Cheshire College Chronicle May 2024

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 …

PROTECTIVE SERVICES STUDENTS PLAY FANCY DRESS FOOTBALL FOR CHARITY

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Protective Services students at Cheshire College – South & West’s Ellesmere Port Campus have been raising money for Cheshire Young Carers and Help for Heroes through several fundraising activities, including a fancy-dress football match!

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CHESHIRE COLLEGE LAUNCHES BRAND NEW ADULT COURSE GUIDE

CHESHIRE COLLEGE AWARD

12 WINNERS

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CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT WINS MOST PROMISING STUDENT AT BRITISH CULINARY FEDERATION AWARDS

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS HOST INTERACTIVE HEALTH CAMPAIGNS

FORMER CHESHIRE COLLEGE COUNSELLING STUDENT IS JUDO PARALYMPIC HOPEFUL FOR 2028

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...

Construction Management for England

Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner

Computing for England

Engineering for England

Leadership and Management

Healthcare Professionals' Support for England

ENROL TODAY AND BE ONE STEP CLOSER TO YOUR DREAM CAREER DESTINATION.

PLAY FANCY DRESS FOOTBALL FOR CHARITY

Protective Services students at Cheshire College – South & West’s Ellesmere Port Campus have been raising money for Cheshire Young Carers and Help for Heroes through several fundraising activities, including a fancy-dress football match!

Taking place at the Brio Leisure Ellesmere Port Sports Village, students and staff dressed in some very elaborate costumes including a clown, a nun, Mario and Luigi, and a jester. Even Lecturer Jennifer Waddington got in on the fun, dressed in an inflatable T-Rex costume.

Despite sweltering temperatures, all students got involved with the

match, determined to help raise money for their charities.

However, this was by no means the only way that students chose to fundraise; with one student even volunteering to shave his head to assist with the department’s fundraising efforts.

In total, the Protective Services students managed to raise a staggering £296.32 for Cheshire Young Carers and Help for Heroes.

Speaking of their charitable work, Lecturer in Sport & Public/Protective Services Jennifer Waddington said: “ We’re extraordinarily proud of everyone for getting into the spirit

of the occasion and raising so much money for two amazing charities.

“Ultimately, we’re training our students to go out into the world and help people, and fundraising events like this one help to instil those values in our students even further.”

Throughout their studies, Cheshire College Protective Services students develop the skills and level of physical fitness which they will need for a career in this sector. They also learn and embed key fundamentals that will prove vital in their future role, including team building, discipline, and dealing with unpredictable situations.

CHESHIRE COLLEGE LAUNCHES BRAND NEW ADULT COURSE GUIDE

Cheshire College – South & West recently published a new adult course guide, enabling adults in the local area to explore their academic options, and inspiring them to “Upskill, retrain, and follow [their] dreams.”

The guide offers a wealth of useful information, including instructions for how to enrol on a course for adults, and advice about getting help with course fees (although people aged 19+ are more than likely eligible to enrol onto an adult course for free).

Cheshire College offers a wide array

of exciting and useful part-time courses, available across a broad spectrum of subject areas, including (but not limited to) Digital, Business, Construction & Green Skills, Media & Art, Hospitality & Catering, English & maths, and ESOL.

One of Cheshire College’s former adult students, Kelly, provided a quote for the adult guide after completing a Level 2 Construction course at the College. Kelly stated:

“ As a mature female student joining the Painting & Decorating course was the best decision I’ve ever

made. The staff are amazing and very supportive.

“As a result of completing my course, I am about to complete the foundation year for my Interior Design Degree and look forward to setting up my own business in the not-too-distant future.”

Principal and CEO Jasbir Dhesi OBE said that the new adult guide will be an invaluable resource for adults in the local area:

“ Our courses for adults prove both the transformative power of education, and that no one is ever too old to learn new skills, change their career, or pursue a lifelong goal.

“Our new course guide is a detailed and accessible overview of the many exciting courses which we offer across our three Campuses; all classes are taught by experts in their field who are committed to helping students achieve their personal and professional goals.”

The adult guide is viewable now on the College’s website, or by scanning the QR code below.

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.

