The Pulse Issue 1 - March 2024

THE PULSE

THE BEAT OF THE ST CHARLES COLLEGE COMMUNITY

WELCOME

to the first ever digital edition of our St Charles e-magazine, The Pulse...

I am delighted to welcome you to the first edition of our College magazine. I hope you find it interesting and informative.

There has been so much going on at St Charles over the last 2 terms, with both staff and students working incredibly hard.

Here is just a snippet of all the fantastic opportunities, activities and achievements that are being realised this academic year. I look forward to sharing more regularly, through this publication, our journey of student progress and their ‘passport to independence’.

Martin Twist, Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

THE COLLEGE’S MISSION IS TO ENABLE ALL ITS STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE THEIR GREATEST POTENTIAL, INSPIRING THEM TO WISDOM, COMPASSION AND LEADERSHIP IN SERVICE TO OTHERS.

WE AIM TO ACHIEVE THIS IN A COMMUNITY DEFINED BY CATHOLIC VALUES WHICH HAS THE PERSON AND TEACHING OF CHRIST AT ITS CENTRE.

JOIN US

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DEPARTMENT

SHOWCASE

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

In brief:

The Music department provides students with the opportunity to develop creative skills required in the industry, such as music production, live sound engineering and music marketing.

What do students say?

It's given me the ability to express myself through my creation of music, as well as collaborating with other artists and musicians on projects. -

Daniel

Studying Music Technology gives me a unique set of skills, for example using a studio, live mixing and working on music for film and gaming -

Thomas

POLITICS

What do students say?

The subject has developed my ability to analyse and construct an argument; keeps me abreast with contemporary and worldly events. My teachers are passionate, engaging, and supportive of my future career choice to get into Diplomacy. -

Joseph

In brief:

Politics explores the systems of power, who controls power, how they use it and how we as a society hold those in power to account.

HISTORY

In brief:

History develops critical thinking in the modern world where there are many misconceptions and explores past events so as to not repeat them in the future.

What do students say?

Teachers inspire and motivate, which pushes a deeper study of history. Teachers make it clear how the skills and knowledge you acquire can be practically applied in real life. - Petro My teachers are supportive and involved in making my academic experience flourish. - Nia

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

M E E T T H E T E A C H E R

MS OZNUR AY

Subject Specialism: Information Technology

Joined St Charles: Over 2 years ago

The welcoming, encouraging, and upbeat climate creates a conducive learning environment where students are inspired to pursue their interests and achieve academic success.

Meet Ms Oznur Ay, our vibrant IT Teacher, who teaches on the BTEC Level 2 and 3 IT Course, as well as the new T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development starting in September.

Having joined our team just over two years ago, she is described by her peers and students as kind and happy.

Ms Ay affirmed: “We are a community where learning thrives and positive values and attitudes become embedded, supporting both academic accomplishment and personal growth.”

Ms Ay holds a BSc Honours Degree from Middlesex University in Interactive Systems Design and in her leisure time is passionate about exploring the world and creating cherished memories with her loved ones.

Career Focused Learning

45 Day Industry Placement

Equivalent to 3 A Levels and carry UCAS tarriff points

Find out if T Levels are right for you.

INFORMATION EVENT

Join us in June four our T Level Information event, where you will gain more information on our new T Levels, how to apply and meet our employers.

SAVE THE DATE

27th June 2024

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Anas Dayeh, studying Philosophy, Politics & Economics at the University of Oxford

PASTORAL NEWS

BAKHITA HALL ACHIEVEMENTS

I am extremely proud of all of the Bakhita students A number of students have gained lots of positive achievements from all their teachers and are trying their hardest to be successful in their chosen course, as well as their GCSE.

Ms Fensome, Assistant Pastoral Manager Bakhita Hall

100% Attendance Superstars Ploichomph aras Barrientos;

Great Achievers

Fahima Begum; Gem Margareth

De Claro; Charles Webb Carey; Macy Campbell

Gentiana Dervishi; Iklaas Jama; Edmonda Gola; Eduarda Polizelli Martinelli

Osaseiya Angel Water; Bella Brindle; Zaynab Choudhary; Sophia Dkhissi; Katelyn Takzian

There were 43 students on a 100% punctuality, nearly double that of Autumn 2 (where there was a total of 24 students recording 100%) Th l 48 d with 100% attendance th attendance and punctu the college

