Course news http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/courses/news College returns to Romania for a fifth year http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-returns-to-romania-for-a-fifth-year A group of 23 BTEC health and childcare students are set to embark on Redcar & Cleveland College’s fifth trip to Romania to assist in the care of a number of vulnerable groups. The 23 students, who are all studying for qualifications in Childcare or Health & Social Care at the college, along with three members of staff are making their annual trip to the Caminul Felix Project in Oradea, Romania as part of their courses. The Christian charity provides a home for abandoned and neglected children in two purpose-built villages under the care of adults who act as their ‘family’. Children are provided with basic needs such as food, love and shelter which they wouldn’t have ordinarily received. Claire Barwick, a tutor on the college’s Health and Social Care courses, leads the organisation of the week long trip, said: “For our Health and Child Care students to get the opportunity to see first hand different standards of care and offer support to those with often very difficult issues that in some cases include extreme mental and physical disabilities is really important. “I’ve been involved in all the previous trips and although some of the conditions are sometimes difficult for the students to see, the human contact and applied learning opportunities provide a very positive experience for everyone involved. “This year we will be visiting an elderly care home for the first time, as well as the psychiatric hospital in Nucet, a primary age school at Casa Minunata and a Romany community. I’m hoping by including this new element to the trip we will find out more about the huge issue of caring for the elderly in Romania; an area that is not commonly known about or publicised.” A number of the students are returning again after finding previous visits with the college a very rewarding experience. They will also be able to see how 12-year-old Mihaela, one of the charity’s children who the college decided to sponsor last year, is getting along. The students and staff decided to sponsorship after spending time with her and the family who look after her as part of the long term links and commitment they have to Caminul Felix. “We’re all looking forward to getting an update on Mihaela’s life and seeing how things are improving for her. She was one of the eldest children we met in her situation of being abandoned, which is why we chose her to be sponsored,” said Clare. Jennifer Cartwright, 18, from New Marske is a doing the BTEC extended national diploma in Health and Social Care and is hoping to go to university to study a Foundation Degree in Radiotherapy. She said: “This will be my second trip to Romania and although the first time I went I was very nervous, now I’ve been before and know what to expect I’m really excited. “It was such a rewarding experience, at the Nucet psychiatric hospital we met with many people suffering from all kinds of disabilities ranging from quite mild learning disabilities to those suffering severe mental and physical problems. “We played games and gave them a lot of human contact, which I think is the single biggest thing they are lacking. It was really amazing to see them improve in their general well being, despite us only being there for a short time.” Rachel Lillystone, 18, from Normanby, studied for her BTEC National Diploma in Childcare and progressed to studying a Foundation Degree in Redcar & Cleveland College’s Higher Education Centre. She said: “I’m the only student this year going back to Romania for a third time. I’ve found it a real eye opener in terms of some of the conditions, but it has always been great to return and be remembered by the people, both adults and children, I’ve met on previous visits. “We visited a school comprised of children without disability together with those suffering from learning disabilities. We visited a Romany camp which had very poor living conditions and a psychiatric hospital. We brought toys, clothes and played games which included blowing bubbles and using a parachute to stimulate senses. “I really feel that we have made a positive impact and the experience has inspired me to be less selfish and take a more mature approach to my own life; I’m really looking forward to going back.” Supporters of the Romania trips and those wanting to sponsor Mihaela can contact Claire Barwick or Gillian Morgan at the college on 01642 473132.   Photo Caption:  Redcar & Cleveland College students Jennifer Cartwright,18, from New Marske, Gemma Elders, 19, from Ingleby Barwick, Loren Butler, 17, from New Marske and Melissa Ambrose, 18, from Redcar. They are all returning to Romania for a second time. Tue, 08 May 2012 11:25:01 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-returns-to-romania-for-a-fifth-year College students get a taster of money management http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-students-get-a-taster-of-money-management Students at the College were sampling the delights of financial independence recently as part of Barclays Money Skills Week, a programme that has been teaching college students nationwide about the importance of saving their money. College students have took part in tutorials and workshops at the college that were designed to encourage them to be more responsible with their money in fun and creative ways. These included taste tests, a money savings competition and case study sessions about saving. Some of the college’s Student Ambassadors organised a blind taste test comparing branded and non-branded drinks. Ashleigh Harvey, a student at the college, said: “I couldn’t taste the difference between the cheaper drink and the more expensive one, it just goes to show that I can still enjoy my favourite things on a lower budget.” The week also included a workshop where students learned about the costs associated with living independently, in preparation for when they leave college to study at university, or to start work. Ashleigh added: “The session was a real eye opener for me as I didn’t realise that living away from home could cost so much. I learnt about how I can manage my finances to make sure that I’m making the most of my money.” Fun activities and competitions were also included throughout the week, where students shared their money savings tips and discovered how making good financial decisions are important in today’s tough economic climate. Research from Barclays showed that young people felt that they were not given enough advice about finances and budgeting, therefore in order to improve this, schools and colleges across the country were taking part in a week-long series of activities to boost their students’ confidence and knowledge about money. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “Barclays Money Skills Week has made our students aware about the importance of looking after their money, which is essential for their futures. “The engaging activities and tutorials have provided them with the tools that they need when it comes to managing their finances, the programme has been a great success.” The project was part of Barclays Money Skills project, delivered by Barclays in partnership with other leading UK charities including the National Skills Academy for Financial Services,Action for Children and the National Youth Agency. Redcar & Cleveland were one of the lucky colleges that got involved to try and inform students about responsible financial control.    Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:43:57 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-students-get-a-taster-of-money-management Harry looking ahead to renewable future with Apprenticeship http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/harry-looking-ahead-to-renewable-future-with-apprentice A Tees Valley youngster who left school with 17.5 GCSEs is on track to become Redcar & Cleveland College’s first ever renewable energy apprentice after teaming up with a growing local business. Harry Teasdale Jnr, 17, from Stockton, is on a four-year Apprenticeship with HT Energy Ltd in Swainby, North Yorkshire, at the end of which he will become a fully qualified plumber with the chance to develop his career with HT Energy, and potentially study further to get an HNC and a degree. Harry Jnr, who works four days a week at HT Energy and spends the fifth day at Redcar & Cleveland College studying Plumbing and Heating, is one of the first students in the Tees Valley to take up the option of studying a brand new renewable technologies module as part of his Apprenticeship. He can do this as his work with HT Energy involves supplying and fitting ‘green heating solutions’, such as solar, thermal, ground and air source heat pumps and underfloor heating, to domestic and commercial properties across Yorkshire and the north east. Redcar & Cleveland College, a leading light in renewable energy training, recently invested in the development of ‘The Greenhouse’, an eco house residential property based at its Corporation Road campus, which allows people studying at the college to see how the latest technologies can be used in domestic settings. A large part of Harry’s inspiration for following a career in renewables came from his dad, Harry Teasdale Snr, who is Head of Sustainability, Renewable Technologies and STEM Ambassador at Redcar & Cleveland College. Harry Jnr. gained an astonishing 17.5 GCSEs at Bishopsgarth School, Stockton, but had his sights fixed firmly on an Apprenticeship route rather than continuing with traditional academic qualifications. The teenager said: “I was brought up in the plumbing business and even though I studied really hard to get all of my GCSEs, I knew from the start that I wanted to do an Apprenticeship. It’s really exciting to get the chance to work with and study new emerging technologies – it’s great to see how things are constantly changing.” Howard Tribick, Director of HT Energy, said: “Harry is the fourth apprentice we have worked with alongside Redcar & Cleveland College, and it has really paid off for the company as the apprentices have helped us grow the business.” Harry Teasdale Snr, said: “Harry has always been fascinated with technology and he jumped at the chance to do two weeks work experience with HT Energy straight after he finished school, and that has led to the Apprenticeship programme. It is great to see employers like HT Energy investing in the future of our young people, and the important thing is that employers are now realising the benefits of working with apprentices.” For further information about our Apprenticeship courses call 01642 473132, or download a copy of our Apprenticeship brochure.  