Education and Skills
College set to modernise automotive training thanks to council funding Stratford-upon-Avon College is delighted to announce that it will be launching an Automotive Electric Vehicle Training Academy thanks to funding from Stratford-upon-Avon District Council. The council’s Cabinet has approved the capital funding of £625,000 to the college as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The college is seeking to ensure that the automotive training facilities are upgraded to meet the transition of the industry to supply and manufacture hybrid and electric vehicles. Adding green sustainable skills to its curriculum portfolio is also high on the college’s agenda. Vice Principal for Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships, Nancy Buckley, said: “A key strategic ambition of the college is to deliver a high-quality curriculum that enhances the life opportunities of our learners, the inclusive growth of our communities, and the productivity of the employers with which we work.
College group praised by Ofsted for residential provision Residential provision at a leading college group has received a positive Ofsted report with praise for wraparound services that provide support to students. WCG (Warwickshire College Group) has received a “Good” rating from the education watchdog for its residential facilities for 16 to 18-year-old students. The college group has residential facilities at Royal Leamington Spa College, Pershore College and Moreton Morrell College. Ofsted’s inspection took place over three days and focused on the residential provision at Moreton Morrell College. This marks the third successive inspection where the college has received a “Good” rating, with the previous inspection being held in February 2020. The college group was judged on the experience it provides to young people, how well they are safeguarded and the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The report praised WCG for how residential students settle into college life quickly and are well prepared to move on to further education or employment. Staff at the college received a mention for how they build positive relationships with students and parents, with individual development plans which help students to progress and succeed during their time at the college praised. It also highlighted the services available to students, such as
welfare services, counselling and health services, as a key strength. The leadership team and residential managers were also singled out for praise for their commitment to invest in residential facilities, consultation with students and focus on staff training to ensure a high level of provision. Safeguarding and wellbeing of students at the college received positive comments. Peter Husband, Interim CEO of WCG, said: “This is a great recognition for our residential services. We are pleased with the feedback
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At the time of the inspection in February, there were 35 full-time and part-time students at Moreton Morrell College. The report only reflects the provision for students aged under 18 years, with the college also housing students aged over the age of 18.
The Fusion Fest programme included free play on PCs, consoles and racing sims. It also featured a demonstration showcasing HADO, a team sport played with up to three people using head-mounted displays and armband sensors, racing tournaments, society tournament takeovers and casual consoles and board games. Through a dynamic blend of tournaments, workshops, and keynote speeches, attendees delved into the fascinating world of games and esports, exploring its impact on education, technology, and business.
The award of funding will also help Stratford-upon-Avon District Council meet its objectives - including funding gaps in local skills provision, supporting the unemployed to progress into work, and supporting those who need upskilling or retraining.
Local school leavers, apprentices, employers and part-time adult learners will benefit from the new facilities from mid-2025.
“The college group is continually investing to maintain high standards across our residential provision, providing enjoyable, educational and safe experiences for students who stay with us during their studies.”
Fusion Fest takes University of Warwick Esports to the next level
“The college is also committed to making a significant contribution to the local and regional economy by enhancing the technical skills, knowledge and industry professional standards of individuals. This investment will support these objectives and complement other similar projects the college is embarking on at Stratford, such as a heatsource pump workshop.”
Cllr George Cowcher, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “This is an extremely important opportunity for the district to invest in people and development. Even more so because the course delivery will continue beyond the final year of the current SPF programme (March 2025) for a further two years until March 2027.”
and will be considering recommendations which can see the college take the step up to Outstanding at the next inspection.
It’s the start of a new era for games and esports at the University of Warwick as Warwick Esports celebrates its move to central campus. The centre’s new location at Fusion in the Rootes Building includes state-of-the-art esports equipment and games, and a bar offering food and drink. The centre is open to students and staff as well as members of the public and community groups. Amber Hassan, Equal Opportunities Officer at Warwick Esports said: “The Esports
Centre’s new location at Fusion represents the perfect blend between innovation, cutting edge technology and passion. Now in the heart of our campus, the centre is the beat of our community, creating an unparalleled gaming space that redefines the esports experience for everyone.” The University of Warwick is committed to developing esports and other creative industries including content creation, immersive technology, and broadcasting, and kicked off its official launch with an actionpacked programme of activity.
Mick McLaughlin, Business Development Manager (CreaTech) said: "Fusion Fest represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards innovation, excellence, and CreaTech. With the relocation of our new Esports Centre to a more prominent location, we are not only creating a destination, but we’re also embracing emerging technologies and fostering a vibrant community where creativity thrives, and boundaries are pushed." The centre is open Monday-Friday 11am11pm and Saturday-Sunday 2pm-11pm and bookings are open for pay to play sessions, social events, business events, skills programmes, and school experiences. Enquiries can be made through warwick.ac.uk/esports/fusionfest.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk