Chichester Matters college news | the latest stories | achievements | innovations | and more! Published Fortnightly - Issue: 180
Edited by: Kylee Charles, Alan Goldsmith, Helen Ward and Mike Pink
Friday 15 March 2013
Celebrating Apprenticeships! Week of activities inspire many
Brinsbury in bloom Special feature Centre pages
Chief Inspector Tanya Jones Chichester District Commander, inspects apprentice’s work, accompanied by lecturer Christian Notley
After weeks of planning and collaborative working, National Apprenticeship Week finally kicked off this week with a range of events across the area. National Apprenticeship Week, coordinated by The National Apprenticeship Service, is now in its sixth year and each year Chichester College has supported the event with an increasing range of awareness raising activities. The aim of the week is to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy. This year, for the first time, there have been a number of collaborative events in Portsmouth, Worthing, Brighton and Horsham. Colleges and training providers have worked together to offer information and have-a-go activities, to demonstrate the value and opportunities apprenticeships can offer young people, as well as the range of occupations covered by apprenticeship programmes.
Each event began with a breakfast, to which current and prospective apprenticeship employers were invited; some employers were also accompanied by their apprentices. During this meeting, as well as enjoying breakfast and networking, employers heard how apprentices can benefit their business. This was then followed by hands-on events, with speakers and activities promoting the benefits of apprenticeships to pupils from local schools. Chichester College was represented by members of the corporate sales team and activities were offered linked to accountancy, equine and vet nursing (each college having to select different areas to promote). The events attracted a number of different schools and staff worked hard to promote Chichester College and our apprenticeship offer. Another facet to National Apprenticeship Week, was providing the opportunity for ‘job swaps’. Across the UK, senior managers swapped places with
apprentices for the day, to experience life as an apprentice. As part of this initiative, Chichester College was delighted to welcome Chief Inspector Tanya Jones, Chichester District Commander of West Sussex Police, who visited the Electrical and Furniture areas and shadowed Nathan Green (employed by GO Electrical) and Ashley Court (employed by Rolls Royce). Both apprentices were in college for their block release training. During her visit Tanya chatted to staff and the apprentices and watched them working on practical and theory sessions. At the end of her experience she said “It’s a few years since I was in a classroom setting, studying my degree but today has offered a wonderful opportunity, to see these individuals within their apprenticeship learning environment.” Meanwhile, Deputy Principal Andy Green ventured out of college and into Chichester District Council where he CONTINUED ON PAGE 2…
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
…CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
shadowed Lauren Gallagher. Lauren is doing a Customer Service apprenticeship and has been a positive ambassador for the apprenticeship programme. Andy said “I really enjoyed seeing Lauren putting the customer service and communication skills she is learning on her apprenticeship into practice at work. It really highlighted that training on an apprenticeship is about much more than just what is learnt in a teaching situation, it is also about the wider development of all the interpersonal, independence and enterprise skills needed for a successful career”. At the other end of the job swap spectrum Toby Schofield, Joinery apprentice, shadowed his employer, Simon Ward of the Creative Woodworking Company, as he attended meetings in London with other managers of major joinery companies, including Crispins Veneers and DLD Bespoke Joinery. During one of the meetings, Toby had the opportunity to participate in discussions about a national joinery competition for apprentices being organised by the Worshipful Company of Joiners & Ceilers. Toby said “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to see how different types of business in the same industry work together, I am really
pleased my employer arranged for me to have this opportunity.” Activities offered by the College during National Apprenticeship Week have been promoted and encouraged by Elizabeth Flegg at West Sussex County Council and Amy Loring at Chichester District Council as well as representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, all who work with the College on the Chichester in Partnership initiative.