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.

AWARD

CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT WINS MOST PROMISING STUDENT AT BRITISH CULINARY FEDERATION AWARDS

A Professional Cookery student at Cheshire College – South & West’s Ellesmere Port Campus has won the Most Promising Student of 2024 prize at the British Culinary Federation Awards.

The British Culinary Federation Awards recognise industry professionals and rising industry talents; and guests attended the glittering awards dinner and black-tie event at the Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.

Level 3 student Amanda was nominated for Most Promising Student by her lecturer Angel Ralchev due to her talent, dedication, hard work, and commitment to the culinary arts.

Amanda has an impressive track record for competing in professional competitions; her accolades include competing in the Toque d’Or, Delifresh, and Zest Quest Asia competitions, and she has previously won Young Chef of the Year at the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards in 2023.

Amanda commented: “ It was amazing to even be nominated, and the fact that I won is unbelievable. When we did the last photograph with all the winners there were fourteen of us lined up, and I realised that I was the only girl, and I think I was the youngest person there too. So that made it even more of an honour.”

Amanda is keen to expand her knowledge of Professional Cookery even

further, and is already thinking about her professional development when she leaves Cheshire College.

“ At the awards, I was speaking to a guest who now works at a two Michelin star restaurant in France, and he was giving me suggestions for places to study my Level 4 and 5 qualifications. I’m excited to study more in the world of Hospitality and Catering, and to enter more competitions. I’ve got my eye of Pastry Chef of the Year at some point in the future!”

Throughout their studies, Hospitality and Catering students at Cheshire College have access to modern commercial kitchens including the on-site AA Rosette standard Academy Restaurants, where students will learn to prepare exquisite culinary creations. The College also has hospitality, food, and beverage service courses where students can learn about the finer details of service in our commerciallyrun, fine dining restaurants.

DATES

Ellesmere Port Campus

THURSDAY 13TH JUNE

Celebrating the achievements of students based at Ellesmere Port and Chester Campus.

Crewe Campus

THURSDAY 20TH JUNE

Celebrating the achievements of students based at Crewe Campus.

Time 18:00 – 21:00

Look out for the next issue of the Chronicle to see the results of the awards!

#CheshireCollAwards2024

INTER-COLLEGE SPORTS EVENT INSPIRES HEALTHY COMPETITION AT CREWE CAMPUS

Cheshire College – South & West hosted an Inter College Coaching Masterclass event this month, with sporting representatives from Crewe and Ellesmere Port Campuses, as well as competitors from Reaseheath and Macclesfield Colleges.

The collaborative event aimed to enhance the coaching skills of the students, several of whom are looking to start coaching professionally after leaving their respective Colleges.

However, representatives from Reaseheath and Macclesfield Colleges weren’t the only guests present for the event; Cheshire College also welcomed a cohort of GCSE Sport students from St Thomas More Catholic High School, who happily volunteered to be the recipients of the coaching sessions.

Each coaching masterclass lasted around 30 minutes per entrant, consisting of both practical components and feedback from judges. The theme for this year’s masterclass was “Building Stronger Teams Through

Effective Coaching,” and students were rated on coaching disciplines such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and technique.

The day saw a variety of activities, ranging from football to volleyball, and it was an enriching experience for all, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to become effective coaches and leaders in their respective sports.

In between coaching sessions, the students from St Thomas More were treated to canapés in Crewe’s awardwinning Academy Restaurant, where they could recharge their batteries and admire the College’s modern facilities. The judges gave glowing feedback to all participants, and everyone received participation certificates for their involvement.

A cohort of PGCE and Certificate in Education students are coming to the end of their training placements at Cheshire College – South & West, following a rewarding and exciting year at Cheshire’s largest Further Education College.

To celebrate their eventful year, the trainees gathered in Crewe Campus’s award-winning Academy Restaurant for afternoon tea along with Education and Training Lecturer, Jo Francis, where they reflected on all their hard work and shared memories of their professional journeys.

Certificate in Education trainee Harley was a former student at Cheshire College, returning several years later to teach Performing Arts at Ellesmere Port Campus. Harley commented:

“ It was great to reunite with my old tutor Paul, who’s now my mentor, and find out about the behindthe-scenes of it all (no pun intended!).

