March 2022
Student Newsletter
Opening Welcome
Hi All, Welcome back for the second half of term. We just want to say we are immensely proud of how far you have all come and we are eager to continue working hard with you to make sure that you end this year positively and with your next steps mapped out. We hope you enjoy this edition of the Student Newsletter.
Ukraine
The situation is Ukraine is causing concern around the world – for those directly affected, perhaps due to being a Ukrainian national, having Ukrainian heritage or having family in Ukraine, this may be a time of particular stress.
For up to date information on what is happening in Ukraine, we suggest the BBC News website which is here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news Free calls: Tesco have allowed free calls and SMS to Ukraine for anyone just download the Tesco International Calling app (You don't have to be a Tesco mobile customer to use this) App info: https://www.tescointernationalcalling.com/ If you would like to speak to someone about how you are feeling, the college can offer a supportive ear – just email safeguarding@wlc.ac.uk and we will contact you directly.
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
Jamal Edwards
As some of you may be aware Jamal Edwards sadly passed away last month. Jamal was a former student at WLC who went on to be a pioneer, founding one of the most famous music channels on YouTube SBTV. Many artists today such as Ed Sheeran, Jessie J and Dave to name a few attribute their success to Jamal and his work. We are incredibly saddened by this news and send our condolences out to his family. Jamal was a great example of drive, commitment and passion which was evident from his time here and all throughout his career. He will be greatly missed and remembered for the inspiring legacy he’s left behind.
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
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.
West London College
Careers Fair In celebration of National Careers Week we will be hosting Careers Fairs across all of our sites, these events are open to all West London College Students and will run from 11am-2pm. Monday 7th March- Southall Confirmed attendees: Eleanor Care, Coventry University, ASK Apprenticeships, Hertfordshire University, WLC Apprenticeships, Camp America Tuesday 8th March- Ealing Confirmed attendees: Camp America, Eleanor Care, Sure Care, SAE Institute, Coventry University, London Southbank University, NCS, Cote Brasserie, ASK Apprenticeships, Hertfordshire University, WLC Apprenticeships, Buckinghamshire University, Grims Dyke Hotel Wednesday 9th March- Park Royal Confirmed attendees: The Forge, HS2, Canal River Trust, Economy of Hours, Coventry University, London Southbank University, NCS, ODP Group, Hertfordshire University, Circl, WLC Apprenticeships, Camp America, Berkley Group Thursday 10th March- Hammersmith Confirmed attendees: Hospitality Jobs UK, Hyatt Regency Hotels, Eleanor Care, Metropolitan Police, Workzone, Coventry University, Circl, NCS, Cote Brasserie, NHS, ASK Apprenticeships, Fulham Football Club, Hertfordshire University, Montcalm Hotel and Spa, WLC Apprenticeships, Camp America, Buckinghamshire University, Bovingdons, Hilton Hotel
West London College
Tutorial Update This week in Tutorials you will be focusing on ‘Careers and Raising Aspirations’. We have created a whole week of activities including Careers Fairs and Employer Engagements as well as a range of activities for you to explore within your Tutorials. The activities will also link in with our celebrations for International Women’s Day. International Women's Day International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on the 8th of March every year around the world. It is a focal point in the movement for women's rights. For International Women's Day 2022, the theme is #BreakTheBias, a global call to arms to tackle discrimination, celebrate our differences and forge an equal future. Here at West London College we are passionate about supporting International Women's Day and have partnered with the Skaped Project. They are inspiring young people to engage with their human rights through creative arts. They raise awareness of human rights and challenges as a way to inspire young people to become actively engaged in social and political matters around the world, as well as at their doorstep. To celebrate International Women’s day Skapped have offered one of our amazing Level 3 Art and Design students a Work Experience placement where they will be working on the following projects: •Assisting with a competition for National women's week •Joining the team to make decisions and create new ways to help young people be heard •Actively work on projects to improve contents and advertisements to public •Working with the team to judge suitable Artwork to promote celebration/ winners of competition •Assisting with Social media platforms Look out for an update from our Work Experience learner in the next edition of our Newsletter!
