Five star job offer for winning student Stephanie

The impressive cooking skills displayed by Waltham Forest College students Stephanie Gioia and Mark Martin have won them top prize in a cookery competition.
The two combined their culinary ability to serve up a sumptuous feast of paupiettes of lemon sole, pork and lamb Wellington, and three berry tart.
Working together, they won the North London College Cup beating pairs of catering students from Southgate College, College of North West London, and Barnet College.
For Stephanie, a final year student, there was an additional surprise. She so impressed one judge that he offered to secure a commis chef position for her at a five-star hotel in London.
Judges singled out the cooking duo’s knife skills and presentation skills for particular praise, and described their desert as “outstanding”.
The two represented the College’s Service Industries Catering and Hospitality department. They had previously won a “Ready, Steady Cook” competition staged for all the College’s full time catering students in May.
Stephanie is currently completing her Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) VRQ in Professional Cookery and Mark is completing his Level 1 qualification.
Mark, who plans to progress to Level 2 at Waltham Forest College next year, said: “I have never won anything like this before I am so proud of my achievement. Stephanie was great to work with.”
The pair were assisted at the competition by Daniel Tilley who was the food service waiter who presented and served their meals to the judges.
Peter Stone, the College’s catering operations manager, said: “The students worked hard under the direction of chef lecturer Philip Wright to present the winning dishes.
“This is a truly proud moment for the college as this is the first time in many years that the college has achieved first place in this type of competition.”
Waltham Forest College now holds the trophy for 12 months and this was presented to the students at the annual prize giving evening held on July 7 2010

Hats Off To Waltham Forest College Graduates

Students celebrated academic achievements at a higher education graduation ceremony held in the main hall at Waltham Forest College. Over 250 students were recognised for successfully completing their studies in a wide range of Higher National Diploma (HND), Higher National Certificate and Access to University courses.

Dressed in the traditional ceremonial cap and gown, Higher Education students took the stage to collect their scrolls of achievement in front of an audience filled with parents, friends and specially invited guests including the Deputy Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Geoff Walker and Deputy Mayoress Mrs Patricia Arnold.

David Pendle, Chair of the College Corporation, commended students for their accomplishments and noted that this was in its seventh year. He said ‘You should regard today as the beginning of your life long learning experience’.

Robin Jones, Principal of Waltham Forest College quoted the inspirational Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, ‘We can do anything we want to, if we stick at it long enough’.

The majority of Access students go to university following successful completion of their courses. One outstanding student, Ilknur Posluoglu, who gained distinctions on her Access to Higher Education course, has secured a place at Queen Mary College, University of London. She said ‘I am really surprised at my achievement and completing this course together with the support of my lectures has given me the confidence to further my studies’.

Figures for student success rates at Waltham Forest College are as high as 95% on some courses. This year the College has received a record number of applications for students wishing to enrol on access to higher education programmes.

Grandmother Goes To Uni

Annie Warner is testimony to the fact that age is no barrier to learning. At 66, she is off to university to study for a degree in fine art.

The grandmother is the oldest among 26 students at Waltham Forest College who are about to complete a one year foundation course in art and design. This intensive course equips them to apply for a BA degree, a foundation degree, or a higher national diploma (HND) in art related subjects.

Annie’s portfolio, which won her an unconditional offer to study at the University of East London (UEL), is on display at an art exhibition held at the college’s main campus in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

A stunning collection of drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and prints produced by more than 100 art and design students at the college are included in the exhibition, with many available for sale. Annie, from Leyton, produced a stunning montage illustrating her life story, from how she was born by the roadside into a gypsy family who dealt in horses and later went to work at Billy Smarts Circus.

She said she has travelled all over the world, but her mother did not value education and she never went to school. It was not until she was 50 that she caught the learning bug.

She has been married four times and has four sons and ten grandchildren. She said it was her fourth, and current, husband who encouraged her to pursue her dreams in education. “As soon as I got the chance to get an education, I grabbed it,” she added. “I have been collecting qualifications ever since and now have enough to paper my walls with.”

She plans to start the degree course at UEL in September which will add to her collection of degrees. She already has an HNC qualification in project management and a BA degree in social enterprise.

The exhibition also features work from students on BTEC first diploma courses which are GCSE equivalent, national diploma course which are A Level equivalent, and NOCN diploma courses for beginners.

Sue Royle, the curriculum manager for art and design, said: “Our courses are designed to prepare our students for a whole host of careers, including product design, fashion, photography, and graphic design. They receive a high level of tuition from practicing artists and the majority of our students go onto university.”