Deputy Principal Andy Green “job swapping”
Within college itself, the Corporate Sales Team have also been busy talking to prospective apprentices and employers promoting the opportunities we can offer at events as part of the “100 apprentices in a 100 days” campaign. Seeking to attract pledges from employers that they will sign up 100 apprentices in the following 100 days. So far, Sue Garman believes the team have generated around 40 pledges and the team are working hard to hit their total in the remaining days of the campaign. Over 250,000 employers recognise the benefits of training their existing staff and recruiting apprentices. Such benefits have been identified as: increased productivity, reduced recruitment and training costs, improved staff loyalty and retention and the ability to ‘mould’ employees to meet organisational needs. It’s been a busy and tough week to organise, so thanks to Jane Sumner for setting up and planning with collaborative partners and college staff to run the have a go activities and to Sue Garman, Mo Toft, Damien Leach, David Vine and Debbie Ross from Corporate Sales and Mark Nason, Hannah Whight, Jayne Dearnley, Ashley Bishop, Jade Rudman, David Gunner from Vet Nursing and Equine for their cheerful and enthusiastic promotion of the College and all things apprentice related.
First Steps Holiday Club
Could you recommend a “feel good” read?
Would your children like to join in the fun at our Easter Holiday Club this April?
Library staff and Counsellors are currently running a bibliotherapy display in the library, showcasing the library’s stock of self-help books, covering subjects such as:
A range of activities are provided to entertain those aged 4-8 including team games, messy play, art, computing, cooking, construction, role play and much, much more! We are also planning a trip to the woods, as well as welcoming special visitors from The Blue Reef Aquarium. What’s more, all meals are provided and if booked by 6pm on Monday 18 March you’ll receive a 30% early booking discount*. Please contact Clare Lawrence, Childcare Manager clare. lawrence@chichester.ac.uk or on Ext 2557 for further details. Similarly, if your child is over 8 and you are looking for ways to keep the little rascals busy this Easter Holidays, then the scheme run through the Sports Centre is sure to suit! Contact Mark Forder, Sports & Leisure Facilities Manager mark.forder@ chichester.ac.uk or on Ext 2066 to find out how to book them in. *Terms and conditions apply
combating bullying promoting self-esteem coping with bereavement dealing with stress & exams The staff would like to hear your suggestions for ‘feel good’ reads too. Perhaps there is a book you found uplifting, inspirational or funny? Jot a couple of sentences about what it was and how it made you feel and send this to library staff Alison Skoyles or Jean Park, they’d love to hear from you! This can then help influence a display of suggested feel good reading. It can be fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose, as long as you enjoyed the read!
2
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
Illuminating Experience
Community News
Recently, I was invited into St. Mary’s Primary School, Washington, by the year 4/5 teacher (pupil’s age group, 8-10) to talk about electricity. The remit was to link their prior learning to reallife applications. We discussed how electricity is generated and how it is transmitted and distributed to our homes. After a health and safety brief, the pupils were ready to start wiring up a circuit that incorporated a light operated by one switch (similar to a bedroom) and two lights operated by two switches (similar to the switching arrangement from hall to landing). The pupils were very animated and it was the first time a lot of the pupils had used tools. They followed the diagram of how to wire up the circuit and once the
Pupils wire circuits for the first time
circuit had been wired it was connected to a power supply. When the circuit was turned on and the lights switched on and off there was an illumination on the faces of each and every pupil. They students were so enthusiastic and found it very interesting. The teacher wrote ‘Dear Mr Willitt, I just want to say a great big thank you for your wonderful electricity afternoon last week. The children learnt a lot from you (as did I!) and really enjoyed the practical elements which would not have been possible if you had not come in with real-life resources’. It was great to share knowledge and practices with such an enthused audience and I very much look forward to the next opportunity!
