College Staff Briefing Hartlepool College Nov/Dec 2015 of Further Education
Welcome Welcome to another issue of Staff Briefing, continuing to share and celebrate the many achievements of staff and students around all areas of the College. The past couple of months have seen things sublime (Remembrance Day, which the attending veterans said was one of the best they’d been to) and ridiculous (Children in Need, which was our biggest fundraising event in five years). You’ll find coverage of both of these and much more over the coming pages. If you have a story, or anything planned, please contact Briefing directly by getting in touch with Gary Kester (Editor/Photographer) in Room 2.42 or gkester@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk or via Darren Hankey (Mastermind/Overlord), dhankey@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk HCFE Snapshot | Well-prepared... Always ready at a moment’s notice... Goes with most things... Bit tasty...? Yes, it’s “Mike Rowe Chips” - we pay Mike a fond farewell on page 4...
“It’s Chrissss-mas!” (other religious holidays are available)
It’s fair to say that this has been a roller coaster year, but we go into 2016 very much on the up. This is of course no coincidence, but rather the result of all your hard work, and countless instances of people going that proverbial “extra mile”. We’re sure we don’t need to tell any of you it’s been a challenging 2015, with many of the issues we needed to face being external and beyond our control. Regardless, the College has still managed to achieve tangible growth and improvement across many areas. We have a heightened and very strong public and employer profile, and enrolments in some areas are at record levels. All of these things are testament to the efforts people have been putting in across the entire organisation - efforts that have allowed us to minimise the “difficult decisions” many of our competitors have elected to implement. And now the holidays are with us again, and with them a well-earned chance to recharge your batteries (#understatement). We hope that you all have a great break, with much merriness, moderate indulgence, maximum safety and, for those who are of faith, with all the peace and harmony of the season.
HCFE Snapshot is a part of the Monthly Staff Briefing that captures day-to-day life around the College on camera. If you take an image you think we should feature, email it to the above with some details (but please make sure you have the permission of those in it), or if you want to arrange photography contact Gary Kester on extension 4020 or email gkester@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk. Please give as much notice as possible though, as schedules are often busy.
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We’ll see you all in the New Year, working together towards our very achievable goal of gaining “Outstanding” in our next inspection.
Celebration of Achievement 2015 was a (shaken and) stirring event The College’s 22nd annual Celebration of Achievement was held on the 19th November, with a record number of winners receiving recognition for their excellent work across our many curriculum areas. The theme for the evening took the audience back to the 1960s for a short while, as the College reflected on the fact that it moved to Stockton Street in the same year 007 first appeared on screen in Dr. No - and that both are still going strong by adapting to change. Hosted by Assistant Principal Andy Steel, who also made a guest appearance in a highly comical opening film (see below), over fifty awards were presented, celebrating the achievements of students not only in terms of their courses but also their contributions to College life. Sponsors of the event were also in attendance, including Publicity Seekers and Tata Steel. Also present was Guest of Honour Savannah Marshall, former-World and current Commonwealth Female Middleweight Boxing Champion.
The Sky Academy Sports Scholar and former Hartlepool College student has been mentoring Hartlepool Elite boxing club’s Shelby Brazell (see last issue of Briefing) who picked up the Sporting Achievement Award. Former Principal Michael Bretherick presented an award in his name to Dan Fox, who was named both Engineering Student of the Year and recipient of the Jaap Kroese Scholarship. Michael is now Chief Executive of the Gus Robinson Foundation, which also sponsored two Aerospace Cadet
Scholarships, these going to Alisha McNamee and Keiran Burnett. Third year hairdressing student Angela Leonard was voted overall Student of the Year by a panel of governors and senior managers, thanks to her outstanding achievements in her studies, at skills events and in her successful salon. In fact, Angela could not attend the event as she was away in Birmingham competing in World Skills. However, shortly before she left Angela was surprised by Darren Hankey and presented with her award, which was captured on video and shown at the CoA. Darren said “The calibre of students recognised at the Celebration of Achievement ceremony was truly amazing and a clear testament to what Hartlepool College does to help transform the lives of young people and adults alike.” The full list of winners are:
Above: Angela Leonard’s family with Lecturer Andrea Anderson, whose support Angela paid tribute a warm to in her emotional acceptance video (inset).
Above: Shelby Brazell received her Sporting Achievement award from her mentor and Guest of Honour, boxing champion Savannah Marshall.
Above: As always the reception was a chance for winners and their guests to relax and chat with staff.
Above: Michael Bretherick presents Daniel Fox with the award for Engineering Student of the Year.
