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.

WALTHAM FOREST COLLEGE STUDENTS IMPRESS TOP CATERING PROFESSIONALS

Hotelympia 2010 was a source of inspiration for students at Waltham Forest College. This prestigious catering event held on 28 February to 4 March, takes place once every two years, and is attended by some of the most famous celebrity chefs, Head Chef at Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, Michael Godfrey, Executive Head Chef at Bekynton, Eton College and Tim Payne, Head Chef at The Paradise By Way of Kensal Green, Proprietor and Executive Chef of the Café Spice Namasté, Cyrus Todiwala, and major international suppliers for the industry.

The College’s hospitality and catering students worked alongside the House of Commons Culinary Team, at the Dudson Restaurant, as part of a competition hosted by Hotelympia, called the La Parade des Chefs, which provided a fine dining experience for those who attended the event. During this five-day exhibition these students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their hospitality skills, and impress some of the top names in the industry, by staffing the Dudson restaurant filled with a hundred diners, from Lexington Catering Ltd.

Waltham Forest College were very proud to be one of only two colleges in the country to help host these restaurant events, along with Westminster Kingsway.

Peter Stone, Catering and Operations Manager commented, “The College’s hospitality and catering students this year gained three Gold and one Silver medal, which is a fantastic achievement. The School of Service Industries gained fantastic feedback on our students’ service this year. There were many great comments by organisers and diners such as: “These students are a real credit to you,” “The best students we have had at Hotelympia.”, “They are so friendly and helpful.”

The students had a great experience and one which they will remember for many years to come. This will be something they will proudly include on their CVs. Learners will now all be issued with a certificate, which will be presented at the annual awards for Service Industries evening in May/ June 2010.

MaryJo Hoyne Head of School for Service Industries, said, 'WFC was delighted to support one of the hospitality industries largest exhibition events, the catering and hospitality students delivered an excellent service for the event.'

Sebnemmarasali, hospitality and catering Student Level 1 said, “It was a really good opportunity to practice my customer service skills in a top class restaurant setting.”

28/02/10

The Olympic dream gets closer for Waltham Forest College students

Lee Mathurin


A student at Waltham Forest College who has high hopes of taking part in the Olympic Games got a close up view of the arena where he aims to be competing in two years time.

Lee Mathurin was among a group of 26 students from the college who were taken on a tour of the Olympic site in Stratford to witness the progress being made in building the Games venues.

Lee, 20, is studying business at the college, but at evenings and weekends he is training hard to pursue his dream as an athlete.

He is a promising discus thrower, with his national ranking reaching as high as second in the country at junior level.

Lee took up the sport while a student at Woodbridge High School in Woodford Green. “In a games lesson I picked up a discus one day and the PE teacher was impressed with how far I threw it,” he said.

“He told me I should take it up competitively and encouraged me to join the Woodford Green with Essex Ladies athletics club.

“I have represented England at junior level and have been ranked in the top ten in the country every year since I started competing.

“I have also appeared on a prediction list of athletes who will compete at the Olympics in 2012, so I do believe I have a chance. To appear in an Olympic Games on my home turf would be the biggest achievement of my life.”

This will be his first year competing at senior level and he hopes to improve on his personal best throw of 48 metres in competition, though he said he has thrown 52 metres in training.

“The qualifying distance for 2012 is likely to be around 65 metres, but I believe I can achieve that if I train hard,” he added.

If he does achieve his goal he will have Roger Bannister, the first man to run a mile in under four minutes, to thank. Lee, from Navestock Crescent, Woodford Green, explained: “He was a coach at the club and he helped me out a lot.

“My mum had just been made redundant and he helped me out with funding so I was able to buy shoes and other equipment. Without his support I don’t reckon I would have got as far as I have.”

Meanwhile he is working hard to pass his Advanced National Diploma (equivalent to three A-levels) in business to enable him to achieve his other dream of going to university to study to be an architect.

Lee joined a group of mostly travel and tourism students and teachers who were taken on a guided tour of the Olympic site which is expected to attract up to 800,000 visitors each day of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

They were shown the progress being made on the construction of the main arenas and the Olympic village which will house 15,000 athletes from 205 nations.


Students going on the Olympic site tour

Dulux Decorator Centre's Search For ‘Apprentice Of The Year’

The search is on once again to find Dulux Decorator Centres’ Apprentice of the Year 2010, and the national competition, will be making a stop at Waltham Forest College, on 25th March 2010.

The Dulux Decorator Centres’ Apprentice of the Year competition is in its third year and the 2010 competition is expected to be bigger and better, especially as it has become a recognised and permanent feature in the painting & decorating industry’s calendar. The competition aims to reward the skills and creativity of talented apprentices and is calling for painting & decorating companies and colleges across East London to put forward their top students.

The Dulux Decorator Centres’ Apprentice of the Year 2010 competition is open to apprentices aged between 17 and 24 years of age on a recognised painting and decorating course and studying an NVQ or SVQ level two or three, alongside working in the industry.

