Making Waves Summer 2024

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SUMMER 2

FE Student Awards: COVER STORY PAGE 4

Number one College PAGE 3

HE Graduation PAGE 6

Awards

COVER STORY >> PAGE 12

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WELCOME TO WEST THAMES COLLEGE. TRACY AUST, CEO & PRINCIPAL, WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF MAKING WAVES!

Dear reader, The end of this academic year has been a busy one, filled with recognising and celebrating the fantastic achievements of our students.

One of the highlights of my year is always our annual FE Student Awards Ceremony and this year was no different. Our students were commended for their hard work, determination and of course their successful achievements. Our students received their awards in front of their families, friends and a number of dignitaries at what was a truly memorable event.

We were delighted to share their success with our partners, who not only joined us for the celebrations, but also sponsored awards too. I would like to personally thank all of them for attending and supporting our students on this special occasion and for their continued support.

In the same month, we also celebrated the graduation of our Higher Education students and our Project Search students.

They have all worked extremely hard to achieve their respective goals, and I wish them all the very best in the future. I know they will go on to achieve great things.

We are delighted to announce that we are London’s Number 1 College for the second consecutive year for overall student achievement and our 16-18 achievement rate places us in pole position in London for the second year running too. In addition, we are now in the top 3% of colleges nationally, which is amazing. This is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our students and staff and I am incredibly proud of all them.

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National Thank a Teacher Day was celebrated this term, with students expressing their appreciation for teachers at the College. All of our teachers at West Thames make a difference and it is clear to see the positive impact they have on our students. Our staff are not only recognised by our students but also by external organisations too. Two of our teachers at West Thames, Paul Muhammad and Joanna Cabrerizo were nominated for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards and both received Highly Commended status. This accolade shows Paul and Joanna’s dedication and excellence in teaching, as well as their ability to inspire their students and make a difference.

To finish the academic year, our ESOL department celebrated their students, highlighting punctuality, diligence, and outstanding achievement. Our maths students too were recognised in a celebration to mark their success at the Further Education Maths Challenge Competition. Twelve of our students made it to the finals in this national event, bringing home eight bronze medals and four gold medals. A remarkable achievement!

Plenty as ever packed into this edition of Making Waves and we really hope you enjoy reading it. Finally, I hope you all have a fantastic summer.

WEST THAMES COLLEGE IS LONDON’S NUMBER 1

West Thames College is proud to announce we are London’s Number 1 College for student achievement for the second consecutive year.

Our overall achievement rate for 2022-23 stands at an impressive 91%, placing us in the top 3% nationally. This exceptional performance is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

In addition to our overall achievement, our 16-18 achievement rate for 2022-23 was also a remarkable 88.3%, placing us in pole position in London.

“I am delighted that once again, our students have excelled, achieving fantastic outcomes for the second year running.

For us, it’s not just about their academic achievements but the wider skills that our students successfully develop, enabling them to progress and thrive. I am incredibly proud of all of our students and of course, the amazing WTC staff who provide the support and the environment that allow our students to reach their goals” - Tracy Aust, CEO and Principal.

Our position was confirmed in The National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs), collated by the Department for Education which details the achievements of educational institutions across the country.

Our students and staff are the key to our success. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to support students, providing them with the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to achieve their goals. Our students, in turn, are driven by a passion for learning and a determination to succeed.

“I came from Iran two years ago and started studying ESOL at the College. Now I am on the Level 3 Brentford FC Development Programme. West Thames College has provided me with a platform to achieve my dreams. Thank you to all the staff at West Thames College for all the support and opportunities you provide” - Ako Rostami, Student.

As we look to the future, we are confident that our commitment to excellence will continue to yield exceptional results. We are proud to be the top-performing college in London, and we are excited to see what the future holds for our students and staff.

“I came from Iran two years ago and started studying ESOL at the College. Now I am on the Level 3 Brentford FC Development Programme. West Thames College has provided me with a platform to achieve my dreams. Thank you to all the staff at West Thames College for all the support and opportunities you provide” - Ako Rostami, Student FOLLOW US ON

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2024 FE AWARDS: A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION, ACHIEVEMENT AND INSPIRATION

West Thames College hosted its annual Further Education Student Awards evening, a splendid celebration recognising the exceptional achievements of our dedicated students. This event serves as the cornerstone of our academic calendar, honouring students who have excelled in their studies, overcome significant challenges, and contributed to the success of their peers.