Above: Host Andy Steel made a surprise cameo as James Bond courtesy of a special “Andymation” in the opening video - possibly the only film that will ever feature Andy, zombies, the Muppets, Donald Trump and Jeremy Clarkson... you know, it’s probably best if you just watch it...
Hairdressing – Angela Leonard Production Arts – Leighanne Kenney Hospitality & Catering – Toni Bousfield Travel & Tourism – Charlotte Yellow Public Services – Dugald Donachie Sport – Kerrianne Atkinson Sporting Achievement – Shelby Brazell ICT – Stuart Gallagher Art & Design FE Student – Paige Pagan Recognition of Art & Design HE - Paul Ferry Young Creatives – Lucy White & Penny Tetlow Young Programmers – Alex Noddings & James Withycombe Recognition of Art & Design Outstanding Piece of Work – Polly Abbott Accounting – Dylan Jones Business Administration – Hollie Lowery Education & Training – Rachael Russell Access – Jennifer Johnson Health – Amy Lowry Care – Andrea Hotaran Early Years – Katie Wallace Automotive Engineering Apprentice – Jacob Kidson Fabrication & Welding HE – Darren Donnison Fabrication & Welding Apprentice – Curtis Ross Brickwork & Trowel Trades – Dominic Gibson Carpentry & Joinery – Craig Parry Painting & Decorating – Sophie Willingham Electrical Installation – Stephen Carrick Plumbing – Declan Simpson-Miller Heating & Ventilation – Patrick Atkinson Building Services Engineering – Mathew Boyes Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Ben Raper Mechanical Engineering – Tom Berry Electrical Engineering – Lewis Foster Institute of Measurement & Control – Jordan Greaves Engineering Project of the Year – Armadeep Babrah Aerospace Student – Hasib Rasul The Gus Robinson Aerospace Cadetship – Alisha McNamee & Keiran Burnett Michael Bretherick Student Engineering of the Year – Daniel Fox Jaap Kroese Scholarship – Daniel Fox Apprentice of the Year – Declan Simpson-Miller Russell Hart Award for Health – Amy Lowry Ray Waller Scholarship – Katie Wallace Civil Engineering – Adam Fairbrother Construction Technician – Reece Dimmock Student Rep/Ambassador – Thomas Black Student of the Year 2015 – Angela Leonard
You can view the full photo gallery at bit.ly/CoA2015Gal You can view the films at: (1960s Opener) https://youtu.be/7uJbDEEy4S0 (2015 Review & Winner Reveal) https://youtu.be/9Dg3OvrxXRQ & (Angela Leonard Acceptance) https://youtu.be/Epo8Uitqy7s
Christmas Fayre brings good cheer to the College On December 10th an excited rumour spread around the College that we would be visited by a bearded man with strange clothes who frowns upon naughty people. But it turned out to be just Santa Claus, not Jeremy Corbyn. The Hospitality team once again pulled out all the stops on December 10th to organise another hugely successful Christmas Fayre. The event had a vibrant, festive atmosphere and also raised money for Hartlepool and District Hospice (the collection bucket got so heavy it became hard to lift), which totalled £326.23. Feedback from the attending stall providers and the public who came along was fantastic, with the usual array of gifts, treats and festive items.. Especially popular, as always, was Santa Claus, who arrived from the North Pole via his magic portal in the Flagship area, and was a massive hit with the children (of all ages). Amazingly, and we’re sure it’s just a coincidence, nobody could find Mark Barker for the entirety of Santa’s visit - perhaps having worked the entire weekend with the RNLI helping flood victims in Cumbria, Mark just needed somewhere quiet to rest - unlike Santa, who had no rest at all. Kevin Dove and the @AmbitionFE team would like to thank everyone who helped organise the event, from Facilities to Public Services, the Ambassadors and many more (apologies if you’re not listed here, but Kevin, like Santa, knows who’s been nice!) Hospitality & Catering students L-R Chloe Harte, Chloe Robinson, Alisha Copeland, Amy Pattison, Jack Fraser, Phoebe Gallen, Jordan Thompson and Jamie Charlton - follow them on Twitter @AmbitionFE
Everybody knew it was the real Santa, though some suspected he’d faked his reindeer...
As always the stalls did brisk business - especially the cakes and confections created by @AmbitionFE students.
Some photos don’t need a caption...
HCFE Snapshot | A remarkable man remembered...
HCFE Snapshot | Bus shelter is a blow for travellers
HCFE Snapshot | Flagging up solidarité
Hartlepool College always marks Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls each year on 27th January (the date Auschwitz was liberated by the Soviet Army in 1945). One of the way it does so it to support the Hartlepool Holocaust Memorial Group, a collective of young people organised by Hartlepool Borough Council. On November 25th Gary Kester travelled with them to Preston to film an interview with Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines, who was saved from the Holocaust at the age of nine by Sir Nicholas Winton, the “British Schindler”. A remarkable and powerful story, the film is currently being researched and edited into a 15 minute documentary. For additional info see page 11.
