Jan 2022
Student Newsletter
Opening Welcome
Hi All, Welcome to another edition of WLC Newsletter for this month, where you can find all the college updates. We have some great news from our placements, and some amazing work opportunities as well as some interesting enrichment tutorials.
Social Media
Social Media Channels at West London College A great way to keep up to date with what’s happening at West London College is to follow us on our social media. Please see the channels we are on below and subscribe and follow as many as you like! Here are the accounts and the handles.
Instagram westlondoncollege Facebook @westlondoncol YouTube West London College LinkedIn West London College Twitter @westlondoncol
Covid Updates In line with the new government announced guidelines it is no longer a requirement to wear masks around the college. We still strongly advise students to test twice a week. You can pick up lateral flow tests from the Student Services Office.
Please ensure you only take one box – as there are 7 tests in there which would last 3 weeks. In the meantime please protect yourself and the community, get vaccinated! All students are now eligible to receive their Covid Vaccination, please use the link below to get yours booked in! Remember, some professions such as nursing and care work are moving towards compulsory vaccinations to work in their industry, so getting vaccinated will help stop the virus and keep those job options open to you NHS Covid Vaccination Booking You can also attend the following walk in centres local to your College site: Hammersmith Campus Ealing Campus Southall Campus Park Royal Campus
West London College
Safeguarding
We are extremely happy to announce that we have a new member of our team. Naomi Sherman has joined WLC as our new Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer and she is ready to support you all. Safeguarding is of utmost importance to us and we are focused on ensuring we do the best to protect all our learners as best we can. If you ever have any concerns about yourself, or any other student you can always pop into Student Services. We can offer support with a wide range of problems and if we can’t we will find someone who can. Email safeguarding@wlc.ac.uk or fill in the student services referral form.
Time to Talk day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation – it’s the day that friends, families, and communities comes together to talk, listen, and change lives. Conversations have the power to improve your everyday experience – helping to reduce stigma and create supportive schools, colleges, and communities where everyone can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when they need it. Time to Talk Day at West London College takes place on Wednesday 2nd February 2022.
Join Mind staff from the Wellbeing Advice Service in the new student seating at Hammersmith (near reprographics) to have a free hot drink and a chat! If you’re at other campuses just drop into Student Services!
Talk, Listen, Change Lives #TimeToTalk
Pastoral & Wellbeing
Why not make some healthy lifestyle changes for 2022? Here are some tips below:
Healthy Lifestyle week
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Drink more water Start eating more fruits, vegetables and healthy foods Exercise regularly Go to bed early Think positively Eat less fast food Quit smoking
Pastoral & Wellbeing
And don’t forget to look after your mental health! There are 10 Tips
If you need support with these changes, feel free to contact your student services department and the progress mentors will be happy to help.
Race Equality Week Race Equality Matters was formed in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement to turn declarations of commitment and support from organisations and individuals into meaningful change in racial equality both in the workplace and in society. Race Equality Week is an annual UK-wide movement uniting thousands of organisations and individuals to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace. The events of 2020, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority communities, has heightened public consciousness of race inequality. Now there is a need to galvanise and maximise impact through a nationwide collaboration for real change. For more information please visit www.raceequalitymatters.com and check out the Youtube video below: Introduction to Race Equality Week | A Race Equality Matters Solution
Race Equality Week A note from our Equality Officer Race equality week is when schools and institutions provide equal opportunities to people of all races and skin colours. Race equality is important because it outlines the importance of accepting others' differences. Currently, student services are using visual practices to embrace diversity. They are also running workshops and events to engage students and improve their understanding. As the Student Union’ equalities leader, I want to make diversity a lot more visible and understood, in a way that students will be open to being themselves and speaking up if they feel discriminated against or unsafe. This way the College can promote equality and the matureness of the students. Javé Campbell - Harris
Race Equality Week
This year’s theme is #ActionNotJustWords. Race Equality is so important to us here at West London College, we have asked all students to create posters on what Race Equality means to them which will be displayed across our campuses. Race Equality will be your Tutorial topic WC 7th February.
