In here you’ll find an abundance of good news stories, features and updates from students and staff across Cheshire College’s three Campuses.
We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue.
JUST SOME OF WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO …
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY WITH ANNUAL FUN DAY!
FIFTEEN-YEAR COLLABORATION BETWEEN CHESHIRE COLLEGE AND THEATRE PORTO LEADS TO “STRANGE ENCOUNTERS”
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“ The Cheshire College students are a really talented and committed group. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow and they had a great willingness to take direction and work with anyone. I’m going to really miss them!”
CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT WINS NATIONAL IET AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CELEBRATE SUCCESS AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT AWARDS
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Cheshire College – South & West’s Crewe, Ellesmere Port, and Chester students got their moment in the spotlight at the annual Student Awards, the culmination of another year’s hard work, determination, and talent.
HOSPITALITY & CATERING STUDENTS HELP TO RAISE £1,500 FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY
FREE TRANSPORT APPLY FOR
We're now accepting applications for FREE transport for the 2024/2025 academic year.
If you are 16 -18, studying on a full-time course and live more than a mile away from Campus, you qualify for FREE transport.
Whether you’re a new student joining Cheshire College for the first time, or returning for another year, you need to complete a new application form so that we can review your details and provide the most suitable support.
Scan the QR code to complete the quick and simple application form.
If you want to chat through the application form or your eligibility, please get in touch with Cheshire College’s Bursary and Transport Team.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY WITH ANNUAL FUN DAY!
Cheshire’s largest Further Education provider hosted an all-ages Community Fun Day last month. The exciting event took place at Cheshire College – South & West’s three Campuses at Crewe, Ellesmere Port, and Chester on Saturday 18th May.
The free event, which attracted hundreds of visitors included food and drinks, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.
The feel-good day was very popular with local businesses, volunteer groups, and charities, who promoted and sold their products and services to the College’s diverse collection of visitors.
Cheshire College also had stalls dedicated to part-time courses for 19+ students, giving parents and other adult visitors the chance to explore their options for further study.
The fun-packed day had something for everyone, as Deputy Principal Helen Nellist explains:
“ Community Fun Day is one of our favourite events of the year, as it really brings friends, families, and local communities together.
“Our Campuses sit at the heart of their respective communities, and this is an opportunity for us to open our doors to everyone, including people who might not have had a chance to visit us before. We loved giving everyone the chance to see what a diverse, welcoming, and cutting-edge College we are!”
HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE
Cheshire College are providing the technical and practical training to help you develop the core skills and knowledge required to progress in your chosen career.
If you are looking to progress in your current role or retrain in a completely different sector, our HTQs can provide you with the transferable skills to succeed.
ENROL FOR SEPTEMBER 2024...
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Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
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FIFTEEN-YEAR COLLABORATION
BETWEEN CHESHIRE COLLEGE AND THEATRE PORTO LEADS TO “STRANGE ENCOUNTERS”
Cheshire College – South & West celebrated its fifteenth year collaborating with Theatre Porto by touring a comedy showcase called “Strange Encounters” around local primary schools.
The project involved Theatre Porto staff doing writing workshops with Year 6 students from different primary schools in Ellesmere Port. The pupils were challenged to write short, weird, imaginative scenes, which would then be performed by Cheshire College students in Strange Encounters.
When casting the show, Theatre Porto auditioned nineteen Cheshire College students, and eight lucky
performers were given the chance to star in the production.
Phil Cross, Associate Director of Theatre Porto:
“ It was an amazing experience to work with the Cheshire College students. When we went back to the schools to perform Strange Encounters, you could see the primary school pupils lighting up and saying “that’s my scene!” or “that’s my character!” It’s a very special collaboration.”
Natasha Chapman, Access and Pastoral Lead at Theatre Porto was equally glowing about the venture: “ The Cheshire College
students are a really talented and committed group. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow and they had a great willingness to take direction and work with anyone. I’m going to really miss them!”
