CWA SCENE SUMMER 2014
FASHIONING THE FUTURES
SPORTS CAMPUS AWARDS 2014
EURO CAR SUCCESS
CWA CELEBRATES 2014 STUDENT AWARD WINNERS
PRINCIPAL’S UPDATE The last month of the academic year is synonymous with awards, shows and exhibitions and 2014 has been no different. My fellow SMT colleagues and I were delighted to attend our best ever Student of the Year awards event at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, an inspirational evening for all who were there. I also attended a number of other fantastic events including the sports awards at Lynnsport, the art exhibition, the media department’s ‘Oscars’ night and the fashion show in Wisbech. Whilst they each have their own unique flavour, they all serve to showcase the work and achievements of our students and demonstrate the unstinting commitment of our great staff teams. In June, we were also privileged to have our most famous former student, Martin Brundle, honoured by the AoC Charitable Trust with a Gold Award, the details of which are featured elsewhere in this edition. And what better way to finish off the year than with the excellent news that our plans to build a new £6.5m higher skills centre in King’s Lynn will be fully funded by the New Anglia local enterprise partnership. This will undoubtedly enable us to grow our HE numbers in the coming years and support the higher education and training needs of the local area. As we close the 2013-14 academic year and look forward to 2014-15, I would like to ask staff to make every effort to chase down all achievements to ensure the best possible success rates for 2013-14. I would also ask everyone to have a clear focus on converting applications into enrolments, to give us the best possible start to the next academic year. Finally, I would like to thank you all for your professionalism and hard work. I hope that you manage to have a good break in the summer and come back refreshed for the new academic year. Best wishes
Some of our programmes are match-funded by the European Social Fund
COLLEGE NEWS FASHIONING THE FUTURE
For the first time the annual fashion show featuring the design of students at the Isle campus was held in the ballroom of the nearby Elme Hall Hotel, on the outskirts of Wisbech. Some 15 students both designed and modelled their works, culminating in them showing their final collections to an audience of family, friends and staff.
The Allure show was the work of first and second year students of the BTEC Extended Diploma in fashion, clothing and textiles, who designed their future fashion trends, experimenting with a variety of challenging projects, which they showcased on the catwalk. One feature of the show was the presentation of the winner of the Fashion Challenge, which saw school pupil Jemima Wakefield win a sewing machine and ÂŁ100 for her school in Spalding. Many of the second years on the course are now going on to study at universities all over the country to take degree programmes in subjects such as fashion design, knitwear design and home fashion design.
CWA STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2014 14-16 Programme sponsored by CWA Academy Trust Winner: Reilly McDonald Runners-up: Spencer Cunnington & Jessica Jones Technology sponsored by British Sugar Winner: Dale Etheridge Runners-up: James Ashford & Robert Smith Sport, Public & Caring Services sponsored by Double G Clothing Winner: Jessica Whiffen Runners-up: Gediminas Vedeckis & Bethany Colliver Creative Arts sponsored by Your Local Paper Winner: Thomas Dunn Runners-up: Rebecca Youngs & Dominic Smith Isle campus graphic design student Tom Dunn summed up his feelings at being announced as the overall CWA Student of the Year in one word: ‘ecstatic’. Tom was one of 30 students shortlisted to win awards across 10 categories at the annual Student of the Year event held on Monday 23 June in the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. This year, for the first time, the college held one single event for students of all three campuses and apprentices. It was attended by around 200 people and included students, staff, governors, award sponsors as well as the mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and the deputy mayor of Wisbech. In a new format for the event, the three shortlisted nominations for each award were presented Oscar-style in the form of video clips (courtesy of Springboard TV), with the winner remaining a secret until announced by MC Andrew England. The winner and runners up were then presented with their award by a representative of the sponsoring organisation. At the end of the evening, the winner of the overall Student of the Year award was presented with their trophy by chair of governors Sharon Cambridge.
Business, Humanities, Science and Computing sponsored by Palm Paper Winner: Zoe Kirby Runners-up: James Belcher & Emily Boddy Foundation Studies sponsored by Freebridge Community Housing Winner: Gareth Box Runners-up: Saima Zaheer & Brian Graves Land-based Studies sponsored by Village Vet Winner: Anna Drake Runners-up: Stacey Last Apprenticeships sponsored by Norfolk County Council Winner: Bradley Palmer Runners-up: Lindsey Rouse & Mason Purdy Serving the Community sponsored by Leslie Almond Winner: Oliver Needham Runners-up: Hannah Horsnell & Rachel Daws Personal Achievement sponsored by Lloyds Bank Winner: Nadezda Konovalova Runners-up: Makenzie Collison & Nicole Sammons CWA Student of the Year 2014 Thomas Dunn
Personal achievement award winnders (left to right) Nadezda Konovalova, Makenzie Collison and Nicole Sammons
SPORTS CAMPUS AWARDS Key words of praise underpinned the awards evening of the Sports campus at Lynnsport on Wednesday 18th June. They featured in praise for the students by staff, praise for the staff by students and praise for both by college principal David Pomfret. There was a large turnout of students, their families, CWA staff and members of the public at Lynnsport for the presentation of individual and team awards. The annual awards celebrated another successful year at The College of West Anglia Sports Campus recognising the great contribution of the student body.
Yaba Afful-Logotse, who now runs a personal trainer business, both of whom have excelled and are making their way in the world doing something they love.
Three ex-students of the college returned to speak about their experiences and what they are now doing: Dr Lee Smith, currently a research scientist at the University of Central London; Gavin Caney, sports journalist at the Eastern Daily Press in King’s Lynn; and Patrick Manifold, professional basketball player for Glasgow Rocks.
Awards and winners are:
Programme manager at the sports campus Tommy Goode, said the event was “a great night which celebrated our students’ success over the last year. “We are extremely proud of our students’ contributions to their studies and in the local community.” He said the year had seen an exceptional performance by students and staff at the sports campus, excelling in many sports, helping disabled people and supporting charity. Joining the CWA Sports Campus Hall of Fame this year were Gavin Caney, a sports journalist with the EDP, and
Level 2 Diploma in Sport Student of the Year Daniel Nunn Level 2 Coach and Activity Leadership Student of the Year Conrad Lester Level 2 Steve Mason Fitness Student of the Year Danielle Redfearn Level 3 Personal Student of the Year Sam Ely
Trainer
Level 3 NPS Yr 1 Student of the Year Aaron Porter Level 3 NPS Yr 2 Student of the Year Leanne Keeley-Smith Level 3 Kevin Graves Sports Science Yr1 Student of the Year Dayna Kingshott Level 3 Sports Science Yr2 Student of the Year George Sutton
Department Sports Awards Sports Contribution Award: Leanne Keeley-Smith Sports Man: Shaun Stocker Sports Woman): Bethan Jones Elite Football Programme Coaches Player of the Year: Kyran Stannard Players Player of the Year: Toby Hilliard Most Improved: Liam Youngs Girls Football Academy Coaches Player of the Year: Winona Lee Players’ Player of the Year: Kamarla Lawson Most Improved: Jordan Turner Rugby Academy Coaches Player of the Year: Adam Potter Players’ Player of the Year: Jack Callaghan Most Improved: Joseph Watt Netball Team Coaches Player of the Year: Sophie Green Players’ Player of the Year: Isobel Colville Most Improved: Isobel Colville Basketball Academy Coaches Player of the Year: Zigimantas Klevinskis Players’ Player of the Year: Eivydas Aleksa Most Improved: Tony Murray Team of the Year CWA Fury Basketball Academy
5 IN 3D EXHIBIT Four current and one former CWA staff recently put an exhibition of their art work on show together for the first time. ‘5 In 3D’ was staged from Saturday 21 June to Friday 4 July at the Greyfriars Art Space in King’s Lynn. It featured around 40 pieces of ceramics and art put together by the five, who have over 100 years’ combined experience. Exhibiting are: Paul Ebbens, teaching support officer, working in ceramics; Ben Emerson, course director and 3D and ceramics lecturer; Anne Roberts, part-time art lecturer and current artist in residence; Tom Thompson, learning support officer and a former artist in residence and Peter Swann, now retired having been a teaching support officer in art.
BEACH RUGBY CHALLENGE Twelve students from the sports campus were selected to play tag rugby at Great Yarmouth. They competed against four other Norfolk colleges including Easton, City College, Great Yarmouth and East Norfolk in a mini tournament supported by the Rugby Football Union. The students were selected by CWA sports development officer Sara Edwards because of their achievements throughout the academic year and also their willingness to volunteer at sports events.
The day was a huge success with more than 40 students in all taking part.
With the RFU present, the College of West Anglia students were able to discuss potential careers and also where they can play rugby locally.
With extremely strong talent on show from all colleges, CWA finished amazingly well, achieving 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, with Easton narrowly winning in the final with a golden try.
CHALLENGE DAY Some 160 uniformed services students from all three campuses faced up to their final challenge of the academic year when they took part in Challenge Day in the grounds of Plaxtole House. They were really put through their paces as students, divided into teams of eight, took on an assault course, “gun run” and tug-ofwar. They were also team building challenges organised by the RAF’s motivational outreach team who were VIP visitors on the day.
CWA STUDENTS IN CSI The husband of a business tycoon has been killed after being kidnapped in King’s Lynn. Despite more than £80,000 in unmarked notes being handed over by his wife the businessman was stabbed to death. Seventeen crime scene investigators (CSI) are involved in the investigation. But the public had no need to worry as the above scenario was all part of a crime scene day carried out by students on the Extended Diploma in Applied Science and Forensics. Students involved in the crime scene scenario were in the first year of their two year course and the event was designed to support their assessments. Lecturer Nicola Lloyd said: “This is one of the course’s practical assessments and setting it up in this way makes it more realistic and also more enjoyable for the students.”
ESOL HOSTS KLA VISITORS Among the first people to see the “Euro car” were more than 20 visiting pupils from King’s Lynn Academy. It was arranged by CWA ESOL course director and lecturer Joyce Chen who said a number of the visitors had expressed an interest in joining the college where they are studying English For Speakers of Other Languages. All were aged 12 to 16 years and come countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Portugal, Poland, China and Pakistan. There were also eight fulltime ESOL students to assist the pupils. Co-ordinator Silvia Baker said: “I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to Trisha Gess and Joyce Chen. We all had a very interesting day and had lots to talk about on the walk home. One of the students said that he will definitely consider studying the engineering course at the college when he finishes school. Another student mentioned that she wants to work for an airline, so she hopes to come to study Travel and Tourism in the future.” Joyce, who thanked others from CWA for helping to arrange the visit, said: “All the pupils and staff from KLA had an enjoyable day at the college. “It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our partnership with KLA and I am hoping that this will help recruit students and promote our excellent teaching quality and learning environment.”
ESOL SUPPORT KLARS Full-time ESOL students from the King’s Lynn campus spent a splendid day volunteering at the International Fiesta event assisting newcomers to the UK by providing information, advice and guidance. More than 250 guests came to the event, which was organised by a local charity KLARS (King’s Lynn Area Resettlement Support).
ESOL students organised games and performed, singing and dancing on the day. They raised just over £50 for the charity. Their volunteering opportunities came from the Time Credit scheme and KLARS. KLARS project manager Emma Humphrey sent a special thank you for the efforts and help
from our students and tutors: ‘Thank you so much for all your assistance at Fiesta on Saturday. Please pass my thanks on to all of the students that joined in to help us – they were fantastic. I really enjoyed the performances and it was great to have the volunteers too, helping to raise funds. Thank you all very much!’
HATS FOR HEADWAY Staff and students at the Cambridge campus put their heads together to support an important charity and came up with some zany creations for the Hats For Headway day. Agricultural students and CWA staff donned a variety of hats and caps in support of
Headway, the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury. Through a range of frontline services run from its Nottingham base and via a network of more than 100 groups and branches across the UK, it provides support,
services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers, as well as to professionals in the health and legal fields. Hats For Headway is an annual event.
EURO CAR RESULT Engineering students and staff at CWA have helped to create a vehicle capable of doing 254 miles to the gallon. And the vehicle was shown off for the first time at the college campus on 17 June, when Principal David Pomfret was among those admiring the Euro-car, which had competed in a fuel-saving challenge in Rotterdam. Now the team is seeking to raise £5,000 sponsorship to cover travel costs and vehicle improvements so students can compete again next year. Their initiative as part of a three-country team with students from Germany and France, saw them turn in a notable performance in a huge eco-marathon event organised by Shell in the Netherlands. The eco marathon is a competition held every year involving student teams from all over Europe trying to achieve the maximum efficiency from vehicles in one of several categories including petrol, electric and diesel propulsion. CWA decided to enter the petrol-fuelled prototype section using a Honda 31cc single cylinder 4 stroke engine normally used for garden strimmers.
Student Raffe O’Brien and lecturer Chris Rabicano, project co-ordinator and technology lecturer, travelled to Rotterdam to join their German and French team-mates. After testing and examination by the Shell technical teams, the vehicle, sporting the College of West Anglia name and logo, had its first official ten lap race of the 1.6km circuit followed by two subsequent runs the day after that. Chris said: “Their vehicle performed really well, achieving a fuel consumption of 254 mpg, which placed them 40th out of 59 teams, beating several university entries. Overall the project has been a great success. Students were able to use Solidworks 3D CAD as the agreed method of communicating ideas between the three countries, then turning designs into reality using the college’s CNC, Laser and 3D printing facilities.” The plan for next year’s competition is to modify the current car with fuel injection, an electric starter, bigger wheels and weight reduction alongside developing a new chassis and new body. From September 2014 a team of six students will develop the new vehicle and travel out to Rotterdam in May 2015 as CWA representatives of the existing tripartite college project.
SKILLS EAST GIRLS INTO Students from the college have made their presence felt in the construction trades, winning a number of awards in a variety of competitions around the region. Among those getting an award in a Skills East event at Bury St Edmunds were Matt Mallett, who took the coveted gold award in brickwork; James Hobbs, plumbing, silver; Oliver Hadden, electrical, silver, who has now secured an apprenticeship at Herbert Engineering. The students who attended a motor vehicle event were Gary Seaman and Ryan Buckenham. They came second and only just missed out on first place.
CONSTRUCTION Many young girls are now opting to study for careers in the construction industry and, as part of our aim to encourage this, the King’s Lynn campus recently hosted a visit of around 20 female pupils from King Edward VII High, King’s Lynn Academy, Marshland High and Downham Market Academy.
The Year 8 pupils had the opportunity to experience tasters in the construction industry including architectural surveying, plumbing, carpentry and computer aided design work. Supporting the visit were managers from construction company RG Carter.
FIVE IN FINLAND Five security students from the uniformed services department have just returned from a five-week stay in Finland where they learned about how this type of work is done in Scandinavia. Funded through our European partnership work, and a follow-up to a visit to us by four Finnish students earlier in the year, the teenagers spent time in a college, a night club (working, of course!) and even an oil refinery, where they were shown many different practices. Among the activities our students were shown were baton training, restraint, shadowing night club security guards, operating CCTV, car and foot patrols and translation. Those who visited Finland were: Ben Edwards, 19, from Litcham; Joss Calderbank, 19, St Neots; Artur Milosv, 19, Shouldham; Adrian Sowa, 18, King’s Lynn and Karol Kornafel, 17, Lynn. Ben and Ross wrote their own review as follows: “On the April 22 five of us security students headed off from Heathrow airport for our Finland security exchange. When we arrived in Finland we were all shown around the work placements where we’d be spending our five weeks. Karol was the first one to see his work placement at Lovisa College, where he spent his time being trained in the use of batons and learning how to restrain an individual using pain-compliant techniques. He was also shown how to use CCTV-operating equipment and spent some time in the classroom where he learned about Finnish law and how to conduct a search using metal detectors and X ray machines.
The second workplace was a music venue called Nosturi in Helsinki. The music played varied from pop music to rock and Ben and Joss worked there for five weeks where their tasks included shadowing the security guards and learning about their job role and the problems they face. They were also able to get involved and experience the music by standing on the barrier between the artist and the fans. The last work placement was for Adrian and Artur. They were both based in Khipilati oil refinery, and the oil refinery is absolutely massive! The lads had many different roles while working there including operating the CCTV, checking passes at the gates, translating, car patrols and foot patrols. The boys usually worked eight-hour shifts. However, they got to see the real side of work and were given some long 16 hour night shifts! Each one of us gained lots of experience, learned new skills and had a great time! We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would do it all again!”
NEW WEBSITE FOR MENCAP Supporters of the West Norfolk branch of the Mencap charity knew where to turn to when they needed to have a new website created. They approached CWA to see if we could help and computer lecturer Dan Purdy soon got students working on the task. It was an ideal task as one of the things they have to undertake during their studies is an additional activity and project development for a client. Under Dan’s supervision, five level 3 computer students carried out a whole revamp of Mencap’s website. The five involved were Aleasha Fox,
Charlie Walton, Billy Hadlow, Darren Griffin and Matthew Phillips and the new Mencap website was launched on 17th June when its chairman Peter Brown, accompanied by Marie, his wife and vice-chair, visited the campus. Lecturer Dan Purdy said the students had gained experience and skills at working with a client. Mr Brown said: “We were absolutely delighted and impressed. The students did a first class job in creating our website. It was heart-warming.”
NELSON ACADEMY VISIT Young pupils from Nelson Academy in Downham Market got a top to bottom insight into some of the aspects of the King’s Lynn campus. The two six-year-olds ended their visit by being taken up to the 100ft high Skyline conference centre where they could get a superb panoramic view over the town and surrounding area. Before that Freddie Deeper and Billy Burrows were shown around the Technology Centre, where they were able to see work on electrical circuits, linked to the youngsters’ school project on electricity. They were really interested in the many cars in various stages of repair which they saw in the motor vehicle workshop. The Nelson Academy, part of the CWA Academy Trust, had staff members Emma Traylen and Becky Gipp escorting Freddie and Billy. Organiser for the college was Melanie Wellard with engineering and electrical programme manager Tony Williams showing the youngsters much of the work.
CWA’S LITHUANIA LINKS Three CWA staff along with staff from three other colleges recently took part in a fact finding and partnership-building trip to Lithuania, which may result in closer links with Lithuanian colleges, adding to the 15 European countries with which CWA already enjoys links. The ACER-organised trip to was part of the European Vetpro training programme and CWA participating staff were Carole Gallagher (Programme Manager for Hair and Beauty), Penny Sulley (Programme Manager for Visual Arts) and Tom Griffiths (European Projects coordinator). Their destination was the Vocational Training Centre for Business Service Specialists in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. The college was established in 1961 and provides the vocational and academic training for qualified specialists in several skills areas including hair and beauty, photography and floristry, which allowed Carole and Penny to share and compare techniques and practices within their own fields of expertise.
Observation of teaching practices, course materials and employer engagement were all discussed, questioned and noted by the CWA staff, and shared with their respective teaching areas on their return. During the visit, CWA EU projects co-ordinator Tom Griffiths held further partnership discussions with his counterpart and management at the Vilnius college, which has resulted in a planned visit to CWA by senior management and staff from the Lithuanian college. The visit by the Vilnius team will underpin on-going discussions to develop further student and staff exchange projects. As part of the ACER Vetpro programme, coupled with CWA’s own EU initiatives, further opportunities to develop links, compare teaching and learning techniques, and to interact and discover the culture of our European partners will become available. Tom said the outcomes are positive and inspiring, with staff and students sharing new diverse and exciting experiences to complement and enrich their teaching and learning at CWA.
MEDIA MAKE-UP AWARDS Four CWA students travelled to Wakefield College in Yorkshire for the UK Skills regional heat and returned with two first prizes and two seconds for their make-up skills, which could take them to the finals of the WorldSkills competition at the NEC in Birmingham. They will know next month if their scores will take them to the NEC. And completing the CWA successes was an Isle campus student, who came third in beauty therapy. In the advanced media makeup body paint section, Rebecca Youngs, with Charlie Blakely as her model, and Michelle Brett, with husband Andrew as model, both did exceptionally well, Rebecca taking first place and Michelle taking second. Their results were repeated by the two King’s Lynn students who competed in fashion make-up: Jemma BywaterSeekings, with Caitlin Toller as model, came first; Maddie Holland, with Holly Hudson as model, came second. The theme for the event was “Out of the Shadows.”
The King’s Lynn students were accompanied by media make-up lecturer Tracey Gaines while Julie Constable supported the Isle students. Their teams faced opposition from Sheffield, Pontefract, Grimsby, Castleford, Halifax, Wakefield and other towns.
MARTIN BRUNDLE AWARD Student Joshua Gibbs had a dream come true when he met motor-racing legend Martin Brundle when their CWA links took them both to a prestigious event at the House of Commons. Former Formula One driver, presenter and now Sky TV commentator Martin was one of a number of FE college alumni to receive an Association of Colleges (AoC) Gold award having been nominated by their college. And Joshua, 19, went along as a CWA “future star”, having studied the same subject business studies - as Martin Brundle did. Martin was presented with his Gold award by president of the AoC Lord Willis of Knaresborough, pictured below. CWA staff Helen Parker, Arlene Clark and Izzy Keen accompanied Josh and his family to the awards ceremony, which is held each year to celebrate the success of further education alumni as well as acknowledge the vital role that colleges play in the careers of the winners and their continuing achievements. Martin was nominated by the college, where he studied a Diploma in Business Studies between 1975 and 1977. On winning his award Martin Brundle said: “I’m delighted to receive this Gold Award from the AoC, just as I’m happy to see the College of West Anglia still thriving many decades later. It was an important two years in my life.”
Martin was among eight former students whose careers have been positively influenced by their former colleges. The other winners are Gloria de Piero MP – Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities; Rob Forkan – Entrepreneur and founder of Gandys Flip flops; Anton Piotrowski – Chef and winner of Masterchef the Professionals 2012; Toni Pearce – President of the National Union of Students; Alan Rusbridger – Editor of The Guardian; Christopher Bailey MBE – CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Burberry and Dr Munira Mirza – London Deputy Mayor for Culture and Education. To highlight the important role further education continues to play for today’s students, a ‘future star’ campaign is run alongside the Gold Awards. The nominating colleges each select a current student who shows promise in a similar field to their Gold Award winner. Joshua, pictured above with Martin, has just completed the Extended Diploma in Business and hopes to go on to develop a career in business, one day running his own.
OPEN FARM SUCCESS This year saw the biggest ever attendance at the Cambridge campus for Open Farm Sunday on 8th June.
Alison Barber, head of faculty at the campus and its adjoining Woodside Farm, said more than 2,000 people attended, young and not-so-young alike. She said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have had over 2,000 visitors. It is the most we have ever had. It has clearly grown and we got some lovely comments from the visitors.” As well as being able to see animals of all shapes and sizes and rarity, there were numerous attractions, tractor rides and equine displays and visitors were able to handle some of the smaller animals, housed at both the main campus and the farm. One of the newest attractions was a baby llama, born at the farm only two weeks earlier. There were rheas, alpacas, other different farm animals and much smaller animals. Open Farm Sunday is a growing national promotion, which began in 2006. It is designed to get people more interested in farms, farming and food. To date more than a million people have visited farms during Open Farm Sunday.
LRC RECYCLING WEEK The Learning Resource Centres at King’s Lynn, Isle and Cambridge were all involved in a variety of promotions in support of Recycle Week. Among the most interesting demonstrations at the LRC at King’s Lynn was a wormery, thought to contain as many as 6,000 worms. It was part of a promotion on one day by two members
of Norfolk Master Composters who had two of its volunteers, Jacqueline Bateman, from St John’s Fen End, and Gillian Gerrard, from South Wootton, showing forms of composting. Visiting on the same day was Paul Hilton, business manager of McDonald’s three King’s Lynn branches, who gave talks to students about its recycling initiatives, which included recycling cooking oil,
cardboard and even uniforms as well as “trash walks” picking up litter daily from its own takeaways and other outlets. Among things to do at the campuses were a recycle challenge game, environment games, word search, displays, sculpture and fashion displays at the Learning Resources Centres.
CAMBRIDGE EQUINE WIN Again the team faired very well and not only did they still top the leader board, but they won the section.
After a gap of 12 years a team from the Cambridge campus has won the inter-college equestrian competition. The test of ride skills and equestrian knowledge was held at the campus of Easton and Otley College, near Norwich and CWA took the team prize as well as a second and third for individuals in specific categories. The team comprised of six members; two members ride a dressage test, usually a British Dressage Preliminarily level test. This year it was Prelim 14; two members ride a showjumping round of approximately 80 – 90 cm’s in height and two additional members join to undertake an equine general knowledge-based quiz. Other teams also competing were, Brooksby College, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire; Shuttleworth College, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire along with Easton and Otley. The first event was the dressage; each rider was given 20 minutes to warm up the horse they had been allocated and both students rode correct and accurate tests. This left CWA in the lead after the first event. The second element was the team quiz, which was a combination of general knowledge, husbandry skills and fun elements.
The final element was the round of Jumping with Style; each rider was allowed four practice jumps, then jumped a round of mixed show jumps and simulated cross-country style jumps, with a joker fence and marks awarded for their own style when riding the round. The team had calculated that they had four jumps in hand and could still win the competition. However, this did not take the pressure off and, with one jump member not feeling well, she was replaced at the last moment with a reserve rider. CWA was the only team to get two riders around the course, and one of only two clear rounds all day. Overall this left CWA the clear winners with Grace Cooper placed an individual third for her dressage test and Laura Tilney a second for dressage.
£1500 RAISED FOR CHARITY Two staff from the Isle campus and a friend have raised at least £1,500 for women’s chancer charities by cycling 100k at night. Natalie Gooch, Zoe Drew and Emma Chenery all completed the event, which saw them bike from the Royal Windsor Racecourse, into London and back again in the Women v Cancer Ride The Night event. They had the back-up of spare inner tubes, plenty of water, puncture repair kits and fantastic feed stations to replenish them.
They got fantastic support on the ride; the marshals were very good and encouraged them all the way around the course, locals in all the areas they cycled through cheered and waved them on, and Natalie even got a £2 donation from a passer-by. They hope to have raised at least £1,500 for a number of cancer charities when all donations are collected and they are already getting organised to sign up for next year’s event.
SOUL MATES IN ART A two-year international art project which has seen students and staff travelling thousands of miles around Europe came to a finale with an exhibition in King’s Lynn. SMART (Soul Mates in ART) involved CWA and sister colleges in Germany and the Netherlands who had worked together, visiting each other’s centres, creating work and finally mounting their own exhibition. Seven students from each college had been involved and their work had already been on show in Bonn, Germany, and Poort Drachten, Netherlands. Their work formed a popular exhibition and its official opening was attended by many people at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre.
The exhibition at King’s Lynn Arts Centre saw 30 pieces of work showcased by the 21 students, featuring the heading “Young Europeans Being Creative Together.”
The official opening started with comments from CWA media, art & design, practical photography and graphic design students which summed up the success of SMART and what they had gained from being part of it.
Project SMART has engaged students and lecturers from partner schools in the three EU Member States in a productive working relationship to develop and share best-practice in teaching and learning more about creative art and media.
The event was opened by CWA external projects manager Chris Challender, who had been involving in arranging the European Union funding, without which the three-way project could not have taken place. Chris said SMART had been the culmination of two years of hard work and the experiences gained would change lives.
The student-generated products that have resulted from the experiences have been exhibited at a public art gallery in Bonn and Drachten, in Northwest Netherlands, already, and the UK exhibition was the culmination of all work done to date, to celebrate and close the project.
EUROPEAN TEAM PRAISE Key people who have driven forward the college’s European projects were praised by Principal David Pomfret at a celebration lunch. In a speech during the lunch, Mr Pomfret presented gifts to European projects’ co-ordinator Tom Griffiths and to Coral Leggett, who covered Tom’s role during an extended absence whilst also carrying out her role as a training advisor in the apprenticeship department. He praised Tom for having being instrumental in the growth of our European project activity since 2010 and said: “During this time Tom has developed a range of winning project ideas and he has built strong internal relationships with college staff and with our external partner colleges. He went on to articulate how important the European programme is to CWA and said: “When I signed our first EU funding bid in January 2010 the future scale and scope of our European programme was uncertain. “However, its impact on teaching and learning for staff and students at the college was clear and so, four years later, I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognise your personal contributions and to mark the positive impacts of our European teaching & learning programme during 2010/14. “With ten major European projects delivered across 15 EU countries involving almost 200 staff and students, the scale and scope of this pilot programme has exceeded my expectations and your personal support has helped to place the college at the forefront of European activity across the whole of the East of England.”
Mr Pomfret also praised two people who are not members of the college staff: “Bill and Sandie White are two people who regularly provide a warm and hospitable welcome in their own home to students on placement from our European partners.” All received gifts of champagne and chocolate to fit the celebration theme.
JOHN’S PHILIPPINES ROLE A level 3 uniformed services student at the Cambridge campus will be jetting nearly 7,000 to do voluntary work in the Philippines. And to help John Chilton, 18, on his way, fellow students and his lecturer netted more than £300 in a day of fundraising at the campus at Milton. This involved sponsored step-ups on a step box and everyone providing homemade cakes, which swelled funds by more than £60. Seven students and lecturer Rob Cooke did the step-ups while others helped by manning the cake stall. John, from Bourne, will work in the Philippines for the charity Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), probably helping an education programme. He has now also received a Rotary Club grant and with money from his family, it means money raised from the uniformed services student will be donated to VSO. His lecturer Rob Cooke: “It is something you can’t not want for someone to take part in.”
AIRCRAFT ‘DRAMA’ CWA Travel and tourism students got the rare chance to see and experience a centre which is part of a TV programme currently being watched by thousands. Nearly 30 students, spread over two days, visited the Cranebank training hub of worldfamous British Airways at Heathrow airport. Cranebank was at the heart of three BBC 2 documentaries called A Very British Airline. And just like the trainee aircrew in the programme, the students got the chance to experience escaping from a plane down a chute, to go in a smoke chamber, experience a pilot incapacitation exercise and practise getting people onto a life raft if a plane lands in the sea.
Since the visit, some of the students have said they are now more interested in becoming air crew once they finish their travel and tourism course.
Travel and tourism lecturer and course director Nicola Leadley said the BA staff were brilliant and had commented on the good behaviour of the students.
Nicola, who attended on one of the two days, said: “The day was a fantastic opportunity to experience first-hand what it is like to be a British Airways cabin crew trainee.
Cranebank was in use on the day by BA’s own staff, which meant the students could enjoy lunch in the presence of its pilots and cabin crew.
“The students got to demonstrate their skills using the emergency equipment as well as experiencing a mock crash in the cabin simulator.”
FISHATHON5 Steve Vigar, a member of the security team at the King’s Lynn campus, is organising his fifth Fishathon for Scotty’s Little Soldiers on 21st to 23rd August 2014. Fishathon started back in 2005 and has raised in excess of £30,000 for a variety of childrenbased charities since its inception. Inspired by the experience of army widow, Nichola Scott, Scotty’s Little Soldiers honours husband Corporal Lee ‘Scotty’ Scott’s memory – both as a loyal soldier and a loving father – and provides a practical yet personal way for the public at large to show their appreciation for those brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Fishathon5 has been in planning for nearly a year and Steve and his team have gathered fabulous support from a whole host of companies and “celebrity” anglers from across the country. Some of the donations thus far include 14 fishing holidays in France, angling days out with the ‘stars’ of the angling world and thousands of pounds worth of tackle, bait and clothing. The event is being held at Swangey Lakes in Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 across the 3 days. As well as company stalls, there will be onsite catering and the Fishathon auction and barbecue on 23rd August. Find out more at www.facebook.com/fishathon5 Donations can be made at either of our charity accounts at www.justgiving.com/steve-vigar/ or by PayPal to klm452@sky.com
HOLLY’S DRAWING SUCCESS Isle campus student Holly Mason’s work has been chosen for display in the trophy cabinet for the college Mini race car. Holly, who attends the life skills course one morning per week, whilst she is at Meadowgate School, was tasked with production of a picture frame as part of her studies. She was asked to cover the frame with canvas, before using it to draw and colour an image of her choice. Her tutor, Stuart Spiteri-Nobbs, was so impressed with her artwork that he asked her to produce an illustration of the college Mini race car. The result was of a high standard and has been placed in the trophy cabinet along with awards won.
TEN ON THE RUN FOR RAF Ten students and staff from the uniformed services department were among the hundreds who took part in this year’s Grand East Anglian Run. And they hope to have raised around £300 for their adopted charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, as a result of running the 10k event around King’s Lynn. Team organiser Jo Evans said: “Everyone did really well and I was very proud to run with them. We are now looking forward to next year. The team took it very seriously and some of them recorded personal bests.”
VAULTING TO SUCCESS The vaulting team at the Cambridge campus is getting ready for its next big challenge – taking part in the English championship. It follows strong performances in an event at Moulton College in Northamptonshire recently. Cambridge Vaulting Club, part of the college’s horse sport academy attended their second-ever competition at Moulton, where CWA-owned
horse Sandie, also relatively new to the sport, behaved impeccably in an exceptionally busy environment. The vaulters had a great afternoon and the trio made up of Katie Mickler-Campbell, animal care student Alexis Kemp-Reynolds and staff member Leanne BrooksHarley came second in their class.
The two walk pairs were placed fourth and sixth and the campus also had placings of sixth, tenth, 11th and 12th in the individual freestyle class, which was an excellent result given the size of the class. Vaulters came away inspired and ready for their next challenge, which is preparing for the English Equestrian Vaulting Championships in September.
VISIT TO BOMBER STATION Uniformed services students from the Isle campus posed with pride under the wings of one of the most famous aircraft in the world. In the year which sees the 70th anniversary of D-Day the students from Wisbech got a close-up of an original Lancaster bomber. The students and staff presented a cheque for £1320.30 to Paul Hewson, who is the regional director for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The presentation took place at East Kirkby in Lincolnshire,
now home of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. Also at the presentation were two senior members from the Royal Navy Careers Office in Peterborough, who were guests of the department. It is anticipated that the event will be covered in the Royal Navy News, Globe and Laurel magazine and on the website for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Adrian Kent, a uniformed services lecturer at Wisbech, who has served in the Forces and gained a number of medals, came up with the fundraising
and presentation idea and did all the planning. Students and staff had raised the money with a number of events, including a swimming, cycling and running event at Wisbech. In Lynn, staff and students were sponsored to run up and down the nine-floor tower block.
ACADEMY VISITS Nearly 100 pupils from Eastgate Academy in King’s Lynn and Nelson Academy in Downham Market were given lots to do when they visited the King’s Lynn and Cambridge campuses. Organised by CWA, which sponsors both academies through the CWA Academy Trust, the visits took place over two days with 45 pupils from each school enjoying their factfinding trips to the college. Exercises were arranged to meet curriculum needs, particularly to bring maths and English into everything the young people did. Students participated in a round robin of the different curriculum areas and were sorted into groups
upon arrival. At King’s Lynn the pupils experienced media make-up/hairdressing, robotics – simple programming of Lego robots, forensic science and air cabin crew activities. At Cambridge the students did animal care, agriculture and equine activities.
WELDING WINNER Trainee welder Ryan Smith won a competition run by the engineering department at the College of West Anglia. Ryan, 19, from West Winch, an apprentice, was one of six students who entered the competition and all found the tasks set were particularly challenging and pushed their skill set to the limit. Ryan is currently completing his intermediate level fabrication and welding apprenticeship with the college and his employer John Lake Shellfish. The prize, donated by BOC and presented by their representative, James Popeley, was a Flash screen welding helmet and the appropriate personal protective equipment to facilitate their welding career.
The runners up were Sam Harris, currently undertaking a full- time advanced apprenticeship in maintenance engineering through British Sugar and Matthias Williamson, currently working at Lynn Shellfish who is completing his first year of an advanced apprenticeship in fabrication and welding.
CLASS ACT ON RACETRACK Ten pupils from two Wisbech area schools were treated to a class with a difference – the chance to drive a go-kart around a track. The teenagers, from Cromwell Community College, Chatteris, and Thomas Clarkson Academy, Wisbech, have been on a one-day-a-week course at the Isle campus. Over a period of many weeks they were involved in a major project to give a new lease of life to two old go-karts.
And as well as the educational experience, their reward was to be able to drive the goodas-new vehicles they had saved, around the track at the WildTracks centre near Newmarket. Lecturer JP Latham, who had designed the Isle project, and Andrew Tsang first gave the go-karts a “shakedown” to establish their safety and reliability in a 30-minute session. He said: “I am extremely proud of the pupils from both schools who have completed
the go-kart restoration project’, presentation day and test event with a high level of determination and success! I am really looking forward to next year’s project.”
PAINT & BODY WORLDSKILLS Vehicle paint-spraying student Brad Raven performed so well in a competition’s online test that he has been awarded the chance to get into the national WorldSkills finals. After his online test, examiners wrote to tell Brad: “A space has now become available in the AutoRefinishing Heat and as you gained such a high score in the online test I’d like to formally invite you to attend the SkillAuto National Heat for the AutoRefinishing competition.” He follows in the footsteps of his friend Callum Johnson, a former Isle student, who finished fourth in Worldskills and second in an Institute of the Motor Industry competition earlier in the year.
