spring term 2017
COLLEGE MINI MATT FLIES THE FLAG CHARLOTTE REPRESENTS OLYMPICS PAGE 2 FOR WARRINGTON PAGE 3 LANCASHIRE U19S PAGE 3
Benjamin Grimes, Russell Wood and Ray Cassell have been working alongside Michelin-starred chef, Aiden Byrne as part of their work placement - Page 5
DIFFERENCE & CARPENTRY GIVES BACK HIGHER EDUCATION DIVERSITY WEEK PAGE 4 TO THE COMMUNITYPAGE 5 AWARDS PAGE 6
Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
electrium donate tools to electrical students
Electrical Installation and Electrical Engineering students are working with the latest technology thanks to a donation from local business, Electrium Sales Ltd. Paul Simpson, from Electrium, presented two pallets of consumer units and electric screw drivers. Dave Love, Lecturer in Electrical Installation & Engineering, said: “This donation will prove invaluable for our students when learning their trade. We look forward to working with Electrium in the future.”
students pledge support for white ribbon campaign Students have pledged to do their utmost as part of a national campaign aimed at tackling domestic violence against women. Motor Vehicle, Electrical and Public Services students are among those now walking around the Winwick Road Campus proudly wearing the White Ribbon UK badge after being visited by one of the charity’s founders, Chris Green. The talk, which coincided with White Ribbon Day in November, also featured guest speaker and former rugby league player Ikram Butt, who works with clubs across all sport to blow the whistle on domestic violence.
Senior Tutor Hannah Swift said: “We are really grateful to Chris Green and Ikram Butt for coming to speak to our students. It was great to see the students really engage with the campaign and pledge to wear their own white ribbon, as well as share the message with others.”
mini olympics hailed a huge success! Primary school pupils swapped the playground for Warrington Collegiate’s pitches when they took part in the College’s very own Mini Olympics. Around 90 pupils from St Andrew’s CE Primary School and Meadowside Community Primary School spent two hours with second year Football Coaching students. Featuring beanbag races, hockey dribbling, goal kicking, star jumps and much more, the event was organised as part of the students’ course. Each student was given a role, ranging from keeping the scores, co-ordinating the activity stations and marketing the event.
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Among the students helping was 18-year-old Ethan Jones. He said: “This has given us all great coaching experience that will definitely help us in the future. “It’s interesting to see this kind of event from the organisational and planning side and it’s given me a great experience on coaching children of that age – I have really enjoyed the whole thing.”
www.warrington.ac.uk
Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
matt flies the flag for warrington collegiate in usa A former Warrington Collegiate student is making a name for himself in the USA after securing a prestigious scholarship at not one but THREE American Universities. Talented sportsman Matt Barker studied the Rugby League BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3, run in partnership with Warrington Wolves. The 19-year-old left the UK at the end of July after completing his studies at the Winwick Road Campus.
where he was also offered a scholarship – Iowa Central Community College. Amazingly, he was also offered a scholarship at St Mary’s College of California!
Matt had originally planned to study Health Science and Marketing while playing rugby for Springhill College in Alabama, after securing a full scholarship with them. In the end, he decided to instead study at another American University
The former Lymm High School pupil - who is double majoring in Business and Athletic Training - said: “So far I am really enjoying it. The class work is really challenging but it makes it worthwhile when I get to play rugby every day.”
charlotte called up to represent lancashire Talented rugby league player Charlotte Hill is celebrating after being selected for Lancashire’s Under 19s team – and scoring a try in her debut game.
The former Great Sankey High School pupil said that without the skills and knowledge she has learned during her time at Warrington Collegiate, she would not be the player she is today.
Charlotte, who is studying the Rugby League BTEC Extended Diploma, run in partnership with Warrington Wolves, played her first game for Lancashire in their 2016 Women’s RL State of Origin victory against arch rivals Yorkshire.
Charlotte said: “My game has definitely improved since I’ve been on the course here at Warrington Collegiate. My tackling technique has got a lot better and I’ve noticed a lot of other parts of my game have improved too.”
