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ANDREW SLADE
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
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elcome to the Autumn Edition of Oaklands Life, and with it, an exciting new period of time for Oaklands College as we introduce our new Principal, Andrew Slade. “It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the Autumn edition of our magazine and my first edition as Principal & Chief Executive of Oaklands College. I am thrilled and honoured to have taken up the role as Principal at Oaklands, as the college begins an exciting new chapter in its 100th year! One of the many things that impressed me about the college, and what attracted me to the role is not just the excellence of the teaching and the very high standards that Oaklands students achieve, but also the very high levels of individualised support that each student receives throughout their time at the college to ensure that each and every one of them achieves their goals – both academically and personally. This magazine has many great examples of the wide variety of exciting courses and activities that Oaklands offers, and I would encourage you to come to one or our open days to come and see for yourself what being an Oaklands student is really like and the doors that it opens for you. It’s not just the state-of-the-art facilities we boast at both our Welwyn Garden City and St Albans campuses, or the amazing sports and leisure opportunities that we provide; it’s also the very welcoming and friendly environment that we pride ourselves on – that’s why so many of our students tell us it’s like a big family rather than a school or college. I hope you will enjoy reading this latest issue of our magazine and I very much look forward to meeting you at one of our open days.” Andrew Slade Principal and Chief Executive, Oaklands College Andrew joins with a wealth of experience in further education, having previously held the position as Principal at South Thames College.
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Autumn Issue 2021
Deivi des Student of the
Level 3 Sport, Fitness and Persona shortlisted for the Spring 2022 AoC
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aklands College students have gone above and beyond during challenging and unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of learning taking place virtually and exam qualifications being decided by teacher assessment grading. With this in mind, the Association of Colleges was even more determined to again celebrate the success of a number of exemplary students this year, highlighting individuals who have gone above and beyond to enhance their education. One student at Oaklands College impressed his peers so much that he was nominated and shortlisted ahead of hundreds of students up and down the country, for the prestigious Association of Colleges Young Student of the Year Award. Deivi Kreka moved to the UK from his native Albania in 2020 to further his education and eventually, career opportunities. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Deivi not only had to juggle learning a new language, but also adapt to a new culture, surroundings and lifestyle in an incredibly difficult and challenging period for all young adults. The move was the making of Deivi, who immediately demonstrated the potential he had, both as a footballer and academically, adapting and overcoming the challenging new surroundings he faced.