West London College
UCAS APPLICATIONS
UCAS Deadline Well done to all 220 of our students who submitted their UCAS application by the deadline. The next few weeks will be an exciting by nerve wracking time waiting to hear back from universities; if you have any concerns or would like any support please contact our Careers or Pastoral Teams If you missed the application deadline but are still interested in going to University or if you want to explore other progression routes like Apprenticeships or Employment please book an appointment to see our Careers Team
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week
This week in your Tutorial sessions you will be covering Sexual Harrassment. Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which: violates your dignity. makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated. creates a hostile or offensive environment. We understand that these sessions may be quite triggering so please speak to your Tutor if there are any issues. We would like to invite you to complete this short Sexual Harassment Questionnaire. The responses and data will be anonymised, so nobody will know who has submitted what, when the information is all collected together. This is a voluntary form, you do not need to complete it if you find it in any way upsetting or triggering. If you would like any help or support please contact our safeguarding team on safeguarding@wlc.ac.uk 07824 383638, speak to your Tutor or visit Student Services
West London College
Apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 will be 'build the future'; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills. We have Apprenticeship Workshops running throughout the week, please refer to the ‘What's On’ Calendar for more information. If you are interested in finding out more about Apprenticeships or seeing our current vacancy list please contact 0208 231 6130
West London College
Workshop Calendar Date
Event
Info
Site
Book
Tuesday 1st
Student Voice
Your opportunity to express your views and opinions on WLC
Hammersmith
a.littlejohn@wlc.ac.uk
MIND- Time to Talk
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation – it’s the day that students come together to talk, listen, and change lives Time to Talk
Hammersmith- Common Area
Come along to the common area anytime from 10-1. It is a great way to meet other students and grab some free biscuits
MIND Wellbeing Workshop
Our amazing MIND Wellbeing Advisor, Jade Stirling, will be delivering a workshop to students on the ‘5 steps to wellbeing’
Hammersmith
a.littlejohn@wlc.ac.uk
Metropolitan Police Careers
The Metropolitan Police will be delivering a Careers Workshop to give students an insight into what it would be like to work in the police and how to apply
Hammersmith
ke.ryan@wlc.ac.uk
Sexual Harrassment Workshop
Resilience will be delivering a w orkshop on Sexual Harrassment which ties in with this weeks Tutorial Theme. This session will cover Sexual Harassment, Rape culture, Consent and Pornography
Hammersmith
a.littlejohn@wlc.ac.uk
Student Voice
Your opportunity to express your views and opinions on WLC
Park Royal- Class Representatives
a.littlejohn@wlc.ac.uk
Amazing Apprenticeships Workshop
Amazing Apprenticeships will be delivering a workshop introducing students to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Hammersmith
ke.ryan@wlc.ac.uk
Tuesday 8th
St James Construction Apprenticeships Workshop
St James Construction will be delivering a Careers and Apprenticeship Workshop
Park Royal
j.osullivan@wlc.ac.uk
Tuesday 8th
Student Voice
Your opportunity to express your views and opinions on WLC
Southall- Class Representatives
a.littlejohn@wlc.ac.uk
1pm Wednesday 2nd
10am-1pm
Wednesday 2nd 2pm
Wednesday 2nd 10:45am
Thursday 3rd 11am 1pm
Thursday 3rd 1pm Friday 4th
1pm
Student Voice We are really excited to announce that our first Student Voice Forum took place at Ealing Campus on Wednesday 26th January. Thank you to everyone who attended to share their thoughts and those of their classmates, your feedback is very important to us! We have 3 more Student Voice Forums taking place on each campus and we would love for you to attend. During the meeting you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions on what life is like at West London College. This Student Voice will be about College life not curriculum so will mainly focus on the other support college offers such as Student Services, Enrichment, Careers, WEX, Canteens, Security, Safeguarding, Pastoral etc.
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your feedback. For information on meeting dates and times please see poster below:
Student Governor Election & SU SURGERIES SU Surgeries SU Surgery is a space where students can drop in and talk to members of Student Union Council about any issues or ideas they may have regarding the College and College life. Along with our Student Voice Forums, SU surgeries are another way for students to interact with the SU and have their opinions heard. SU Surgeries will be taking place every two weeks alternating from a Monday to a Thursday in order to make it as accessible to as many students as possible. Surgeries will be starting on Monday 7th Feb and will run for 30 mins from 12.15-12.45pm in the Common Room space in your campus. Upcoming surgery dates below: Thurs 24th Feb Mon 7th March Thurs 24th March Thurs 21st April The Student Union is looking forward to meeting you and hearing more about your college experience!