For news and details on our events and promotions, follow us on Facebook @WarringtonCollegiate, Twitter @WarringtonColl and Instagram @Warrington_Collegiate
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Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
DIFFERENCE AND DIVERSITY DAY 2017 Students have been finding out first-hand about the difficulties faced by people with disabilities, after spending the day in a wheelchair.
What should have been simple tasks, like moving from classroom to classroom, grabbing a Costa at break time, or using the toilet, became increasingly difficult for those taking part in the ‘Day in Someone Else’s Shoes’ challenge. Organised as part of the College’s ‘Difference and Diversity Week’, the event aimed to change the perception of disabilities and give students a better understanding of the importance of inclusion. Health & Social Care student Kasiya Francis was one of the students taking part in the event. She said: “It has been a really good experience to be able to see what it’s like for wheelchair users. It has been pretty difficult, especially having to use the restroom. You’ve got to have a lot of upper body strength and my arms are really sore. “The experience has made me appreciate being able to walk because it’s not fun being in a wheelchair. I’m lucky that I can get out of this, but people that have to use a wheelchair 24/7 have to face these challenges every day.”
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Public Services student Leon Fisher also took part in the challenge. He said: “It was
really difficult, just making my way around the classroom and trying to get through the tables and chairs. Not being able to use the stairs was difficult too. It’s a lot of hard work but it has been a good experience.” The ‘Day in Someone Else’s Shoes’ challenge was just one of a whole series of events taking place throughout the week. Among the others was a talk from Dave Kelly, from Daisy Inclusive UK. He spoke about his life without sight and how it is important for people of all ages to understand different disabilities, cultures, genders, and treat everyone equal. Warrington Disability Partnership also played a crucial role in the week’s events, running a wheelchair basketball session during lunchtime. Students were also able to attend talks on hate crime with Cheshire Police and learn British Sign Language. Michael Smith, Head of Faculty for Creative & Digital Industries, Learning Manager and Equality & Diversity Co-ordinator, said: “Although we endeavour to celebrate diversity every day, the aim of the week was to further enhance staff and student awareness to encourage discussion and debate. Through the various activities, students now have a better understanding of what diversity is, and the importance of treating everyone equally, no matter their gender, race, sexuality or ability.”
www.warrington.ac.uk
Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
work placement with chef aiden byrne gives students the recipe for success Catering students have discovered the recipe for success thanks to an amazing work placement opportunity with Michelin-starred Chef, Aiden Byrne. Ben Grimes spent several weeks working at the acclaimed chef’s Church Green restaurant in Lymm, while fellow Hospitality & Catering students Ray Cassell and Russell Wood completed their placements at Manchester House. All three students are studying the Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery Diploma. Ben said: “It has been really good. I’ve been producing all kinds of different dishes which are actually being served in the restaurant.” Ray said: “This is an incredible opportunity that I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for the College. We’re being trusted to produce high standard food and that’s because of what we’ve learned here at the Collegiate.” Working at Manchester House has seen Russell and Ray face the added pressure of working directly for Aiden himself.
Russell said: “Aiden has been giving us feedback and tips on how to improve our work. It’s fantastic because we already have Michelin starred chefs and industry experts teaching us our trade at College, and now we’ve been able to put this into practice in front of Aiden.”
carpentry gives back to the community Carpentry & Joinery students spent the day putting their skills to the test at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as part of a joint project with the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation. The project is aimed at transforming 10 wheeled bases into much-needed sensory aids. The project saw students work together to create ‘Scooterboards’ – a piece of equipment used by the Foundation, in schools across the town. Craig Thomason, from the Foundation’s Inclusion team, said: “We deliver sessions to young people with additional needs, during term time and holidays. In the past we’ve been able to borrow ‘Scooterboards’. They are a fantastic tool for children with mobility issues and sensory needs, or for any child to just have fun with.” The project was organised by Warrington Collegiate’s Work Placement Officer, Faye Hennessey.