Drama and Acting Lecturer Paul Moss said:
“ The students did so well this year, their standard of work was really high, and it was useful doing the audition process because it gives everyone a better sense of how this will work professionally when they’ve left College. All I can say is roll on year sixteen, because the standard just keeps getting better year-on-year!”
Association of Apprentices (AOA)
The AoA platform offers a wealth of resources for apprentices to access whilst on their apprenticeship programme and includes:
Monthly webinar sessions
E-learning resources
How do I access the platform?
Scan the QR code below and complete the short AoA registration form
Connecting with other, like-minded Apprentices
Monthly meet-ups with other Apprentices
End point assessment support
CHESHIRE
COLLEGE STUDENT
WINS NATIONAL IET AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING
A Cheshire College – South & West student has been formally recognised by the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and presented with a national Student Excellence Award for his consistently high-quality work.
Eighteen-year-old Sonny (pictured right) from Congleton is studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Level 3 Engineering at the College’s Crewe Campus and said that he was not expecting to be recognised by the IET, whose organisation places excellence as one of its core values in its ongoing mission to engineer a better world.
“ My lecturer Tim sat me down recently and when he told me I’d won I was speechless. I literally couldn’t get my words out! It was such a surprise that I was being recognised for my efforts so far. And for that recognition I feel very appreciative, very thankful, and very proud.”
In honour of his achievement, Sonny received a visit from Godfrey Evans (Chair of the Merseyside and West Cheshire Local Network for the IET) and Alan Dixon (Member of the Merseyside and West Cheshire Local Network for the IET, and Education Officer), who officially presented him with his award and shared an engaging conversation with Sonny about his prospects and aspirations.
Godfrey stated:
“ My first impression of Sonny was excellent. He’s very direct, considered, and intelligent in his presentation. We hope this award goes to show the rewards which can be gained from enthusiasm and great personal effort.
“People like Sonny are essential for closing the skills gap. The engineering requirements for the UK are massive year-on-year, and it means there are lots and lots of opportunities for young people to make their mark in engineering.”
On the significance of Sonny’s award, Alan said:
“ This is the first step on his route to becoming a professional engineer. We hope Sonny will become a Student Member of the IET, as this will help him through his whole career,
and we just wish him all the very best.
He’s a young gentleman who will do really well in the engineering industry, and we would like to extend our congratulations on behalf of the IET.”
In addition to his official certificate recognising his excellence, Sonny also received £250 in prize money, some of which he plans to use for an IET Student Membership which will allow him to network with other engineering professionals and enhance his connections.
Upon receiving his award, Sonny was quick to thank Cheshire College, his lecturers, and support staff for playing a role in his success:
“ My experience at Cheshire College has been exceptional; I couldn’t ask for any more support from my lecturers and my peers. I’ve had careers advisors help me with my CV and explore industry opportunities, and Tim and Dan have given me the utmost support throughout my studies.”
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CELEBRATE SUCCESS AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT AWARDS
Celebrated over two separate events at Crewe and Ellesmere Port Campuses, friends and family accompanied the students and were greeted with drinks and canapés prepared by Hospitality and Catering students in the College’s
industry-standard kitchens. The compère for both awards evenings was none other than Stuart Pollitt, of Restless Films, who read out testimonials from lecturers about each student’s achievements.
The range of nomination categories across subject areas reflected the diversity of the College’s offerings, with A Level, BTEC, Higher Education, T Level, International students and more receiving glowing praise and accolades throughout the two awards nights.
A Level student Harrison, who is studying English Language, English Literature and Spanish, and has been offered a place at Cambridge University, won the English & Languages Student of the Year Award. Harrison commented:
“ It’s a massive honour, and I feel quite in awe, to be honest! There are so many dedicated English and Languages students who deserved this award, so to be chosen makes me feel over-the-moon.”
It was an emotional evening for family and friends of the students, including Afshan, mother of the Ellesmere Port’s Rising Star Award winner Daanya:
“ Daanya is a wonderful person! She won quite a few awards when she was in school, and now she’s continuing that trend in College; I’m so proud of her.”