West London College
Careers British Airways will be delivering a virtual Careers Workshop to students focusing on their Customer Service Apprenticeships on Monday 7th March at 1pm. If you would like to join the session please contact ke.ryan@wlc.ac.uk
The UK University & Apprenticeship search Virtual Fair is back on 30th March 2022, 12 6pm. This opportunity will allow you to explore your options with a huge range of Universities and Organizations exhibiting on Higher Education and Apprenticeship opportunities and it is free! Click here to book your place!
West London College
Vacancies
Click on the links below for the latest vacancies advertised on our Careers and Employability Website. We have vacancies available with incredible employers such as NHS, British Airways, Wagamama plus many more.
West London College
Work Experience Update
A massive well done to all of our learners from Health and Social and Science who took part in our NHS Virtual Work Experience Programme this week. Learners were able to explore their future careers within the NHS focusing on Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Social Care through a mixture of online learning and live webinars with NHS employees.
NHS Bank Staff We want to say a huge well done to the most recent group of our L3.2 Health and Social Care students that have settled into their roles as Ward Assistants across Charing Cross and St Mary’s Hospital.
Sports Coaching All Sports Coaching students should have now applied for their DBS. Please remember to bring your supporting documents to Jodie (based in the employability hub) to complete your application. j.osullivan@wlc.ac.uk
West London College
Work Experience Update Kindred Art Studio Visit Last week students from Level 3 Art and Design visited the Kindred Art Studios to meet with a range of artists to explore their progression and career opportunities. Kindred Art Studios are developing opportunities for young artists to learn from our established residents, through workplacement programs, mentoring and business development. Students met with a number of creatives offering an insight into different artistries such as: •Photography •Fashion •2D/3D Art •Sculpture •Fine Art •Architecture •Animation •Ceramics
West London College
Enrichment Update
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 Surgery will take place fortnightly alternating between Monday and Thursday from 12.15-12.45pm in the common room space at each campus
Pastoral & Wellbeing
Healthy Lifestyles Good health is not just the absence of disease or illness, it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. This means eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, alcohol and drugs and getting plenty of rest. Our bodies are like machines that require a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals and water to stay in good working order. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early. Not all diseases are preventable, but a large proportion of them, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and lung cancer, can be avoided with plenty of exercise and a good balanced diet. Please take some time to look at the presentation below that includes tips and tricks that can help you make sure you are living a Healthy Lifestyle! Healthy Lifestyle Presentation
West London College
Bursary
It’s not too late to apply!! Please checkout the finance page on the student portal for further information on the bursary available, eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply. Click here The next deadline date to get applications approved in order to receive Spring Term Bursary Award is Friday 1st April 2022. For further information regarding support available, please speak to a member of the Student Services team at your campus. Letter Request For those of you who require a letter to confirm you are studying at the college these can be requested via the Student Services centre. You may need a letter for all types of things including; opening a bank account, Council Tax Exemption or just general proof of study. Please visit the Student Services Centre or alternatively click on this link to complete the online request form for 2021/22.
It can take up to five working days so please be patient while we get this prepared for you. Once completed the letter will be ready for you to collect from the Student Services Centre. Unfortunately, we don’t put these in the post but can be emailed to you upon request. For this and all other enquiries relating to Student Services you can email us on studentservices@wlc.ac.uk.
West London College
English Goes Green! Well hello everybody! I'm sure we’re all tired of listening to people explaining to us how and why we should live a greener lifestyle but honestly, we are all trying to push this idea down your throat because if we don't act now, we are not going to have a later! I'm not saying you have to desert your life, cut off all electricity, and go live in the woods and live in your own little cottage where you raise animals and grow fruits and vegetables…. Actually, that sounds amazing, but I know not all of us can do that, so I'm here to show you a few simple things that you can do, to better yourself and better the world! Firstly, and this is for all people who love fashion and dressing up, I'm here to tell you to go and actually find YOUR own style, don’t spend your money on fast fashion and buy items that you’ll wear for like a month or two and then ditch them when the new trend is out. Not only is that harmful to the environment, but it's also supporting all of these big corporations which gives them more power over us! Find your own style, find what you truly enjoy wearing, something that is sustainable and lasts you a while, something that makes you feel unique in your own way. Go to thrift stores, recycle old clothes, learn how to tailor if you really enjoy wearing and making clothing!
