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WELCOME
Welcome to our autumn edition of News Shout. This is our chance to share with you some of the fantastic things happening here at the College. The new academic year has got off to a great start and we are happy to welcome all of our new students as they settle into college life. We hope you will take a moment to read about some of our latest news and updates. Our campuses include Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training and The Skills Academy. As you start to think about your future study options don’t forget to make sure our colleges are on the list. For more news from across the College visit: www.stockton.ac.uk
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STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE From pointing 1,245 sunflowers to the skies to bringing together an entire community in song, Mike McGrother knows a thing or two about showcasing arts in the community. Now the Wildcats of Kilkenny frontman is at it again, but this time he is sharing his knowledge with the next generation of up and coming performers at Stockton Riverside College. Mike will be working with Performing Arts students to help them discover new ways of bringing their performance into the community. And the timing couldn’t be better as the Tees Valley works to secure its place as City of Culture 2025. “It is so important for young people who want a career in the creative sector, be that as a performer or on the technical side of the business, to recognise the fantastic possibilities that are opening up to them,” said Mike. “With the proposed City of Culture status it feels like a good time to be passing on some of what I have learned and getting the students thinking about the possibilities that are here on their doorsteps.” With a line-up of exciting projects in the coming months Mike is looking forward to getting the students on board. Stockton Riverside College’s Campus Principal, Lesley Graham, said: “I’m delighted that Mike is working with us to help develop our performing arts and technical theatre academy.” Develop your skills both on the stage and behind the scenes with Stockton Riverside College’s fantastic range of performing arts and technical theatre courses. Visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/ courses/performing-arts/ Did you manage to catch our Performing Arts Musical Theatre students’ performance of West Side Story this summer? Here’s a quick snapshot.
Above: Mike McGrother with Campus Principal Lesley Graham Right: Summer 2019 Musical Theatre Performance West Side Story
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Autumn 2019
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BETHANY SMASHED HER WWF FUNDRAISING TARGET All the hard work paid off twice over for graphic design apprentice Bethany. She not only got top marks for her impressive artwork but she also sold her designs to bring in the cash for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). With her heart set on raising £50 to adopt a polar bear, the 23-year-old from Middlesbrough soon saw the cash rolling in. She was stunned to double her charity target which meant she was able to adopt a sea turtle too. “Every year I do pick a charity to raise money for,” she said. “Last year I chose Macmillan and did some illustrations, but not to this scale. “This year, I knew I wanted to pick animals. It was great to get the word out.” Bethany has completed both her Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeship in Graphic Design at Stockton Riverside College. She has now secured a job as a junior graphic designer at the College. Bethany said: “It’s all been such a confidence boost and wouldn’t have been doable without the support from everyone at SRC.”
PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH AND CARE Hundreds of students celebrated achieving their goals at Stockton Riverside College this summer. For Health and Social Care and Childcare students that included the launch of the brand new Health and Care Placement Awards. Recognising the achievements of level 2 and level 3 students with a glittering awards ceremony at Teesside University, titles were presented for Academic Achievement, Best Contribution to Placement, the Progress Award and Student of the Year. Certificates were also handed out for deaf awareness and first aid. David Gardner, Programme Area Leader for Health and Care, said: “This was our opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of all of our students. “It was a proud moment to see the students achieve and show we appreciate all of the effort that they have put in, especially for those who have now completed their courses.” With a particular focus on placements, David said: “Industry placement is an essential part of all our Health and Social Care and Childcare courses. It takes hard work and determination from our students, yet many will regularly go above and beyond what is expected carrying out additional intense work experience.” Do you want to be part of the celebrations next year? Visit www.stockton.ac.uk or call 01642 865566 to find out more about the full range of courses at Stockton Riverside College.
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BEDE SIXTH FORM
Students and staff celebrated another bumper year of success at Bede Sixth Form College. Results day saw our students’ hard work pay off with a 99% A level pass rate and 98% success in vocational and A level equivalent subjects. Among those getting the grade they needed was 18-yearold Lewis from Stockton. Achieving A grades in Biology and Maths and an A* in Chemistry scooped him an offer to study Biochemistry at Newcastle University. He said: “When I saw the A grades I thought, wow! I really wanted to get an A* in Chemistry, so I was really happy with that.” For Laura from Acklam, the next step is studying Sport Science at Teesside University after storming home with a triple distinction star in her BTEC Level 3 in Sport. The 18-year-old, who is a keen cross country runner, said choosing to study at Bede Sixth Form has helped keep her running performance on track. She said: “It feels really good to come away with such high grades.” With a job in the pipeline getting the right result was all the more crucial for A level student Jacob. Taking part in the College’s Career Ready Logistics Academy alongside his A levels, he had impressed bosses so much during a work placement he received a higher apprenticeship job offer.
