Adult Learner of the Year announced at Waltham Forest College

College Principal Robin Jones presenting Les Fewings with his award.

Waltham Forest College, which has about 7,000 adult learners, kicked off Adult Learners' Week, by celebrating the achievements of adult learners at an awards presentation ceremony held at the Mallinson Restaurant at its campus in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

12 adult students were nominated by their lecturers to receive an award for the outstanding progress and commitment shown during their time at the college and all received Adult Learners’ Awards certificates.

Awards were presented by the college’s principal Robin Jones who said: “It was really hard to select the winner from the nominees as all students had worked exceptionally hard on their course in spite of having to deal with other issues such as health and maintaining a family. I believe all the award winners demonstrate that it is never too late to be what you want to be.”
The ‘Adult Learner of the Year’ award went to Les Fewings, who deals with challenging health problems daily, having been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, which amongst other things, left him profoundly deaf.

Les is studying for the IMI Level 1 Technical Award in Motorcycle Studies. Chris Roper Curriculum Manager Automotive Technology said: “Despite his challenges Les has made marvellous progress on his course and deserves to be recognised in this way. He works hard, progresses well with his studies, and is a pleasure to teach. He is always polite and pleasant to both teaching and support staff, and to his fellow students.”

Award winners were Kellie Fielder (Hairdressing), Ruvinia Callender (Food Studies), Simon Schendel (Learning for Success), Trea Brown (Beauty Therapy), Angela Sandford (Access to Law), Les Fewings (Motorcycle Studies), Shanthy Moothathamby (Health and Social Care), Stewart Bartholomew (StudyLink Plus) Ardjoun Nouredine (Motor Vehicle Studies), Malcolm Parker (Access to Law), Sharon-Marie Williams (Beauty Therapy), Tiffany Antonio (ICT).

For information about courses available at Waltham Forest College, please phone 020 8501 8501, email info@waltham.ac.uk or visit http://www.waltham.ac.uk/

Proving that it’s never too late to become what you want to be

A mother of three who has been out of work for two years and a woman who has two degrees but is only able to find part time work were among those who attended Adult Learners’ Week workshops at Waltham Forest College.

The college staged four workshops over two days at its Uplands House Training Centre, Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, where staff supplied details of full and part-time courses offered advice about the type of financial support available.

“I came because I wanted to find help for me to come to some sort of decision about what I want to do next,” said Gina, 46. “I was made redundant two years ago and being out of work lowers your confidence, your skills and your self esteem.” Her last job was an administrative post for the NHS where she had worked for 17 years. “I would like to do something completely different,” she added. “I want to be skilled at something and do something for myself. I don’t want to be in a situation where I wake up in the morning and think I don’t want to go to work today.”

Becki, in her late 20s, has a master’s degree in scriptwriting and a bachelor’s degree in economics, but says that her work opportunities are sporadic. She said there are often long gaps between the scriptwriting she does for television programmes. “I do some exam invigilating at the University of East London and I am interested in finding additional work in teaching support, perhaps as a scribe for students with special needs. I came to the workshop to find out what training the college could offer.”

Tutors and students on Access to Higher Education courses at the college were on hand to supply visitors with the advice they needed.

Adult Learners’ Week is an annual national campaign which inspires thousands of adults, whatever their age or background to pursue learning opportunities. They may be interested in learning for pleasure, catching up on skills missed out on at school or getting that new job or promotion. People are also able to access information and guidance that can help them finance their studies.

The College continually tries to remove the barriers to learning for people who have difficulty juggling home, family and even working life. It has developed a range of flexible and highly effective programmes to accommodate their learning needs.

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

Improving Your Career Opportunities

Patrick Williams who trained as a chef at Waltham Forest College.

The economic downturn will affect many of us but it is a fact that those with a good skills base are more likely to improve their career opportunities. As a result, greater numbers of people are acquiring new skills through retraining.

It was watching ‘The Galloping Gourmet’ programme on TV that inspired Patrick Williams to train as a chef, at Waltham Forest College.

Patrick worked his way up in the kitchens of some of the most prestigious (and demanding) names in British cooking. Today he is a celebrity Chef appearing on TV programmes and owner of The Terrace In The Fields, a gourmet restaurant in a unique setting in the centre of London’s Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

Robin Jones, Principal and Chief Executive at Waltham Forest College says: “People have difficulties juggling home, family and even working life. In order to help them overcome these conflicting barriers to learning, the College has developed a range of highly effective flexible programmes. Many of our part-time courses have variable start dates and times in order to meet adult learning needs at all levels”.

