Stakeholder Newsletter

COLLEGE VOICE News and updates from Langley, Strode’s and Windsor Colleges.

Issue 2 Autumn 2019

Part of the

WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

OUTSTANDING RESULTS Season’s greetings and welcome to the second edition of College Voice, our termly newsletter which will keep you up to date with all the latest news across our group of Colleges.

As we celebrated the second anniversary of the merger between East Berkshire College and Strode’s College this year we can report on a measurable improvement in quality and the learner experience across our group of colleges. Quality has been improved across the board and students are achieving better results and outcomes. The number of visitors to our open days this term increased by 20% suggesting more people are interested in what’s on offer at Langley, Strode’s and Windsor Colleges.

We ended the summer on a high with Strode’s and Windsor Colleges celebrating outstanding A Level and BTEC results cementing their position as two of the leading sixth form colleges in the area!

The Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) visited us this November giving our Higher Education programme the highest rating.

It’s clear the word is out about the exciting developments taking place across the group, as open day numbers have increased by a staggering 20% this term!

98

% A LEVEL PASS RATE

with a high proportion of high grades Strode’s College

100

% BTEC PASS RATE

top marks across the board Strode’s and Windsor

95

% ACHIEVEMENT RATE FOR HE COURSES

89

% ACHIEVEMENT RATE FOR ACCESS TO HE COURSES

NEW THIS TERM

Take a look inside and find out what’s been happening at our colleges this term.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 Follow these four simple steps:

1 2

Choose your course Apply online

3 4

Attend your interview Enrol in September

We’ve recently launched a free 24/7 online mental health resource for all students studying at Langley, Strode’s and Windsor Colleges.

Find out more at www.bigwhitewall.com

WHAT’S INSIDE: Langley College page 2

Strode’s College page 3

Windsor College page 4 COLLEGE VOICE Newsletter I 1

GREAT FACILITIES AT LANGLEY COLLEGE “The Beauty facilities at Langley are much better than other local colleges and the tutors are amazing. They get to know you as individuals so they can target your learning which is great for progression.”

Tory Nevins Beauty Therapy Level 3

BUSINESS ADMIN APPRENTICE QUIZZES MEPS ON BREXIT IMPACT Natalia Orlowska, a Business Admin apprentice based in Slough Aspire, was one of four apprentices from the region chosen to visit the EU Headquarters. During the trip Natalia was able to question key MEPs and European Commission staff about training investments which will impact apprentices and the employers they work for.

LANGLEY APPRENTICE WINS NATIONAL AWARD Langley College’s Ashton Clark put apprenticeships centre stage with a win at the recent Berkeley Group Apprenticeship Awards.

Ashton, a Level 2 Plastering apprentice, who is employed by Vince O’Brien Plastering, was named Best Interiors Apprentice in the national awards.

Commenting on Ashton’s success, Chief Executive Kate Webb said: “What an outstanding achievement for Ashton who is an excellent role model for other young people looking to break into industry through an apprenticeship. He has achieved so well with his drive and determination and support from his employer and the academic.” www.windsor-forest.ac.uk/business-services/apprenticeship

NEW HIGHER EDUCATION CENTRE Langley College was recently awarded funding from the Local Growth Fund to create a new Higher Education Centre, which opened in September 2019. This investment has provided students studying up to degree level, with modern facilities, contemporary classrooms with computers, a dedicated quiet study room, bank of laptops to borrow and more. Principal Rowan Cookson said: “The quality of our HE provision has been given a huge endorsement by the QAA and coupled with these brilliant new facilities our students are assured of a complete HE experience at Langley College.”

DISCOVER MORE AT LANGLEY OPEN DAY LOOK OUT FOR Parents’ Evening Wednesday 15 January 2020 2 I COLLEGE VOICE Newsletter

Future Pathways Fair Wednesday 1 April 2020

Tuesday 21 January 2020 4.30pm – 7.00pm windsor-forest.ac.uk/opendays

STRODE’S STAFF MAKE THE DIFFERENCE “The staff really encourage you to have faith in yourself and your ability and I think that’s really important to help you keep going and stay strong when it gets a bit difficult.”