Lucky for him he got the results he needed, with two B grades and a C in Media, Business and Economics. The 18-year-old has now started work as an apprentice chartered surveyor at PD Ports. “I was nervous waiting for my results but now I’m really chuffed,” he said. Campus Principal Ben Robinson said: “This result is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff this year. “One of our key aims is to raise aspirations and provide opportunities for our students to fulfil their potential. This results day I am pleased to say that we have been able to do that for so many of our young people.”
NEWS SHOUT
Autumn 2019
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Opposite (clockwise from left): First year student Maria (right) and her sister Hadiqa, an A level student brings her dog Teddy along as a lucky charm, Oliviah with her results. Above: Lewis, Laura, Kaitlyn, Jessica and Wilson celebrate their A level results at Bede Sixth Form College.
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NETA TRAINING
Below: David in the NETA workshop
Job success for students at NETA Training helped to bring further opportunities for aspiring young Teesside engineers. The Stockton-based training centre was named one of just 10 providers across England and Wales selected to deliver the latest round of an industry-backed training course, helping tackle the drop in apprenticeships offered across the country. Now, one of NETA’s students David is in the running for a national award, named a finalist in the ITEC Learner of the Year category at the ECI Training & Development Awards. NETA Training has also been shortlisted in the final three for the Approved Training Provider award.
The Introduction to Engineering Construction (ITEC) programme gives engineering students 10 months of training, recognised industry qualifications and a Health and Safety Passport (CCNSG). Work experience is also a key part of the course increasing students’ hands-on skills and their understanding of the real working environment. Selected to take part in the programme at NETA last year, David was among the first ITEC students nationally to receive an apprenticeship job offer. He has now started work as a mechanical engineering apprentice with PD Ports.
Etc. GROUP
From swapping single-use plastic cutlery for more sustainable options to reducing the number of plastic drink bottles in our fridges, we are joining a global movement to help tackle plastic pollution. The aim is to reduce our carbon footprint by improving sustainability, increasing recycling and cutting back on general
BRUSHING UP ON YOUR ENGLISH AND MATHS
GCSE results day brought reason to celebrate for students at Stockton Riverside College. If you are aged 16 to 18 and haven’t achieved a grade 4 or above in your maths and English, you will continue to work towards these qualifications alongside your college course or apprenticeship. Among those making the grade this summer was Business student Sana. As well as receiving top marks in her BTEC level 3 qualification she achieved a grade 5 in GCSE Maths. She said: “I chose Business and maths to ensure I could go on to study accountancy which is what I wanted to do so it was definitely the best choice for me. “I am so happy with my grade and have to thank the amazing teachers because they were very supportive throughout my time at Stockton Riverside College.” Did you know we also offer classes for adult learners wanting to brush up on these core skills? Ekta aced her GCSE Maths picking up an impressive grade 8. The 46-year-old has always wanted to brush up on her maths skills and said: “My son is an expert in maths and has always encouraged me to learn.” Also studying her Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and
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waste and energy consumption right across the college group. Keen to inspire others to do the same, head of estates Kimberly Stevenson said: “These are just our first steps. Our aim is to raise awareness of environmental issues and make people consider the role that they can play in creating a better environment for all. “It is all about creating good habits.” Changes so far across the College have included swapping disposable plastic knives and forks for more biodegradable alternatives, promotional bags and pens are being replaced with paper and cardboard options and reusable bamboo coffee cups are now available to buy, cutting back on the use of disposable cups. The College is also encouraging school leavers and potential students to reuse, return or recycle the college’s course guides with the introduction of a freepost returnable option. Kimberly said: “This is just the start and there is much more to come. At the College we are looking at our energy usage, our carbon emissions and waste across all of our sites. This is so important, not just for us but for future generations, that’s why we are taking responsibility to improve sustainability, playing our part whilst also helping to educate others.”
Learning at the College, she said at times it was difficult to juggle the demands of home life and education but she wanted to prove to herself that she could do it. Now planning to go on to obtain a PGCE with maths specialism, Ekta said: “The staff at Stockton Riverside College and the course tutors were amazing and very supportive, they were always there to encourage me to do well and I could always depend on them.”
Above: Sana was very happy with her grade on results day
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Etc. GROUP
Choosing the Prince’s Trust has certainly paid off for two new apprentices now joining the ranks at Stockton Riverside College. The Team programme delivered new skills, a boost in confidence and now an apprenticeship for Jake and Ryan.
JAKE Despite having qualifications in both business and finance, Jake, 20, from Stockton, struggled with confidence which had previously hindered him when looking for employment. Jake has Asperger’s and at times he can doubt his potential and struggles to sell himself in social situations such as job interviews. He said: “I have always had a passion for finance and I had the qualifications to progress but my social skills have always held me back.” The Prince’s Trust Team programme is designed to help young people not currently in education, training or employment, to develop their skills. It certainly worked for Jake who applied for the job as a finance apprentice at the College and was successful.