“At the beginning of the year, I felt like a little fish in a giant pond. I knew my Performing Arts knowledge inside and out, but teaching is an entirely different ballpark. However,

TEACHING THE LECTURERS OF TOMORROW TODAY AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE

now I actually feel comfortable and firm in what I believe with regards to organising, teaching, and managing classes.”

PGCE student Tori, who specialises in Visual Arts and predominantly Photography, started working as a Photography Technician for the College in 2016. After getting involved with workshops and other College activities, she decided that teaching was something she wanted to pursue. When discussing her time as a PGCE student, she made special mention of the support she received during her training:

“ It can be quite intense, but Jo (Francis) has been really supportive. She was very clear

about deadlines and outlining what’s expected of us, so I really can’t fault the support we’ve been given.

“I’ve been lucky enough to get a full-time role at Cheshire College teaching Photography, Games Development, Creative Media, and the adult classes, among others.”

Reflecting on the cohort’s collective success, Jo Francis commented: “ We’re so proud of all our trainees for their hard work and dedication to educating the students in their classes. I have every faith that they will go on to have amazing careers in the world of teaching, and they will help a lot of people in their professional careers.”

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.

Find out how you could Stay Near, Go Far…

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS HOST INTERACTIVE HEALTH CAMPAIGNS

Access to Higher Education (Health Professionals) students at Cheshire College – South & West’s Crewe Campus hosted interactive health campaigns over the course of two days, welcoming Health & Social Care students and their lecturers to inspect their work.

The students were given an assignment to create a health campaign and rationale, which they would be required to share with other students; and the campaigns embraced a variety of health matters from breast cancer to diabetes, mental health, autism and neurodivergence.

Not only did students create detailed and informative dioramas for their campaigns, several also included freebies such as sweets, keychains, and pamphlets to give away to visitors, all helping to raise greater awareness about their campaign topic.

get diabetes. It costs the NHS loads of money, so I think it’s important that we draw attention to this and raise awareness. ”

Elaborating on how it felt to present her campaign to her peers and other students, Leanne said:

“ Honestly, this was really outside of my comfort zone, but it’s actually really useful because this is everything we’re going to be doing at university, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Another student, Sophie said that she was delighted by the student response to the campaigns:

“ I’m really impressed with how much people have been involved, and how much they want to ask questions. It makes it feel all the more rewarding.”

info@ccsw.ac.uk

One of the students, Leanne, who decided to centre her campaign on Type 2 diabetes, said that she had a personal connection to the campaign:

“ I have PCOS, and not many people understand that with this condition you’re 50% more likely to

Sophie said that studying an Access to Health Professionals course has been beneficial for her professional aspirations, whilst also accommodating her family life:

“ I live in Crewe and I have a daughter in nursery, so this course was perfect for me. I’d already studied at Cheshire College before, so I knew it was a good place to be.”

Gain confidence with English and maths

Progress to a GCSE or Level 2 Functional Skills

Progress to an Access to HE course

Use maths confidently in daily life

Improve your reading, writing and communication skills

Support your children with their homework

Enhance your CV and boost your chances of employment

Achieve an Entry Level 3 Functional Skills qualification

*Subject to eligibility

Not sure whether this course is for you?

Pop into your local Campus for a coffee and a chat and we can help find the right pathway for you!

Crewe Campus

Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe CW2 8AB 01270 654654

Ellesmere Port Campus

Off Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port CH65 7BF 01244 656555

Chester Campus

Eaton Road, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7ER 01244 656555

BAKING FOR BUDDIES: HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE STUDENT RAISES £135 FOR CHARITY

A Health & Social Care student at Cheshire College – South & West has raised an impressive £135 for Cheshire Buddies, after organising and hosting a bake sale at the College’s Crewe Campus.

Level 2 student Abbie decided to raise funds for the local charity –which provides friendship and support opportunities to disabled young people –after her own sister benefitted from the charity’s tireless work.