Tallulah George A Levels in English Literature, Psychology, Classical Civilisation and Spanish. Progressed to the University of Warwick to study Classical Civilisation

STRODE’S HOSTS PRE ELECTION DEBATE Over 100 Strode’s students put Runnymede and Weybridge constituency candidates through their political paces at a student-chaired election debate.

CELEBRATING THE STARS OF 2019 Academic excellence and success, hard work and commitment and personal achievement and endeavour were all put in the spotlight at Strode’s recent annual Prize Giving Ceremony.

As the College celebrated the Class of 2019, it proudly showcased and cemented its strong reputation for outstanding academic results, progression to top universities and career paths.

OXBRIDGE IS CALLING OUR HIGH FLYERS We are delighted that we have had 26 students applying to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and other universities for Medicine and Veterinary Science.

Dr Ben Spencer (Conservative), Councillor Robert King (Labour), Benjamin Smith (Green), and Councillor Don Whyte (Lib Dems, representing Robert O’Carroll) took part in the lively and engaging debate. Brexit and a second referendum, predictably, dominated but other issues high on the student political agenda included homelessness, education and sixth form funding, budgeting and priorities.

The economy was a divisive topic, especially regarding debt and borrowing.

Students were also keen to explore disenfranchised groups, votes for 16s and how to inspire and engage students to be involved in politics.

To date eight have been called for interview at the University of Oxford; four at the University of Cambridge and a further four for their chosen universities for Medicine/Vet Science.

All students are part of the college's A*spire programme which provides stretch and challenge for our most able students. The team has already supported the students with their applications and personal statements and will be helping them to prepare for their interviews so they can give these incredible opportunities their very best shot.

STRODE’S ACHIEVES COVETED TASS ACCREDITATION Strode’s support for elite student-athletes has been formally recognised

by TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme). This acknowledges the College’s commitment to supporting elite student-athletes reach their potential in education alongside sporting success.

LOOK OUT FOR Future Pathways Fair Thursday 19 March 2020

DISCOVER MORE AT STRODE’S OPEN DAY Tuesday 11 February 2020 4.30pm – 7.00pm windsor-forest.ac.uk/opendays

HIGH STANDARDS IN SCIENCE AT WINDSOR “I like the science labs at Windsor more than anything! There are small class sizes and everyone is really focused on what they are studying.”

Precious Bankole A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths now studying Neuroscience at the University of Exeter

REAL THEATRE, PAYING AUDIENCES According to students, the opportunity to regularly perform in a professional, working theatre is one of the advantages of studying Performing Arts at Windsor. First years didn’t have to wait long before they were treading the boards, impressing Windsor’s Old Court audience with their striking performance of Steven Berkoff’s Metamorphosis.

THE HARA SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH Tipped by BBC Introducing as ‘the next big UK band’, alternative rock band THE HARA performed for Windsor College students as part of their mental health, online safety and cyber bullying themed tour.

The performance was part of a programme of activity organised for and by students to help deliver important messages on mental health and bullying.

NEW COURSES ANNOUNCED FOR 2020 Students joining Windsor in 2020 are in for a treat with news that a number of exciting courses are being added to the curriculum.

New courses announced include Graphics, Games and 3D Design, a Level 3 course ideal for those looking to move into web, animation or advertising-based digital industries.

New to Humanities is the addition of Criminology, a Level 3 course which focuses on the impact of crime and criminal behaviour.

And finally Windsor’s renowned Performing Arts Departments is now offering the UAL (University of the Arts London) Level 2 Performing and Production Arts or the Level 4 (which is Higher Education level) Professional Diploma in Performance.

LOOK OUT FOR Future Pathways Fair Thursday 6 February 2020

DISCOVER MORE AT WINDSOR OPEN DAY

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @WindsorForestColleges

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4 I COLLEGE VOICE Newsletter

Thursday 13 February 2020 4.30pm – 7.00pm windsor-forest.ac.uk/opendays