Mr Hall, Pastor

ROMERO HALL A

100% Attendance Superstars

Jamal Francis

Anwar Ahmed

Yussif Alanezi

There are too many Romero Hall successes to celebrate in one paragraph! A few mentions go to Zainab Samiullah, William Barclay and Inioluwa Jimoh who have maintained 100% attendance this academic year showing excellent commitment to their studies. All three students have worked hard and continue to support their classmates to develop and improve their work Inioluwa, Chona Brown and Gladys Sulit Ordinario have received the highest number of achievements for demonstrating excellent leadership through their contributions to college life by volunteering their time and energy in the Learning Resource Centre and on Open Days. Mohamed Isman has shown great leadership through his dedication and hard work in his Business studies this term. His attendance and attitude to learning set a great example for others Well done all!

Ms Abbas, Pastoral Manager Romero Hall 10

PASTORAL NEWS

AQUINAS HALL ACHIEVEME

Aquinas students received congr evels of attendance and having the highest well done. Aquinas students have also partic g various events which is so great to see the o Chisom

Laura Chukwueke and Lauren He as Hall

Ms Jeremie

100

Petro Melnyk; Amara Ezenwa; Abig di Amouri; Wing Tung Lai; Sashana Lewin; B Rihanna Nsimba; Layla Nasser; Hussain Al-Shahristani; Avis Alebiosu; Hermione Jaime Hernandez; Zaine Dattey; Chloe Desouza; Calum Tydeman; Tanjina Karim; Sham Mahmoud; Nana Agyeman-Amanfo; Arlene Hidalgo; Gabriela Asllani; Jayden Johnson-Smith; Saraiah Lee; Emman Khalid; Ahmed Suliman; Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Njoku; Ahmed Yasin; Shadenay Oram; Isidro Jimenez De La Paz; Ava-Jayne Mogaji; Justin Prado Caicedo; Liam Migliorati; Lora Bosak; Shaikh Rahman; Lulia Redda; Sabina Sarsah; Glydhel Anne Venyse Layugan; Tasneem Al Koud; Chisom Laura Chukwueke; Amelia Arriko; Ezra Daramy; Khoi Vu Snigdha Anilkumar; Mahdi Sarfarazpoor; Genesis Ventura; Jesumayowa Ojo; Yusuf Sardar; Aliaa Heidar; Jakub Sowa; Albara Abuarqoub

ROMERO HALL ACHIEVEMENTS

Persis Josiah has 100% attendance and punctuality. She works hard and often helps others with their college work We are really proud of her commitment to her studies and to the wider community

Adam Russell has made really good progress in Sociology, Politics and French this term. His attitude to learning is impeccable and is a fantastic role model to other students.

Well done to all our Alexandria Hall students who have worked SO hard in their mocks, we are proud of you!! Keep going!

Ms Thornton, Pastoral Manager Alexandria Hall

CHAPLAINCY CORNER

HOW THE CHAPLAINCY CAN HELP YOU...

Our Chaplain

My name is Howard, the College Chaplain.

I am delighted to be part of St Charles, at the service of the whole College community, with Christ at the very centre

The Chaplaincy and Chapel are always open, so do come in and say hello. Hope to see you soon!

Howard Lowe is a former teacher turned Chaplain with over 30 years experience in Education.

He is a huge music fan, particularly of Baroque and religious style and is a major fan of Stormzy’s song ‘Blinded by your grace’.

Did you know that he loves rugby, hockey, cricket and was a great runner? Howard also enjoys swimming.

CAFOD FAST DAYS CONFESSIONS

The Chaplaincy is open to staff and students throughout the day. It is a welcoming space where students can relax and spend time away from the stresses of college life. Students can play board games, chat to friends and there is always time for a cup of tea! There is also space for students to work during their

You may at first wonder what these three activities have in common within their Christian context. The answer is of course, they are all part and parcel of the practices of Lent, the season of almsgiving, fasting, prayer and the looking forward to the imminent celebration of the Paschal mystery, the Passover of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection.

The CAFOD fast days enable us to cream off all that is remotely self-indulgent in our ordinary end of week lunches, by partaking only of a bread roll and a cup of soup. Donating to charity what is saved by this Friday abstemiousness, we kill two Lenten birds with one stone: almsgiving and fasting. This has proved surprisingly popular with students enjoying this combination of culinary simplicity and social generosity.