Getting to grips with the tools
Ian Willett – Electrical Installation Level 3 Course Leader
If you or anyone you know happens to live in our neighbouring area of Parklands and Westgate, you should periodically receive a newsletter from Parklands Residents’ Association. This is part of PRA’s drive to share local news and events and to allow everyone living locally the chance to join in and share events of their own. Chichester College supports PRA with this communication by supplying the green paper on which ‘Parklands People’ is printed. The PRA can also be found on Facebook in the closed group “Parklands Residents’ Association – Facebook Friends” (https://www. facebook.com/groups/PRAFriends/) and also has a mailing list for an e-newsletter, where we are also able to share our College events. If you have an event coming up or would like to work with our Parklands and Westgate neighbours, please contact the Marketing Team on 2077. If you live locally, please do consider signing up for PRA’s news via Facebook or email and contact paula@parklands-chichester.org
3
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
BRINSBURY Spring Special Spring Special Best in show!
Spring has sprung at Brinsbury!
T
staff and students are working around the clock to ensure the safe arrival of the baby lambs. As our photographs show, even Brinsbury’s bovine buddies are keeping a watchful eye on the new residents!
Brinsbury’s Farm Manager, Dan Stamper, and his team of dedicated
Shepherding the lambs ready to show to staff and their families this Sunday, Dan and the team are busily preparing for the special lambing day.
he days are getting lighter, the blossom is starting to bloom and lambing is in full swing, which must mean we’re welcoming Spring!
LAMBING DAY For College staff & their families On Sunday the 17th March, 11am to 2pm
A
Judging criteria was based on the following categories: Student Work; Quality and Standard; Link to Curriculum; Innovation; Notice boards, tidiness and cleanliness The following three classrooms were found to definitely have the “wow” factor, as well as a great sense of pride and ownership by the staff and students who use the rooms.
The winner is: Upstart (Equine classroom) “A very colourful room with good curriculum links. Lovely displays with horse head mobiles, horse shoes and quality student work.”
Impressed by the event, some even took time to email with their thanks for such a successfully organised day. An email from one happy parent said “My son took part in your Agricultural Taster session, which he thoroughly enjoyed… and I must say to you and ALL the staff, the welcome, engagement, friendliness and enthusiasm was absolutely brilliant. It really was a treat to see how encouraging you all are with the students… my son has done nothing but talk about his experiences positively, thank you!”
“Professional topical links to curriculum, tree carvings and innovative displays using safety equipment.”
You will be able to visit the lambing shed and from 1pm, the milking parlour.
“A lovely and crafty classroom with lots of students work including mobile birds, hearts, ‘Noiseometer’, bowls, Chinese New Year, birdfeeder designs and much more…”
Those who are pregnant or in close contact with pregnant women should not attend.
Feedback received from those who took part has been fantastic, with particular comments highlighting that ‘The taster day exceeded expectations’, that ‘Lecturers were friendly and helpful throughout’, that ‘An awful lot was learnt’ and ‘A lot of fun was had by all’!
Wakehurst (Arboriculture/ Horticulture classroom)
Clayton Jack (Foundation Programmes classroom)
Remember: You will need sensible shoes and strictly no dogs.
n the 19th of February, Brinsbury delivered successful Taster Day, with over 70 enth usiastic individuals revelling in the opportunity to sample Agriculture, Animal Care, Brickwork, Carpentry & Joinery, Equine, Floristry, Horticulture and Motor Vehicles tasters.
Highly Commended are:
Come and see what is going on at Brinsbury Farm this Spring.
Booking is essential, through: Daniel.Stamper@chichester.ac.uk
4
recent competition held between classrooms at Brinsbury, aimed to find the ‘best dressed’. The fun activity proved to be quite a challenge however, as the judging was difficult, due to the quality of the students work on display!
Students savour a taste of Brinsbury
Congratulations to the staff and students who worked so hard to create such innovative and lovely classrooms! Alison Read, Head of Campus and Jan Dougharty, Campus & Events Co-ordinator
5
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
Pop-up flower shop delights! Floristry diploma students from years’ one and two worked hard to achieve a fantastic offering of flower arrangements, ready for purchase for Mothering Sunday this year. Located in the Chichester campus reception foyer, the pop-up flower shop ran from 10:00-15:00 on both the 6th and 7th of March. Student Leanne Forrest found the experience most enjoyable, commenting “We created and sold a variety of floristry products and designs including; basket arrangements, hand tied bouquets, various house plants and a brand new product, ‘Cup cake arrangements’. We’ve learnt how to work with customers in a professional manner as well as developing those all important skills for display. It has also taught us how to work as part of a team in a smaller space, whilst all the time being in the public eye. Ultimately, the experience has inspired us all to want to progress in the industry.”