The College will be holding an Open Evening on Tuesday 19 May, 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Visitors will be able to meet advisors and lecturers, discuss training options and find out how to finance their studies. To obtain information about the Open Day or courses available at Waltham Forest College call 020 8501 8501, email info@waltham.ac.uk , visit http://www.waltham.ac.uk/ or drop into Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4JB.

Summer University 2008 Certificate Presentation Evening

Students with their certificates and Peter Bendon, 31/03/09

Waltham Forest College and the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) Youth Support Service teamed up to celebrate the success of students who attended the Summer University in 2008. An awards presentation ceremony was held in the College’s Mallinson Restaurant on Tuesday 31 March.

48 young people attended accompanied by their family and friends. A total of 92 students were awarded National Open College Network’s (NOCN) nationally recognised qualifications. Guests were treated to a delicious buffet which was prepared and served by the College’s Catering and Hospitality students

Young people had successfully completed a range of courses which included: Hairdressing, Beauty Make-up, Computer Animation, Web Page Design, Magazine Journalism, Catering and Fashion. These courses ran over two weeks in July and August 2008.

Lecturers from Waltham Forest College presented the certificates to their students and careers advisers from LBWF Youth Support Service were on hand to offer advice about progression opportunities to courses starting in September 2009.

Peter Glasgow, Vice Principal at Waltham Forest College said that "The Media often provide us with negative reports about young people and this is not the whole story. All the young people here had voluntarily taken time out of their summer holidays to study and this is to be commended. Currently 8 out of every 10 students who attend this College succeed and it is dedicated students such as yourselves that are helping this College to move from good to outstanding.”

Peter Bendon, Lecturer and Co-ordinator of the Summer University said "I am really pleased with the energy and positive attitude displayed by students who attend this programme. All participants felt that the Summer University had been a worthwhile experience and a number of students indicated that the taster course they had selected had helped them to decide on their future career."

Phil Slaney, Lead Careers Adviser, LBWF Youth Support Service, said "Several students have applied for full-time courses or apprenticeship programmes and others were already enrolled at the College. The Summer University is in its third year and the progress made by these young people demonstrates the benefits of trying these ‘taster’ courses held over the course of a week."

Geron Gittens, who studied Animation and Web Design, said "I saw a leaftlet advertising the Summer University at the Connexions Centre and thought I would try two courses to see what they would be like. I really enjoyed them both so I decided to study full-time at Waltham Forest College. I am currently studying for a BTEC First Diploma in Media and intend to go on to take the BTEC National Diploma next year."

The College and LBWF are already planning another Summer University in 2009 based on last year’s success and hope to offer an even wider selection of courses leading to nationally recognised qualifications. If you would like to obtain further information about the Summer University or other College courses please call 020 8501 8501.

Judges Wowed by College Total Look Hair and Beauty Competition

Simone Ricketts, Kamola Jones and Waltham Forest’s Mayor, Councillor Sheila Smith-Pryor, 25/03/2009

The zebra look wowed judges at a hair and beauty show staged by students at Waltham Forest College on Wednesday 25 March 2009.

Student Simone Ricketts drew gasps of appreciation from the audience when she strutted the catwalk with her hair platted into a black and white mane. Elaborate black and white striped make-up adorned her face and body to complete the resemblance to the animal which runs wild on the African savannas. Her appearance won first prize for the hairdressing student who meticulously crafted it, Kamola Jones.

Kamola, 28, was placed top in the hairdressing level 2 adult category, in which students styled their models on an animal theme. She said: “I can’t believe I won. Simone who modelled for me is a health and social care student at the College and she helped me devise the zebra look.”

Kamola said she plans to take a course in beauty therapy at the college next year so she can achieve her ambition of becoming a personal stylist providing a total hair and beauty service to her clients.

She was one of around 60 hairdressing and beauty therapy students who took part in the Total Look competition held at the College’s main campus in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

Prizes were presented by Waltham Forest’s Mayor, Councillor Sheila Smith-Pryor, in seven different categories covering a range of hair and beauty courses from level 1, beginners, to level 3, which is A-level equivalent. She said: “What an absolutely splendid show. The students were brilliant, creative, and just fantastic. I am very proud of what takes place in this college because it reflects the achievements of people in this borough.”

The audience comprised family and friends as well as specially invited guests, including Mary Vine Morris, Area Director, Learning Skills Council (LSC) London North, Sarah Carrick, Partnership Director, LSC London North and Councillor Terry Wheeler.

Each prize category featured different themes, which included fairies, carnival, futuristic and horror.