Pictured from left to right are: Howard Tribick, Director of HT Energy, Harry Teasdale Snr, Head of Sustainability, Renewable Technologies and STEM Ambassador at Redcar & Cleveland College, and apprentice Harry Teasdale Jnr.    Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:14:25 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/harry-looking-ahead-to-renewable-future-with-apprentice Mayor meets learners studying on new community based courses http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/mayor-meets-learners-studying-on-new-community-based-co The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland has paid a visit to a community learning centre in east Cleveland to officially launch a range of new courses and meet with students who are studying on them. Councillor Olywn Peters met with students studying on courses including Caring for Children and Training and Skills for Work at the Loftus Centre for Opportunities and saw first hand how the courses are helping to change the lives of those who are studying on them by giving them the chance to gain new skills. The courses are part of a community programme delivered by Redcar & Cleveland College designed to make learning easy for local residents to help improve their job and career prospects. Mayor Olywn Peters said: “I’m delighted that the residents in Loftus have been given the chance to gain new qualifications and high-quality learning on their doorstep. “Having talked to many of the learners today I’ve found out that it would be difficult for them to get to the college but now with this new course they can study a new subject close to home in an environment they are comfortable with. “The courses are in the community for the community and it’s great to see how passionate people are about learning.” Amongst the learners taking part in courses at the Centre was Cain Lunn, from Loftus, who has signed up to the Training and Skills for Work course to help boost his employability skills. He said: “I signed up to the course to hopefully open up a few new doors for me. It’s fantastic to have these opportunities right on my doorstep.” Carol Ann Biggen, from Loftus who is also on the Training and Skills for Work course signed up to learn a new skill. She said: “I really want to start painting and decorating and the vocational part of this course can help me. I was also not very confident about applying for jobs but after only a week I’m not afraid any more thanks to all the help from the tutors.” Tony Gatehouse, Centre Manager at the Centre of Opportunity is delighted to see so many people getting a major benefit from the new courses. He said: “It isn’t practical for people in and around the Loftus area to travel to college everyday and this is where we can help. “Providing these courses to the local people is already proving to be very beneficial and we’re hoping to see the learners go into employment after the course has ended.” Angela Mclean, Head of Division for Wellbeing and Education at Redcar & Cleveland College said: “We’re bringing training back into the community, we can provide a individual and unique programme for all the learners as well as supporting them into future employment.” The courses on offer are Caring for Children CACHE Award and Diploma Level 1 and Training and Skills for Work Award and Certificate Levels 1 and 2, are being delivered by Redcar & Cleveland College at the Centre of Opportunity (the old Co-op building) on the High Street in Loftus. The Caring for Children course is aimed at learners who would like a career in childcare, or would like to know about caring for young children in the home. The ‘Training and Skills for Work’ course gives learners the chance to improve their employment opportunities and also enable learners to develop skills in a variety of vocational areas including taking part in work placements with local employers. For more information on the community based courses on offer in Loftus contact the Student Services team at Redcar & Cleveland College on 01642 473132 or Tony Gatehouse at the Centre of Opportunity on 01287 643019. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:16:02 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/mayor-meets-learners-studying-on-new-community-based-co Determined student wins place at Teesside University http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/determined-student-wins-place-at-teesside-university A college student has won a place at university after showing a clear determination to pursue a career in mental health nursing. Kristina Doy, 18, from Saltburn is currently studying a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in Health and Social Care at the College – receiving distinctions in all of her units so far. Alongside her academic work, Kristina is a volunteer Ambassador for B-EAT – an association where she promotes the message that eating disorders can be beaten to audiences at schools and conferences.   “I’m still in shock about getting a place to study Mental Health Nursing at Teesside University,” said Kristina. “I’ve wanted this for so many years and I’ve worked really hard to get this far. Now that I’ve got a place I’m really happy and I can’t wait to get started.” “I know it’s going to be hard, but I will never give up. I’m determined to help others.” Last year Kristina won a Teesside University Passport Pride Award, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of students in their final year of further education. “Winning the award was so unexpected – I couldn’t believe I had been picked!’ said Kristina. “Receiving the award was really scary but exciting at the same time.” Kristina’s lecturers Claire Barwick and Gillian Morgan are extremely proud of her and believe that she will achieve her dream of becoming a mental health nurse after she completes her degree. Claire said: “We feel that Kristina has gone over and above what is required of her and acknowledge that her contribution to both the college and her course has been outstanding so far. “We have particularly been impressed by her progression through the programme, the development of her personal and academic skills, her commitment to volunteering and the development of professional relationships in the placement setting and college.” Gillian added: “Kristina has identified a clear desire to become a mental health nurse and has already started studying for her university course, working hard to get the grades she needs.” If you're interested in enrolling on a course then contact the College on 01642 473132.     Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:58:26 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/determined-student-wins-place-at-teesside-university New opportunities to open doors for Loftus locals http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-opportunities-to-open-doors-for-loftus-locals People living in Loftus and the surrounding areas are being offered a fantastic new learning opportunity as two new short part-time courses are launched in the town. The new courses, which are free subject to eligibility, aim to help local people gain new qualifications and improve job and career prospects, without having to travel into college. The courses on offer are Caring for Children CACHE Award and Diploma Level 1 and Training and Skills for Work Award and Certificate Levels 1 and 2, are being delivered by Redcar & Cleveland College at the Centre of Opportunity (the old Co-op building) on the High Street in Loftus. The Caring for Children course is aimed at learners who would like a career in childcare, or would like to know more about caring for young children in the home. Studying for one day a week over the course of eight weeks, learners who complete the course may wish to go onto study the Diploma in Caring for Children, or into employment. The Training and Skills for Work course gives learners the chance to improve their employment opportunities by helping with maths and English abilities, as well as building personal skills and preparing students for job interviews. It will also enable learners to develop skills in a variety of vocational areas, including construction skills, IT and health.   Studying for three days a week over 14 weeks, learners can progress onto the next level qualification in the same vocational area, an Apprenticeship programme or into employment. Tony Gatehouse, Centre Manager at the Old Co-op Building, said: “This is a great chance for people here in Loftus and the surrounding area to improve their job and career prospects by studying for qualifications. Our building is all about providing important opportunities for local people and I’m looking forward to these new courses starting.” Redcar & Cleveland College Principal Gary Groom said: “By offering these courses in the Loftus community we are giving people a chance to broaden their horizons, as well as trying out something new, without leaving their doorstep.” Courses start on the week commencing 20th February, but there are opportunities for people to join in the weeks following. The courses are free, subject to eligibility, and no entry requirements are needed. For more information on courses call Student Services at Redcar & Cleveland College on 01642 473132 or contact Tony Gatehouse at the Centre of Opportunity on 01287 643019.   Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:03:47 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-opportunities-to-open-doors-for-loftus-locals College to host special open evening http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-special-open-evening Redcar & Cleveland College will be holding a special open evening on Wednesday 22nd February to help prospective new students find out about courses. The open evening will guide potential learners to find out how a new qualification can help them take the next steps to a rewarding career. It will give a chance for anyone thinking of developing their skills to come along and find out about full and part-time courses and apprenticeships. The college will also be holding ‘Have a Go’ taster sessions on the night where prospective students can get a chance to try out different skills including plastering, nail art, robotics and even a mock flight experience. These mini-taster sessions are aimed at people who wish to develop their skills in a particular vocational area as well as being able to get advice and guidance from college tutors on the vast range of courses and apprenticeships available.  Career advisors will also be on hand to offer guidance to students who are about to take their GCSEs on what options are available to them for courses starting in September as well as providing information on new opportunities and career progression.   Current students will also be at the open evening to talk about their experiences of college life and exhibit their work as part of a skills showcase. Gary Groom, Principal at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “We’re inviting prospective students to come along to the open evening where they can learn about the wide range of subjects and courses on offer, and tour the campus to see how our facilities can give them a fantastic student experience and provide the best opportunities for learning.” Further details of the range of courses available to students can be found in the college’s Prospectuses which are available to download from the homepage or by calling 01642 473132. Details of the open evening are as follows: Date:                         Wednesday 22 February 2012 Time:                        5:00pm – 8:00pm Location:                   Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar     Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:33:43 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-special-open-evening College launches new eco courses for north east businesses http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-eco-courses Redcar & Cleveland College has launched a range of Renewable Energy courses to help north east businesses enhance their eco skills using the latest technologies. Starting this January the college promises local businesses a golden opportunity to upskill their staff in sustainable technologies at their new fully operational eco house. The eco house, named The Greenhouse, was unveiled last year as a leading light in the design, installation and maintenance of the most commonly used equipment in the sustainable technologies market, including solar panels, heat pump installers, and rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems. The residential property, which is based on the college’s Corporation Road campus, will enable skilled tradespeople who are studying on the new eco courses to see how the latest equipment can be used in domestic situations, and the benefits they bring. The house is an integral part of the college’s role in the National Skills Academy north east hub for environmental technologies, which is bringing together Narec, Redcar & Cleveland College, Hartlepool College of FE and City of Sunderland College. Accredited by SummitSkills and The National Skills Academy in Environmental Technologies, the Redcar & Cleveland College is playing a major role in transforming the ability of businesses in the building services engineering and plumbing sectors to access key training skills to Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standards. The new Renewable Energy short courses, which range in length between one day and five weeks, include: Renewable Energy Awareness
 EAL Accredited Solar Thermal Hot Water System Installation & Maintenance
 Solar Thermal Hot Water System Installation & Maintenance
 Solar Photovoltaic System Installation
 Solar Photovoltaic System Installation & Maintenance
 Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance
 Solar Thermal Systems First Fix Installer
 Solar Photovoltaic System First fix Installer
 BPEC Rainwater & Grey Water Harvesting College Principal Gary Groom said: “I’m really excited for the eco skills courses to start, we have embraced sustainable living here at the college and by running these courses we hope to train future generations in renewable energy technologies.” Full details can be obtained by calling 01642 777216. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:51:29 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-eco-courses College course inspires Ryan to follow in father’s footsteps. http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-course-inspires-ryan-to-follow-in-fathers-foots A young Teessider has been inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps following his experiences on an innovative college course. Ryan Cooke, 16, from North Skelton, found it difficult in mainstream education and enrolled on the Training and Skills for Work course at Redcar & Cleveland College in a bid to boost his employability prospects. “I really enjoy the Training and Skills for Work course as I’ve met new friends and have learnt a lot of new skills which will help me in the future” said Ryan. “Every week we do maths, English, and employability skills where we build CVs and go over interview techniques, but one day a week we take part in a vocational course. I’m doing joinery at the minute and I’m really enjoying it as I like hands on work and I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps and become a joiner. “I’ve found something I’m passionate about and I’m going to move onto a full time joinery and carpentry course in September,” added Ryan. Angela McLean is the Head of Division for Education and Wellbeing and runs the Training and Skills for Work course. She said: “The Training and Skills for Work programme at Redcar & Cleveland College helps learners take a gentle stepping stone back into education and equips them with a range of skills which will boost their employability prospects. “For students who are not sure what career they want to take, the course provides the opportunity for them to participate one day a week on a range of vocational pathways which help provide them with the skills for future career options.” After the learners have completed this course they can move onto a certificate or diploma at the college or go straight into the work place with their new skills. Angela adds: “In addition to academic study, students will be involved in Marketing and Enterprise events providing opportunities to develop relationships with local employers to increase confidence and self esteem. “We want to get our students working for local employers or carrying on in education at the college and by giving them a fully supportive environment and high quality teaching we are giving them all they need to achieve this.” To find out more information about the Training and Skills for Work course contact Student Services at Redcar & Cleveland college on 01642 473132.    Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:56 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-course-inspires-ryan-to-follow-in-fathers-foots Students bring festive cheer to sick children http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-bring-festive-cheer-to-sick-children A group of talented college students have pulled out all the stops to ensure that sick children who are spending the festive period in hospital get a Christmas visit they’ll never forget.   With Santa due to make a visit to the new Redcar Primary Care Hospital, the students from Redcar & Cleveland College’s Carpentry, Painting & Decorating and Art & Design courses worked together to construct a sleigh to transport the man himself around the wards.   Carpentry and joinery students led by tutor Keith Smith, set about constructing a sleigh that would enable Santa to make his way around the wards delivering presents, whilst students in the college’s Art and Design department held a competition to design the shape and colour scheme for the finished sleigh.   Working in partnership, they managed to complete the sleigh in time for Santa’s visit during the official opening of the hospital on Friday 9th December.   Amongst the students who took part in the project were Painting and Decorating students Nikki Boutell, Laurie White and Robert Sharkey; Art & Design student Emiley Jones; Decorating apprentices Craig Goodall and Gary Langer; and Joinery students Mathew Whitehead and Derek Harland.   Painting and decorating student, Laurie, said:   “This has been a fantastic project to take part in and we’ve all got a great sense of achievement seeing the finished sleigh.   “We hope that the kids enjoy seeing it as much as we enjoyed building it.”   Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:39:49 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-bring-festive-cheer-to-sick-children Students cook up a storm in enterprise challenge http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-cook-up-a-storm-in-enterprise-challenge A group of college students have flexed their entrepreneurial muscles to come up with a solution to the huge amounts of food waste created at Christmas time and, at the same time, raise money for charity. The group of five students, who are studying on the Public Services course at Redcar & Cleveland College, came up with the idea of a cook book giving recipes for turning people’s Christmas dinner leftovers into tasty treats instead of going in the bin.   The team, who came up with the company name ‘Wham’, was made up of 17 year old Bethany Goodman from Dormanstown; Adam Goodman, 16, from Grangetown; Jack Birch, 16, from Normanby; Aaron Bell, 17, from Teesville; and Louis Jinx, 17, from Teesville.   They were the winners of the college’s annual Enterprise Challenge which saw over 200 students work in teams to develop a business idea right from the initial product idea through to taking it to market.    During the two day event they worked with experts from local business to help set out their financial, manufacturing and marketing plans, before pitching their idea to a ‘dragon’s den’ of local business people.   Speaking about the book, called the ‘Recipe’s of Christ’MASS’ Destruction’, Bethany, who was chosen as the team’s Leader, said:   “There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about the amount of food that goes to waste which is perfectly good and we thought that it would be a particular problem around Christmas, so we tried to come up with a simple solution that would stop people putting so much in the bin.   “We settled on the idea of a cook book with recipes for recycling the leftovers from Christmas dinner as we thought this is one of the meals where the most leftovers are created and we could see that there was a potential market out there for recipes that allowed people to make them go a little further.”   The group produced a prototype cookbook, featuring recipes including Christmas Pudding Sundae and Festive Bubble and Squeak and, after speaking to the business experts, decided that they would donate a proportion of the profits which the book generated to homeless charity Shelter.   Their pitch to the business experts was so impressive that they landed the title of overall Enterprise Challenge winners, with the judges commenting on the enthusiasm and professionalism of their approach.   Lynda Sandick, one of the business experts judging the teams, said:   “The team’s pitch to us stood out despite some very strong competition from the other students taking part. They had thought about every aspect of the business process and had considered the bigger picture of how their product would fit into the marketplace. Speaking about winning the title, Louis, who was one of the groups active members, said:   “We worked really hard to develop the idea, and we put everything into our pitch, but it was still a surprise when our name was called out as winners.   “It’s made me realise that it’s not beyond me to think about starting a business of my own once I’ve finished my course.”   College Principal Gary Groom presented the team with their prize. He said:   “We’re immensely proud of the achievements of all of the students who have taken part in the Enterprise Challenge. I know that the judges deliberated long and hard before choosing the winning team.   “This programme really does give our students ‘the edge’ which we know makes them more attractive to employers.    “The event is made possible by the many business experts who give their time freely to support our students, every year the number of experts coming forward to take part just keeps on growing as the word is out that Redcar & Cleveland College is delivering this exciting enterprise experience.   “This is the sixth year that we have staged our enterprise event and without a doubt this has been the most inspiring and successful to date.   Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:08:55 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-cook-up-a-storm-in-enterprise-challenge College awards celebrate top students http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-awards-celebrate-top-students Top performing students from a Tees Valley college's Further and Higher Education courses had their achievements celebrated at its annual award ceremony recently.   The Celebration of Achievement Awards at Redcar & Cleveland College saw students studying courses across all of the subject areas on offer awarded for their achievements and endeavours whilst at college.   Amongst awards were handed out were the prestigious Further Education Student of the Year, Higher Education Student of the Year and Work Based Learning Student of the Year, which were awarded to sports student Nicky Askew, Early Years student Diane Baird and Advanced Apprentice Rachael Robinson respectively.    Nicky, who took the decision to return to college after some time out of education to further his career, successfully completed his course before spending time in the USA working as a soccer coach.   He is now studying on the BSc in Sport and Exercise (Applied Science) at Teesside University and continuing his work as a coach in football development classes in Middlesbrough.   During his time at college he balanced the needs of his studies alongside a part time job to fund his course and he is now hoping to develop a career in the industry as a coach. He said:   “I’ve always had a passion for sport, but an injury meant that I stopped playing football and took a job in an unrelated area. After doing this for a while, I realised how much I wanted to work in sport and took the decision to go back to college to get the qualifications that I needed to do this.   “Coming back to college was daunting at first, but having had some time away from education made me realise how important it is to work hard and gain good grades, which was something I tried to pass on to my fellow students.   “Taking the course at Redcar & Cleveland College has opened up so many opportunities for me and it’s fantastic to be recognised for my achievements.”   Diane, who completed a Foundation Degree at the college played an active roll in college life throughout her studies, acting as a course representative and Development Working in addition to completing her course. She is now studying for a BA (Hons) at the college and hopes to land a job at the college on completion of her studies. She said:   “I can’t praise the staff at the college enough for all of the help and support that they have given me whilst I’ve been here. There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t have won this award without their contribution as well as the support of my family.   “Being recognised in this way is a real honour and has spurred me on to challenge myself further and in new ways which I hope will eventually give me the opportunity to return to the college as a lecturer or assessor and be able to give something back to future students.   Winner of the Work Based Learning Student of the Year was Rachael Robinson. Rachael has worked her way through college, having started on a Level 1, course to eventually complete an Advanced Apprenticeship with Coast & Country Housing and has now landed a full time permanent position with the company.   Speaking after her win, Rachael said:   “I feel very privileged and overjoyed to have won the Work-Based Learning Student of The Year Award.   “It came as a surprise and, although I would never have made it if it hadn’t been for my family, the tutors at Redcar & Cleveland College and colleagues at Coast & Country.   “I have gained numerous amounts of qualifications, skills and confidence over the past 4 years that I never expected, but I have achieved.   “Ever since joining Coast & Country on the Apprenticeship programme not only did I gain my NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, I also gained respect, confidence, communication skills and a permanent job, which I hope will prove to bring bigger accomplishments.”   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, presented the winners with their awards. He said:    "The students here tonight have all worked extremely hard to make it into the nominations and the winners who we have recognised have proved themselves to be outstanding in their chosen subject areas.    "The college works hard to inspire all of our students and we are extremely proud of the achievements of all our winners and nominees."      Other winners on the night were:   Beauty & Holistics Student of the Year: Nikki Harrison and Faye Robinson Hairdressing Student of the Year: Paul Lane Sport Student of the Year: Nicky Askew Art & Design and Travel & Tourism Student of the Year: Liam Wiles Business, Management, Administration & Accounting Student of the Year: Jessica Taberner Computing, IT & Media Student of the Year: Craig Cockerill Engineering & Science Student of the Year: James Pickersgill Public Services Student of the Year: Ashleigh Harvey The Paul Stott Memorial Trophy First Prize: Jack Moody The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors Shield: Robert Hansen Built Environment Student of the Year: Lisa Gardener The Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Level 1: Robert Pearson The Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Level 2: Jack Brignall Wellbeing & Education Student of the Year: Emma Dobie and Rachel Lillystone Achievement Over Adversity Award: Kirsty Dearnley Enthusiasm and Contribution to College Award: Ashleigh Harvey The Sir William Turner Foundation Vicki Lawrence Memorial Award: Hannah Measey         Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:12:12 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-awards-celebrate-top-students Launch of new eco house enables professionals to stay ahead of the green technologies game http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/launch-of-new-eco-house-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Businesses in the north east have a golden opportunity to upskill their staff in emerging renewable technologies with the launch of a fully-operational eco house at Redcar & Cleveland College.   The eco house, named The Greenhouse, is a leading light in the design, installation and maintenance of the most commonly used equipment in the sustainable technologies market, including solar panels, heat pump installers, and rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.   The residential property, which is based on the Corporation Road campus, will enable students and skilled trades people who are undertaking one of the college’s eco skills courses to see how the latest equipment can be used in domestic situations, and the benefits they bring.   With sponsorship from leading supplier Viessmann, The Greenhouse and the college’s Renewable Energy Centre have been equipped with a range of power-saving equipment, which showcase how the latest technologies can be utilised in sustainable living.   They will enable plumbers and people from the building services engineering sector to enhance their qualifications and skills through a range of new two and three-day courses.      Businesses from around the region were recently invited to view The Greenhouse and Renewable Energy Centre at a special launch event at the college, which was also attended by Redcar MP Ian Swales.   The opening also marked the launch of the National Skills Academy north east hub for environmental technologies, which brings together Narec, Redcar & Cleveland College, Hartlepool College of FE and City of Sunderland College.   Together they will transform the ability of businesses to access key training skills in the design, installation and maintenance of environmental technologies.    College principal Gary Groom said: “Renewable industries are a vitally-important sector for future development and job creation in the north east, and beyond, as a part of the Government’s carbon reduction strategy and we’re delighted that Redcar & Cleveland College is involved as part of the north east hub.   “As a part of our involvement we have developed our new eco skills portfolio and The Greenhouse, which is packed with the latest renewable technologies offering opportunities for the delivery of the very best training for the domestic market to Microgeneration Certification Scheme standards.”   Student John Rooney went to Redcar & Cleveland College to retrain as a plumber after being made redundant. He offered to assist the eco skills team in fitting out The Greenhouse and Renewable Energy Centre in order to gain additional experience.   He said: “This unique classroom is unlike anywhere else and has given me an invaluable insight into the workings of these systems, right from the preparation work to the finished product. Having witnessed the benefits of renewable energy, I am aiming to branch out into this field and plan to return to the college to gain further qualifications.”   Nigel Jefferson, Head of UK Commercial Sales for Viessmann, said: “Viessmann trains more than 100,000 installers across the world every year, so our investment in both Redcar & Cleveland College and its students continues our commitment to education in the energy sector.   “Redcar & Cleveland College now features a full range of equipment to ensure students and tradesmen are given a full training programme on the latest materials available and we will continue to develop the college’s Renewable Energy Centre even further.   “We are extremely proud to be associated with Redcar & Cleveland College and look forward to a long and healthy relationship, delivering training in a dynamic sector of high efficiency and renewable heating products.”   MP Ian Swales said: ‘’I am really pleased to be involved in the launch of The Greenhouse.  It is great to see Redcar & Cleveland College embracing sustainable living and running courses to train future generations in the new technologies. ‘’   For more information about the new eco skills courses, call 01642 777216.     Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:37:17 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/launch-of-new-eco-house-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Redcar & Cleveland College selected to shine on global stage http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-selected-to-shine-on-globa A team from Redcar & Cleveland College will showcase their skills expertise to a global audience later this week, when the UK plays host to the world’s greatest skills competition, WorldSkills London 2011.   The group, consisting of staff and students from the college’s plastering and dry-lining department, will travel to London to deliver a master class demonstration of their skills as part of the international competition, which will see teams from across the globe compete in a variety of skills disciplines.   Over 150,000 visitors are expected at the competition, including members of the public and some of the world’s most highly respected skills experts.   The team’s demonstration will focus on decorative fibrous plastering, which is one of the most difficult and complex areas of plastering and involves the production and installation of ornate moulded cornices and coving.   Josh Wallis, who is one of the students making the trip said, "We're really excited to have been chosen to showcase our skills at WorldSkills London 2011.    “As a student, it's great to be part of something this big and gain recognition for all the hard work we've put in as part of our course at the college.    “Our display is going to wow the audience and I can’t wait for October!”   The WorldSkills London 2011 Competition will take place at London’s ExCel Centre over four days, from 5 – 8 October. It will see over 1,000 of the most skilled young people from all corners of the globe battling it out in 46 different disciplines, competing to be crowned the best of the best in their chosen skill. Showcase colleges and training providers will help to inspire the audience and help them to look at the endless possibilities for their future jobs and careers.   College principle Gary Groom sees this as a chance for young people from the Tees Valley area to have a place in history:   “The last time a WorldSkills competition was held in the UK was over two decades ago – this really is a once in a generation opportunity for our students and we’re delighted that the excellent standards our students achieve will be recognised to such a prestigious national and international audience.    “To be part of an event which recognises skills at the very highest level is truly aspirational and I have every faith that our students will rise to the occasion and help to put on a truly spectacular show.”   Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:24:37 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-selected-to-shine-on-globa Hearing challenge doesn’t curb success for ambitious Nathan http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/hearing-challenge-doesnt-curb-success-for-ambitious-nat A Redcar student has not let the challenge of being profoundly deaf stop him achieving success after successfully completing a college course and gaining a university place. 18-year-old Nathan Falcon from Dormanstown has landed a place on the Creative Digital Media course at Teesside University after completing a Level 3 course in Art and Design at Redcar and Cleveland College and is hoping this will lead to a career in graphic design. After contracting meningitis aged two, Nathan was left profoundly deaf and now communicates using speech, sign language and lip-reading. Although he has been faced with a difficult challenge, he has not let this stop him from making the most of his course and his time at college.. “My tutors and friends at college have been really supportive, which has helped me to gain a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to carry out my studies,” says Nathan. “Studying at college has been a lot different to being at school. I’ve been able to develop as a person and have gained a lot more independence which will hopefully help me progress through a successful career.” Nathan is aided in his studies by a sign language assistant, who assists him in lessons and helps to clarify information from his tutors. He has also been aided by his friends on the art and design course. Colin Cook, Nathan’s tutor on the Art and Design Course, said: “Nathan has really excelled during his time on the art and design course and getting a place on the course at Teesside University is a just reward for all of his efforts. “He hasn’t let his disability get in his way and has worked hard, along with the other students on the course, to develop his work to the highest possible standard. “His work shows a great attention to detail and he has a particular flair for digital design which will give him a great grounding when he starts at university in September.” Nathan was one of over 30 students who were showing off their work at the college’s end of year exhibition which was held last week. Many of the students exhibiting are progressing on to university courses along with Nathan.   “Showing my work, along with my friends, at the end of year exhibition is a great way to bring my time at Redcar & Cleveland College to an end. “I’m really excited to be going on to university in September and I’m already looking forward to graduating from my degree and starting my career in the graphic design industry. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:22:36 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/hearing-challenge-doesnt-curb-success-for-ambitious-nat You Beauty! College students taste success at competition http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/you-beauty-college-students-taste-success-at-competitio A group of students from Redcar & Cleveland College’s Hair and Beauty Division have tasted success after taking part in a regional competition that pitted them up against some of the most talented students in the country. Students from the college’s Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses travelled to Gateshead for the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) competition recently, which saw students from across the region compete against each other in a series of challenges that tested their skills to the full. Amongst those taking part from the college was Level 1 Beauty Therapy student Aynslie Robinson who was competing for the first time in the Body Art category of the competition. Up against students on Level 2 and Level 3 courses, Aynslie, a former pupil at Nunthorpe School exceeded all expectations to finish in 3rd place. Speaking after the competition, Aynslie who is 16 and from Ormesby said: “Taking part in the competition was a great experience and was really fun as well. I can’t believe that I managed to come third when it was the first event I’ve taken part in. “I’m already looking forward the next competition in Blackpool where I’m going to try and do even better!” Aynslie’s tutor, Rebecca Hadman, was delighted with the way the students approached the competition and with their performance across the board. She said: “We try to give our students as much experience of what it’s like in the real world while they are with us and taking part in competitions like this gives them a chance to find out what it’s like to work under pressure and produce work of a very high standard. “I’m delighted that Aynslie has done so well and earned a place in the next round of the competition and we’re all hoping that she’ll repeat her performance in Blackpool. “We’re already planning to attend more competitions next year and are aiming for even more success through these.”   Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:39:53 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/you-beauty-college-students-taste-success-at-competitio Redcar students prove that they’re ‘Worth It’ http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-prove-that-theyre-worth-it Hairdressing students from Redcar & Cleveland College have proved they’re a cut above the rest by helping out a team of top stylists. Students from the college’s Level 2 NVQ Hairdressing course got the opportunity to assist members of the L’Oreal Creative team when they visited the college to give a demonstration to local hairdressers of the latest trends and fashions. The students worked alongside the team, who helped to demonstrate the latest cutting and colouring techniques, to develop styles based on the Autumn/Winter and transition into Spring colour palettes. Amongst the students who helped out was 18 year old Toni Worton who worked with an L’Oreal stylist to produce a style based on a jungle catwalk theme. Talking about the experience, she said: “To work with the L’Oreal Creative team has been a fantastic opportunity for us to develop our skills and find out what it takes to be a stylist at the top level. “It’s really helped me to focus on what I want to do in my future career and see how the skills I’m learning at college are going to help me when I’m at work.” College tutor Emma Ogelby arranged the visit of the team, she added: “The L’Oreal Creative team are some of the most talented hairdressers in the country and the fact that they have taken the time to work alongside our students is a real coup for the college. “The experience our students get from this kind of partnership is highly sought after and will mean that they have an extra edge when they qualify and start applying for jobs.”     Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:02:33 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-prove-that-theyre-worth-it Super Sonic experience for students http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/super-sonic-experience-for-students Young people from across the north east had a super sonic experience today (Wednesday 23rd March) when they met the team challenging to break the World Land-Speed Record. Over 200 school and college students took part in the Bloodhound Experience at Redcar & Cleveland College as part of a two day conference focussing on Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning. After hearing from members of the project team, the students got to take part in activities including building their own balloon powered version of the Bloodhound car, having a go at driving at 1,000mph in the Bloodhound Driving Experience and taking a look around the car itself. Andrew Lowe, aged 19 is studying for a National Diploma in Engineering at Redcar & Cleveland College and took part in one of the sessions. He said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to hear from the Bloodhound team about how the skills that we learn in the classroom are being used to put together this massive project. “When you’re sat in the classroom it’s not easy to imagine how what you’re learning can all add up to make something like the Bloodhound car, it’s amazing and it really makes you think about how what you learn can lead to a really exciting career” Thanks to Bloodhound sponsor and FE partner, Protocol National, the conference is the first time that the Bloodhound car has visited the north east in its role as a tool to promote the teaching of STEM subjects to young people. As well as taking part in activities on the day, students and teachers are provided with learning materials that they can use before and after the experience to find out more about the role of STEM subjects in the record attempt. John Dickinson, aged 14 and a pupil at Freebrough Academy said: “Attending the event today and hearing about how Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths have all been used as part of the development of the Bloodhound project has really inspired me to think about a career in a STEM subject. “It was really interesting to see how the same design issues we had to solve when making our balloon powered cars are being faced by the team developing the Bloodhound car.” As well as the activities with school and college students, the two-day STEM conference, which was backed by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), saw teaching professionals and businesses from across the region gather to discuss the role of STEM and share best practice in its teaching and learning. Redcar & Cleveland College lecturer and Regional STEM Champion, Dr Stephen Hill helped to organise the conference. He said: “The LSIS STEM conference was not only about those involved in the teaching of these subjects getting together to hear about the latest developments in the sector, but also about inspiring young people to think about how the qualifications they are taking in science, technology, engineering or maths can lead to much bigger things both in terms of their education and their future careers.” Redcar & Cleveland College Principal and Further Education representative for the North East STEM Board, Gary Groom, said: “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will play a massive role in the futures of many of this region’s young people. “It is vitally important that we equip learners with the skills they need to do the jobs that will be available right across the north east. We are delighted to have hosted the first Regional STEM conference for the Learning & Skills Improvement Service in Redcar and having the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car right here has made this a truly momentous occasion.” Jonathan Ellis, from Bloodhound and key presenter at the event said: “It’s been great to get the car up to the North East from its base in Bristol and FE colleges like Redcar and Cleveland are a great venue for us to share the project with local school and college students alike, as well as inspiring the local teaching community at this STEM conference.” You can view more photos from the event here.  Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:30:46 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/super-sonic-experience-for-students Open evening gives prospective students a taste of college life http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/open-evening-gives-prospective-students-a-taste-of-coll Redcar & Cleveland College is opening its doors to prospective students tonight (Wednesday 16th February) for a chance to find out how gaining new qualifications could help them take the next steps to a rewarding career. The event is a chance for anyone thinking of developing their skills, including young people who will be leaving school this summer, to come along and find out how a new qualification from the college could improve their employability and career prospects. Details are as follows: Date: Wednesday 16 February 2011 Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm Location: Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar The college has places available on courses in all subject areas. There is still time to apply for those who are leaving school this summer, people looking to boost their skills or those looking for a change of career. Staff will be on hand to give advice on the full range of full-time and part-time courses on offer and careers advisors will provide information on opportunities and career progression. Current college students will also be there to talk about their experiences of college life and exhibit their work as part of a Skills Showcase. There’s also a chance to view the college’s new Higher Education Centre, which opened in September last year. Boasting the latest in cutting edge technology, the Centre offers prospective students across the borough and beyond the chance to gain degree level qualifications. Gary Groom, Principal Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “We’re inviting prospective students to come along to the open evening where they can learn about the wide range of subjects and courses on offer, and tour the campus to see how our facilities can give them a fantastic student experience and provide the best opportunities for learning.” Further details of the range of courses available to students can be found in the college’s Full-Time Prospectus which is available to download from www.cleveland.ac.uk or by calling 01642 473132.   Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:14:36 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/open-evening-gives-prospective-students-a-taste-of-coll College course teaches Stephen a lesson and a new career! http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-course-teaches-stephen-a-lesson-and-a-new-caree Fifty-four year old Stephen McCabe didn’t let age stop him from starting a new career in teaching after completing a number of courses at Redcar & Cleveland College. Stephen, from Marske, had previously worked as a lithographic printer for 37 years when he was made redundant in 2008 when the company he worked for went into receivership. Not wanting to waste his time or skills, he offered to do voluntary work at Kilton Thorpe School in Brotton, Saltburn, working with children with special needs. “After leaving school in 1971, training for six years on an apprenticeship and working since then for the same company, it has been a long time since I have worked in any other field but I was looking for a challenge,” he said. “While out of work I volunteered at Kilton Thorpe School, which was a very rewarding experience and a complete contrast to the job I had been doing. After six months I decided to look for a permanent position as a teaching assistant and some work colleagues recommended Redcar & Cleveland College as a great place to get the necessary teaching qualifications,” he added. Stephen then enrolled at the college to retrain as a teaching assistant, undertaking qualifications Level 2 in English and Maths and an NVQ Level 2 in Supporting and Teaching Learning in Schools. Stephen added: “The courses were great and the lecturers very friendly and always wiling to help. Being able to access a high quality learning environment such as Redcar & Cleveland College has taken me to a whole new career and opportunities to develop even further.” Initially Stephen worked in the Primary Department at the school but since September this year, he has worked full time in the Secondary Department, where he assists the teacher by supporting Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with a range of special educational needs, enabling them to access learning in a safe and supportive environment. Course tutor Emma Purver said: “The courses on offer at college enable people from all ages, backgrounds and skills levels to change careers and meet the demands of today’s employment needs. I am delighted that Stephen was able to successfully move from one vocation into another.” Gary Groom, Principal Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “Stephen is a great example of what can be achieved and is proof that it is never too late to take a step into a new career and new challenges.” Further details of the range of courses available to students can be found in the college’s Prospectuses, which are available to download from the homepage, or by calling 01642 473132. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:56:44 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-course-teaches-stephen-a-lesson-and-a-new-caree New Course Launched For Budding Entrepreneurs http://www.cleveland.ac.uk//new-course-launched-for-budding-entrepreneurs Redcar & Cleveland College is launching a new course this January aimed at giving budding entrepreneurs the skills they need to start their own business. The Certificate in Preparing for Business Enterprise, which is backed by the Institute of Leadership and Management, is delivered over 12 weeks and results in an accredited Level 2 qualification. The course sees students complete five units covering legal and regulatory requirements for starting a business, marketing and sales, finance, how to start a business and an assessment of the students own suitability for enterprise. There are no formal entry requirements for the course and it is open to anyone who is considering self-employment or has a business idea they wish to develop. More information can be found in the January prospectus or by calling 01642 473132.   Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:58:37 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk//new-course-launched-for-budding-entrepreneurs College launches new Apprenticeship courses http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-apprenticeship-courses Students and employers can now benefit from an even wider choice of Apprenticeships as Redcar & Cleveland College adds a further 12 courses to its programme. As part of the newly-created Services and Creative Industries Faculty, ten more courses have been added to the programme, including: • Spa Therapy • Beauty Therapy • Nail Services • Hairdressing • Health and Social Care • Children’s Care, Learning and Development • Leisure Management • Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise - Gym • Instructing Exercise and Fitness Also among the new Apprenticeship programmes is Local Environmental Services, which includes a mixture of horticulture and cleaning. Redcar and Cleveland Council has agreed to employ apprentices on this course. There will also be Sport and Leisure programmes, which will see students working in locations such as sports and leisure centres, while gaining their qualifications at the College. Delia Leadbitter, Head of Division for Hair, Beauty, Business Administration and Management, said: “These new courses have been created in response to local demand. They are designed to suit employers in all sizes of business, perhaps even helping to create a few entrepreneurs. “We are always keen to hear from employers who want to take on people on Apprenticeship programmes and will do what we can to support them. “We are delighted to be able to offer even more opportunities to people in the Tees Valley, who are looking to make that next step in their career, or even a complete change of direction.” Philip Fawcett, owner of Patterdale Plumbing Service said: “As an employer looking for a college that can offer a high standard of training to match our high standard of workmanship, I have been more than happy for my two apprentices to attend Redcar & Cleveland College. “I know they are being taught by competent tutors who have worked in the plumbing and gas industries themselves. I had the pleasure of attending the College myself, and will be returning in future to ensure that I continue to meet the industry standards and have the specified qualifications.”   Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:43:39 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-apprenticeship-courses Go higher with Redcar & Cleveland College http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/go-higher-with-redcar-amp-cleveland-college With the jobs market growing more and more competitive, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can bring that little bit extra to a job, and people who have studied at higher education level are reaping the benefits.  To help meet this demand, Redcar & Cleveland College has expanded its range of HE courses all of which are described in the 2009-2010 prospectus. The College has added a range of exciting new courses across all areas including a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Exercise and a Foundation Degree in Chemical Science that are new for September 2009.  These will complement the existing successful Foundation Degrees in Counselling and in Early Years.  Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “This is our most comprehensive higher education offer to date and with almost 40 courses on offer there is something for everyone. “Alongside the Foundation Degrees, students at the college can also study HNCs, HNDs, NVQs and other professional qualifications which provide skills based progression to a higher level than other vocational training routes.” “Higher Education courses are relevant to a range of careers in areas such as Construction, Engineering, Business, Accounting, Teaching, and Sports Professional occupations.”  Amongst the courses on offer are a HNC in Mechanical Engineering, a BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies and a Level 5 Diploma in Management accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.  The HE courses have been specifically developed to meet the needs of local employers and with all courses delivered at the College’s new £26m campus by an experienced team of lecturers, there has never been a better time to be studying a higher education course.  