‘Do Something Funny For Money’ On Friday 15th March there will be plenty happening around the college to mark this special day, including:
Visually Impaired Football Tournament To be held in the Sports Hall from 10am – 2pm. There is still space for teams to enter too! Alternatively get yourself along to show your support. Contact Colin Hunwick, College Sports Maker for further information on how to enter your team.
so they want to see as many staff and students in Coasters at 1pm! Make sure you’re there!
THE HARLEM SHAKE!
Other activities available during the fun-filled day include face painting, live music and a version of the popular television programme ‘Total Wipeout!’ plus plenty more throughout the rest of the College too!
The Student Union thought it was time for Chichester College to create their very own take on this dance craze,
Collection buckets will be going around the College all day with collection points in ‘Plus Point’ and main reception. If
you collect in your areas and need someone to come and pick up your bucket, please email Jamie Bunce. Also if you are running events and collecting, please let Jamie Bunce know how much you have raised by 4pm on the day. The Comic Relief events will be coming to Brinsbury on Wednesday 20th March. A full list of everything that will be going on will be sent out shortly. If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see arranged, again please email Jamie Bunce. We thank you for your support in advance! Jamie Bunce Student Experience Co-ordinator Ext 2507 jamie.bunce@chichester.ac.uk Colin Hunwick College Sport Maker Ext 2507 colin.hunwick@chichester.ac.uk
Show your support! Red noses and wrist bands are on sale now from Plus Point and Main Reception for just £1.
6
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
Sports Maker Update Thank you for the overwhelming support for the ‘staff only’ sessions. So far I have had 10 sign up for the running and 7 for the badminton already! As a result, I have now added another badminton session on a Wednesday, as it may be at a better time for some staff to attend.
Staff only activities Just Play Badminton All equipment provided, optional lunchtime mixed session Venue: College Sport Centre Date: Starts Thursday 21st March Time: 07:30-08:30 Mixed with students on Wednesdays at 12:00-13:00 (student led)
10-week Introduction to Running Venue: Chichester College Main Reception Date: Tuesday 19th March Time: 17:00-18:00 Keep an eye on the information board in the corridor next to Coasters as I regularly update what sports are available in the handy timetable (pictured below).
New Golf session Venue: Outside the Sports Centre Session details: Tuesdays 16:30-17:30 Run in partnership with Westwood Golf Academy.
Sports Taster Day On Wednesday 13th, Coasters came to life at our Chichester campus. As staff and students were eating lunch, many others were trying their hand at the exciting sports taster sessions available, provided by the College’s sports department and student experience teams.
Badminton The first college pilot programme for Badminton is running well. Seven weeks of free ‘come to play sessions’ have already started but there is still plenty of room for others to attend. If you are interested in taking part in the lunchtime sessions, here’s how: Venue: Chichester College Sports Centre Session Details: 12:00-13:00 on Wednesdays Programme Dates: Until 27th March (excl. 20th March) And starting on 21st March, early morning sessions for staff and over 19’s will be provided. These will run from 07:30-08:30 Coach: Will Hilton-Jackson badmintonforlife@hotmail.co.uk
Boxercise
As part of highlighting National ‘No Smoking’ day, the engaging event captured the attention of many interested students, who had the opportunity to try their hand at golf, badminton and boxing, as provided by the proactive staff. Jamie Bunce, Student Experience Co-ordinator and member of the Student Union team said; “The purpose of this taster day is to promote new sporting activities and what better way than this!”