She said: “This is a fantastic community project that we are really proud to have been a part of. Having seen how these Scooterboards are used to help both children with additional needs and those without, I know that the hard work of our students will not go to waste. These Scooterboards are sure to create hours of fun for children across the Warrington area.”
www.warrington.ac.uk
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Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
students honoured at higher education The outstanding success of Warrington Collegiate’s Higher Education students has been celebrated at our annual awards ceremony. Friends, family, staff and fellow students gathered to honour the determination and commitment of students who have completed HNCs, HNDs, and Teacher Training, as well as higher level Apprenticeships and professional qualifications. Several students received special awards for outstanding
achievement, dedication and commitment in their subject area. Kirsty Reid, graduating in Human Resource Management Level 5, was awarded the Professional Student of the Year, sponsored by Scott Marketing. The Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Warrington Worldwide, went to Luke Williams, who successfully completed his Level 4 Accounting Diploma.
The Student of the Year Award, sponsored by Countryside Properties, was presented to HND Business graduate Annabel Viar. Katy Tracey, graduating in HNC Construction & the Built Environment, went home with the Working in Industry award, sponsored by Fuzzy Duck. The event saw former Chair of Governors of 27-years, Dr Colin Daniels, become a Fellow of the College. Principal Nichola Newton described Dr Daniels
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Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
awards ceremony! as a “remarkable public servant who has led the College through challenging times and has provided tremendous support”. Keynote speaker and former Warrington Wolves Chief Executive Roger Draper congratulated the College’s students on their success as he spoke about his own success and career. The evening was concluded with a Student Vote of Thanks, delivered by the College’s very own Chef Lecturer Scott Surtees, who graduated on the night after completing the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
is such an important event in the lives of any student - but especially the students of Warrington Collegiate. “I hope that your time at Warrington Collegiate in whatever capacity hasn’t just been a time for learning, but a collection of unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. “As well as careers within the Collegiate, where a number of our group have continued their teaching paths with Warrington Collegiate and continue to flourish at such an inclusive, all-encompassing place to work and teach.”
Scott said: “I would like to thank all of our tutors for their hard work, determination and endless patience in giving these talented people the best possible chance to succeed. And perhaps most importantly of all, I would like to thank the family and friends of each of our graduates, for their unconditional help and support along the way. “So a big thank you goes out to you all, for attending what
work experience leads to employment for jess Hospitality & Catering student Jessica Foy is celebrating after her work experience with Birchwood based business Dine Contract Catering led to employment. Jess started the part-time job in January. Rob Bruford, from Dine Contract Catering, described Jessica as “one of the best students” they have ever had on work placement, and said her attitude and employability skills are second to none. Jess said: “I’m absolutely made up to have got the job. It wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing opportunities and experience I’ve had at the Collegiate.” www.warrington.ac.uk
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Warrington Collegiate Newsletter
Issue 6, Spring Term 2017
STUDENTS SEE THE WORLD THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES Health & Social Care and Childcare students have been given a rare insight into life without sight, thanks to an inspirational visit by Corinna Swift from St Paul’s Eye Unit. Corinna, who works at Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust as an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, spoke to students about the difficulties faced by those who have suffered sight loss, as well as giving them important advice on how to properly help and guide those with such impairments.
After an inspirational talk, Corinna, who lost her own sight as a child after being born with congenital cataracts, gave students the opportunity to try on a variety of glasses which simulate different eye conditions, including a pair that allowed them to view life through Corinna’s eyes. Students were tasked with carrying out a number of everyday activities including pouring a drink, writing their name, and counting out loose change.
Chelsea Tucker, who is studying Health & Social Care Level 2 at the College, said: “This has made me realise how much I take my sight for granted, how much we all do.” Corinna said: “By giving these students an insight into sight loss and how to guide someone, it will really help them when they go into the world of work as they are likely to be working with people who have this hidden disability in the future.”
OPEN EVEnings WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH 5-8pm TUESDAY 9TH MAY 5-8pm Fast track to avoid the queues on the night at: www.warrington.ac.uk/open-events
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Warrington Collegiate, Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 8QA