Brad is currently in the second year of his course and works at weekends at R.J. Beedy garage at March. Whilst Brad did not make it to the finals, he did make the top 16 being the only full-time college student in the competition. His tutor, Bob Whalley, said: “Brad did extremely well to make it to the top 16; the rest of the students in the competition were apprentices, so to be the only full-time student in the competition is a real achievement in itself. Well done Brad!”
PLUMBING WORLDSKILLS Two apprentice plumbers could be heading to the NEC in Birmingham to compete for the chance to be the best in Britain later this year. Rob Carter, 21, employed by Derek Hales at Downham Market, and Ashley Welland, also aged 21, working for Gaswise in King’s Lynn, showed off their skills at the regional heat of WorldSkills when they faced competition from colleges across the southern region stretching from East Anglia to the West Country. The college was delighted by their success as it was the first time it had entered the plumbing section of WorldSkills. Rob did exceptionally well to beat all others to win the regional heat, winning a set of levels and a cheque for £150. Ashley was also one of the highest scorers, which could mean both of them going to Birmingham for the prestigious national finals In November.
Plumbing staff members, Andy Willamson & Alistair Milsome, accompanied them to Romford and were overwhelmed by their exploits. Both finished in the top five and now wait to hear if they will be going to the WorldSkills event at Birmingham.
NURSING WORLDSKILLS Two Nursing and Paramedic Academy students from CWA’s Nursing and Paramedic Academy recently competed in the regional finals for the UK Skills Competition, part of the prestigious World Skills event. Rebekah Moroney, 18, from Marham, and Savannah Glebe, 17, from Hunstanton, were selected to compete against ten other students, assessing both practical and employment skills. The first year students have benefited from the partnership between CWA and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, working on areas such
as client management, communication and measurement. Andrew Gedge, faculty head for sport, public and caring services, said: “This was the first time we have entered this highly-valued competition and we have learned so much from our first attempt. They truly were a credit to themselves and the college.” The faculty is grateful to Julie Saunders, practice development nurse from QEH, for her support and Kingsley Robinson, studying Performing Arts level 3, who assisted the role play situations.
STAFF SURVEY RESULTS Many thanks to the 395 staff who responded to the survey this year – nearly 60% of our full time and fractional staff. The full results have gone to the senior management and college leadership teams. According to you, the college is particularly good at: • • • • • • • • • •
Being clear about its strategic direction Being a friendly place to work Team members supporting one another Discussing and agreeing training needs Providing equal opportunities for all Providing a safe working environment Providing varied, interesting and challenging work Helping staff to obtain new skills and increase in confidence Enabling staff to enjoy their work Providing access to IT and good technical support
What has improved, in your view, since last year? • • • • •
Managements consultation on major change Appraisal leading to positive actions Working conditions Maintenance of the premises Catering facilities
According to you the college is still not so good at: • Some aspects of communication in particular communication between departments and sharing of good practice Importantly, in the area of well-being, the following areas are identified by you as being of concern: • Lack of staff breaks • Lack of support through emotionally demanding work • Dealing with conflicting demands • Workload In broad terms, managers and support staff are happier than academic staff. What next? More specific information has already been shared with the communications group, the employee wellbeing group and the trade unions. The equality and diversity committee will have a full breakdown of responses by protected characteristic. Remember every faculty and department has a rep on the communications group and the equality and diversity committee so make sure you feed back any thoughts on the survey outcomes to them. The employee wellbeing group will be looking into the issues relating to wellbeing in more detail as well. In future issues of CWA Scene we will give you some more of the detail around the responses received. This year the work of these groups will be made a bit more difficult as the anonymity option means that the breakdown of information is less clear. All of the groups involved in looking at the detail of the survey will be considering ways the college can improve what it does which in turn should allow staff to give a more positive assessment of what it’s like to be a staff member here next year. If you get the chance to participate in activities associated with this or contribute to debates, please take it as, the more people who get involved, the more chance we have of making the right changes. Nicky Rowland Head of HR
STAFF PROFILE CHRIS BROWN ASSESSOR/TRAINER HOSPITALITY/CUSTOMER SERVICE/ BUSINESS ADMIN How long have you been at the College of West Anglia, and how would you best describe what you do? I have only been with the college for 4 weeks; I deliver and assess work placed qualifications for CWA Training, to ‘deliver performance through people’ and ‘change lives through learning’. What is the best part of your job? Visiting different locations and the variety of people I meet. What was your most interesting job or life experience before the College of West Anglia? I took 6 months out of work, two years ago, to travel the world with my-now wife. We visited South East Asia, New Zealand and South America. What did you want to be when you were at school? A racing driver; I have a degree in motorsport management. If you could come back to college, what would you study and why? I recently completed my assessors award through the college, so that I can use the skills I have learned in the hospitality business to help other people. What is your favourite place? Country: New Zealand Restaurant: Arbuckles What is your favourite TV programme? “Two and a Half Men”
What is your favourite/most recently played music? My favourite band is Aerosmith, and my most recently played album was by Rush. Who would your three ideal (famous) dinner companions be? Nigel Mansell (Childhood hero), Steven Tyler (see above) and Eddie Izzard (for a laugh). Tell us an interesting fact about you that we don’t know... I once had lunch with Pierce Brosnan when I was 15. I was helping my father, who supplied a car for a photo shoot in London. When everyone stopped for lunch, 007 himself invited us to join him! How do you spend the majority of your spare time? As I still work at Arbuckles restaurant in Downham Market part of my weekend, spare time is precious, so I try to spend time with family or watching motorsport.
PRAISE PAGE Sophia Gatrell would like to praise Mike Campbell from the music department for driving our minibus to Lincoln University last week at short notice - we were going to have to cancel the trip but he stepped in at the last minute and I am very grateful!
Nigel Wagg would like to thank Paul Jessop & Tim Burgess for all their hard work, dedication and teamwork in getting the first year electrical apprentices through their full qualification.
Jade Rouchy would like to thank the equine team for all of the hard work they put into preparing and showcasing the yard for Open Farm Sunday. She’d particularly like to thank Helen, Sara, Leanne and Adam, who, as a brand new team, are making a really positive impact.
PRAISE PAGE Roseleen Mcdonald would like to send a big thank you to Jo Chilvers and Jenny Norton for keeping MIS going while Yvonne Jones was off sick. It involved lots of extra responsibility and challenges but they kept on smiling and remained supportive to the team and the rest of the college.
Gemma Doughty –“I would like to praise Anna Foster who, until last week, was my supervisor. Anna has now moved over to employer engagement and I would like to praise her for how motivational she has been. Anna is always cheerful, funny and positive and has always been ready to show me new things and been patient while I learn them. Working with her has been a pleasure and I will miss her.”
The marketing department would like to thank Luke Byron for his willingness to go above and beyond to assist in attending outreach events, all the while maintaining an incredibly positive outlook. Thank you Luke!
Joyce Chen would like to thank the following tutors and staff who helped with King’s Lynn Academy visit on Friday 13th June: Tim Richardson and Trisha Gess from ESOL, Chris Rabicano, Tony Pollard and Steven Grief from Engineering, Nic Leadley and Mary Abrams from Travel and Tourism, Tony Barnett from Media, Liz Ford from LRC, the Marketing department and all the catering staff in the refectory. “The students and staff from KLA all had a fantastic day and particularly the pupils were all inspired to come and study at the college in the future. Thank you.”
Rachel Mallott would like to send lots of praise this month: firstly to Nicola Milton for working tirelessly before she goes on maternity leave to track down students who have yet to achieve functional skills across the d college - a huge task; Dianne Harro and Sue Moss - for ensuring that the above happened by working long and hard to update the functional skills tracking spreadsheet; Thelmad Bradley - for going above and beyon the call of duty IV’ing hundreds (and hundreds) of Unitised English folders –‘we will miss you!’; and Martin all Ellison - for working hard now and ss year to ensure an excellent succe rate on the full-time ESOL programme at the Isle – ‘you will be a tough act to follow’.
Chris Bunting –“I would like to say thank you to Liz Ford for all the help and assistance she has provided me with during my first year at the college. She’s always been willing to drop what she is doing to help myself and others.”
Jenny Brandham would like to send a big thank you to the Veterinary Nursing Team for their dedicated work in supporting both the diploma and higher education nurses, particularly to Charlotte Pace for ‘her continual and unfaltering commitment’. Jenny would also like to thank Helen Farthing for helping to source a mini bus at the last minute to transport the 2nd year level 3 horse management students to go on and win the Easton Challenge Cup at an intercollege competition! She’d also like to thank all of the Equine team for coaching them and taking them to the competition.
Ben Emerson would like to thank Paul Ebbens for his long-standing service in the ceramics and art department, his passion for his subject and his sense of humour: ‘makes my working week all the more bearable. He was praised in my latest observation for strong team working alongside myself and he never blows his own trumpet.’
Denise Dear would like to praise biology technician Janet Keir for ‘her hard work and positive proactive supportive personality in our biology labs - a joy to have around’. She’d also like to thank chemistry lecturer Trevor Scott for ‘his dedicated hard work across all chemistry courses and his high standards - a brilliant role model for science lecturers’.
Lynn Knox would like to send thanks to the MIS team, ‘who always make me feel very welcome and look after me with teas and coffees!! Also thanks to Andrew Gedge, who has covered innumerable classes this year, taught, assessed and continuously motivated the students.’ Lynn would also like to send a BIG thanks to Sally Jarrett for her time, effort, and continued support for the Care & Early Years team throughout the year. She has provided excellent guidance for both individuals and the team as a whole, and nothing has ever been too much trouble. She will be missed!
Anna Hodkinson sends a HUGE thank you to Joyce Chen, Tim Richardson, Trisha Gess and Valerie Greig (the ESOL team in King’s Lynn) for their hard work this academic year.
Kim Levens would like to praise Lesley Wilson and her year two level 3 students for an amazing Open day on 8th June. ‘Public feedback was excellent and everyone worked hard and enjoyed themselves. Well done!’
Claire Bellham, Melanie Wellard, Downham Market Academy, King Edward VII School, King’s Lynn Academy and Marshland High School would like to say a big thank you once again to Tony Smith, Jane Burton, John Barton, Andy Williamson and all in plumbing for helping with the Girls into Construction Taster day.
PRAISE PAGE Diane Weir would like to say a big thank you to Tara Mckenna and Sally Jarrett for all the support and friendship they have given me whilst working in the learning practice. Tara and Sally are both going onto pastures new and they will be missed greatly by the team and we wish them all the best for the future.
Sally Jarrett would like to say: “A massive thank you to all the staff who have contributed to the praise page over the time I have been managing it. It’s been a huge success because of you so please continue to add to it when the new person takes over. Also I’d like to say a big thank you to Michelle Blake and Louise Frost who have always been really helpful with the praise page and any questions I have which are usually last minute; thank you both.”
Andrew England would like to praise Tara McKenna for “being her - the hard working, proactive, caring, fun person she is. She has been a source of great help to colleagues, a fount of knowledge, a person who has throughout her time at the college, been willing to go the extra mile, to be as helpful as she possibly can be, and at all times to have the college’s best interests as her focus. And as she moves on to a very different role, to a challenge she is relishing, we all wish her good fortune. She will be a colleague who will be missed, and leaves the college as one who is highly regarded and deeply respected. Thank you Tara.”
Melanie Wellard would like to thank all the staff at Cambridge and Kings Lynn campuses “who supported us with tasters for our primary academies. The students all gained so much from it. It is summed up in one comment on the student evaluation form “it was very interesting and the staff are very friendly and work hard.”
Tara McKenna would like to praise all of her wonderful Learning Practice Colleagues: “I feel very privileged to have worked with such a great team… I have learnt so much from you all and found you all very supportive. Thank you! I would also like to offer my praise to the wider college – colleagues are doing and have always done, such a fantastic job with each other and the students! Keep up the good work – everything you do and say makes a difference…”
Christine Bird would like to thank all the staff at Plaxtole Outcentre, Fresh Start and Project Search “for all the commitment and support that they have given to me to enable me to complete my first six months as programme manager. It has been a huge learning curve and one I doubt I could have achieved without your help. I am looking forward to working with all of you next year.”
Kally Sagoo would like to thank Hilary Auld, Christine Bird, Jean Stork and Ellen Gooding for all the help and support they have given to Project SEARCH.
Alison Barber would like to say thank the you to everyone involved in makingOpen Cambridge Campus Open Day and “With s: Farm Sunday such a succes busiest just over 2,000 visitors it was ourall staff event to date and hard work for Kirby, involved. Special thanks to Linda ewed Agricultural Director who was intervi live in the morning on BBC Radio Cambridge, and Donna Woodruff for g personally taking the Cambridge Evenin Look news photographer and the BBCcouple East reporter around the event! APalme r, of individual mentions to Traceythe work Jade Rouchy & Linda Kirby for John areas. ce resour their into put they g the Nancollis for his support in helpinLesley campus to look presentable andlevel 3 Wilson for leading her group of ts to year two animal management studen es run such an impressive range of activiti iasm and maintain their energy and enthus all day! Finally, to Arlene Clarke for car parking all day!”
Caroline Haizelden would really like to give a big thank you to Helen Waters (Health & Social Care) for ‘allowing me to teach her Level 1 group and giving me fantastic support throughout my CTTL’s course.’ She’d also like to thank Lindsay Ruthnum for being her mentor.
Melanie Wellard, Claire Bellham and Katy Darnbrough want to say a massive thank you to all of the tutors and support staff who help with the 14-16 students who attend the year 10 and year 11 programmes, Fresh Start, Carousel, ESOL and Meadowgate groups. ‘We really appreciate your time, dedication and hard work with the students - thank you.’
Emma Forrest-Leigh would like to praise Tom Griffiths, Coral Leggett and Chris Challender for their commitment to the Arts SMART European project. ‘Their organisation, planning and never-ending support was so valuable and I am very grateful to them for making the project the success that it was. Thank you.’
A big thank you from Carol Parker to all the Caretakers for “the prompt and cheerful service they provide when delivering my copy paper and also for putting up the notice boards in my office. Thank you.”
Jo Chilvers would like to praise the whole Exams and Invigilator teams for the smooth running of the very large groups of students taking their GCSE English and Maths exams this year. She would like to praise Ros Stapleton in particular for working so hard to organise the students, venues and equipment required for this task.
PRAISE PAGE Lee Mallott would like to say a big “thank you” to all the staff in Finance, Payroll and Purchasing. Pat Kavanagh would like to express his thanks to Lynn Knox and Ann Compton for their assistance and time, during a busy part of the year, for conducting practice interviews with the 1083 group.
Sally Jarrett: “I would like to thank everyone at the college who has tirelessly sat through my training over the time I have worked for The Learning Practice. I know it hasn’t always been easy but most people didn’t let it show! I would also like to thank my colleagues in The Learning Practice who have supported me on a daily basis; I leave you with a more peaceful place to work! And lastly I would like to thank Andrew Gedge for making me an honorary member of his faculty; Diane is ready for this title now!”