Venue: Sports Centre Session Details: 18:05-18:50 on Mondays and 19:00-19:45 on Fridays You are encouraged to book up for the 6 week course at the Sports Centre reception or drop in to the sessions to have-a-go first.
Pole Dancing Find out more Are you on Twitter? You can follow Colin on Twitter @chisportsmaker to keep up to date with the latest news and developments in sport sessions run at the College. To get in touch with Colin regarding the current extra curricular sports provision at the College, his contact details are: colin.hunwick@ chichester.ac.uk or telephone him on ext 2207
Venue: Dance Studios Session Details: 17:15-18:00 on Fridays The thrilling, toning and all-round good fun fitness sessions are back by popular demand.
Coming soon American football
Colin Hunwick, the College’s Sports Maker added “We have received a great response to the taster day, with many students signing up to the different sessions available to them, as well as expressing the activities that they would like to see available in the future.” With the taster days planned to take place once a month, the next forthcoming dates are:
16th April & 16th May So, if your students sadly missed out this time, please encourage them to get along to the next!
7
Chichester Matters | Issue 180
E&D Matters Celebrating ‘Deaf Awareness’ week, you can find an informative photo display about the support and advice available to all, within the Coasters vending machine corridor. Complete with handy hints and supportive
Sports Results advice, why not pop along and have a little read of the information for yourself. Sheila Thorpe – Professional Development Manager Ext 2343
Ladies football 27/2/13 – Success in the BCS Plate Cup match secured a 2-0 win against Queen Mary’s College. The team now go on to the quarter final playing Neath Port Talbot. 6/3/13 – The ladies are achieving good results elsewhere, with another BCS league win against South Downs. They are currently topping their respective BCS league with two matches remaining. The team are also through to the SSFA final, provisionally booked for the second week of May. Further advice on this game will be issued in order to publicise for any supporters wishing to travel and arrangements for two minibuses have been put in place.
Other results: 27/2/13 – Men’s football won against South downs 4-2 13/2/13 – Elite football won against Gosport 3-1
ILT eSafety Tip of the Week According to Ofcom, half of all people under 24 now own a Smartphone and that trend will continue to grow. At the same time, the concept of ‘bringing-your-own-device’ (BYOD) into the classroom is also gaining considerable ground.
And why not? Smartphones are essentially minicomputers with the potential to bring great benefits to learners and teachers alike. There are thousands of APPs to support learning and of course, most of these devices include the capacity to capture images and make video recordings. The educational benefits of using these devices is potentially huge but there is always an element of risk and one way of minimising it, is to set out some clear ground rules which make your expectations clear. The rules will vary from person to person so here are some suggestions which should help you exploit the devices for their educational benefit while at the same time keeping you as safe as you can be:
You have every right for your image not to be captured. If that’s the case, make it absolutely clear and tell them (before the session begins).
chi_college
Make it clear that images of you are not to be posted online unless you have given your permission to do so. Better still; consider uploading them to ‘Chichester Online’ or ‘Planet eStream’.
Official Chichester College
If an image is uploaded, let students know that you do not want it to be tagged. Let students know when it is and isn’t okay for them to make a voice or video recording. Explain that you expect them to ask before they use their device (as a common courtesy). Be mindful of other members of the class. They have rights too, and may not be so keen to have their images taken. Display your expectations. Enjoy the potential of BYOD and keep safe! Keith Burnett – eSafety Officer
Welcome to our new starter for this week Abdul Malik English Skills Champion
ILT Tip of the Week If you have several documents or windows open at the same time and need to find one of them quickly, press the ALT and TAB keys together. Keep the ALT key down and repeatedly press TAB until you reach the desired document. I have found a document, how do I work on it? Easy, release both keys! Does this shortcut work for web pages? Yes. It works for any open window.
Chichester College | Westgate Fields | Chichester | West Sussex | PO19 1SB t: 01243 786321 f: 01243 539481 www.chichester.ac.uk