ELLESMERE PORT AND CHESTER WINNERS
Dawn Kealy Access to HE Student of the Year
Elisha Murray Childcare and Education Student of the Year
Daniel James Smith Motor Vehicle Student of the Year
Martin Stanly
Outstanding Achievement –Intermediate Level Award
Amber Wess T Level Student of the Year
Sam Haslam Arts and Media Student of the Year
Elisha Murray Childcare and Education Student of the Year
Sarah York Travel and Tourism Student of the Year
Connie Cooper English Student of the Year
Jack Evans T Level Student of the Year
Harrison Blythin Business and Computing Student of the Year
Jessica Hope Hair, Beauty and Barbering Student of the Year
Jasmine Crow Performing and Production Arts Student of the Year
Reuben Merrick Maths Student of the Year
Bahara Akbari Award for Outstanding Progress
Adrian Pintea Construction Student of the Year
Nadine Ablan Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year
Molly Ramejkis
Learning for Life and Work Student of the Year
Farid Ahmadi ESOL Student of the Year
Carter Brown
Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life
Finley Corkhill Engineering Student of the Year
Daniel Crathern Science Student of the Year
Travis Smith
Outstanding Achievement – Foundation Level Award
Daanya Imtiaz Rising Star Award
Joshua Anderson
Cheshire College – South & West Ambassador of the Year
Lola Blackshaw Health and Social Care Student of the Year
Callum Bebbington Protective Services and Sport Student of the Year
Na-Isha Suso
Outstanding Achievement –Intermediate Level Award
Harvey Jones Higher Education Student of the Year
Joe Dowling
Cheshire College – South & West Fellowship
Amber Kinsey Lola Blackshaw Samara Ajmal Alyssa Connon Wellbeing Ambassadors of the Year
Lecturers and support staff were also present to join in with the celebrations. Sian Court-Ratcliffe, who teaches Health and Social Care said that said was impressed with the calibre of students this year, especially the four students (pictured right) who won the Wellbeing Ambassadors of the Year Award:
“ Amber, Lola, Samara and Alyssa are the pioneers of the Ear 4 U project which helps students to access support for mental wellbeing.
“These students have consistently supported each other and their peers and they have promoted positive mental health throughout the College; they have made such an incredible difference to College life.”
Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, reflecting on the awards, said:
“ Congratulations to this year’s winners! I think I speak for all of us, including friends and family, when
I say that these students have been a credit to themselves and Cheshire College as a whole; we couldn’t be prouder of their success.
“We expect great things from them next year, whether they are continuing their studies with us or going on to the next stage of their adventure.”
CREWE WINNERS
Samuel Reeves
A Level Student of the Year (Creative & Enterprise)
Harrison Kasperowicz
A Level Student of the Year (English & Languages) –
Chloe Smith
Arts & Media Student of the Year
Sonny Wortley
Engineering Student of the Year
Kerry Grainger
Hair, Beauty & Barbering Student of the Year
Iwan Evans
Public Services and Sport Student of the Year
Ailie Small
Performing & Production Arts Student of the Year
Matthew Harris
T Level Student of the Year
Luke Edwards
Outstanding Achievement (Intermediate Level) Award –
Charlie Murphy
English Student of the Year
Ellen Newman
Rising Star Award
Charlie Welsh
Sports Achiever of the Year
Andre Adams
Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life
Connie Pearse
A Level Student of the Year (STEM)
Hollie Simpson
The Futures Student of the Year
Louis Merrick
Business & Computing Student of the Year
Lucie Roberts
Health & Social Care Student of the Year
Amy Phillips
Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year
Finley Geddes-Joubert
Motor Vehicle Student of the Year
Poppy Clarke T Level Student of the Year –
James Brown
Learning for Life & Work Student of the Year
Kinga Nawrot
Outstanding Achievement (Intermediate Level) Award
Dane Rafferty
Maths Student of the Year
Claire Edwards
Higher Education Student of the Year
Ben Baddeley
Award for Outstanding Progress
Luke Smith
Cheshire College – South & West Ambassador of the Year
James Li-Campbell
A Level Student of the Year (Humanities & Social Sciences)
Marta Chwaszczewska
Access to Higher Education Student of the Year
Shane Straker Construction Student of the Year
Maisie Everall
Childcare & Education Student of the Year
Cody Higson Science Student of the Year
