The practical alternative to A Levels

From as nearby as the University of East London to as far away as the University of Cumbria, students from Waltham Forest College are choosing universities across the country to continue their studies.


School leavers are discovering that A Levels are not the only route to achieving success in their career goals. A variety of alternative vocational qualifications are offered by Waltham Forest College that enable young people to achieve their ambitions.


In addition to BTEC Nationals in engineering and fashion, they are also available in subjects including public services, travel and tourism, health and social care, sport studies, business and computing.


Other qualifications include the Cache diplomas in subjects such as childcare and education, OCR qualifications in business and computing subjects, and the AAT in Accounting.

Students showcase sartorial talent

(The following piece appeared in the Waltham Forest Guardian, Tuesday 30th June 2009)

WALTHAM Forest College was given a taste of the catwalk as fashion students staged their end-of-year show.

Flounces, frills and old socks all made appearances as models strutted their stuff on the runway on June 25.

With inspirations as diverse as Country Life magazine and the African savannah, the show ran the sartorial gamut, from street chic to evening wear.

In the “Make Do and Mend” category, first year fashion students stitched together old socks to create a range of shift dresses.

They also drew inspiration from TV series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, based on the novel by Alexander McCall Smith. The result was a collection of multi-coloured leather waistcoats, worn over blouses, skirts and shorts in African-style prints.

Benita Odogwu-Atkinson, the college’s curriculum manager for fashion, textiles and media, said: “Each year we look at different cultures for our inspiration and this year I wanted to focus on the British culture. We aimed to produce the Burberry look, with a collection of outfits in tweed and woollen fabrics.”

Models from the I Feel Experience agency showed off the students' work, as well as friends, family, other students, and in some cases, the designers themselves.

First-year BTEC student Luqman Ali, 17, said he spent 12 hours making a dress from old socks.
“I have always had a passion for clothes,” he said. "When I was younger I used to watch my mother sew and it stemmed from that.”

Taking a two-year course in fashion and clothing, Luqman hopes to go to university to study design and plans to become a designer and model.

The show was staged at the college in Forest Road, Walthamstow on June 25, featuring from students from a variety of courses.

Students complete mentoring scheme

(The following piece appeared in the Waltham Forest Guardian, Thursday 11th June 2009)


STUDENTS from Waltham Forest College have successfully completed a mentoring scheme set up by a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer.



A total of nine students took part in the scheme, called Aiming Higher, which was set up by Waltham Forest prosecutor Pauline Curtis. It was set up with the aim of “empowering young people to make positive life choices”.

Ms Curtis ran the scheme alongside seven other prosecutors from around London, including the Borough's crown prosecutor Antony Salmon.

Lasting five months, the nine students, aged 18 and 19, were linked with a role model or mentor, spending four hours a month together.

During this time, they took part in career planning and goal setting exercises and were also allowed to spend time in their mentors' workplaces.

Pauline Curtis said: “I first had experience of a mentor in 2004 and it changed my whole life. Most importantly, the mentor gave me confidence and I want to give young people the same opportunity to succeed.

“The scheme has drawn attention and we are hoping to expand to include more students at Waltham Forest College and to launch the initiative at Greenwich University in the autumn."

THE WALTHAM FOREST COLLEGE ART EXHIBITION 2009

Waltham Forest College hosted a reception evening to launch this year’s annual end of year art exhibition on Tuesday 9 June at its Forest Road site.

The exhibition, which closed on Friday 12 June, featured an incredible collection of artistic talent reflecting the diverse ethnicity of students who attend the College. Many of the artworks on display were based on their own personal experiences and family history.

Students worked with an array of media, including photography, sculpture, painting and appliqué to produce a wonderful visitor experience.

Exhibits included major projects produced by final year BTEC National Diploma students (equivalent to 3 A-levels) who have all secured university places. They will progress onto a range of degree courses such as architecture, textiles, fashion design and photography, graphics and the fine arts.

Peter Glasgow, Vice Principal at Waltham Forest College, said: “Some of our students exhibiting have overcome barriers to the exploration of and the fulfilment of their artistic potential; these barriers included disability, financial restraints and family commitments. Our students have devoted real energy to their work and this has resulted in some outstanding displays”
Sue Royle, Curriculum Manager, said: “I am really proud of the way in which all students have contributed to organizing this year’s exhibition. I would also like to thank our sponsors the Star of India for providing the buffet served during the opening reception”.

Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Anna Mbachu, commented: “The Exhibition was brilliant and the work was very creative. These students are not only imaginative; they must also be very focused to produce such marvellous exhibits”.

Chris Kiernan, Executive Director of Children and Young People Services for the London Borough of Waltham Forest, commented on the extremely high standard of work at Waltham Forest College particularly at level 3, i.e. equivalent to A levels. He also felt that the work exhibited very much reflected the diversity of the learners at the College.

Art student, Courtney Joseph said “I came to the College three years ago as a BTEC First Diploma student and I now have a place at university. I would encourage anyone to come here because of the help and encouragement you get from all the staff including the technicians”.