Abbie, along with her mother and sister, baked 40 gingerbread men, 40 vanilla cupcakes, 2 Victoria sponges, several batches of cookies, brownies, and novelty giant cupcakes for the event. On the day of the bake sale, she enlisted the help of her friends to sell

and promote the sweet treats around Crewe Campus.

Abbie said that she was overwhelmed by the support which students showed for her cause:

“ It went really well, and everyone loved the cakes; we got a lot of positive feedback about them. And passers-by were donating any loose change here and there just for the sake of it, because they wanted to help.”

This isn’t Abbie’s first time raising money for positive causes; in high school she previously helped to fundraise for charities such as Cancer Research UK, and continuing to support charitable organisations is something she’s passionate about.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed by

Cheshire Buddies. One of the charity’s managers, Stephanie Lawley, visited Crewe Campus in person to thank Abbie for her incredible efforts. Stephanie commented:

“ I’d like to say a huge thank you to Abbie; it’s a great achievement and this money will make such a difference to us.

“Since we’re only a small charity, every donation we receive gets used, and we can put this money towards bigger trips on the children’s wish lists, like taking them to Blackpool in the summer, or to the pantomime at Christmas. We’re extremely grateful for Abbie’s fundraising, and I know the children and their families will be delighted too.”

FORMER CHESHIRE COLLEGE

COUNSELLING STUDENT IS JUDO PARALYMPIC HOPEFUL FOR 2028

Scott Bailey (a former part-time Counselling Skills student at Cheshire College – South & West) has revealed that he has been placed on the Paralympic potential squad for Los Angeles 2028, specialising in judo. Scott joined Cheshire College at its Crewe Campus in 2020. At the age of 27 he had started to lose his eyesight after being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy; and he was registered blind just three years later. Along with his trusty guide-dog Milo, he decided to retrain and become a Counsellor.

His extraordinary story, as well as his talent in his classes, caught the attention of the Association of Colleges, and Scott won the Student of the Year Award in 2022. Since leaving Cheshire College, Scott’s achievements have only become more and more impressive; with the latest update being his Paralympic aspirations.

Scott discovered his love for judo after getting involved with British Blind Sport – a charity which enables blind and partially sighted people to experience the same sporting opportunities as sighted people. He was subsequently talent spotted during a competition and has gone on to compete abroad in counties such as the Netherlands and France.

As well as participating in impaired tournaments for Team GB, Scott has also competed against sighted people in Dublin, and he will be competing

in Croatia later this year. Yet Scott has hinted at an even busier sporting schedule awaiting him as soon as the Paris Paralympics are over!

In addition to his sporting accomplishments, Scott went on to achieve a Level 6 Graduate Certificate after leaving Cheshire College, and he is now studying towards his Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Keele University (where he is also on their Talented Athlete’s Programme). For his dissertation, he has chosen to analyse

the impact of guide dog waiting lists on blind and partially sighted people’s mental health.

Discussing the impact of his Student of the Year Award win back in 2022, Scott said: “ Winning Student of the Year definitely gave me a lot of confidence and it’s had a really positive impact on my life. In fact, when I went for my placement interview, College staff recognised me as ‘The Student of the Year Award Winner’. I’m extremely

grateful for all the incredible experiences I’ve had since winning Student of the Year, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Adult part-time courses at Cheshire College are ideal for anyone looking to boost their prospects, change their career direction, or make new friends. Adults can enrol for free, and courses are designed to be relevant in the workplace and to help students update their knowledge and enhance their expertise.

Higher Education at Cheshire College

High quality tuition without the high university fees

Timetabling to suit you

Dedicated support and facilities

Smaller class sizes

Work skills and employability training

Business Chester/Crewe

Construction Crewe

Health and Social Care Crewe/Ellesmere Port

Media Chester

Childcare Crewe

Engineering Crewe/Ellesmere Port

Performing Arts – Drama Ellesmere Port

Sport Ellesmere Port Visual Arts Crewe

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.

p.release@ccsw.ac.uk

LOCATIONS

CREWE CAMPUS

Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire

CW2 8AB

ELLESMERE PORT CAMPUS

Off Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port

CH65 7BF

CHESTER CAMPUS

Eaton Road, Handbridge, Chester

CH4 7ER