Harry Cusselle
Travel & Tourism Student of the Year
Rebecca Mitchell T Level Student of the Year
Elliott Turner Outstanding Achievement (Foundation Level) Award
James Newall
Petty Pool Student of the Year
Michelle Gisella
ESOL Student of the Year
Tin Yau Cheung (Jason)
International Student of the Year
Zak Boffey
Award for Exceptional Enterprise & Innovation
Rebecca Clarke
Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year
Higher Education at Cheshire College
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT AWARDED RARE DANCE & DRAMA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP
A Performing Arts student at Cheshire College – South & West’s Crewe Campus has been awarded a prestigious DaDA scholarship, after impressing staff during his audition at SLP College Leeds.
Level 2 student Harvey says that he has loved performing from a very young age:
“ My granddad got me into ballet at age 5, and I was touring near Chester for a while. I did a few performances in ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘The Snow Queen’ but then I had the chance to visit the Royal London Opera House. Looking out at the grandeur of the place really inspired me to pursue a career in performing arts.”
After being talented spotted at a festival in Chester, Harvey was invited to the Duke of Westminster’s house where he was awarded a scholarship to join the Hammond School of performing arts in Chester. However, after leaving the Hammond School, personal circumstances caused Harvey to suffer a prolonged period of poor mental health, ultimately resulting in his hospitalisation.
Harvey said the support which he subsequently received from staff at Cheshire College was incredible:
“ My lecturers and support staff always worked really hard to accommodate my mental health and my educational needs. They were always advocating for me, and I was able to rediscover my love for performing all over again.”
With his newfound confidence, Harvey decided to apply for the SLP College in Leeds, which specialises in performing arts.
As part of his audition for SLP’s Level 6 Dance qualification, Harvey performed several pieces for a judging panel, including ‘Memory’ from the musical ‘Cats’:
“ I attached the song to old memories from my past and I channelled the sadness of the song. It’s a very emotional piece for me and I started crying in my audition. At the end, the judging panel said my performance was marvellous and asked me to perform it again in front of the principal.
“So, I did the piece again, and cried again. When it was over the
principal asked: “Why do you do what you do, Harvey?” I told him that performing keeps me going. He offered me a place on the spot, and I just dropped to my knees and cried. He was wearing a blue jumper so when I got up and gave him a hug, I left tear marks on it!”
After confirming that he had been accepted to study at SLP, the College subsequently contacted Harvey again to say that he had been awarded a DaDA scholarship, which helps with fees and living costs at some of the UK’s most esteemed dance and drama schools. A DaDA scholarship is extremely competitive, and obtaining it places Harvey in an excellent position to fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming a cruise ship performer in the future.
Gain confidence with English and maths
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Achieve an Entry Level 3 Functional Skills qualification
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE REWARDED FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Cheshire College – South & West has received the Global International Excellence Award from Education First (EF). The award is in recognition of the excellent experience their international students have received during their stay at College.
Education First is an international education company that specialises in language training, educational travels, academic degree programmes and cultural exchanges.
EF is one of Cheshire College’s partners who send over study abroad students; and they rewarded the College
with a plaque in recognition of their achievement. The plaque is now proudly displayed in the International office at Crewe Campus, where it will continue to remind staff of the valuable work they do.
International Programmes Manager, Glyn Smith said: “ We are ecstatic to have received this award from Education First. We work extremely hard to provide a first-rate experience for our International students, and it means a lot that this has been acknowledged.”