With a lot of extreme weather recently, which for some reason has prompted the Met Office to give all storms names, one victim of exceptionally strong winds was the bus shelter at the front of the College, which was completely pushed over. However, if did give the Construction section a chance to show a masterclass in how NOT to install a structure, as it turned out the shelter hadn’t been given any form of foundation and was merely held in place by the weight of a few paving stones over its feet. Luckily, the College itself escaped any serious damage, while the Jet Provost in the car park weathered the storm with aerodynamic ease.
As you may have noticed on the third floor, the new Big Picture covers the November attacks on Paris and examines the potential consequences of airstrikes on Syria. In the immediate aftermath the College paid tribute to the victims by running up four French Tricolour at half mast, along with Union Jacks and St. George flags. The Big Picture on Paris will be up until the end of January and as this is an unfolding issue we hope you’ll use it to inspire debate with your students on the issues it addresses.
A fond farewell to Mike - a model lecturer, a great friend After 31 years of service to the College, one of its most popular lecturers was given a hilarious send off by colleagues at the end of November. Briefing reports as much as it dares to repeat... After joining Mike for a meal in the Flagship, colleagues gathered in Conference 3 and were given an overview of Mike’s career at the College through the medium of Andy Steel, with whom Mike had worked closely and who therefore knew all the best, shall we say most robust... stories.
In the former instance this was down to Mike always being available and always giving his best to ensure that students “on his watch” got the best possible teaching and support - his “Marking Marathons” in Coffee Rapport became almost legendary, and the café is now bracing itself for the loss in sales.
Unfortunately the unexpected presence of a child courtesy of Simone Flender-Bradley meant that Andy had to choose his words with extreme care to minimise offence, in a way he apparently rarely bothers to adopt in meetings... Mike, as we’re sure you all know, taught a variety of health and science subjects and was exceptionally popular with both students and staff.
As far as it went with staff, Mike was popular simply because he was a really nice person. Nobody can recall any instance of Mike losing his cool or raising his voice - rather, as the photos below more than adequately reflect*, Mike was constantly smiling as he found the light side of pretty much everything. In these troubled times having someone on the team who simply exudes unconditional positivity is a rare and precious thing.
Above: Mike reminisces on what life at HCFE was like back in the old days. Below: Mike and Jo Potts react to the Government’s assurances for the education sector.
Above: Runners up look on as Mike wins the “baldest person present” award at the Celebration of Achievement. Below: Never ask this man about Blu-Tac...
Mike is a huge science fiction geek (the recent visit by Star Wars characters was a particular dream come true) and also an extremely accomplished model maker, with an especial interest in 1/35 scale military vehicles. Mike was presented with numerous gifts by his friends and colleagues, as he leaves the College to join wife Jeanette in Guernsey. In his wake is a gap that is simply impossible to fill - not because we can’t employ someone to teach the same subject to the same standard; simply, because they won’t be Mike Rowe. Best of luck, Mike! (*they also seem to reflect that Mike appears to only have one outfit!)
Above: Mike decided to leave the College with a great caption competition opportunity. Below: Mike receives a superb caricature drawn by lecturer Richard Peacock.
raiders of the lost Archives Our semi-regular dip back into history from the “big box of embarrassment” kept in a secure location within the College. To see more on a regular basis follow Gary Kester on Twitter @CreativeDirctr. This issue is, naturally a Mike Rowe special!
Above: Mike participated in many aspects of College life, including membership of its Emmerdale Farm fan club.
Right: Mike gets some help looking for waistcoats on the Burtons website.
Remembrance Service highlights the cost of intolerance Hartlepool College held its annual Service of Remembrance on November 10th, to a record audience, and featured a hard hitting reminder of the horrors of war and consequences of hatred.
Above: After the main ceremony wreathes and tributes were once again placed at the Tree of Remembrance note the students who gathered to watch on the upper balcony.
College student gains national recognition via InstMC Teesside
Jordan Greaves, pictured above with lecturer Jason Turner and David Otterson of the Teesside branch of the Institute of Measurement Control (InstMC), was recently featured in the national newsletter of that organisation after winning an award they sponsored at the Hartlepool College Engineering Awards (see last issue of Briefing). The article reflected Jordan’s achievements as an Apprentice at EDF, and his innovative, Distinction-grade design project which saw him create a temperature measurement loop within the CO2 Drier System at Hartlepool Power Station. You can download (registration required) or order a copy of the publication via http://mac.sagepub.com/
Above: Special guests in the form of music students from the Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy performed a selection of WW2 tunes.