Sabrina Hussein, 16, won first prize in the level 1 hairdressing competition, based on a punk theme. She is a full time student but works one day a week at the Walthamstow salon Talking Heads where her model, Nadine Mahon, works Saturdays. “In the long term I want to be a celebrity stylist,” Sabrina said. “I want to finish studying after completing a level 3 course, then work in a salon and make a name for myself. I will do whatever it takes to get to the top.”

Daljinder Riyat, 21, won the top prize in the level 3 hairdressing competition with her sister Pavan modelling for her. “My ambition is to be a stylist in theatre production,” she said.

Barbara Robinson took part in the Avant Garde show opening prom, which was not judged. The youthful looking 40-year-old has more than 20 years experience as a hairdresser, but is taking a level 3 course at the college so she can become a teacher and assessor. She styled her model, her niece Antoinette, in a punk-rock look featuring a colourful array of pinks, purples, blues and white. “I like wacky styles,” she said.

Salon owner and trainer Patricia Hope was one of the judges. She said: “The students were very creative, especially with some of the hand made costumes. “The judgements were made on how they interpreted the theme they were given on a combination of factors, not just testing their hairdressing skills but make up, costume, even down to the choice of model.”

The hair and beauty show has become an annual event on the College’s calendar and has been running for more than ten years.

Ruth Bennett, a lecturer in beauty therapy, said: “We have more than 100 students on full and part time hair and beauty courses. This show gives them the opportunity to showcase their work in front of an audience of their family, friends, and important people in the industry. They get a lot of enjoyment out of it, practise their skills, and they can use it towards their assessment.”

Claire Shire, the College’s Director of Young People’s Learning, said: “This show is another step on our way to becoming an outstanding college. It provides young people with the opportunity to develop all round skills such as presentation and allows the industry specialist to see the high standards of work they produce.

“It is about team work and allows young people to gain experience working with adults in its production and planning. Lots of students put in hours over and above their usual course hours. They research the themes thoroughly and present them in an innovative way.”

For information about courses available at Waltham Forest College call 0208 501 8501

Comic Relief Fun Run at Waltham Forest College

Staff and students representing many departments from Waltham Forest College took part in a range of activities to raise money for Comic Relief on Red Nose Day, Friday March 13.

The 20-strong group of fundraisers set off from the College steps at 11:30, they ran, jogged and walked the 1 mile distance to the College’s Café Horizon located in Lloyd Park. The main hall was a hive of cash-generating activities which included ‘Beat the Goalie’, ‘Rowing Challenge’ and ‘Have a Bash at Drumming’. Delicious Red nose cakes were baked by catering students and students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Jonathan Constable, the College Enrichment Manager, who led the team responsible for co-ordinating the event, said ‘It’s great to see so many students and members of staff taking part in these fundraising activities’. The College expects the amount raised by the end of the day to exceed £400.

College Students Support Fairtrade Fortnight

The Forest Café held a Fairtrade Coffee Morning on Thursday 26 February in support of Fairtrade Fortnight. This annual national event takes place this year between 23 February and 8 March 2009. Organisations and community groups are staging a variety of activities to encourage people to switch to Fairtrade products.

Throughout the fortnight Hospitality and Catering students at Waltham Forest College are preparing a host of goodies using Fairtrade ingredients. Competitively priced homemade muffins, banana cakes and other items are on sale in the College cafes.

Fukiya Abioye, a first year Hospitality and Catering student, said “I think it’s a good idea to buy Fair Trade products even if they cost a little more. It’s really good to know you are buying something for a good cause.”

Sally Allen, Senior Catering Supervisor at the College said “For the past four years the College has ensured that Fairtrade products are always available in its cafes.

“However, Fairtrade Fortnight is a great opportunity to alert students, staff and the general public to the importance of buying these products.”

Products that are Fairtrade certified carry the FAIRTRADE mark. This means that people from developing countries involved in the production process work under decent conditions and are paid a fair wage.

The Forest Café at Waltham Forest College is open to the public Monday to Friday 9:30am -11:30am and 12noon - 2:15pm.

The Students’ Union of Waltham Forest College would like to thank all who attended the Motivational Seminar on Thursday 12th February given by Andrae Palmer of Ground Up Development Limited, the young leader of a small business, from Lambeth. The event was a success and it received good feedback from students. Andrae is willing to come back to provide further help and support for students and staff who would like to venture into social enterprise.

As well as offering team building workshops and motivation speaking Ground Up Development Offers:

Lambeth Youth Bank
The Lambeth Youth Bank (LYB) is a new grant making initiative run by young people and for young people. With thousands of £'s to give away we want to hear young people’s (11-25 yr-olds) project ideas. Our young panel members decide who gets the money and how much.

Hidden Histories Project
The Hidden Histories project has been a revelation. Covering black history in Britain over the last (at least!) 2000 years, the project and its facilitators strive to raise the aspirations and self-esteem of its participants, as well as developing an appreciation of the power of history. Avoiding the common trap of focusing exclusively on slavery and the slave trade, the project covers both negative and positive aspects of African and Caribbean people’s experiences, over the centuries, of living in the UK.

Fathers Matter Too (FM²)
Fathers Mater Too (FM²) is an expectant fathers training course scheduled for 2010. The 6 week course was designed to provide an inclusive and supportive setting in which young, first time dads and fathers-to-be can receive essential information on the birth and the early stages of a new-born baby’s development. It deals with practical skills, why fathers are important, the impact of becoming a father on other relationships and the role of the health service and key professionals. This will work precisely to help and enable young / new fathers to be more involved in the upbringing of their child. Lambeth has an exceptionally high rate of teenage pregnancy (see Public Health Directorate, Lambeth PCT: April 2006) with very little support for young or first time dads. Evidence shows this support is necessary in order to benefit the well-being and upbringing of children born to young parents, the programme also aims to support young men in their role as fathers.

http://www.groundupdevelopment.org/

BLIND-DATE Students pick their Valentine!

Love was in the air when students at Waltham Forest College turned back time to stage a “blind date” game show to celebrate St Valentine’s Day.

Reviving memories of Cilla Black’s TV matchmaking programme, four students set out on a quest to find their perfect partner.

Reshawn Davis, a 19-year-old studying for a BTEC national diploma in public services, had to pick from travel and tourism student Naomi, hairdressing student Honey, and student leader Hannah.

Naomi was the nickname used by Marsha Daley, Honey was Laura Popo’s pseudonym, and Batula Sharif was Hannah.

He asked the girls “if you could pick a song to describe yourself, what would it be?” and “where would you take me on our first date?”

Reshawn said: “I am doing it for fun but who knows what might happen. I’m hoping it might lead to romance.”

He said he was a big fan of the TV show which ran for 18 years until Cilla bowed out in 2003. “I used to watch it and thought I would like to be a contestant one day. This was my chance,” he added.

He turned down Naomi who said she would take him to KFC on her first date because that was all she could afford, and he said “no, no, no” to Honey who revealed that the record that best described her was Amy Winehouse’s Rehab.

He chose Hannah, and their prize was a meal for two at the Mallinson Restaurant at the college’s campus in Forest Road, Walthamstow, where catering students demonstrate their cooking and serving skills.

Student union president Batula Sharif, who organised the St Valentine’s Party with enrichment manager Jonathan Constable, said the blind date show was the latest students have held on a TV theme.

“We had a W Factor contest last year, and we have a Waltham Forest’s Got Talent show planned for next month,” she added.

The Valentine’s Party was held in the Student Common Room, decorated with heart-shape balloons, low lighting and soft music to set the tone for romance.

College hits back at fashion teaching criticism

FASHION teachers and students in Waltham Forest have hit back at criticism that colleges are failing to teach young people the practical skills needed to succeed in the tough industry.
Skillfast, the skills council for the fashion industry, says young people are unable to find work because practical skills, including pattern-cutting, sample-making and machining, are being left out of college courses in favour of fashion design.
Research by Skillfast has also shown that five per cent of the workforce, about 17,000 people, have stayed on beyond retirement age because employers cannot find skilled younger replacements

Skillfast chief executive Linda Florance said: "The UK model for competitiveness requires highly skilled people with a broad range of practical talents, but the education and training system just is not delivering enough of them."
But modern college courses have been vigorously defended by Penny Holden, Head of the School of Arts at Waltham Forest College.
She said that all fashion courses at the college, in Forest Road, include pattern cutting and sewing.
She said "We have a history of producing students with very good technical skills that goes back 40 years. Our teachers have industry experience and are practitioners who work outside and for the most part do their teaching on a part-time basis."

Ms Holden said nine in 10 Waltham Forest College fashion students go on to university while the others find work in the industry.
She added that the college aims to create an "industry-style" environment to replicate a real sample room.
The college's methods were also defended by former student Alison Donohue, who now works for top designers Pascale Smets and Jaeger.
She said "I gained invaluable technical skills from my course at the college. I now work for a number of well-known companies as a sample garments technician responsible for making prototypes for their collections."
Skillfast has launched a campaign, called Behind the Seams, calling on politicians to support more workplace-based training in the industry.

Check out the latest show of the students creations below!