Stakeholder Newsletter

E C I O V E G E L L O C s. sor College d in W d n a , Strode’s om Langley fr s te a d p u News and ng Issue 1 Spri

2019

Part of the

WINDSOR FORE

CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF SUCCESS

7

ST COLLEGES

TH IN UK NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLES

99

FE Week

% A LEVEL PASS RATE Strode’s

As we celebrate the second anniversary of the merger between East Berkshire College and Strode’s College in May – we launch our new termly newsletter to keep you up to date with all the news, successes and developments at each of our colleges.

100

The merger has allowed us to utilise the skills, knowledge and expertise of each organisation to create a dynamic dual campus sixth form at Strode’s and Windsor Colleges, while building our technical vocational programmes at Langley College.

41

Overall performance has improved too, with the college being ranked joint 7th out of 200 colleges in the national league table (published by FE Week) and receiving positive commendation from Ofsted for the improvements in the learner experience, the quality of teaching practice and the work readiness of our students.

less than You coul d qual ify for a FREE COUR SE!

Kate Webb Chief Executive Officer

Rowan Cookson Principal

% BTEC PASS RATE Strode’s and Windsor

% OF LANGLEY LEVEL 3 STUDENTS PROGRESS TO UNIVERSITY

Earning

£20k?

All together a good two years with much more to come.

GROUP

ADULT LEARNERS GET A BOOST WITH NEW FUNDING

We have launched a new initiative backed by the Government, which means if adults earn less than £20k per year full or part-time – then many of our courses are free. Find out more on our website windsor-forest.ac.uk

WHAT’S INSIDE: Langley College

Strode’s College

Windsor College

What’s new... page 2

Sixth Form updates... page 3

Performing well... page 4

COLLEGE VOICE Newsletter I 1

STUDENTS COME FIRST AT LANGLEY ‘Langley offers more than I expected from a college. It is a place that makes you feel valued. Everything from the tutors to the facilities are fantastic and the students always come first. Anyone would be lucky to join the college.’

Luke Withers, Student Governor

‘ACCESS’ A NEW LIFE Former Access to Social Work student Joe Davies changed his life around at Langley and picked up a first prize in the national Laser Learning Awards.

Joe had no prior qualifications and some very challenging personal circumstances, but was determined to improve himself and the life of others so enrolled on the Access course. He is now in his first year at Bucks New University studying a BA in Social Work – a step closer to his dream career.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR LANGLEY SPORT FACILITIES The sports facilities at Langley College (operated by Absolutely Fitness) are among the national best. Judges at the National Fitness Awards finals said ‘a fantastic college gym that benefits the whole community.’

windsor-forest.ac.uk/courses/access-to-higher-education

BLAZING A TRAIL AT NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2019 As one of the region’s largest providers of work-based learning, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, we blazed a trail at National Apprenticeship Week 2019! Our Apprenticeship Fair was a huge success with over 25 employers actively looking to recruit students for a number of exciting opportunities. Keep an eye out on our website windsor-forest.ac.uk for future apprenticeship vacancies.

DISCOVER MORE LANGLEY OPEN DAY NEED ADVICE? windsor-forest.ac.uk 2 I COLLEGE VOICE Newsletter

Thursday 9 May 4.30 – 7.30pm admissions@windsor-forest.ac.uk

windsor-forest.ac.uk/opendays

STRODE’S COLLEGE – INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT

OFSTED RATED: Good with Outstanding Features

‘The independence you get at Strode’s is the best preparation for university and working life. It’s welcoming, safe and there is as much support as you require while you are pushed to achieve your full potential.’

Amber Ollington, Student Governor

GOING FOR GOLD IN UK MATHS CHALLENGE Our Maths students pitted their wits against some of the country’s finest mathematical minds in the 2019 UK Senior Maths Challenge. Some impressive performances with Sean Middleton awarded Gold and invited to take part in Round One of the British Maths Olympiad, competing to represent the UK internationally. Ben Sweetland also won a Gold award and a further 19 Strode’s students achieved Silver and Bronze awards.

BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE Sports trip to Osmington Bay for outdoor activities.

Performing Arts students meet Sir Ian McKellen.

CREATIVITY AND DIVERSITY As part of Gay Pride Week our students enjoyed a brilliant workshop by the talented Fredde Lanka. Fredde encouraged the students to move away from a careful, considered style of painting and to take more risks in their work. The results were wonderfully bright and imaginative.

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM AT STRODE’S

Dance students finding inspiration at London Zoo.

Exploring human anatomy at Dr Gunther von Hagen’s exhibition.

Karen Griffiths, the Director of Sixth Form, leads the academic team which delivered the College’s best ever A Level results in 2018.

Her focus is on delivering the highest academic standards in a truly personalised, supportive environment.

FIND OUT MORE STRODE’S OPEN DAY NEED ADVICE? windsor-forest.ac.uk

Thursday 4 July 4.30 – 7.30pm admissions@windsor-forest.ac.uk

windsor-forest.ac.uk/opendays Windsor Forest College Group Newsletter I 3

GREAT CHOICE RIGHT IN THE HEART OF WINDSOR ‘ Being a student at Windsor is a unique experience.

College life is great with exceptional teaching standards and a thriving, diverse community. At Windsor you have the opportunity to balance work and college life.’

Joseph Critcher, Student Governor

LEADING QUALITY AT WINDSOR

AVENUE Q COMES TO WINDSOR Performing Arts students staged an outstanding performance of the highly entertaining hit show AVENUE Q at the Old Court theatre in Windsor. This laugh out loud musical using cheeky puppets was a real challenge for the students.

Head of Creative Arts Jamie Davies said: “The students were really excited to take on this project – bringing such an internationally revered show to Windsor. They did an amazing job bringing their acting and singing talents to life.”

UNIVERSITY AND CAREERS FAIR There was a buzzing atmosphere on campus as over 40 universities, 30 employers and education providers recently attended our Higher Education Fair to help provide direction and guidance for our students’ next steps. Head of Learner Services Naomi Bailey said: “We were delighted so many reputable universities joined this event which allowed our students to find out about all the opportunities available to them in the coming years.”

Former Strode’s Director of Curriculum, Mandi Francsics is leading the quality improvement agenda at Windsor. This is already paying dividends with an impressive 11% uplift in BTEC results with a flawless 100% pass rate and a vastly improving academic profile for A Levels.

WHERE CREATIVITY AND SCIENCE COLLIDE The passion for their subjects is very evident at Windsor and the small campus allows for interesting collaboration between teams. Art students recently completed a mural for the science team which brought scientific expression to life.

NEED ADVICE? windsor-forest.ac.uk

admissions@windsor-forest.ac.uk

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @WindsorForestColleges

@WindsorForestCG

@windsorforestcg

@windsorforestcolleges

VISIT WINDSOR OPEN DAY Tuesday 25 June 4.30 – 7.30pm windsor-forest.ac.uk

4 I COLLEGE VOICE Newsletter