and were happy to experiment with

of being aware of conspiracy theories, and

the techniques. I was also impressed by how

how the media can mislead or distort the facts

encouraging and supportive they were of each

surrounding events. In other workshop sessions

other’.

lively discussions ensued, particularly during the

Jennifer Mackay, Speak out for Change

session about the Investigatory Powers Bill.

Event management February

SLT Task – update

The training addressed how to organise an event

On the previous student parliament meeting on

alongside campaigning techniques. Students

9th November 2016, the college management

then completed practical exercises around ideas

gave the Student Representation body and the

generation, planning, budgeting, risk registers

UNICEF steering group the Senior Leadership

and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Team Task in order to help students acknowledge

Students then applied their learning from this

the skills they have gained from volunteering,

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working experience, or the NCS challenge

problem solving (86%), research skills (79%)

they participated in, as well as recording these

and organisation (75%). The top five skills

achievements regularly in MYPT.

students stated they need to improve were

The objectives were:

public speaking (50%), leadership skills (43%), diplomacy skills (40%), negotiating skills (38%)

• To raise student’s awareness and to promote

and time management (36%).

of the importance work experience, volunteering and NCS challenge for

Following this survey students have been invited

progression.

and attended different events and trainings to

• To capture student experiences and achievements of these activities.

• Ask students what skills they have gained

help them with these skills. Some of them are the Interfaith Dialogue, Hate Crime Debate, event Management Training, Public Speaking Training,

and skills they need to develop in order to

Team Work training, Economic Justice, Freedom

progress to next stage, next level, university,

of speech debate and international Women’s

apprenticeships or work.

day: Wearing the Hijab.

• Encourage students to record on MYPT, CVs, letters of application and personal

We shared our proposals with the senior

statements their experiences, the skills they

management the 8th February who were very

have developed and what they have learnt.

impressed with the efficiency of the team.

‘

Our proposals included the student led employability week from the 20th February to

The first thing we did was to conduct a survey in

the 24th February, in which tutorial lessons will

all schools which Course Reps and the UNICEF

be implemented to encourage students to

steering group undertook. This survey allowed

recording their skills to MYPT, as well as showing

us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of

the importance of volunteering and working

students and help us to organise trainings and

experience. For the second proposal, the group

events for students to improve the skills they

has also organised a student led employability

didn’t feel confident on.

event on the 1st March, where different workshops and mock interviews will be in place

The skills audit has been completed by 118

during the event.

students across the college. Our findings were as follow:

Lastly, the group noticed the need for improvements for my progress tracker and

The top five skills students have identified

already have ideas which include having a major

as their strongest were communication and

presence on the home page for students to log

listening skills (86%), team work skills (86%),

comments on volunteering, work placement

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and enrichment. The group will present these proposals before Easter to senior leadership.

Soraia, Student President

DID YOU KNOW?

62

FORTHCOMING EVENTS SPEAK OUT FOR CHANGE RECYCLING CONFERENCE REFUGEE WEEK DAY - ‘SHARED FUTURES’

63

Di Layzelle, MBE (Head of Student Life & Community)

Engagement is moving on to work with UNICEF UK in London.

Though this is sad news for us, Di’s extensive knowledge and experience will greatly benefit the young people across London and the South East that she will be working with. The Student Life Team wishes Di well in her new role!

THE STUDENT LIFE NEWSLETTER IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN STUDENTS THE STUDENT LIFE TEAM, STAFF AND EXTERNAL PARTNERS.

PETER FRIEND ELLIE NEW UCC School of Art