Tracy Aust, CEO & Principal said: “I am so proud of all of our students and tonight’s award ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate their amazing achievements. This is definitely one of the highlights of my year and one of the reasons I feel incredibly privileged to do the job that I do.”

The Mayor of London Borough of Hounslow, Councillor Karen Smith, Seema Malhotra MP for Feltham and Heston, and the Shadow Minister for Skills, and Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment, Councillor Samia Chaudhary were in attendance, along with College governors, multiple VIPs and sponsors of our awards.

Reflecting on the event, Mayor Karen Smith said: “It was just wonderful to see the students up on the stage, having their hard work recognised. Recognising their achievements is incredibly important. These moments celebrate not just individual success but also the community’s collective effort

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in nurturing talent and ambition.”

HSBC representative and award sponsor, Justin Ho, emphasised the significance of such events.

“It’s really important because every organisation is deeply embedded in the local community. We’ve always invested in the future—students, opportunities, potential jobs, and diverse career paths. We’ve been sponsoring these awards for a few years now and hearing the stories of what students have overcome to achieve these qualifications is truly inspiring,” he said.

The evening began with a stunning musical performance from two of our very talented Level 3 Music students, Ashley Jequinto and Reira Koyama. Their captivating renditions set a celebratory tone for the event, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity nurtured at the College.

Adding a touch of inspiration to the evening, was our special guest speaker Hamid Ibrahim, an esteemed alumnus of West Thames College. Graduating in 2012 with a distinction star award in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animation, Hamid has since made remarkable strides in the field of creative leadership and innovation.

Hamid was thrilled to be back at his old college, bursting with motivation and pride.

“It’s surreal to think that not too long ago, I was in your shoes. This feels like a powerful ‘circle of life’ moment.

My advice to every one of you is to seek out life’s lessons before they come looking for you. Embrace challenges and push yourself through them, because when you do, you’ll be prepared for anything. Don’t shy away from difficult paths— those are the ones that will forge your strength and resilience.”

The ceremony highlighted the achievements of students across a wide array of disciplines. Each award, some sponsored by our supporters, recognised the unique contributions and exceptional dedication of our students.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made these awards possible: HSBC, 2Toucans, West London

Chamber, Brentford Football Club, Jelly, Papa Joe’s, St Mary’s University, Thorpe Park, Telford Homes, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and Young Hounslow Sexual Health. Their support is invaluable in helping us recognise and celebrate our students’ hard work and achievements.

The Further Education Awards evening was a testament to the vibrant and supportive community at West Thames College. We are immensely proud of all our students and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive and succeed in their future.

The award categories and winners were as follows: ESOL Threshold (Sponsored by HSBC) Safia Elnaiema English & Maths (Sponsored by HSBC) Naseep Ahmed 1416 (Sponsored by West Thames College) Billy O’Dwyer Business (Sponsored by HSBC) Iziah Laylor-Greeves Computing & ICT (Sponsored by 2Toucans) Anna Polishchuk Travel, Tourism & Aviation (Sponsored by West London Chamber) Rhea Fernandes Sport & Uniformed Public Services (Sponsored by Brentford Community Sports Trust) Harmanpreet Kaur ESOL Adults (Sponsored by West Thames College) Ndoye Seynabou

Supported Learning Student of the Year (Sponsored by Thorpe Park) Manmit Saini Construction & Building Trades (Sponsored by Telford Homes) Ayah Thomas Electrical & Motor Vehicle (Sponsored by West Thames College) SPK Logistics (Sponsored by TVS Supply Chain Solutions) Ross Martin Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by West Thames College) Aaron Barnett In addition to these awards, special recognition was given to students who have shown remarkable creativity, perseverance, and contributions to the college community:

Partnerships (Sponsored by Mindful Education) Elina Saveljeva

Andrew Ward Creative Award (Sponsored by West Thames College) Deivydas Pacesas

Health & Care (Sponsored by Young Hounslow Sexual Health) Crissilda Fernandes

Ernest Harrison Award Adult Learner of the Year (Sponsored by West Thames College) Chiok Kuol Kuany Kulang

Science (Sponsored by HSBC) Melwart Demelo

The Contribution to the College Award (Sponsored by West Thames College) Manmit Saini

Art & Design (Sponsored by Jelly) Izzy Kearsley Media & Music (Sponsored by Papa Joe’s) Leon Paulo Beauty Therapy (Adults) (Sponsored by West Thames College) Sahar Salman Beauty Therapy & Hairdressing (Sponsored by West Thames College) Ciara Chan

The Determination Award (Sponsored by West Thames College) Izzy Kearsley The Academic Achievement Award (Sponsored by West Thames College) Iziah Laylor-Greeves

Dance, Performing Arts & Makeup (Sponsored by St Mary’s University) Avneet Sandhu

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CONGRATULATIONS 2024 HIGHER EDUCATION GRADUATES! We celebrated our amazing Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma graduates at West Thames College’s annual Higher Education Graduation Ceremony.

The evening, hosted by Assistant Principal Katrin Lehmann and College Governor Bruce Armstrong, was a heartwarming celebration of our students’ dedication and perseverance.

Katrin emphasised the College’s commitment to delivering high-quality courses taught by industry professionals using state-of-the-art equipment in excellent surroundings.

She highlighted the individualised attention and support each student receives, ensuring they have the best chance to reach their full potential.

She stated, “We believe that West Thames College is a great place to study because of the high-quality courses and support we offer to each student.”

Our graduates collected their certificates from their tutors, basking in the applause and admiration of their family and friends.

Bruce celebrated the students’ achievements and expressed sincere thanks to the teaching and support staff for their hard work.

He remarked, “You should be very proud of yourselves as we in the College are and best wishes for your future careers.”

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Former student Tia Haria, now studying biomedical science at Kingston University, congratulated the graduates and shared her journey. She reflected on starting at the College as a shy person in September 2021 and growing in confidence through class participation, group projects, and extracurricular activities like basketball.

“You should all be very proud,” Tia said, emphasising the invaluable skills gained at the college.

After completing her HND, she transferred to Kingston University and will soon start a placement year in a hospital pathology department. Tia highlighted the diverse opportunities available after completing an HND, whether pursuing further studies, starting a career, or launching a business. She wished the graduates good luck and encouraged them to pursue their goals confidently.

As we look back on this special night, we are reminded of the strength, determination, and hard work that have brought our students to this pivotal moment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing the bright futures they will undoubtedly create.

Congratulations to the class of 2024! Your journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see where it leads you.

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CULTURE DAY 2024: A VIBRANT SHOWCASE OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AT WEST THAMES COLLEGE

This year’s Culture Day at West Thames College dazzled all in attendance with a vibrant display of cultural performances and activities.

Culture Day is an annual event that takes place at the College with the aim of showcasing and sharing the rich cultural diversity held by our students and staff.

The event was a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences, featuring a vibrant fashion show, melodious music performances, intricate henna artistry and face-painting, and culinary delights from around the world. Traditional and contemporary fashion statements took centre stage, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures within the College community.

Director of Student Experience Samantha Louisy said: “It is great to celebrate all the diverse cultures West Thames College has to offer. Our diversity really matches both the student and staff population. Both are engaged and enthusiastic about the event, because even though we celebrate our diversity throughout the year, this is their time to put it on show. Many have crossed thousands of miles to be here, but the miles don’t matter, because here we respect and embrace each other’s cultures and experiences.”

Many students, like Georgi Arabov, who is studying Level 3 Creative Arts & Design, said that the thing they enjoyed the most about Culture Day was the opportunity to learn about

other people’s cultures and their backgrounds. He said: “Culture Day, to me, is important because it celebrates cultures around the world and gives students the freedom to express themselves in their own culture.”

Students were invited to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences, complete with face painting and intricate henna artistry, promoting an atmosphere of appreciation and respect for diversity.

The culinary offerings stole the show, as students and staff enjoyed sampling a variety of delicious dishes representing a range of cuisines. From spicy curries to savoury pastries and sweet treats, the feast was a testament to the diverse culinary landscape at West Thames College.

Event organiser and Senior Student Experience Coordinator Jazz Sidhu extended her heartfelt thank you to all the enthusiastic students and staff whose dedication contributed to the event’s success, reinforcing the spirit of unity and inclusivity within the College community.

This is not the only day of cultural celebrations that the College hosts, and there are many more days like this to look forward to throughout the year.

Jazz said: “Being conscious of our diversity is something that we are proud of, and our activities showcase it throughout the year.

For example, we celebrate interfaith, and in October there is Black History Month where we place a focus on black British history.”

“Being conscious of our diversity is something that we are proud of, and our activities showcase it throughout the year. For example, we celebrate interfaith, and in October there is Black History Month where we place a focus on black British history.”

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CELEBRATING NATIONAL NUMERACY DAY: OUR STUDENTS WIN AT FURTHER EDUCATION MATHS CHALLENGE 2024 West Thames College is proud to have celebrated National Numeracy Day, a vital initiative that highlights the importance of numeracy in our everyday lives.

Being numerate is not just about being good at maths, it is also about being able to navigate and make sense of the world around us. From managing our finances to understanding data and statistics, numeracy skills are essential for making informed decisions and achieving success.

We are so proud of the students who represented the College at the Further Education Maths Challenge 2024, hosted at Christ the King Emmanuel Sixth Form and organised by Mathematics Education Innovation (MEI).

Medallist Yuliia proudly exclaimed: “I am so proud of myself for winning Gold in the FE Maths Challenge. Sometimes, in languages, you are unsure about your work but with maths, everything is definite and it is just amazing to me.”

With over 30,000 students participating in the initial round in our region, the aim was to enhance their maths skills for either a Functional Skills qualification or improved GCSE grades.

Following the initial round, winning pairs progressed to the College Finals, then the top performers advanced to the Regional Final.

Here, participants engaged in activities like the Tarsia puzzle and Kahoot quiz across three categories: The Funkies, Ein2steins, and Go Forth.

Competing against peers from other London colleges, our college winners excelled, securing gold in the Go Forth

category and bronze in both the Funkies and Ein2steins categories. The winning pair in the highest category, Go Forth, delivered an exceptional performance, answering all the questions correctly.

Congratulations to: Yuliia, Khushpreet, Faris, Arsen, Danylo, Akwasi, Shahmir, Volodymyr, Melwart, Jashanpreet, Stepan and Andrii who won medals and did a fantastic job!

Fellow medallist Khushpreet said: “The FE Maths Challenge was an incredible experience and gave me a dynamic atmosphere to work with other enthusiastic students!”

Their remarkable efforts were recognised with certificates and medals, celebrating their outstanding participation in the final challenge.

Medallist Faris added: “Participating in the FE Maths challenge was an enriching experience and allowed me to test my advanced problem-solving skills with like-minded individuals.”

Our maths courses are designed to help learners build their confidence and competence in maths, providing a stepping stone to further education and career opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to boost your skills or simply want to improve your understanding of numeracy, we have a course that’s right for you.

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WEST THAMES COLLEGE CELEBRATES THANK A TEACHER DAY 2024

The spirit of gratitude and celebration was huge as students and staff came together to honour National Thank A Teacher Day 2024. This annual event, which encourages students to express their appreciation for the educators who inspire and support them, was marked by heartfelt messages from students to their teachers.

In the bustling Atrium of the College, students eagerly filled out cards with messages of thanks, each one a testament to the profound impact that teachers and support staff have on their lives. Some students opted to submit their messages online, which were then printed and displayed alongside the handwritten notes. The sight of the Atrium adorned with these colourful cards was a touching reminder of the bonds formed within the College community.

One of the highlights of the day was the recognition of our very own teachers Paul Muhammad and Joanna Cabrerizo, who were nominated for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. This accolade is a testament to their dedication and excellence in teaching, as well as their ability to inspire students to find their voices and express their creativity.

Reflecting on this recognition, Paul shared: “It does feel good in terms of being recognised, it’s motivational as well in the sense that you know you’ve done good work, and that you know you’ve been recognised.”

“By the time we reach final major projects, to see a sense of independence where they can go out and film, where some months earlier they were afraid to turn on a camera, is rewarding. They may have been afraid to interview somebody, or for their voice to be heard with their own ideas. So the greatest thing to see in a student is when they find their own voice and ability.”

Thank A Teacher Day at West Thames College is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and passion that our educators bring to their roles every day. It is a day to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our teachers and support staff, who continually go above and beyond to ensure that every student can thrive.

As we reflect on the success of this year’s celebration, we are reminded of the powerful impact that a simple message of thanks can have. It strengthens our community, uplifts our educators, and reaffirms our commitment to providing an enriching and supportive learning environment for all.

He elaborated on the transformative journey of his students, noting the remarkable progress they made from the start of the course to the final major project.

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WEST THAMES COLLEGE MARKS GRADUATION OF 2024 INTERNS FROM DFN PROJECT SEARCH PROGRAMME Our College has marked the graduation of the 2024 cohort of interns who successfully completed the DFN Project SEARCH transition-to-work programme, commissioned by the London Borough of Hounslow.

This programme, aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities, saw its interns hosted at notable locations including the London Borough of Hounslow, London Twickenham Stadium Hotel, and Thorpe Park.

Traditionally, only 4.8% of young individuals with learning disabilities secure employment post-education. However, the DFN Project SEARCH programme has significantly altered this narrative.