Flaire Maitland, 19, produced a series of Perspex hexagonal sculptures for the exhibition. She has an offer to study architecture at Greenwich University. She said: “This course is suitable for everybody who wants to do something creative but doesn’t know what they want to specialise in, whether it be architecture, photography or fashion.”

Fern Green has a place at the London College of Fashion to study fashion illustration. She said: “This last year has been a voyage of self discovery. The variety of tasks I have performed have given me the experiences that have helped me learn about myself, my interest, my skills and ultimately the direction I want to take.”

Fashion Show with an International Flavour

Students drew inspiration from a world cup of nations when designing garments for a spectacular fashion show staged at Waltham Forest College. The rich cultures of India, the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, the traditional costumes of Japan, and the colours of Colombia, were among the influences that inspired the students’ designs. Models strutted the catwalk in outfits ranging from pompom decorated cotton tops and shorts to menswear inspired by gladiators and Roman uniforms.

Radua Jassin, in the second year of her BTEC national diploma course, produced a bejewelled evening wear collection that drew upon Egypt and its rich ancient history for her designs. Pamela Muchenje, a higher national diploma student, was inspired by Africa, the continent of the moment where the football World Cup is being held, for her collection. Pupils from Buxton School, Leytonstone, who spend one day a week at the College to study for a diploma in fashion and clothing, created textile pieces influenced by the patterns and colours of Mexico’s Aztec empire.

The fashion show provides students with the opportunity to showcase their talents before embarking on the next stage of their career development.

Radua, 19, is moving on to study for a degree in fashion design with business. “I have wanted to be a fashion designer since I was very young,” she said. “Fashion is a very competitive business and you have to be really strong to get somewhere. Most designers are inspired by each other, so to be successful you have to be different and stand out.” Her collection was adorned with hoods and collars containing colourful stones, influenced by her visits to Egypt where she has family. “The culture and the pyramids were a real inspiration for my designs,” she explained.

Zahide Bozdag, 21, and Shereena Ghaffor, 22, are combining their talents to set up in business together designing and making women’s lingerie, lounge wear, and dresses. They are about to complete the second year of a higher national diploma course and first met at the College four years ago when they began studying for their BTEC diploma.

Zahide designed a thoroughly modern ensemble of six evening gowns with a vintage feel, using peacock feathers as embellishment. She said: “We want to set up our own label and we are drawing up a business plan. This course has taught us a lot of the technical skills we need, but there are also units on marketing, business, and computer skills which will be invaluable to us.”

Shereena said: “We have different strengths which complement each other. We plan to start off selling our designs on-line and in markets.” Her collection drew inspiration from the strong shapes found in armour and architecture, using colour to outline detail and to create additional interest.

Three of the seven pupils from Buxton School, formerly Tom Hood, plan to study fashion full time at the College next year. Ayo Ayinde, 16, modelled her own Aztec inspired design. She said: “Fashion is my passion and I want to make clothes and have retail stores all over Europe. This course is helping me to achieve my ambition.”

Samantha Smith, 15, has decided to study A’ levels in academic subjects including politics and law next year. “I have really enjoyed coming to college to study fashion,” she said. “I wanted to design and model clothes and see what it is like.”

Waltham Forest’s Mayor, Councillor Masood Ahmad, had a front row seat at the show held at the College’s campus in Forest Road, Walthamstow. He said: “I really enjoyed the show and in order to give the students encouragement I would like to invite a group of them to tea in my chambers.”

Models from the I Feel Experience agency modelled some of the garments at the show held over two nights, while some designs were modelled by friends or relatives or the students themselves.

The biggest cheers of the night were reserved for special needs students learning independent living skills at the College. They paraded the catwalk with gusto to show their collection of formal and day wear.

Benita Odogwu-Atkinson, the College’s curriculum manager for fashion, textiles and media, said the College has become renowned for its fashion courses and most of its BTEC diploma students progress to university and degree courses. “Our students go onto UCA Rochester, University of East London, and Middlesex and Hertfordshire Universities,” she added. “Five students on our HND course are going on to convert their qualification into a full honours degree. We have students of all ages, from school pupils on diploma course, to mature students studying part time.”

Students Prepare Pre-Ascot Breakfast for Children's Hopsice

A party of 20 women was treated to a mouth watering breakfast before setting off to enjoy the first day's racing at Royal Ascot on Tuesday 15 June 2010. This annual high-profile event is on the social calendar of many celebrities and dignitaries including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The party’s pre-Ascot indulgence was prepared and served by students studying for their VRQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery at Waltham Forest College. It took place in a marquee on the grounds of the Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford. The scrumptious menu included: sparkling wine, smoked salmon with scrabbled eggs, bagels and Danish pastries.

Catering student, Frazer Connelly said: ‘I really look forward to taking part in these events as each one is different and you don’t know what to expect’.

This fund raising event was organised by two community fundraisers, who work for the Hospice, Haley Bridge and Penny Sturdy. Penny praised the catering students commenting: ‘They worked really hard and produced a lovely breakfast which we all enjoyed’. Haven House Children’s Hospice provides short term respite care and end of life care, for children aged 0-19 years with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

June Harrison from Beechoak Farm Montessori, Pre-School said: ‘The breakfast was a lovely way to start celebrating my birthday and at the same time help this worthy charity’.

Sally Allen, Senior Catering Supervisor and Philip Wright, Lecturer, oversaw the event. They said they were proud of their students, commenting, ‘We’ve had some lovely comments about our students.’

Fashion Student's Winning T-Shirt Design On Sale In H&M Stores

Luqman Ali, a budding fashion & design student from Waltham Forest College is aspiring to become the next new label on the High Street. Luqman, otherwise known as Luke, was awarded first prize for his t-shirt design, as part of Project Blackbook for H&M. The design is on sale in every H&M store throughout the UK. He said, “Techno print is quite a common technique now in this industry – and as one of my portfolio pictures was very innovative, I decided it would work – I was confident it would win!”

Luke studied GCSE Textiles at school and then progressed to Waltham Forest College to study a BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing. Before Luke came to the College he was unsure about his future career. Luke comments “I came to enrolment week at Waltham Forest College and looked around and thought I would give it a chance. Now I love it because I can carry on with my progression and interest in Fashion.”

Luke has taken part in numerous fashion events such as the London Fashion Week, The Colleges Fashion Show, Alternative Fashion Week at Old Spitalfields Market, Fashion Ryot, and many more. These events together with his course, will take Luke to new heights. Luke added, “I love design and business studies because I feel these are my strongest skills and provide me with a firm understanding and knowledge of the industry.”

Luke is inspired by famous designers like Vivienne Westwood. He says, “She is amazing, she started the whole Check and Punk thing. I also really like Julian MacDonald for glamour and Christian Dior for the classic and sophisticated look. Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto is very intelligent and portrays this in his design. I like the way he incorporates his culture into his designs.”

Luke’s experience at the College has been positive and helped him achieve his goals and aspire to strive for more. Luke says, “I have learned a lot and I feel like I have grown into a better person and more confident.”

Luke will move on to study a BA Hons in Fashion at Rochester University for the Creative Arts and eventually sees himself working for a small brand to establish and gain experience along the way. Ultimately he would like to have his own label.

College Fashion Students ‘Sock it to Me’ at Altenative Fashion Week

The creative work of fashion students from Waltham Forest College in North East London, was amongst those taking the catwalk on Friday 23rd April at Alternative Fashion Week 2010. The College’s students took centre stage, showcasing their designs in front of the world’s press and key figures in the fashion industry.

The work of 10 students, on the BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing, made up this year’s collection themed ‘Sock it to Me (Make Do & Mend)’. Students presented a stunning range of shift dresses created by using recycled socks.

Amber Zakrzewski, one of the students whose work was displayed at the event, said: ‘It was really great to see my work being modelled at such a prestigious event and in front of so many people.’

Melanie Boraster, Curriculum Manager at Waltham Forest College, said: ‘This is the 14th year our students’ work has been selected to show at Alternative Fashion Week. It’s a great opportunity to show off the high standard of work produced by our students.’

Seventy of the most original collections, out of hundreds of applications, were selected to show at Alternative Fashion Week, which took place at Spitalfields Traders Market in East London, 19 - 23 April 2010.

Alternative Fashion Week has become a major event on the fashion show calendar, as this is the place where all the best new designers are to be discovered. It provides a genuine alternative for them to present their work directly to the national and international press, the public and the fashion industry. Designers come from all over the UK and this year from Italy, Croatia, Sweden, Finland and the USA as well.

The students’ work featured in the show were Luqman Ali, Shumaila Aslam, Lara Boourchier-Lee, Radua Jassin, Saidah Kitimbo, Femida Mahmood, Niya Mignott-Brock, Sahra Moalim, Sarah Yombo-Djema, Amber Zakrzewski.