Award Ceremony Celebrates Students Achievements

Waltham Forest College’s School of Service Industries held its annual awards presentation ceremony on Wednesday 27th May 2009. Certificates, trophies and cash prizes were presented to 32 students.

Held in the College’s Mallinson Restaurant, the presentation evening was hosted by Claire Shire, the College’s Director of Young People’s Learning. There was an atmosphere of great excitement as staff and guests celebrated the achievements of students who had completed courses in Travel & Tourism, Hospitality & Catering and Public Services. The awards were presented to students to recognise their commitment, hard work and outstanding achievements on their programme of study.

NVQ Level 2 Catering student Jade Combrinck commented: "I'm really pleased my team won the Mallinson’s Trust Prize. It was a great experience to organise a charity event for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a charity close to my heart. I really enjoyed working as part of a team; we had a good team spirit and worked hard to achieve our goals."

This event was sponsored by several high profile organisations which included: Aramark, a world leader in professional services; Metropolitan Police, Swiftpack, Russus, Andaz Hotel, Queen Mary University and Anglia Ruskin University, and The Mallinson Trust.

Robin Jones, Principal and Chief Executive at the College said: “I would like to congratulate our students on their achievements. This ceremony highlights the excellent progress they have made. Many of our award winners are moving on to jobs or university where they will use the skills they have gained.”


Award recipients
Hospitality & Catering: Scott Hunt-McDonnell, John Modeste, Anna Powell, Shinder Singh, Bernadette Forde, Marcin Gronwald, Frazer Connelly, Clair Marie Suragh, Peter Phelan, Billy Best, Linsey Satnarine, Stephanie Giola, Ida Amegby, Jade Combrinck, Jade Modeste, Diasy Morgan, Jono Stephens, Anna Szarek, Carrie Veitch.

Travel & Tourism: Mohamed Hanafi, Paulina Kuskky, Cornely Mulumba, James Kennedy, Maria Stanczykiewicz, Gloria Mbuyi Kabengele.

Public Services: Anisa Aga, Adam Vandepeer, Kirstie Gifford-Pitcher, Sarah Ann Gills.

Charity Bike Ride by Staff Waltham Forest College

On Sunday 6th May eight members of staff at Waltham Forest College took part in a 20 mile fundraising bike ride. Braving the inclement weather conditions, they raised in excess of £200 which will be donated to Essex based The Little Haven Children’s Hospice.

The hospice aims to provide support and care for children and their families who are affected by life-threatening illnesses. The hospice offers short-term respite care and specialist terminal care when the need arises, to children from Essex and outer London boroughs.

The team are now gearing up to take part in the National 60 mile London to Cambridge charity bike ride which will be taking place on Sunday 26 July. Funds raised will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK's leading breast cancer charity.

This event will give participants the opportunity to cycle through beautiful countryside from Pickett's Lock, Lea Valley to the finish at Midsummer Common in Cambridge - a perfect place for friends and family to cheer you over the finish line. The route is fully signed with comfort breaks and marshalled to help you on your way.

Training sessions take place each Sunday so if you would like to take part in this event or simply wish to have some fun whilst getting fit contact Debbie Dennis 0208 601 8259.

Well done and Congratulations to all 20 mile bikers!!

Waltham Forest College Has Got Talent

The Waltham Forest College Has Got Talent Show brought together an array of artistry including singing, rapping, beatboxing and comedy. Auditions were held prior to the main showcase which took place in May. 17 students attempted to wow a panel of judges who would decide whether they had the talent to perform.

An audience of over 150 waited for the 8 finalists. The student common room was filled with energy and more importantly talent. The level of audience appreciation was used to judge each performance as the artists displayed their skills with enthusiasm and emotion.

BTEC National Certificate student Aroda Ryan was delighted and proud to be named Waltham Forest College Has Got Talent Winner. Aroda’s rendition of ‘Ready for Love’ by India Arie, with accompaniment by Engineering BTEC National Diploma Student Ade Damilola on guitar, won the hearts of the audience. Aroda was presented with a trophy, £100 and a voucher to the Waltham Forest College Hair and Beauty Salon for a pamper day. Second place and third place went to Tanika Richards, an RnB singer and Sara Hassan, a pop singer. The 7 runners up were Shannyce Oswald, Kevin Obrefo, Erik Obot, Mrinal Madub, Sid Zenaf, Zino Bouakaz and Ashley Cooper Clarke.

Aroda said “I’m thrilled to have won. I love singing but maybe lack the confidence to sing more in public. After this, I feel able to perform in front of crowds and I look forward to my next performance. I would like to thank Ade for accompanying me and also the WFC crowd for choosing me as the winner.”

Student Union President Batula Sharif added “the talent surpassed last year’s because of the diversity. Waltham Forest College really does have talent.”

The event was organised by the College’s Student Union who will now be putting their efforts into organising the End of year Student Ball.

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.