With the support of a dedicated job coach from Kaleidoscope and a West Thames College tutor, this initiative has propelled approximately 70% of its graduates into employment, showcasing the remarkable impact of tailored support and training.

The event highlighted the incredible potential of young people with learning disabilities, demonstrating their ability to enrich the workforce with unique skills and perspectives. By fostering greater diversity, these interns have met genuine business needs, illustrating the tangible benefits of inclusive employment practices.

We were delighted to have key figures who played a vital role in the program’s success join us to celebrate our interns’. Steven Forbes, Executive Director of Children and Adults Services at the London Borough of Hounslow, addressed the audience, underscoring the transformative nature of the initiative. Debbie Robinson, CEO of

Kaleidoscope, and Katrin Lehmann, Assistant Principal of West Thames College were also present to celebrate the graduates.

Katrin said: “Today marks a momentous occasion in your lives. Each of you has travelled a unique path to get here, and we celebrate not just your graduation, but the resilience, determination, and courage that has brought you to this point. You have everything you need to succeed. Thank you to everyone for your unwavering support and belief in these remarkable young people.”

The London Twickenham Stadium Hotel and Thorpe Park hosted special events where our interns were not only recognised for their dedication but also received well-deserved certificates to mark their accomplishments.

As West Thames College prepares to welcome a new cohort of interns in September, the anticipation is palpable. The college remains committed to supporting young people with learning disabilities, ensuring they have the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in the workforce.

For more information about the DFN Project SEARCH programme, please contact Mitsie Butler at mitsie.butler@west-thames.ac.uk

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WEST THAMES COLLEGE HONOURS ESOL STUDENTS AT AWARDS CEREMONY Our College recently hosted its ESOL awards ceremony, recognising the exceptional accomplishments of our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students. Two events, one for students who attend evening classes and the other for students attending during the day, were held in an intimate setting in the Winter Garden Room of Spring Grove House. They were attended by students, some family members, and our dedicated teaching and support staff.

The evening was a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the students, with awards presented in various categories, including punctuality, diligence, and outstanding achievement. These accolades celebrated the unwavering commitment of the students who have excelled in their language studies, overcoming numerous challenges to enhance their English proficiency.

Our teaching staff, whose dedication and passion for education play a crucial role in the students’ successes, were also acknowledged. Their support and encouragement have

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been instrumental in guiding the students through their educational journey.

West Thames College remains committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for all its students. With a curriculum designed to cater to diverse learning needs, the college continues to foster an atmosphere of growth and achievement.

As the academic year draws to a close, West Thames College looks forward to welcoming new students in September.

Prospective ESOL students are encouraged to explore the opportunities available and join a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.

More information about our courses can be found on our website, www.west-thames.ac.uk

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FE MATHS CHALLENGE AWARDS CEREMONY This year, the College had the privilege of participating in MEI’s Further Education Maths Challenge, a prestigious competition for post-16 students working towards functional skills maths qualifications or higher grades in their GCSE Maths. The FE Maths Challenge, an extension of the renowned Maths Feasts, saw teams from across England compete in various mathematical disciplines, including problem solving, comprehension, competition & recreation, and revision relays.

In a remarkable display of academic excellence, we recently held an awards ceremony in lieu to honour the exceptional achievements of our mathematics students.

Our CEO and Principal Tracy Aust addressed the gathering, expressing pride in the students’ accomplishments and emphasising the college’s mission to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their dreams.

Students competed in all four levels of the challenge: FE1 for those yet to achieve a higher grade, FE2 for those with higher GCSE grades, Functional Skills for advanced students, and SEN for students with special needs. The college’s teams excelled, earning a total of six distinctions, ten merits, and eight passes.

Each student who had achieved a distinction, merit, or pass was called to the stage to receive a certificate of achievement. The ceremony also recognised the overall highest achieving student in each category.

Before the awards, attendees watched a short video capturing the day of the competition, providing a visual testament to the students’ hard work and dedication. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success.

The ceremony reflected the College’s dedication to academic excellence and its role in shaping future mathematicians.

The ceremony reflected the College’s dedication to academic excellence and its role in shaping future mathematicians.

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OPEN DAYS Isleworth Campus Wednesday 2 November 5-6:30pm Saturday 9 November 10am-12:30pm Feltham Skills+Logistics Centre Tuesday 8 October 5-6:30pm Book your place now, west-thames.ac.uk/opendays Book your place now, west-thames.ac.uk/opendays FOLLOW US ON

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