CHAPLAINCY CORNER

As this unfolds, with students and members of staff enjoying their privations in the relative comfort of the chaplaincy, listening either to polyphonic religious music or extracts of wisely chosen religious literature, Fr Carlos, our priest chaplain begins the devotion of the ‘Stations of the Cross’ in the chapel next door, at the end of which he is available for the Sacrament of reconciliation or confession, as is the case also on Wednesdays.

The ‘Stations’ follow Jesus’ last journey laden with the cross up the hill of Calvary where he was to be crucified between two thieves, and the Sacrament of Confession enables Catholics to avail themselves of what was won for them there: the forgiveness of sins committed after baptism and reconciliation with God.

It was great to see both members of the student body and staff participating in this.

A FLYING VISIT FROM SR KAREN

With a view to the celebration of ‘International Women's Day’ on the 8th March and clearly within a Catholic context, a Canadian Dominican sister, was invited into the Chaplaincy to share with us her journey in faith.

As impressive as Sr Karen’s story was, what struck us all, even more than her religious trajectory, was her sheer joy and energy.

Middle aged, with grey hair peeping out of her whitefringed Dominican veil, topping a rosary- adorned, resplendent white habit, there was nothing retiring about Sr Karen as she testified to the mystery of vocation. Uninhibited, she confessed how, as a student, she heard Jesus’ voice, ‘I want you for my Church’, and how, in a telephone conversation later with her parents, she later disguised the following of this call, “I’m going to further my studies in Religion’, which was true, but within the Dominican Novitiate, where she would spend some time studying and praying.

For nearly two hours, over coffee and biscuits, a handful of students and staff were exposed to this adventure of religious life and the wonder of following Jesus as a Dominican sister. Certainly, it was a joy to share her joy and reflect, for a while, on our own particular or perceived vocations. For this we are very grateful and we wish her and her community of Dominican sisters all the very best in Christ.

Join our GENerous Community.

Your gift will have a direct and immediate impact on the College and the next generation.

Your generosity helps our students continue to excel and achieve. Every gift allows us to push the boundaries and offer our students extraordinary opportunities and a chance to make a difference in their life and community. There are various ways you can support the College, by establishing a regular gift or making a one-off single donation.

Support the College with a gift

Set up a regular gift

Regular gifts are important and allow us to plan ahead for upcoming College trips, work placement opportunities and facilities for our students.

Leave a gift in your Will

Make a difference to the future of the College by leaving a legacy gift of any value. Gifts at any level are greatly valued and appreciated.

Make a single donation

Shape the journey of our students by offering a oneoff donation of any amount that will be beneficial for their education.

Regular Gift Tiers

Benefactor & Parent fund £15 per month

Silver Benefactor £50 per month

Gold Benefactor £100 per month

Silver Benefactor

Highlights:

Appear on our list of key benefactors

Termly ballot to feature in our enewsletter Invitation to our annual awards gala

Gold Benefactor

Highlights:

Feature on our website Opportunity to feature in our gala programme and present awards in the ceremony as a named sponsor

All Benefactors will receive promotional benefactors merchandise and priority invitations to our alumni and promotional events.

Our Fundraising Priorities

As a College we aim to provide a ‘better deal’ for our students than if they went to any other school or sixth form college.

Your contributions enable us to provide important additional resources and opportunities that add value to our student experience:

£10 - Provides 1 week enhanced bursary payment for a student in extreme financial difficulties

£25 - Assists 1 student with additional costs incurred as a result of work experience or volunteering placements

£50 - Provides a resource pack and online subscription to temporarily support a student who is medically unable to attend College

£70 - Provides 1 week professional coaching for an additional College team

£90 - Funds one student to attend a 5 day NCS residential personal development visit

£100 - Significantly reduces the cost of an enrichment day trip for one class of students

£200 - Provides a full annual TSC (Team St Charles) scholarship for one student

Plus: By becoming a benefactor in our GENerous Community you will also be supporting the Leaver’s Prom; Awards Gala; Student Passport to Independence and our Enrichment Programmes.

Our Promise: St Charles is committed to ensuring that our fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful

Every contribution made goes to support our students directly. The details of the benefactors fund will be outlined annually in our financial statements and published on our website

ETHICS EXPERIENCES

INTERFAITH WEEK 2024

On Wednesday 28th February, we welcomed Rabbi Jack, Fr Carlos and Imam Peter for our Inter Faith Q&A event with our students.