Votes are now open for you to elect your new Student Governor for 21/22. Please click here to cast your vote. Votes will close Thursday 3rd February at 1pm
West London College
Ealing Eclectic 2021 saw West London College students from Ealing Green delivering film edits & recordings of some of our favourite artists. Expect to find featured musicians LIVE in 2022! Thanks to West London College students: Naina D' Paul, Ben Bottomley, Rio John Vaughan & Tim Radev for completing edits as well as our supporters at Pathways Housing/The Arts Council of England for making new work experience opportunities possible.
The full Ealing Club Eclectic playlist can be viewed here: Ealing Club Eclectic
West London College
NHS WARD ASSISTANTS
Thank you to all of the students who have applied for the NHS Ward Assistant positions. Some students have already started and we have been receiving great feedback. Good luck to those students who are due to begin next week.
West London College
Recruitment Opportunities
Hilton London Metropole 225 Edgware Rd, London W2 1JU are holding a recruitment open day next week. Those interested need to attend with a CV and dress appropriately for the interview. · · ·
Monday 31st January - (9-12am) Tuesday 1st February - (1-4pm) Thursday 3rd February - (1-4pm)
Tattu is a modern, luxury, and captivating restaurant brand that connects with guests by taking them on a unique customer journey. Leading the way in brand identity, over the past four years they have built an international following through their dramatic interiors, specialist cuisine, and young, fresh service style. The brand is growing exponentially and we’re expanding to the landmark city of London. An elevated experience, situated at Outernet’s The Now Building on Denmark street, with panoramic views of the capital. Their Tiger Open Days will be held at 5th Floor, The Outernet, Denmark Place, WC2H 0LA. Tuesday 25th January- 11am-1pm Monday 31st January – 3pm-5pm Tuesday 1st February – 11am - 1pm If you are interested in going along to an open day, please could email j.osullivan@wlc.ac.uk your name and what job you would be applying for.
West London College
Spotlight On An Apprentice
Meet Harry McGillivary, Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice with EE Smith. Find out what he likes about his apprenticeship in this short video.
https://youtu.be/_1n3zUb0Vqg
West London College
Bursary Frequently asked questions. Why was there no bursary payment in December? There are six payments that are spread out throughout the academic year. The payment dates can be found on the Student Portal and the number of support payments students will receive will be dependent on the time the application was assessed and approved. Click here for payment dates How will I know if I have received my bursary payments? You will receive a confirmation on the day of your bursary payment to your college email address or you can check the payments you will be receiving by logging back into your Pay my Student Account and checking the payments tab. Why do some of my friends receive more money than me? Bursary awards are individually assessed based on a set criteria that supports students' individual needs depending on the type of courses, distances travelled to College, materials associated with their course and number of days per week students attend College for timetabled lessons. Therefore, each bursary payment may differ from student to student with the type of support they have been awarded based on these factors. For further details regarding bursary information please checkout student funds page on the student portal. Click here If you have not yet applied for a bursary. It’s not too late to apply!! Please check out the Student Finance page under Student Services on the Student Portal for the funding eligibility criteria. Click here The next deadline date to get applications approved in order to receive the Spring Term bursary award is Wednesday 9th February 2022. For further information regarding support available please speak to a member of the Student Services team
West London College
TFL Transport for London Student Services strongly encourage those learners who live within a London borough and are aged 16,17 or 18 on the 31st August 2021 to apply for the 16+ Zip card from Transport for London which offers free bus travel and 50% off on trains. Click here Learners who are aged 19 years over, on a full time course can apply for the Student 18+ Oyster Card which will give them a 30% discount of the cost of a weekly or monthly travelcard. Click here There is a £20 admin fee payable to TFL to purchase both of these cards. Always check the terms and conditions before you apply as there are some stipulations that you may need to consider first. Here is the link for more info. https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel
NEW UPDATE If you are aged 16-17 years and live outside of a London borough you can now apply for the 16+ Zip card online. Which provides you with a 50% discount of adult fare on London buses and London underground. The card will expire the day before your 18th birthday. There is a £20 administration charge which will need to be paid via a credit or debit card and you will need to provide the following to complete the online application: 1. 2. 3.
Active email Child Valid machine-readable passport to verify age and identity Digital photo of child.
Please check out the TFL link for further details regarding ‘I live in the UK but outside London’ https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel
Student Newsletter Jan 2022