The College runs a range of fashion courses to suit people at all levels. The majority of students progress to university or straight into employment, following the successful completion of their courses. For information about courses available at Waltham Forest College please phone 020 8501 8501, email info@waltham.ac.uk or visit www.waltham.ac.uk

Butchers get into top gear at Waltham Forest College

Butchers are getting to know all the best cuts at Waltham Forest College where they are learning to bring back traditional butchery skills to a supermarket chain’s meat counters.

Morrisons is on a mission to have its meat counters staffed by “real butchers who are properly trained and who know all the cuts”.

The store chain has chosen the College in Walthamstow, North East London, to help them deliver pledges made in its television advertisement featuring Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond.

It is sending 43 of its apprentice butchers to the College’s Smithfield Unit to learn how to provide the “right cut at the right price” for their customers in the first year of a training programme.

Two lecturers, Ian Wood and Ray Hum who have nearly 90 years experience in the meat trade between them, have designed and are delivering the training.

The College has been teaching butchery for more than 20 years following the closure of Smithfield College, which was situated next to Smithfield meat market in central London.

Ian said: “There has been a national decline in the number of retail butchers and as a result many of the traditional skills of butchery were beginning to die out. Morrisons promotes the family butcher approach to cutting and preparing meat in-store rather than having it come in pre-packed from central processing plants. We are providing the young apprentices with the traditional skills they need to deliver that. They learn how to utilise the whole carcass as well as how to cure bacon and make sausages and faggots. What makes Morrisons different to other supermarkets is that it is providing training that leads to a national qualification, an NVQ level two, rather than an in-house training course.”

In a fully equipped classroom complete with cold store, butchers’ blocks, knives, mincing machines and display cabinets, Ian expertly demonstrates how to de-bone and truss a shoulder of lamb ready for roasting. One class of ten apprentices dressed in red and white striped aprons and straw boaters watch intently before attempting the skill themselves.

The apprentices are from all over south and southwest England and spend four weeks at the College, one week at a time, during their 32 week training programme. As well as health and safety, hygiene, and quality control they are learning to de-bone, trim, package, label, and display meat. They are also being trained to advise customers on the right cut of meat for the right cooking process, such as brisket for pot roast and braising steak for stews, and to dispense cooking advice.

Ray, 64, who had his own butchers’ shop and sausage factory in Chingford for 25 years, explained the importance of reviving these skills. "When I opened my shop in 1975 there were ten butchers’ shops within half a mile,” he said. When I sold out nine years ago I was the last one standing. The traditional butcher was becoming extinct.”

Ryan Lawrence, from Bognor Regis, West Sussex, is one apprentice who hopes to keep the traditional butcher alive. He left university in June with a degree in business and media planning to go into advertising.

“I worked at Morrisons part time while at university and butchery began to appeal to me,” he explained. “It’s a good skill to have. I am learning new skills every day and it is not as easy as a lot of people think. I am still glad I went to university. I am sure I will be able to apply my business and media skills further in my career.”

Nathan Kenward, from Beccles, Suffolk, was a head chef in a hotel but could take no more of the long unsocial hours. “I switched to butchery because it is a dying art and up-and-coming butchers are hard to come by. It will give me a good knowledge of the whole process of meat production, from field to fork.”

MaryJo Hoyne, Head of School, commented: ‘A skills led curriculum, where learners acquire specialist techniques, creates enhanced employment opportunities. Hospitality and Catering students who have a bank of skills are highly sought after in the Industry.’

The butchery apprenticeship is the third embarked on by Marc Crisp, 23, from Verwood, Dorset. “I studied catering first, then completed a carpentry apprenticeship but my employer couldn’t afford to keep me on,” he said. “I was working as a meat packer in Morrisons when I was offered this opportunity. Butchery is one of those trades you don’t want to see die out and I am happy to be helping to keep it alive.”

Students at Waltham Forest College achieve the Jack Petchey Award

Waltham Forest Collegeis proud to award six of their most committed students, Ashley-Kate Hobbs (Diploma in Introduction to Professional Cookery), Jardine Dacosta, (Professional Cookery) Michael Marques (Skills For Working Life), Mohamed Conteh (National Certificate in ICT), Shaina Bibi Auzine (BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism), and Sadir Hassan (BTEC National Certificate in Public Services), the Jack Petchey Award.

These students have proved both their commitment and hard work by applying themselves to improving their skills and abilities at College whilst making a positive contribution to the wider College community.

The Jack Petchey Foundation gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25. It rewards their efforts in areas such as improving attainment, developing skills and contributing to society.