Above: The entire College came to respectful attention the following day, as Graeme Fallowfield began and ended the two-minute silence.
With 2015 marking two significant anniversaries from Second World War - the Battle of Britain in 1940 and the liberation of the Nazi camps in 1945 - the service focused on Britain’s contribution to and spirit throughout WW2. Observations were made on how the truth of war can sometimes be distorted by the media and entertainment, and parallels were made to the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany and that of Syrians in areas occupied by ISIL/Daesh.
speculative examination of what life may have been like in Britain had the Nazis won WW2, before showing a short film on the role our nation played and what its people endured.
As always veterans and members of the armed forces were present, and the event was so well attended by students that unfortunately a number had to be turned away to prevent overcrowding. The Service had a slightly different format this year, with Gary Kester of the RESPECT team hosting the event, and opening the ceremony in German as an unexpected way to introduce a
Takeover Day 2015
Darren Hankey and Reverend Nick Moore of Stranton Church delivered powerful addresses, with both touching on the theme of intolerance. Darren highlighted the fact that some parts of the media seemed more outraged by the fate of Cecil the Lion than the migrant crisis. The veterans in attendance described the service as one of the best they had attended, and expressed deep admiration for the College in organising it and also the behaviour of its students, who also excelled themselves on the 11th when hundreds gathered in the atrium to observe a two-minute silence. Graeme Fallowfield’s trumpet marked the beginning and end, echoing to haunting and poignant effect.
The Remembrance 2015 service film is available as a resource (for best results switch the setting to HD) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWsJLax8eiw Please note this film contains references to effects warfare on civilians and footage of the Holocaust - topics which can be associated with contemporary issues in line with Respect and the Big Picture. Some of the material included is graphic in nature.
Takeover Day is a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England, offering around 40,000 children and young people the chance to work with adults and get involved in decision-making across a range of organisations. Josh Scott of Dyke House School accompanied Darren Hankey for the entire morning of November 20th, attending meetings and impressing everyone with his mature attitude and politeness.
The Force is strong with charity event for Hartlepool Hospice Star Wars fans eager for this month’s release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens were given the chance to recap on Episodes IV to VI at a special big -screen showing of the classic original trilogy back-to-back on Saturday 28th November. Hartlepool and District Hospice teamed up with Hartlepool College to host a one-off fundraising event, which also included the chance to mingle with characters from the films, a vintage toy exhibition and the opportunity to win signed memorabilia. The 99th Garrison, a collective of Star Wars fans with their own movie quality costumes who attend charity events in character around the country, were on hand to meet and greet the visitors, who were treated to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi in pin-sharp high definition and booming surround sound. Bad weather led to lower than expected tickets on the day, but the event still raised over £400 for the charity and made attending Star Wars fans very happy.
Above: Gary Kester told his wife that this was the single-greatest photograph he would ever be in. She replied with something about a wedding album... Whatever, a lightsabre!!!
Above: “I like my coffee on the dark side, please.” The 99th Garrison proved a big hit with students when they visited for a publicity shoot the week before, larked around in the atrium and ended up on dozens of selfies.
Above: A number of children (and a couple of parents) turned up in costume for the film showings - even from behind masks you could see their joy at meeting characters from the movies.
Above: After a hard day of ruling the galaxy with an iron fist, all a stormtrooper wants is a decent cup of coffee. And to get his bl**** feet off the table...
A Fine opportunity for apprentices thanks to Hartlepool College Dozens of opportunities are being created for process apprentices after a unique link up between Hartlepool College and chemical firm Fine Organics.
Fine Organics, which is the chemical speciality sector within the Fine Industries group, supplies chemicals to a wide range of customers worldwide.
The two organisations have tailored a scheme which sees the College deliver the technical certificate and other apprenticeship related qualifications, with the chemical firm delivering its own unique NVQ package.The partnership has been in place since 2012, but is now starting to reap rewards after the first seven students graduated recently, along with a further four who had specialised in the laboratory technician apprenticeship course.
Arthur Sigsworth, Lean Manufacturing Co-ordinator at the Teesside-based plant (far right of picture), added “This partnership benefits both parties, and while we have delivered our own training successfully over the last fifteen years, we can now integrate this into the apprenticeship programme with the College delivering the other qualifications required for the apprenticeship framework.
There are currently a further eight process apprentices and four lab technicians in the early stage of the latest course, while the recruitment process for the next group is well underway. Graham Plant, Business Development Manager at the College (centre of picture, with Cathy MacNamara and some of the apprentices), said “When we initially started speaking to Fine Organics, it quickly emerged that they wanted to take process apprentices, but that wasn’t something which we normally deliver. The business has its own suit of NVQs which is assessed and verified internally.”