They shared the key teachings of their faith, and through the questions prepared by our students everyone was able to gain a deeper understanding of the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).

Some of the questions asked included:

How can religious texts still be of benefit in the modern world?

Should religion feature in politics?

What is the role of religion as we move into a secular world?

How do you explain free will and Determinism? What are your favourite scriptural passages?

It was a moving and inspiring Q&A session when Solutions Not Sides, an Educational Charity which focus on the following teaching skills: 'empathy, active listening, communication, critical thinking and conflict resolution through exploration of the Palestinian - Israeli conflict since 2010' visited our College earlier in the term. The talk was attended by our Year 12 and 13 RE and Economics students, who shared with us their thoughts:

"Important first-hand accounts from the speakers. Key discussions created around a sensitive topic; it's helped me to develop critical thinking skills too."Jay

OTHER KEY EVENTS COMING UP SOLUTIONS NOT SIDES TALK

24th April: opportunity to visit the Hindu Temple in Neasden. Click for more info. Get involved in a Bridging programme, which focuses on conflict resolution. Residential opportunity to stay for 4 nights in August. Speak to Ms Davis for more info.

May Retreats with the Chaplaincy

STUDENT COUNCIL

Cultural Diversity Day & Charities Week

18th - 22nd March

Charities week was busy and exciting with henna stalls, movie experiences, bake sales, raffles and cultural dress day.

Our Cultural day took place on Wednesday 20th March and provided all of us with the opportunity to embrace and value the differences that make each of us unique and special. Our students and staff dressed in their traditional clothing or donned their flag to show their diversity and heritage. They all looked fantastic!

Meet the Student Council team. From the top down: Rashmi, Laurentiu, Ali and Zara.

Rashmi - President Year 13

Laurentiu - Vice President Year 13

Ali - President Year 12

Zara - Vice President Year 12

MEET OUR STUDENT

Subjects: A Level Politics, History and Law

The College’s 'Passport to Independence' program helped me develop and discover skills that will be useful for my future, therefore alleviating my worries once I step outside of college to face what is ahead of me.

My experience at St Charles is great. The College has offered me a lot of opportunities that I immediately took, which were all chances for me getting ahead in life, such as increasing my chances of getting into a Russell Group University.

As an international student, they helped me in my journey to overcome my fears of studying in a different environment with the assistance they provided me.

I find my subjects quite enjoyable because of the teachers.

NEIL ANDREW MARAMBA

They make sure that we are engaged in class, and they have their own ways of teaching that allows their students to take in the knowledge and the skills that we need.

The debate enrichment helped me enhance my skills in fighting for what I believe in. It also helped me with my confidence.

Currently, I am a member of the Borromeo enrichment, where they give me opportunities to enter into a Russell Group University through conferences run by top universities, and other events that increase my chances of getting in.

At the same time, it helps me get ready for my next step in education, which is university.

I have the goal of entering a top university in England and to study either Law or Politics. I aspire to be a lawyer someday, or if God would allow it, work in Parliament.

Take the opportunities that come your way at St Charles or look out for them. Whether it's through extracurricular activities or trying new things, these experiences will enrich your college journey.

SPORTS FEATURES

QPR FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR

Meet Izzy! Our football superstar, who joined us in September 2022 from Queens Park Community School. True to her nature and love for sport, Izzy studies on the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and boosts her skills with the girls football enrichment club at St Charles. At College Izzy demonstrates great leadership skills, a community spirit and applies herself to her studies by always performing at a high standard. Keep up the fantastic

RBKC PENTATHLON RUNS SMOOTHLY WITH THE HELP OF BTEC L2 SPORTS STUDENTS

Our BTEC L2 Sports students recently helped run the RBKC Pentathlon on Monday 4th March.

The event took place at Westway Sports Centre with four local primary schools in attendance. Great teamwork everyone!

SPORTS FEATURES

RENEE JOHNSON LANDS A PLACE AT CHARLTON ATHLETIC WOMEN'S FOOTBALL CLUB

Congratulations to Renee who joined the U21 PGA team at Charlton Women’s Athletic. Such an inspiration!

“Football means a lot to me because I’ve always loved the game since I was a child and it has taught me many useful skills on and off the pitch. It has also allowed me to connect with others that share the same passion and develop long lasting relationships. As for what I hope to achieve, I aspire to continue learning and growing in my knowledge of the game in the hopes of progressing onto higher levels within the sport.”

IT’S A SLAM DUNK FOR ROBERT AS HE HEADS TO THE BASKETBALL FINALS IN MANILA

Robert (left) is headed for the basketball NDTC National Finals in Manila. He has been selected to play for FIL-EURO Nation which is a team selected from the best Filipino basketball players in Europe!

Robert expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude with us: "I am thankful for the opportunity and really excited to play back home in my home country and it's always been a dream to play at a good level of basketball."

Having joined us in 2023 Robert is a student on the BTEC Extended Diploma L3 in Business Studies at St Charles and is a key member of the Enrichment basketball team too. Best of luck Robert!

Robert will also be joined by Christian (right), his teammate.

Train to TEACH at The Borromeo Training Hub

London Regional Hub for Xavier Teach SouthEast, an OUTSTANDING ITT provider

What We Offer:

ITT training in a Sixth Form Setting

Secondary School Placement QTS awarded

Subjects offered:

Biology

Business

Economics

Chemistry

Computing

Health and Social Care

Mathematics

Physics

Bursary available for specific subjects

For more information, visit www.stcharles.ac.uk Train To Teach or contact Elaine Campbell at

bth@stcharles.ac.uk

Salaried and Apprenticeship opportunities available across four Sixth Form Colleges in the London region:

St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College

Christ The King Sixth Form College

St Dominic's Sixth Form College

St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College

A PUNCH AB

Alie Sesay is ready to take on his c His new product Elixir Punch quen flavour and refreshing taste.

Graduating from St Charles in 2023 with DDD* in BTEC Sports Science L3, Alie has gone on to study Business with Marketing at the University of Greenwich, whilst engaging in inspiring young people as a Teaching Assistant.

What is the inspiration behind your product?

My inspiration would be my older bro and cousin who showed me the found of actually making my product; but ov years I tweaked it and experimented u became the product it is today.

How did you come up with the nam

I wanted a name that could be extrem commercial, so I thought because a lo people really like my drink and said it magical taste, I named it Elixir which m magical or medicinal potion.

What 3 words best describe your product?

UNIQUE, ADDICTIVE & TASTY.

Alie with his mentor, Kester O’Connor

Alie with his product, Elixir Punch

How did St Charles support your entrepreneurial spirit?

St Charles were extremely supportive The catering team allowed me to sell my product in the canteen and during Charity week. Someone who was a big help and whom I would call a mentor would be Kester He helped me get my drinks tested and verified by a science lab, allowing me to gain my nutrition facts and get the drink sold in local stores in South East London.

What help did you get on the way up?

I received a lot of help from friends who would constantly promote and refer my drink to other people they were interacting with. I also gained help from my mum, brother and sister who helped with the production of the drink itself

What do you hope to achieve next?

I hope to gain the attention of an investor who is looking to help scale my business further and get it to major supermarkets.

What is your message to students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

My message would be any type or business or hustle you got going on be very consistent and patient because it took me 5 years to get my drinks sold in my College and Canteen and in 20 other stores.

We wish Alie great success with this and his future endeavours!

CAREERS FOCUS

CAREER READY PROGRAMME

We are delighted that 13 of our Y12 students are taking part in the Career Ready Programme at St Charles, where they attend a range of employability skills masterclasses, with each student paired with a mentor from a professional organisation such as BP, City Bank, Permira and Arcadis to name a few.

These fortunate students will meet their mentor once a month who will guide them in their next steps before completing a 4 week paid internship in the summer term/holiday (July).

ST CHARLES ALUMNI ALEX LANDS DREAM ROLE!

St Charles Alumni Alex Guelas has just secured a role with Southwestern Railway! It’s a full time role with a starting salary of £21,000. We are over the moon for Alex as he has been working so hard over the past few months with applications and interviews.

Alex’s lifetime ambition was to work in the railway industry and he has been trying to secure a role with TFL and has worked tirelessly to secure this position. Alex joined St Charles in September 2020 studying Level 2 Travel and Tourism and achieving grades DM and passing English Language GCSE, before continuing his studies onto Level 3 in BTEC Diploma Travel and Tourism with DM grades, alongside A Level Photography grade C. Alex wanted to start an apprenticeship or employment and he has fulfilled his dream job to work in the railway industry

CAREERS FOCUS

TRIP TO THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE

The Borromeo students visited the Royal Courts of Justice where they attended different criminal, corporate and litigation trials and saw first hand how things run in a court case. They also had the opportunity to speak to a Barrister who gave students an overview of her career journey and some of issues she deals with on a regular basis. Students had a fantastic experience and many of them were strongly considering law careers.