Kerrilee Jay store manager of the East London Dulux Decorator Centre on Thornham Grove, commented: “We are really looking forward to the 2010 Apprentice of the Year competition to start. Last year was a huge success and we really want to have a record number of entries this year. The competition is a great opportunity for apprentices to showcase their skills and raise their profile within the industry, and what’s more the prize will also help to establish the winners’ career, so I would recommend colleges and painting & decorating companies put forward their top apprentices.”

The competition aims to provide painting and decorating students with a challenging, but fun and practical competition. Each student will be tasked with a series of practical applications, comprising various elements of painting and decorating, covering wallpapering, stencilling, waterborne glosses, and special effects.
The winner of the East London heat will go on to compete against eight other regional winners in the national final, which will take place at Leeds College on the 17th June 2010, where the overall winner will be crowned ‘Dulux Decorator Centres’ Apprentice of the Year 2010’ at an awards presentation.

The winner will receive £1,000 cash and a variety of other prizes, including a Red Letter Day, Nectar points and Dulux training and a host of prizes for their college for all painting and decorating students to use. There will also be runners up prizes of £500 and £250, plus £100 worth of Dulux Decorator Centres vouchers each, for those finishing in overall second and third place. Individual regional heat winners will win £100 each, a certificate and a Dulux Decorator Centre goody bag packed with fantastic products donated by Dulux Decorator Centre’s suppliers.

The deadline for entries into the regional heats is Friday 26th February and all applicants should contact their lecturer and register through their painting and decorating college.

For further information visit http://www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/ or for regular updates join the Facebook group - Dulux Decorator Centres or follow on Twitter at DuluxDecCentre.

Hideously diverse Britain: the college where histories collide

Taken from The Guardian, Friday 29 January 2010.
By Hugh Muir.



1940 RAF Cadets on the steps



2010 WFC Students on the steps


It was 1940 and the 200 students of South West Essex Technical College posed ramrod straight on the sharply inclined steps; ties stiff, uniforms crisp. They were RAF ­cadets learning science and ­engineering at the place that was dubbed the People's University. Unsurprisingly, those pictured were all white.

The place is called Waltham Forest College nowadays and the grand steps remain imposing. The porticos, by sculptor Eric Gill, have been lovingly preserved.

But last week, when the east London college recreated that recently discovered archive photograph, everything else was different. The formation was identical to that created with military precision all those years ago, but lining the steps were 200 students from ­another generation, another century. White Britons, black Britons, teenagers of Asian and African and Mediterranean and Eastern European descent. A student body with links to every continent on the planet. Speakers of 76 different ­languages. Each standing out in the cold to make a statement. "I told them it was their job to represent their era, just as the cadets in 1940 were symbolic of that time," said lecturer Gaverne Bennett. "They bought into it."

At the front stood a young Muslim woman, her dark blue coat tightly ­buttoned, her headscarf electric green. In the third row of four there were black girls shivering in their blue ­beauticians' uniforms. In the next, boys from Asia and the Middle East, easily visible in white catering garb with conical hats to match.

The English as a second language students (ESOL) were the hardest to ­organise into place, but once the camera shutter had clicked, they were as ­exuberant as the others. "One day my family will see it and know that I was part of something," Glori Mutshipayi, 19, from Congo, told me; flanked by his associates, two Poles and a Pakistani.

It's not Nirvana. It's a 21st-century ­college where cultures meet, histories collide. But it works. They live, they learn. Stella Fleming, head of ESOL, recalls worrying about a class containing Bosnians and Croatians, but says she quickly realised it wasn't going to be a problem. "Being away from that situation, their view was that 'we've all lost'. They just wanted to learn the ­language more than anything else."

Students at Waltham Forest College help support World Aids Day

01/12/09

On Tuesday 1 December 2009, the School of Vocational Care at Walthamstow Forest College hosted their first fund-raising event in support of World Aids Day. World Aids Day has helped raise awareness and support the 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS today.

Students studying Childcare, Hospitality & Catering and Hair & Beauty hosted this event in the student common room. Their enthusiasm for this cause was demonstrated by the highly organised display of products available for purchase on their stalls.

Russell Joseph – Head of School for Vocational Care said, “The event has worked well for both students and staff who have helped put together today. The students raised a fantastic £277!”

Each department showed a high-level of creativity in designing, preparing and selling Christmas gifts which included Clarins beauty products, handmade satin Christmas socks, hand-crafted candles and donations of clothes all in the colour red, the official World Aids Day colour. Other stalls included nail art and hair styling.

Ruma Aktar, Entry Level Student, Certificate for Preparation for Working with Children, organised one of the stalls, selling small chocolate gift sets. Ruma said, “I feel great about the event because it is for charity and a good cause. It is exciting to be taking part and I have found the whole experience really interesting. I am grateful to be given the chance to take part.”

Members of staff from the Terence Higgins Trust (THT) were present at the event to help support the students throughout the day. Seminars were hosted to build awareness about sexually transmitted diseases and the reality of AIDS today. This was a great opportunity for the students at Waltham Forest College to access information about sexually transmitted diseases, which they may not otherwise be aware of.