Graham continued, “They get a large proportion of the funding, and we are now delivering process apprentices who are learning on the job and when they finish their three-year training programme they fit exactly into the in-house requirements. This is an innovative scheme, and while the company has got everything they need in terms of resources and results, we are getting learners that we wouldn’t normally have. The students use the College for day release, and the feedback we have had is excellent.”
The College has given us a way of bringing new apprentices on board, and is also a partner which works with us which is something that isn’t always the case with other providers. Our training is unique, the apprentices hit the ground running through this partnership and our recruitment process for the next intake of apprentices is already at interview stage. The training does not stop on completion of the apprenticeship, as there are opportunities to follow them up with a foundation degree and with so many of our senior team having followed the same career path it shows we are a business which promotes from within.”
Fire Brigade & Hartlepool College offer innovative safety apprenticeships Ten new recruits are being sought for the chance to start an exciting career in high-risk safety management after a link-up between Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk Management Services and Hartlepool College. CFB Risk Management, the first community interest company of its kind to be set up in the UK by a Fire Authority, provides risk management services to the high-hazard private sector. Contracts with blue-chip companies in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and nuclear sectors in Teesside and across the UK are taking it towards a £2m turnover, with all profits going into community projects that improve safety for Teesside residents.
“We now have one of the largest workforces in the UK with the skills and competence to work in high hazard situations, helping industries to protect their personnel and assets and avoid costly disruption to production. These particular jobs will see the successful candidate play a key part in the emergency response to site incidents, including the rescue of site personnel, provision of first aid and general security.”
Darren Hankey added: “Hartlepool College has a long and well-established track record of providing apprenticeships - we’re one of the biggest in the North East and most successful in England. This partnership with CFB Risk Management is an innovative one.” Applicants are currently undergoing evaluation we’ll have more news next issue.
Hartlepool College will work alongside the business to provide the training aspect, with successful applicants gaining qualifications including BTEC, Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) and International Trauma Life Support (ITLS). Initially, ten Apprentice Site Protection Officers on 18-month fixed term contracts will be recruited and the successful applicants will complete a threemonth training course before joining an on-site protection team and working towards an NVQ qualification through the College. Ian Hayton, Managing Director at CFB Risk Management, pictured right with Darren Hankey, said “Our commercial success over the last four years has enabled us to provide this opportunity for ten young people from across the local community.
Learn & Live highlights the dangers of driving while distracted or high Cleveland Fire Brigade, accompanied by members of Cleveland Police and Ambulance Service Paramedics, came along to the College on November 23rd to demonstrate the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs, or while distracted by friends or their mobile phone. After showing a very graphic video in Conference 1 (which did cause a few students to need to leave), the visitors moved to the front entrance where they used scrap cars to simulate the freeing of people trapped in a wrecked car, portrayed by students from the Public Services course. During the demonstrations a running commentary explained each step, and also the ways such a crash could change a life through spinal damage, limb amputation and, of course, through the possibility that a person could kill their friends. As always, our sincere thanks to our friends in the Emergency Services.
College Superheroes make a splash for Pudsey Friday 13th November was certainly unlucky for those people who don’t like being publicly humiliated or soaked through with freezing water on a day that was already the coldest since the summer. Luckily, it was all for a good cause, as Hartlepool College held it’s biggest Children in Need event since 2010. With the support of nearby Ward Jackson Primary School, which allowed us to use its assault course, and Cleveland Fire Brigade, which supplied a tender filled with ice cold water and a high-pressure hose, eleven brave teams ran the course. The objective was to carry a bucket of water around the obstacles, and rankings were based on both speed and how much water was still in the bucket (this last point however proved a little irrelevant given that CFB simply filled a lot of them back up!)
All the teams dressed as superheroes, though some were more literal than others - Kevin Dove, for example, was asked a number of times why he considered Chris Evans to be a superhero (turns out he was meant to be Clark Kent...) We’re also not sure what superpowers Smurfs or Onesies have... Team Hulk started the competition off, and achieved a time that would remain unbeaten. They were also voted best dressed team, despite seemingly just wearing boxers and a thin coat of green paint!
Team Ninja, made up of Public Services lecturers, collected the most water and, due to some of their respective ages, was also awarded “team most likely to need medical attention afterwards”. The obstacle course raised £377.50, while The Luminary Salons also raised a total of £107 and Chloe Robinson collected a stunning individual sum of £102. It was all great fun, so really well done to all who took part and, crucially, all of those who supported them with donations.