ELVIE TAKES TO THE SKIES WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS

secured a Cabin Crew role with British Airways Elvie is a model student, who started her education on Level 1 in September 2016 with limited English knowledge and then progressed to Level 2 Health and Social Care achieving DD grades and passing her Maths and English GCSE; a testament to her relentless drive and ambition. She then continued her studies further by taking Business A level and achieved grade B in addition to her BTEC Diploma in Travel and Tourism with D*D*.

She continued her studies at the University of West London and achieved a First Class Bachelor of Arts in Airline and Airport Management.

We wish her all the success at BA!

CAREERS FOCUS

ONE YEAR CHOICES DAY KICKED OFF WITH A BUZZ!

On Wednesday 13th March our annual One Year Choices Day took place for our Level 1 and Level 2 students. The day provides a helpful guide for students on their next steps and enables them to start the decision making process on what they intend to study in the next academic year.

Attending the event was a host of organisations, including the Army, the Police force, Universities, Colleges and Apprenticeship providers which created a positive buzz around the College, especially in Manning Hall and inspired our students.

Our Careers department would like to thank Laura, Mary and Tanya for their great efforts, as well as our Admin and Sitecare team for their organisation. A worthy mention to our Catering team for the lovely food and many colleagues who helped out with the talks and supported the visitors (including our brilliant ambassador Mariam) and made everyone feel welcome.

OUT N’ ABOUT

The Borromeo students visited the Royal Courts of Justice, where they attended different criminal and corporate and litigation trials and saw first hand how things run in a court case.

Robin Mobbs from National Space Academy, delivered a range of fantastic activities with our Y12 and 13 Physics students, in the field of Astrophysics, Newtonian world, Radiation, Thermal physics, Mechanics and lights.

Our Spanish A Level students took a trip to The National Gallery in London to study the work of Velázquez, including masterpieces from Spain's greatest painters such as Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco and Goya.

Geography and Travel/Tourism students visited the Timanfaya Volcanic National Park in Lanzarote, where they experienced the power and beauty of the volcanic landscape.

Year 12 Photography students visited the National Portrait Gallery to take part in a workshop based around the 2024 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize.

OUT N’ ABOUT

Always a welcomed face in our local area, you may have seen the warm smile of PC Princeton along your travels into College or around the neighbourhood. PC Princeton's role involves developing positive relationships between young people and the Police, as well as providing support and reassurance patrols in the local community and schools. We thank him for his service, his friendly demeanour and on going presence.

Every Wednesday morning our team of staff break a morning sweat with Mr Camacho. The intensity of their training and their use of equipment has been increasing week on week to build on their strength, stamina and health.

MR TWIST IS RAISING MONEY FOR GOOD CAUSES BY COMPETING IN THE 2024 IRONMAN TRIATHLON IN COPENHAGEN.

Follow his journey on YouTube.

He will be raising funds for 3 fantastic organisations, (Fit4Lifeyouth, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Uganda Hands for Hope) all passionate about education, improving people’s lives & working for a bright future. All funds raised will be divided evenly across 1 local, 1 national and 1 international organisation, with every penny going directly to support their amazing work.

If you are able to help Mr Twist reach his donation target, please use the link below to donate any amount you can or wish to.

STAFF FITNESS CLUB 2024

Well done SFC!

Left to right: Daniel Camacho, Martin Twist, Elaine Campbell, Mark Alawiye, Richard Smith, Jonathan Gyimah, Rhys Donlan.

OUT N’ ABOUT

Jack Petchey Awards Ceremony

“If you think you can, you can!”

The annual Jack Petchey Award Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of outstanding young people between the ages of 11-25 in our home borough of Kensington & Chelsea alongside young people from Westminster and Hammersmith & Fulham boroughs took place on Thursday 29th February 2024 at St John Smith’s Square in Westminster.

Amongst the award winners receiving their medals from local dignitaries were of course the St Charles Jack Petchey winners for 2023.

The evening was one of great pride for students, their families, friends and staff who were in attendance watching the proceedings. There was a great atmosphere of achievement and joy amongst our winners who all did themselves and the College proud.