Secondly, I have to talk about growing your own veggies and fruits, now I know that will take you ages to grow, nurture, and then actually use, but again these are just the little things that you can do to save the planet, plant out some seeds down in the ground, over time they will grow (depends on their growing conditions) then slowly but surely you'll have the veggies and fruits you'll need right in your backyard - amazing right? No garden? You can even grow a few plants on your window sill if you don't have a backyard or space, it's a very nice hobby that's also extremely helpful and resourceful. Soon you won't have to pay to buy any veggies or fruits or herbs that are all wrapped up in way too much plastic! So honestly what's stopping you? Now last but surely not least reducing, reducing what? Well, I'll tell you! When you're spending time at home, your tv is on, the heating on, your laptop is plugged into the charger for over hours now- I'm sure it's all charged up now…, the lights in the other rooms are on, yet... You're in your room, on your phone, and not paying attention to any of these things, think about all the electricity you are overusing! Pay attention to all the things you're just turning on and forgetting all about! And also why are you spending so much time in the shower? Wasting all that hot water while you're just staring at the wall the whole time, please! Ten minutes is more than enough to wash your head twice, wash your body, dry up and leave! Seriously there is no need to actually take up 45 minutes every other day whenever you get into the shower, you can easily reduce all that. Go outside, have a walk, a picnic with friends or loved ones, you could even pick up a few books to read, there are endless hobbies that you can do, that not only benefit you in the long run, but also help our planet, and help us save it a little by little. So please, act now! What are you going to do today to start to protect your planet? Thanks for listening, now start acting!
Axel Abduljabbar L2 Art and Design
GCSE Revision Tips - Maths The key GCSE maths revision resources are: - PinPoint Learning www.pinpointlearning.co.uk - Century app.century.tech - 5-a-day classroom.google.com - Calculator skills classroom.google.com - Your maths teacher Our systems target the personal areas of improvement you need to make, so the work for every student can and should be different.
- Each time you do a past paper (whether outside of the college or one of our assessments) it should get loaded up on PinPoint Learning. You will see from here (either in your "Personalised Booklet" or on the "Maths Matrix") what maths topics you need to work on next. When you do past papers, really focus on the problem-solving questions, asking your teacher for help. It's a good idea to re-do any paper a few weeks after you do it the first time ("spaced practice").
- You should be doing at least one nugget of Century every day from your "Recommended Path". If you think the work in your path looks too easy or too hard speak to your maths teacher as soon as possible so they can sort it. Regular practice is key to improvement in maths. You also need (with your teacher's help, possibly) to get 100% in each nugget so you have mastered each skill before moving on to a harder one.
GCSE Revision Tips - Maths - You have 5-a-day maths resources on your Google Classrooms. These are short mobile-friendly exercises with a variety of different questions, known as "interleaved practice", that improve your fluency in basic maths skills and help eliminate mistakes in lots of misconception topics: area/perimeter, negative numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, etc. - Also on your Google Classrooms are a range of exercises and videos to help improve your Calculator Skills. Two out of three of your papers are calculator papers and the students who really know how to use their scientific calculator score much more highly than those who have been using their phone instead. Bring this to every class. The most important resource to help you in your maths is your maths teacher. If any of the previous suggestions don't make sense or you've forgotten your username/password for any system, get onto your teacher right away. When we are stuck in maths, we need help now, so make sure you know you can message your teacher on Google Classroom to get help between lessons. There are more resources here: https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/ If you have maths anxiety, please talk to your teacher but if you'd like some tips and strategies that can help you to overcome it, have a look here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WAmFQFH2sc If you would like to take about anything to do with maths or English, please contact Hayley Carlyon (Head of Department) at h.carlyon@wlc.ac.uk
GCSE Revision Tips - English
If you haven't had to revise before, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to go about it. Here are some strategies and ideas that could help: 1. What to revise and how for GCSE English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nem9-O5ibxg 2. This article on revision techniques offers some sound advice. Try to summarise the tips Before discussing which ones you would like to use? You may find that a different approach is needed for different subjects https://oxfordsummercourses.com/articles/best-revision-techniques-for-gcse/ 3. Here are two videos on revision strategies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXF-6hmU_k4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nem9-O5ibxg
4. This study guide might be useful: https://studywise.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/GCSE_English_Language_Papers_1_and_2_Revision_Guide.pdf
Student Newsletter March 2022