Teamwork and enthusiasm make Choices 2015 a recordbreaker for Hartlepool College A large contingent of Hartlepool College staff and students descended on the Choices Careers event at Brierton Sports Centre on Thursday 8th October, proving to be popular with young attendees - but not so much our competitors! With hundreds of young people from all across the areas congregating in one place, and with each having a limited time for engagement, all the stops were pulled out to make Hartlepool College stand out above our competition.
Student Ambassadors did a stunning job in pushing the College’s Prospectus (supplies of which came close to running out), and promoting our forthcoming Open Event (which itself broke records for attendance and application).
Lecturers and students from across most Schools were present with a variety of “have a go sessions”, with the “Omelette Challenge” and “Chocolate Welding” proving especially popular.
A “Be Social” campaign devised by Brian Barnes made use of the draw of social media on young people, which in turn drove engagement later in the day as attendees then shared the photos taken.
Above: large amounts of freebies and information were available, and needed topping up throughout the day. Below: Gary Riches and Mark Elliott practice some “mid life crisis” hairstyles as middle age approaches...
Feedback from the schools and academies attending was solidly positive - a view not entirely shared by some of the other education and training organisations present, who struggled to compete with us in attracting the attention of potential recruits. “Fair play, you guys smashed it...” was how one summed up the Hartlepool College presence. The format proved to be highly effective, a huge well done to everyone who participated.
Above: the Omelette Challenge used a scoreboard to pit schools against each other, which proved a highly effective draw. Below: social media played a big part in encouraging attendees to engage with College representatives.
Above: the sheer variety of activities meant that the College could appeal across the board, hopefully encouraging those undecided to consider new options.
Civil Engineers survey industry standard kit at work A mixed group of full and part time civil engineering and building students were recently given a chance to have a go with top of the range GPS and laser surveying tools via a demonstration from Precision Geomatics, a leading supplier of specialist equipment for both sale and hire. Modules in the courses involve the surveying and setting out of land and buildings, the measurement of existing buildings, surveying topography and setting out coordinates for roads and walls, amongst others. The equipment brought along represents the current industry-standard in these areas, and presented a good opportunity for students to gain some handson experience with the tools of their future trades.
Above, front row: Precision Geomatic’s John Hutchinson, HCFE Lecturer David Johnson, Kieran Burke and Liam Stavers (also both of Precision Geomatic) with students (back row L-R) Gwyn Wardle, Katie Bradley, Abbie Jackson, jake Robertson, Zak Boagey, Liam Grievson, Allan Bird, Martin Booth, Jacob Sutherland, Mathew Eddy, Sam Tilley, Kieran Salvin, Mathew O’Brien, Ryan Amerigo, Jason Andrews and Andrew Smales.
Apprentices fly the flag of quality Two Apprentices from the College’s Flagship Restaurant were recognised by Hartlepool Borough Council at a glittering awards ceremony held on November 12th. Liam Grieveson and Stephanie Colclough, pictured left with Lorraine Thornton, were voted joint winners in the Apprentice of the Year category at the local authority’s Celebrating Achievement event held at the Borough Hall.The annual event shines a light on the work done by the Council’s 450 staff, representing the full spectrum of services offered to the people of Hartlepool. Speaking at the ceremony Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Council, said “Staff are the cornerstone of this council and the continuous achievements in often challenging circumstances never cease to amaze me”. Gill Alexander, the council’s chief executive, told the winners “Hartlepool is a council that punches well above its weight and consistently performs well, and much of this is down to the commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work by staff right across the organisation at all levels.I must say that judging the various categories tonight was an almost impossible task!”