Ros Stapleton would like to thank all those who assisted with the invigilation, room set-up and general chaos that was GCSE English and GCSE Maths exams in June at all campuses. ‘They are too numerous to mention but they all played a vital role in the smooth running and success of the biggest exam sessions CWA has ever seen. Same time, next year?’
Janet Jones would like to give her praise to the BA psychosocial team (Carl Jones, Dave Jones, Jo Jones, Robin Twiddy) and Nicola Lucas who all worked so hard to get the degree marking and administration completed prior to the deadlines. They all put in an extremely high amount of work, often working late into the evenings and weekends: ‘What a great team! I am very proud to work with such a dedicated group of people.’
Carole Gallagher would like to praise Neil Lonsdale, Elaine Bayley, Hollie Little, Kim Jarvis, Louise a Wright, Nathazha Green and Sophi Warner for doing such a brilliant job our ing follow s completing all action Health & Safety audit. She would also like to praise Michelle Brett, Julie Constable, Tracey Gaines and Lisa Gallacher for supporting their students and getting them through to the next stage of the World Skills heats. Carole sends special thanks to Tracey Gaines who has trained the ed Media Make-Up students and secur 1st and 2nd place in the Fashion Place Make-up and also 1st and 2nd far! in Body Art. Fantastic results so
Julia Grier would like to praise Caroline Crisp in Beauty Therapy as she has taken on a heavy workload covering for a member of staff off sick and does it with a smile,’ which can be difficult with the some of the lovelies she has had to deal with’.
Lewis Clarke would like to praise Janet Jones. ‘She has been a supportive and influential colleague during my teacher training and been at the forefront of my future at CWA.’
Dave Speck would like to thank Mark Haizelden for the outstanding effort he has put in this year. ‘Without his efforts the level 2 Engineering could easily have been a disaster, the commitment to go the extra mile has been noted.’ Dave would also like to send praise to the Motor Vehicle team for the timely completion of all their courses this year. ‘The expected success rate is a significant increase and praise is greatly deserved by all.’
Tony Edgley says: “I would like to praise all my colleagues in the Technology Department who have helped make my first year at Isle a really enjoyable experience. Particular thanks go out to the Engineering and Motorsport team (Simon Marriott, Chris Middleton, Mike Caveney, John Suckling, Jen Baxter, J.P. Latham, Jack Howling) for showing me the ropes and supporting me when I’ve needed it.”
Emily Churchyard would like to praise Sara Edwards for her time and commitment to the Foundation Studies dept: “Nothing is ever a problem and every student always finishes sport sessions smiling and feeling positive. Sara is able to treat each student individually and adapt sessions accordingly ensuring they are all able to participate.”
The Childcare Team at Isle would like to offer praise to Nicki Gay for her outstanding work and support to our area during this academic year: ‘She always has it under control and is a great source of support to our learners as part of our wider team.’
Hilary Auld would like to say “a huge thank you to Carole Gallagher, Emma Forrest-Leigh and and all the staff in Hair, Beauty on the Media for their fantastic work all go our Worldskills entries, they nts above and beyond for their stude ! and it is much appreciated has that one Thank you to every been involved in our end of year events this year, the Hair and , Beauty shows, the Art Exhibitions the end of year Variety Show, the , Oscars and the Fashion Show but too many names to mention and teaching staff, TSOs, LSOs d Administrators have all workeyou together so well in the faculty,year really know how to finish the with a bang!”
PRAISE PAGE Hilary Auld would also like to say: “Special thanks to Scott Jarvis and Nick Sellers from Springboad TV, they always seem to be there working in the background to capture the successes of others! Thanks to Aaron Nicol and all the es team; we love our Servic Property new kitchen in Isle for Foundation Students and you’re always welcome to come round for cake! Thanks to Barrie Wicklen for his unstinting support with the Creative Studios build - very exciting! And lastly, a huge thank you to Crystal Pegg for her work with all of the Fresh Start Team getting everything ready for the Awards Event at the end of term, something our students will remember for a long time to come, success once tasted...”
Andrew England would like to praise Sally Jarrett for the proactive, professional and fun-loving person she is. Sally has been at the ‘sharp edge’ of the Learning Practice’s work since it was formed, and has positively helped many colleagues throughout her time; they are all extremely grateful for the care and support Sally has provided. Sally doesn’t leave the college though and I wish her well in her chosen next step. Thank you Sally, on behalf of all the college, for the very professional way you have gone about your role,, for the commitment you have showngo for the willingness to be flexible andent the extra mile, and for all the excell support you have given everyone who has had the good fortune to work with you.
Paul O’Shea would like to thank everyone who worked hard to make the recent Starting College events a success. Nearly 2,000 people attended and feedback has been excellent. I’d especially like to thank the marketing and student services teams for organising and running them so well and for working late on so many evenings.
STAFF CHANGES STARTERS
LEAVERS
Neil
Addison
Teaching Support Officer
Engineering & Electrical
Robert
Bickers
Part-time Skills Tutor
Computing & IT
Anthony
Back
Caretaker
Estates
Jane
Boyle
Lecturer
Maths & Science
Beryl
Barber
Invigilator
Exams
Jack
Caldwell
Environment Officer
Property Services
James
Blake
Teaching Support Officer
Art & Design
Julie
Cole
Part-time Lecturer
Hair & Beauty
Felicity
Booth
Teaching Support Officer
Art & Design
Rachael Desmond Training Advisor
Apprenticeships
Sophie
Brearley
Part-time Skills Tutor
Care & Early Years
Paul
Edgeller
Part-time Skills Tutor
Sport & Leisure
Chris
Brown
Assessor Trainer
Retail, ITQ and others
Geoff
Grundell
Part-time Skills Tutor
Computing & IT
Jannette
Cook
Curriculum Support Manager Hair & Beauty
Mark
Harris
Head of Funding & Exams
Funding & Exams
Sarah
Drake
Lecturer
Care & Early Years
Danielle Lousa
Teaching Support Officer
Hair & Beauty Fenland
Jessica
Fardoe
Commercial Administrator
Landbased
Tara
McKenna Quality Officer
The Learning Practice
Diane
Garfoot
Assessor Trainer
Health, Care & Teaching Assistants
Helen
Morley
Lecturer
Care & Early Years
Paul
Green
Invigilator
Exams
Malcolm Powell
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing
Vicky
Hewitt
Invigilator
Exams
Steven
Salmons
Senior Electrical Engineering Trainer Commercial Technology
Connor
Jackson
Learning Systems Developer The Learning Practice
Julie
Stewart
Finance Assistant
Finance
Leia
Leake
Apprentice
MIS
Neil
Twite
HE Student Coordinator/Advisor
HE
Selina
Lennon
Finance Assistant
Finance
Jenny
Walden
Assessor Trainer
Health, Care & Teaching Assistants
Rosie
Mann
Customer Service Assistant Student Services
Mac
Whiley
Lecturer
Engineering & Electrical
Connor
Pakes
Apprentice
Health & Safety
Evan
Parry
Part-time Lecturer
Care & Early Years
Heather
Polge
Teaching Support Officer
Farm Operations
Adam
Read
Teaching Support Officer
Equine & Vet Nursing
Lawrence Savage
Invigilator
Exams
Jacqueline Scarlett
Invigilator
Exams
Jack
Scotney
Teaching Support Officer
Farm Operations
Sylvia
Scotter-Finnigan Student Support Advisor
Student Services
Kenneth
Smart
Invigilator
Exams
Andrew
Thompson
Learner Support Officer
Computing
GET IN TOUCH
If you have a story or news item for CWA Scene, contact Michelle Blake in the marketing department (mblake@col-westanglia.ac.uk or call extension 2371).