Michelle Harewood, a representative from the Terence Higgins Trust, said, ‘As someone who works closely with people living with HIV, it is refreshing to see so many young people coming together to help a worthy cause”.

Waltham Forest College student Ayrton Shaka Sukul reaches regional final of Future Chef competition

02/12/09

A schoolboy is making his mark as a budding chef after reaching the regional finals of a competition.

Fourteen-year-old Ayrton Shaka Sukul served up pan fried pollock and tarte tatin in the local finals of the Future Chef 2010 competition, and his dishes came out top in the taste test.

He now goes onto the regional finals of the cooking contest in which thousands of pupils from more than 700 schools throughout the UK are taking part.

The teenager attends Frederick Bremer School in Siddeley Road, Walthamstow, and spends a day and a half a week at Waltham Forest College in Forest Road, Walthamstow, where he is studying for a diploma in hospitality.

He said: “I am a big fan of Gino D’Acampo and I love watching him cooking on television. He is my inspiration and I want to go all the way in this competition so I can follow in his footsteps.

“I would like to own my own restaurant. I love cooking and always cook at home with my family.”

Mary Jo Hoyne, head of school for hospitality, travel and tourism at Waltham Forest College, said: “His success in this competition will allow him to explore many other aspects of the hospitality industry.”

The local finals were the second stage of the four stage competition organised by the national youth charity Springboard.

The four finalists had to prepare a hot main course and hot or cold dessert for two people, with a budget of £6.

Ayrton is one of nine pupils from four secondary schools studying for a higher level diploma in hospitality, which is the equivalent of seven GCSEs.

Pupils from Tom Hood, Kelmscott, and Rushcroft schools in Waltham Forest, as well as Frederick Bremer School, are studying for the diploma at the college.

In addition to cooking, the course covers business, kitchen design, and front of house operations.

Axed pool could re-open

The borough's axed premiere training pool may re-open in January, it has been confirmed.

The pool, at Waltham Forest College, in Forest Road, Walthamstow, was closed in September as operator Greenwich Leisure Ltd was not prepared to fund it any longer and the college is unable to divert cash needed for teaching.

But another company, Active Leisure Management (ALM), is now in talks with the college and the Friends of the Pool (FOTP) about re-opening the facility in January.

ALM believes it can keep costs down by opening the pool for six to eight hours and charging groups including FOTP and Walthamstow Tritons to use it.

John Allan, ALM director, says it would be too costly to open it to the general public, but swimmers could join the groups to use the pool.

He said: “ I had a look at it and it is a quality building, the pool is fit for use, everything is ready to go. It is such shame it is not being used. We are trying our best to come up with a plan, we don't need to make a lot of money from it because we don't have shareholders.”

FOTP, which has been paying £300 a month for the maintenance of the chemicals in the pool, says the facility is unique in Waltham Forest in offering unrestricted lane swimming.

Nick Wadham-Smith, FOTP member, said, “The college has been supportive and we are delighted that the hard work of a community group and a college may have a fantastic result for the community.”

Peter Glasgow, Waltham Forest College vice-principal, said he was “pretty confident” the pool will re-open soon. He said, “We see it as a community resource. We were not happy about it closing and if we can bring other people in to work with them to get the pool used that is great.”

The college intended to close the pool two years ago but a council-brokered, part-subsidised deal with Greenwich Leisure Ltd, which expired in June, gave it a reprieve.

An expected redevelopment of the college, which would have seen the pool demolished, did not happen for financial reasons.

Council leader Chris Robbins has ruled out any further subsidy from the taxpayer.

Waltham Forest College supports Colleges' Week

09/11/09

Waltham Forest College offers free pamper sessions to Support Colleges Week

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy students from Waltham Forest College provided free pamper sessions during Colleges Week. Approximately 30 employees at the Haven House Children's Hospice had the opportunity to enjoy facials, manicures and pedicures over the course of the week.

Staff and volunteers at the Hospice, located in East London, care for children and young people between the ages of 0 to 19 who have life-limiting conditions and who are unlikely to reach adulthood.

Alex Le-Vey, Assistant to the Chief Excutive at the Hospice, said: 'The College is doing a really good thing, I don’t know of anything like this taking place since I've worked here. It's good that our staff and volunteers are being given a chance to relax when you think of all the good work they do day in day out.'

Roohi Mirza, Salon Operations Manager at the College said: 'We often provide this kind of service to the local community and our students really find it rewarding.'

Jane Waller, a student on the Fast Track Beauty Therapy Programme said, 'I am really pleased that our group was chosen to offer these treatments because we will be able to do something worthwhile as well as gain experience at the same time.'


Waltham Forest College Hosts Diploma Exhibition

Waltham Forest College hosted an exhibition to showcase the New Diplomas, on Monday 9 November from 2.00 pm - 5.30pm. The event was organised in conjunction with the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

The Borough’s Year 9 pupils and their parents had the opportunity to obtain information about the teaching and learning involved in these innovative new programmes. They were able to speak to teaching staff and watch practical demonstrations.