Liven up your lunchtime with the Flagship restaurant A special report on great lunchtime options by Mark C. Zisgon. We’ve all been there... lunchtime rolls around and we start to think about what we fancy to eat - and the realisation dawns that we sometimes get just a little bored with the same old sarnies, where the most exciting thing about it is the fact that we can choose between brown or white bread... Well, those days are over courtesy of Fergus Robertson, our very own Executive Chef. Fergus has added to his renowned range of recipes by creating a special “Grazing Menu” to add a bit of spice to lunchtimes (more literally than you’d think in some cases!) All dishes are only £5 each, and can be supplemented by some excellent value side orders if your afternoon is going to be really tough and you need the extra energy. Keep up to date with the latest menus, offers and special events on social media:
theflagshiprestaurant
Grazing Menu Side Dishes
Chunky chips Skinny fries Side salad Sweet potato wedges w/ yoghurt dip Roasted carrots with honey and sesame seeds Red cabbage braised with apples, raisins and red wine
Lunchtime Grazing Menu All dishes £5.00 Moules Marinière and French bread Mini steak sandwich with a caramelised red onion chutney and side salad Thai crab salad with a mango salsa Gourmet beef burger, tomato relish, Mature Scottish cheddar, little gem lettuce and skinny fries “Coronation Chicken” Indian spiced chicken, marinated apricots and raisins, toasted almonds, mango and a curried mayonnaise Warm black pudding, bacon and apple salad with an apple puree dressing Cherry tomato and button onion tart tatin with crumbled goat’s cheese and dressed pea shoots
@theFlagshipRest
Braised brisket of beef with creamed potatoes, spinach and a mushroom and button onion sauce £1.95 £1.95 £1.95 £2.50 £1.95
Master some top chef techniques ...with Fergus
Crispy fillet of sea bream with spinach, leeks and baked with crushed new potatoes and a lime dill butter sauce Baked ham, smoked cheese and spicy tomato chutney ciabiatta with side salad and skinny fries
£1.95
The Lunchtime Grazing menu is available from 12am to 2pm. You can order a lunch by just turning up at The Flagship (no booking necessary), where a table service is on offer. Alternatively, a take-away service is also available. Simply call The Flagship on 857177 to pre-order, and pick up your lunch from the restaurant.
Flagship Restaurant Executive Chef Ferguson Robertson is widely known for his delicious, award-winning food, having built up a loyal customer base and received many positive reviews on TripAdvisor. If you’ve ever wished you could cook like Fergus, your chance is finally here - he’ll soon be sharing his years of experience through a series of short courses. The seven “servings” cover Family Meals, Sunday Lunch, Desserts, Left-overs, Gluten-free, Vegetarian and finally “Adventurous” - a chance to have a go at some of Fergus’ own recipes from the Flagship Menu. Under the heading “...with Fergus”, the courses begin in the New Year. For more information contact Fergus directly or look out for details on social media soon.
Starters & Leavers As usual, here’s another round up of people coming and going from team HCFE. A big welcome to our new colleagues, and for those who have left, naturally we offer our best wishes for future plans. Leavers Emily Tull, Administrator Steven Atkinson, Lecturer - Aerospace Engineering Mike Rowe, Lecturer - Science Starters Leslie Brooks, Part Time Lecturer - Academic and Professional Emily Fairbridge, Beauty Therapist [Temporary] Kirsty Forsyth, Conferencing Assistant Elizabeth Irvine, Apprentice - Data Services David Norman, Data Administrator - Exams Richard Walsh, Graduate Trainee Maths Lecturer
Alison Lyth, Catering Assistant Colin Ord, Casual Driver Stephen Trotter, Security Officer Stephanie Bolton, Lecturer - Health (Clinical) Sharon Barnes, Learner Support Assistant Casual Nicola Bellis, Receptionist Erin Blackett, Apprentice [FE Student Liaison Officer] Joan Founde, Learner Support Assistant - Casual Maria Hockborn, Learner Support Assistant Casual Lisa Teneur, Learner Support Assistant - Casual Christian Williams, Transitions Officer - LC Vivienne McFarquhar, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Consultant Jason Blackburn, Apprentice - Fitness Instructor Ayleigh Robinson, Apprentice - Fitness Instructor
Forthcoming Events Tuesday 12th January, 5 - 8pm
#BeTheNext Open Event
General open event for school leavers 2016; with information stands, Student Services support and opportunities to meet curriculum staff. In addition Have a Go activities and College tours will be available. Increased staff support has seen recent Open Events reach new levels, so please attend if you can and help us sell those enrolments..
Credit where it’s due A semi-regular column devoted to feedback about the College from external clients, visitors and partners. First of all, a short message to Graham Plant from Patrick McKeown, Operations Manager at Katmex:
This message is to Shaun Hope from Sarah McCluskey, Project Leader, Throston Youth Project via the Hartlepool Integrated Youth Support Service:
“Good morning Graham, Please accept my thanks for your continued support. I feel I must take this opportunity to express my total satisfaction at excellent level of service and professionalism we have witnessed from all of the staff at Hartlepool College. The standard of apprentices we have employed through Hartlepool to this point, is exceptional. I am sure this will continue, as the level of commitment and work ethic you have instilled is evident.”
“I would like to thank you for allowing the time for Gary Kester to come with the Hartlepool young people’s Holocaust Memorial Group to visit Lady Milena in Preston to film our experience on Wednesday 25 November. Lady Milena, a Holocaust survivor, was rescued in her childhood by British hero Nicholas Winton. Over the last couple of years it has been a pleasure working with Gary and the rest of the College (in the main Brian Barnes), who have helped us enormously in helping us to achieve
Halloween Makeups are a real thriller
our aims of learning about the Holocaust and sharing our learning with others. Holocaust Memorial Day’s 2015 video filmed and produced by Gary, of a local hero Wilf Laven through the eyes of his son Frank, continues to be extremely well received by audiences and we already look forward to showcasing 2016’s to audiences all over so lessons made from the Holocaust will never be forgotten”. You can find a little more info on this story on page 3, and a full report in the next Briefing. The film is currently in production and will be shown at the College as part of its Holocaust Memorial Day activities, as well as being made available online as a learning resource.