Over the years, Cheshire College
Choosing Higher Education at Cheshire College –South & West will provide you with the opportunity to study locally at one of our three cutting-edge Campuses based in Cheshire.
has developed a number of partnerships with schools and other educational establishments around the world, welcoming over 2,000 students and teachers to its three Campuses. Whether they are interested in studying full-time to prepare for university, or want to explore the College’s study abroad or summer school programmes to improve their English, Cheshire College has a wide range of courses for International students to choose from.
HOSPITALITY & CATERING STUDENTS HELP TO RAISE £1,500 FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY
Hospitality & Catering students at Cheshire College – South & West’s Crewe Campus have helped to raise just over £1,500 for the mental health charity Visyon, after hosting a fundraising Gourmet Evening.
Visyon, which has been supporting the emotional health of children, young people, and their families since 1994,
initially approached the College to ask if they could host a charity night.
Seizing upon the opportunity, Hospitality & Catering students organised the whole event, obtaining raffle and auction prizes, sourcing matching wines for the food, and even choosing the evening’s guest chef, Thomas Leatherbarrow, who has his
own catering events company.
During the lavish event, guests at the Campus’s state-of-the-art Academy Restaurant were treated to a six-course menu consisting of canapés, tomato consommé, Loch Duart smoked salmon, coffee basted beef with horseradish mash, blood orange jelly, and a smoked whiskey sticky toffee pudding.
In total, thanks to the students’ help, Visyon raised just over £1,500 by the end of the night.
Lecturer in Hospitality and Catering John Holden said:
“ We had excellent feedback from the Visyon Gourmet Evening. Guests were extremely impressed with the quality of both the food and the service, and our guest chef Thomas Leatherbarrow gave glowing feedback about our students.
“Visyon were blown away by the event and the Level 3 students did extremely well for bringing everything together.”
Level 3 Hospitality & Catering student Jess was behind the bar on the night and commented on how the evening went:
“ I think it was very smooth sailing; we all had our own supervisory role, and everyone did a great job.
“I think running an event like this is good because it gives you a lot of confidence. If I were to go out and get a job without doing events like this first, it wouldn’t prepare me in the same way. And with this being a charity night, it makes it even more worthwhile.”
FUTURES PROGRAMME
THERE ARE NO LIMITS
The Futures Programme at Cheshire College – South & West provides our students with coaching, support and unique opportunities to ensure your goals for the future are achieved.
Whether your dream is to go to a top university or start on the career ladder in a highly respected industry, we’ll work with you to boost your skills and confidence throughout your time with us.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY…
DYLAN
First Class BA Degree in Philosophy and Theology from Pembroke College, Oxford
I chose to study at Cheshire College due to the excellent standard of teaching and the flexible and enriching nature of the College environment. I was particularly attracted to the College by the Futures Programme. I received incredible help, advice, mentoring and opportunities throughout this programme, and it was pivotal for me getting into Oxford.
USE THE CONTACT DETAILS BELOW TO SPEAK TO FUTURES SUPERVISOR, HOLLY JONES.
Head to the Student Hub when you’re on Campus.
holly.jones@ccsw.ac.uk
01270 654654 (ext. 4832)
Scan the QR code to see what some of our students say about our incredible Futures Programme.
Cheshire College uses an online system called PayMyStudent, which makes applying for financial support quick and easy.
You can use a mobile phone, PC, tablet or laptop to upload your evidence and submit your application, and you can also view and check your payments online too!
Cheshire College is proud to provide impressive facilities at all three of our Campuses.
Whether you’re interested in our newly designed hospital ward at Crewe, our innovative Digital Hub at Chester or our very own Motor Vehicle workshop and Sustainable House at Ellesmere Port, we have the resources to provide expert training and support.
Take a look a closer look at our Campuses through our virtual maps and let us know what you think!
We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue. HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?
If you'd like to view our collection of past issues of the Cheshire College Chronicle, you can access this anytime by scanning the QR code on the left.