Winners were January 2023: Yusuf Ibrahim; February 2023: Maria Vasalie; March 2023: Chona Brown; April 2023: Adrian Benavides;

May 2023: Chloe Balamga; June 2023: Petro Melnyk; September 2023: Zara Farooqi; October 2023: Rachelle Ido and November 2023: Ahmed Galib.

St Charles also had nominated a leader award this year. Leader awards are given to adults who have demonstrated in an outstanding way an ability to encourage, motivate and support young people.

Our leader award went to Laura Fensome, one of our Pastoral Managers for her untiring dedication and commitment to the year group of students in her remit. Congrats to all our award winners; they are all thoroughly deserved.

LIBRARY LINK

MEET AMICA LAI - LIBRARY VOLUNTEER

Volunteering at the library has helped me gain various skills such as organisation, communication and problem-solving skills These skills have improved my interpersonal skills and developed my confidence and contribution to the college. It has also helped me find different resources for my studies.

My responsibilities include organising the books, maintaining the order of students coming into the LRC, arranging seats for them and also counting the daily uses of the library, which shows how significant it is to the students.

For anyone considering it, it really is a great opportunity as you also meet new people and contribute to the College The library is a welcoming and supportive environment, and the staff are really friendly and helpful.

POPULAR FICTION/MOST BORROWED BOOKS:

Coraline

SPOTLIGHT AWARD

The Spotlight Award is an award designed to acknowledge the contributions of employees and celebrate their achievements and contribtution to our College community.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Travelling and family time.

When have you felt the proudest and I felt the proudest when I have been able to gain on two EHO visits over the years the prestige 5 star rating in the catering industry.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

My God and my Christian faith.

What’s your favorite type of food or cuisine?

Surprisingly, I love Mediterranean Cuisine.

What are you looking forward to achieving this year?

Personally, I am continuing my health and fitness journey and professionally, I am considering going back to academia and starting my doctorate. the standard of the catering offer at the College.

What do you think sets you apart in your field?

My determination and willingness to improve and create new dishes and menus that give a wow factor.

UPCOMING EVENTS

to you and your family.

Best wishes,

St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College

BECOME A T LEVEL EMPLOYER

Discoveryourfuture workforce

An industry placement is at the heart of each T Level course. By becoming a T Level Employer you will have:

Early access to the brightest talent

Shape the future of your industry

All in just 5 simple steps

BenefitstoEmployers

Attract motivated young people to your business

Improve the recruitment pipeline for your business

Address local and national skills gaps

Develop existing staff’s mentoring and management skills

Build a more diverse and creative workforce

Play an important role in the local community

Save recruitment costs by providing the opportunity to see what the young person can offer, on a no obligation employment basis

WhatareTLevels?

T Levels are a new, 2-year Level 3 qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds. Designed with employers, each T Level is equivalent to 3 A levels and helps young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to progress into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or further study.

BuildaWorkForceSkillset

TESTIMONIALS

T Level students learn the specialist skills that make them highly valued by all organisations, not just specialist businesses.

Hosting a student on an industry placement is a great way for you to gain the valuable work force skills you need. Your student will make a genuine contribution to the business.

PartnerwithUs

We are excited to be launching T Levels in September 2024 in:

Finance

Digital Production, Design and Development

St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College is based in North Kensington, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

We recruit over 1000 students from across all 33 boroughs of London.

"T-Levels have brought a real buzz of excitement through our workforce, as our team is passionate about helping young talent" - HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprises)

“One of the best things about the course is definitely the placement, which ties together all of the knowledge that I learned and puts a reallife context behind it ” - Tom, T Level Student

To find out more about how you can get involved scan the QR Code below or contact us at enquiries@stcharles.ac.uk

Advertise With Us

The Pulse is a termly magazine designed to captivate, inform and engage our readers. Our readership includes teenagers, young people 16 - 19, parents and guardians, governors and the local community.

We provide an authentic platform, and a trusted and respected brand to help brands reach, actively engage and attract new and existing customers.

Talk To Us

Need some help?

Our Editorial team is dedicated to helping you connect with audiences and happy to work with you to reach the most effective way to meet your business needs.

To book your next campaign or share your story with us:

Contact Elena Ahmadian at marketing@stcharles.ac.uk or complete an enquiry form here.