Above: Jake Below: Ryan
RYAN For Ryan the 12-week personal development programme also resulted in apprenticeship success. The course includes a work placement that the 19-year-old carried out in the College’s IT department. He impressed so much during the placement that he landed a business administration apprenticeship. He said: “For anybody who is struggling with confidence or unsure of what they want to do, I couldn’t recommend the Prince’s Trust enough, the 12 week course is so beneficial when looking for employment and I wish it could have been a lot longer!”
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is available at locations in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Catterick. To get involved call 01642 865588.
NEWS SHOUT
Above: Leigh, Conor and Charlotte from our Schools Team Below: Joinery students preparing to sell their work for the Festival of Thrift
DID YOU SEE US AT THE FESTIVAL OF THRIFT?
Crafty students showed off their skills at this year’s Festival of Thrift. The Joinery students created their own range of garden furniture to display and sell. With picnic tables and garden chairs carved out of wood, the students not only got to practise their skills but also learnt important lessons in enterprise and sustainability. And the items were a sell out! Celebrating sustainability, the Festival of Thrift is an annual event that takes place right here in the Tees Valley with the aim of raising awareness of sustainable living. Situated around the Kirkleatham Museum and grounds in Redcar, the event also puts the spotlight on the skills and creativity of local artists and craftspeople, while inspiring people to find ways of being more creative in their own lives. The garden furniture was just one of the ways the College showcased the variety of courses available across the college group with a whole host of hands-on activities and demonstrations.
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Starting to think about your college choices? Our Schools Team are here to help. With so many choices available they can guide you through all your options. The good news is they really know their stuff. You can find the team either here at the College or look out for them visiting your school. In the meantime their advice to you is to visit the colleges you are considering. “The best way to know if a college is right for you is to get a feel for the place,” said Conor McKerlie, our Group Student Recruitment Co-ordinator. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do, that’s where the team come in. You can either chat to our careers advisor or if you have a few courses in mind come and meet the teaching staff and make your choice from there. The advice is pretty simple for anyone deciding what to do next, take a look at the College’s website or course guide, think about the subjects you enjoyed most at school and what you are good at. Also consider how you like to learn, do you prefer hands-on practical sessions or are you a bit of a bookworm? Now is not the time to be following your friends, Conor says: “What’s right for them may not be the best option for you.” The best thing about college life is you get to study the subjects you love and you are surrounded by people with similar interests, so you are sure to make new friends. If you do know what you want to do in the future, make sure you are choosing the courses you need to get there. Offering a wide range of full and part-time courses and apprenticeships we are confident we can help find the right option for you. Turn to the back page for a list of our upcoming open events!
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Watch out for our website and social media feeds for details about all of our upcoming events at Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training and The Skills Academy.
CAREERS ADVISOR DAYS All open events are 5.30pm – 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.
STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE:
Thursday 14th November, 2019 Tuesday 4th February, 2020 Wednesday 4th March, 2020 Saturday 25th April, 2020 (10am-12 noon)
Are you a careers advisor or teacher and want to know more about our all the great opportunities available across our college? Come along to one of our exciting Careers Advisor Days offering you the chance to come along, meet the teams, have a go at some of our interactive sessions and see for yourself! With dates available throughout the year call 01642 865566 to book your place.
BEDE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE: Thursday 7th November, 2019 Thursday 30th January, 2020 Thursday 12th March, 2020
NETA TRAINING GROUP:
Thursday 21st November, 2019 Thursday 6th February, 2020 Thursday 7th May, 2020
REDCAR AND CLEVELAND COLLEGE:
Wednesday 20th November, 2019 (4.30pm-6.30pm) Saturday 18th January, 2020 (10am-12 noon) Wednesday 12th February, 2020 (4.30pm-6.30pm) Wednesday 11th March, 2020 (4.30pm-6.30pm) Wednesday 13th May, 2020 (4.30pm-6.30pm)
News Shout is printed on recycled paper and covered with a recyclable poly wrap! Recycle your copy or pass on to family and friends.
BEDE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, TS23 3HB Tel: 01642 373250 Email: bede.enquiries@stockton.ac.uk www.bede.ac.uk
STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
NETA TRAINING GROUP
REDCAR AND CLEVELAND COLLEGE
THE SKILLS ACADEMY
Harvard Avenue, Stockton-On-Tees, TS17 6FB Tel: 01642 865566 Email: info@stockton.ac.uk www.stockton.ac.uk Corporation Road, Redcar, TS10 1EZ Tel: 01642 473132 Email: info@cleveland.ac.uk www.cleveland.ac.uk
Pennine Avenue, Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2RJ Tel: 01642 616936 Email: info@neta.co.uk www.neta.co.uk Marsh House Ave, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham, TS23 3ET Tel: 01642 607464 Email: info@stockton.ac.uk www.stockton.ac.uk/skillsacademy/