Programme recognition reaches new heights Hartlepool College and Teesside University have recently received confirmation that the jointly taught BEng (Hons) degree in Aerospace Engineering has been approved by the Engineering Council.
Halloween is a time traditionally associated with scary make-up and costumes, and once again a perfect opportunity for College Make-up students to practice their skills. As you can see, the end results were pretty spectacular, and the walk over to Christ Church for this photo shoot literally turned heads (though not in the creepy 360 degree way on The Exorcist).
After a review by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (involving two visits to the College and University and scrutiny of staff expertise, facilities and student work produced), the degree programme has been accredited as fully meeting the educational requirements for the professional qualification of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) within the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence. This is the first accredited degree running at the College, with an internationally recognised kite mark reflecting the high quality of education provided on this programme.
This regular section of the staff Briefing aims to provide a platform for staff to share resources, tips and good practice which will complement the face-to-face CPD offer. The ideas forwarded won’t necessarily suit all lessons, but, as mentioned above, the aim is provide a platform for professional development and an enhanced learning, social and progression experience for our students. Feel free to send your good practice tips, suggestions and ideas to the Briefing team.
Advanced Practitioners are your hub of support As you may be aware following an email from Darren, lecturers Neil Godfrey, Sue Baker, Helen Gott, Richard Peacock, Gary Riches, Christopher King and Jo Potts were recently given the status of Advanced Practitioners, with a specific series of responsibilities. Jo Potts outlines them below, and highlights some other useful info. What are the Advanced Practitioners for? To put it bluntly, we’re here for when you’re in ‘the thick of it’. Here at the hub, we recognise that we are all ‘under the cosh’ riding that roller coaster from one end of the week to the other with barely a chance to draw breath, let alone stop and think. We’re here to offer support, whether that’s an idea for a lesson, advice on how to deal with a particular issue or even just a quiet space to work where you can hear yourself think. Our aim is to support on-going development and so each week we offer a variety of turbo teaches to focus on new developments such as using pro-monitor, addressing key issues such as embedding numeracy and literacy, teaching functional skills or even just a simple idea for a lesson.
Place Literacy in the Thick of It We all know the importance of embedding literacy and numeracy within our lessons but how do we do it? 1) Simple starter exercise: Use your first slide giving details of your aims and objectives to develop students’ literacy skills. Create the slide with literacy ‘errors’ for students to spot and correct. It’s one way of improving proof-reading skills and developing their literacy skills at the same time. 2) Vocabulary extension: create a list of new words/ terms for the topics you teach and create a set of vocabulary cards which you can hand out to students as a starter or closing exercise to check their understanding. You can create an extension exercise by asking students to use them correctly in a sentence to check they understand how to use them in context. Encourage them to keep a vocabulary list to which they can keep referring. 3) Put your own literacy house in order: ‘model’ best literacy practice yourself by self-correcting when you use informal words and phrases whilst teaching, getting students to correct ‘mistakes’ on slides or in board work.
As well as on-going development, we are here to support personal development and each of you will have a dedicated member of the team to work with you on the development plan coming out of observation and appraisal.
4) Make opportunities for literacy: use your own work. Whether it’s power point slides, board work or a handout, you can ask students why you have used a particular piece of punctuation, a new paragraph or a particular word or phrase.
We are also here when it comes to your professional practice observations – anyone can ask for a meeting with a member of the team for some advice or simply to check through paper work and planning.
We want to know what you want Please e-mail the hub with suggestions for development you would find useful using the grouping “Advanced Practitioners” in MS Outlook.
L-R: Gary Riches, Christopher King, Neil Godfrey, Richard Peacock, Sue Baker, Helen Gott and Jo Potts
A day for YOU Monday 22nd February will be a day devoted to you and your professional development. Further details will be given closer to the time but here’s a sneak preview of what’s in store. There will be a guest speaker to start off the day. Rather than hour long sessions, there will be turbo-teaches: quick targeted development leaving you time to think about how to use the ideas afterwards or to get to those tasks you’ve been waiting to get some time to complete. Back by popular demand, the market place offers a chance for you to pick up ideas and materials to use in your classes. As always the hub will be open for you to come along and pick up some materials or reading on the latest research on teaching and learning.