Jonathan Constable, Enrichment Manager, who coordinates the Jack Petchey programme at the College, says,
“This is a great scheme where staff recognize the outstanding contributions students make towards College life. This motivates students because it gives the recognition and rewards for their efforts in going that extra mile.”

An event took place in the Mallinson Suite at the College where students were awarded certificates and £200 for a project of their choice. Two members of staff, Tom Vittles and David Sears also received recognition for their dedication and contribution to working with young people at the College.

Tom and David have dedicated themselves, using their own time, to developing and establishing an extensive programme of extra curricular activities designed to stimulate, motivate and elevate learners to new heights.

David Sears’s remarks,
“I am absolutely delighted to receive a Jack Petchey award, but it is all about learners to see them learn grow and develop new and varied skills for their chosen career.”

Students sparkle on night of hair spray, lip gloss and eye shadow

With her silver streaked curls carefully crafted into a flamboyant crown, the Snow Queen had judges shivering with delight at a hair and beauty show at Waltham Forest College on Wednesday.

Student Argentina Pavlou stunned the audience by adorning her model in a variety of shades of white, silver and pale grey to represent the winter season.

Not only did Argentina, 33, design the hair style herself, she also applied the make up and even hand stitched the intricate patterns to the white silk dress worn by her model, Luba Rasintova.

The skills she used in straightening, teasing and spraying her model’s hair into shape won her first prize in the adult hairdressing section of the show in which the four seasons was one of the themes.

“I have been up until the early hours every night for the past month working to perfect my Snow Queen look,” she said. “I am delighted it paid off for me.”

Luba said: “I am amazed with what Argentina achieved. This is all my own hair, no extensions or anything.”

Argentina is studying for a NVQ Level 2 qualification hairdressing, at the College in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

She had already studied make-up as part of a qualification in beauty therapy she achieved before taking this course. Now she has ambitions to become a hair and make up artist for stage and film.

“I have been working in the beauty business but I wanted to learn hairdressing because I enjoy providing a total look. Being able to do hair gives me a different vision to create.”

She was one of eight prize winners on the night in which students brought a touch of Hollywood and Bollywood glamour to the catwalk with strikingly bold displays of their make up and hairdressing skills.

A movie theme for the Level 2 Beauty Therapy prize allowed students to run riot with lip gloss, mascara, eye shadow and glitter.

They made up their models to look like a succession of movie characters including Bond girl Pussy Galore, Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, and several Bollywood princesses.

A Marilyn Monroe styled model even met Danny la Rue look-alikes on the night, as Drag Queens was another theme for level 2 hairdressing students.

Gods and Goddesses, Moulin Rouge, the 1980s, and Fairies completed the series of themes that allowed students to test their talents in designing a total look for their models.

Prizes were presented by the Mayor, Cllr Anna Mbachu, who was so impressed by the skills on show that she is planning to book hair and beauty treatments at the college’s four training salons which are open to the public.

She arrived wearing an outfit in an African print made for her by fashion design students at the college. “I attended the college’s fashion show last year and was so impressed by their ability I wanted the students to make something for me.

“Now I want them to do my hair and make up as well so I can be a walking advert for their talents. What I have seen tonight is wonderful.”

Head Hair Judge, Cheryl Tunca of the Phase II Hair Design Group commented:
“As usual the Annual Total Look Hair and Beauty Show hosted by Waltham Forest College was a huge success. Each year to see these fantastic looks being created by such young talent, still manages to amaze and inspire me.
The immagination, hard work and commitment of these students really showed in the creativity of the hair and make-up on display on the Cat Walk.”
Charmaigne Krokou, the College’s acting Head of School for Vocational Care which includes hairdressing and beauty therapy, said the judges included representatives from the industry.

“We had local salon owners among the twelve judges and this was an excellent opportunity for the students to showcase the skills they have acquired.”

Hairdressing and beauty therapy courses are continuing to expand at the College. Claire Shire, the College’s Director of Young People’s Learning, said: “We have growing numbers of part-time students who are trying to improve themselves in these tough economic times.

“We also offer a range of full and part time courses from Level 1 (Entry Level) to Level 3 (A-level equivalent) as well as offering apprenticeships to young learners.

“From September we will be offering the new diploma course to pupils aged 14 to 16. Local schools value this opportunity for their learners to follow this vocational route.”
She said the courses offer a variety of opportunities for students to progress into a wide range of careers. “Most of our students go into the industry but we do have some who go to university to study salon management,” she added.