Redcar & Cleveland College’s higher education and training options are also designed for employers who are seeking ways to up skill or retrain their employees in an economic environment that is fast changing and less certain than even a few years ago. Copies of the new Redcar & Cleveland College Higher Education prospectus are available by clicking here or by calling into the college campus on Corporation Road, Redcar. Anyone wanting to find out more about the courses on offer, or wishing to discuss tailored HE training in more detail, can contact the college directly on 01642 473132. What’s on offer? Redcar & Cleveland College offers a wide range of higher education course options to suit every student, but which one is right for you? Read on to find out more about the courses on offer:  Foundation Degrees Foundation Degrees provide an alternative to the traditional academic degree and are designed with employers to combine academic study with workplace learning to equip people with the relevant knowledge, understanding and skills to improve performance and productivity. Foundation degrees offer organisations and businesses the opportunity to enhance self-training and development with minimal disruption to the operation. They can ease problems caused by skill gaps, develop broad leadership and management potential, cut the costs of recruitment and training, and encourage higher levels of staff motivation. Honours Degrees These qualifications are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding, developing abilities and problem solving skills as well as ‘applied/practical’ learning. HNCs/HNDs Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNCs/HNDs) are designed specifically to provide a skills/career-based qualification. These qualifications also provide a route onto Honours degree programmes. NVQs National Vocational Qualifications are work-related; competence-based qualifications and reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively. NVQs are available to anyone at any age or stage of their career. NVQs are flexible and accessible. You can decide the pace, place and way in which you learn. Professional Qualifications There is a broad range of higher-level professional qualifications, which will help students to progress in their present career or to gain entry into a job that they are particularly interested in. Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:37:24 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/go-higher-with-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Stars shine bright at awards ceremony http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/stars-shine-bright-at-awards-ceremony An array of awards were handed out to high achieving students last week (Thursday 29th April), as pupils on Redcar & Cleveland college’s Curriculum Enhancement Programme were recognised for their achievements. The annual awards focus on the 500+ Year 11 students from local schools in Redcar and Cleveland who have come into the college to study vocational and work-based courses over the last 12 months. The programme aims to open up new opportunities and pathways for learning for young people, alongside their traditional school studies and many of them have already enrolled for further studies at the college next academic year. Over 30 shortlisted students and their families attended the awards along with local VIPs and college governors, as well as tutors and staff from the college. Amongst the winners on the night was Sacred Heart School pupil Céline Ducatillon who scooped the award for Most Outstanding Student in the NVQ Level 1 Beauty Therapy category. Céline initially overcame a major communications barrier to triumph in her award section and went on to impress her tutors to such a degree that they didn’t hesitate to nominate her for an award. Talking about her award win, Céline said: “I’m so surprised to win this award – it’s not something I was expecting at all. “I have loved coming into the college as part of my school studies as it gives you a really good idea of what it would be like to come here full time. The extra trust and responsibility that staff place in you at college is something I have really enjoyed taking on." The award win is not the end of the story for Céline who is returning to the college in September to study Level 2 Beauty Therapy with the ultimate aim of becoming a fully qualified beauty therapist. “I can’t wait to come back to the college next year and continue with my learning!” she added. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, presented the winners with their awards and certificates on the night. He said: “We’re immensely proud of all our winners and nominated students tonight. They have really shown what is capable of being achieved with determination, enthusiasm and hard work. “Our work with local secondary schools through the Curriculum Enhancement Programme brings tremendous value and opportunities to the area by giving students the chance to get a taste of vocational based learning and study for practical qualifications that they can use to progress their careers in the future.” Schools involved in the scheme include Bydales School, Redcar; Freeborough Specialist Engineering College, Saltburn; Gillbrook College, Southbank; Redcar Community College, Redcar; Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough; St Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing, South Bank; Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar; Huntcliff School, Saltburn; and Rye Hills School, Redcar. Other winners on the night were: Grace Lee from Bydales School in the NVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations category Dominic Atkinson from Rye Hills School for the BTEC First Diploma in Media award Gemma Harbinson from Redcar Community College won the NVQ Level 1 Hairdressing award Samantha Symon from Rye Hills School was named Art and Design Best Overall Student Katie Pearson from Sacred Heart School in the BTEC First Diploma in Horsecare category David Bell from Rye Hills School won in the Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Joinery award James Davidson from Laurence Jackson School in the Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Brickwork Luke Seaman from St Peter’s Catholic School of Maths & Computing won the award for Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Painting and Decorating – Most Outstanding Student You can see photos of all the winners on the evening on the college Flickr photostream here. Fri, 07 May 2010 14:14:12 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/stars-shine-bright-at-awards-ceremony Students prove they are no robots during USA visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-prove-they-are-no-robots-during-usa-visit Programming a robot and witnessing the technology behind how the world’s most popular drink is bottled were just some of the highlights of a trip to the USA by students from Redcar & Cleveland College. For the 13th year running, engineering students from Redcar & Cleveland recently visited Cleveland State Community College in Tennessee. During their ten-day visit the young people, who were hosted by local families, undertook a number of activities linked to their college course. These activities included robotics, where they were tasked with programming a robot, and manual handling course, which involved a visit to the local Coca-Cola factory to see how the bottling is automated. Another part of their visit saw them touring a home that uses alternative energy, in this case ground heat, to power the property. It was not all work for the students though. In the last few days of their trip they visited local places of interest and went hiking and mountain biking in the Smoky Mountains, where they stayed in a log cabin. Engineering Course Leader Neil Walker said: “The students all found the trip very worthwhile and they were so well received that their host families have already invited them back. “We have excellent relationships with Cleveland State Community College and the 13 years of visits have proved very beneficial to students, both in terms of their academic programme and the social and cultural experience it gives them. Unfortunately, in recent years, students from the USA have not been able to visit Redcar & Cleveland. However, when we were at the college we discussed resurrecting these trips and we are hopeful of being able to reciprocate the kind hospitality we always receive in Tennessee.” The visit was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from the Sir William Turner Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Sabik, TTE, and Redcar & Cleveland College’s Aim Higher Fund.   Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:14:44 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-prove-they-are-no-robots-during-usa-visit Nintendo Wii on menu for Sport Relief events http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/nintendo-wii-on-menu-for-sport-relief-events Redcar & Cleveland College has come up with a novel way of getting students involved in Sport Relief this week – by installing a Nintendo Wii. Students on the college’s sports and public services courses have organised a week-long programme of events to mark Sport Relief 2010, and the Nintendo Wii - along with the popular Wii Fit – has been just one of the many activities on offer. The Nintendo has been located in the college’s main atrium and in return for playing one of the many sports-related games, students have been making a small donation to the charity. For those who prefer the real thing, a host of other activities have been on offer, including an army style assault course in the college gym.   Students Jamie Brook, 24, and Paul Elliot, 17, who are studying Level 3 Fitness Instruction were amongst those who tried out the activities on offer. Jamie, who tried his hand at Wii Golf, before tackling the assault course, said: “The activities have been great fun, but what has made it even better for us is that we have been raising money for good causes while taking part.” Paul added: “We’re hoping to raise as much money as possible and the response we’ve had from other students at the college who’ve been wanting to take each other on playing on the Wii has meant it’s been a really successful event.” Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:02:29 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/nintendo-wii-on-menu-for-sport-relief-events Apprenticeships offer first-rate opportunity http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/apprenticeships-offer-first-rate-opportunity Young people with practical skills or an interest in the trades can start out on a rewarding career path with Redcar & Cleveland College’s Apprenticeship programme. With placements in all of the building and construction trades, from brickwork and plastering to joinery, plumbing and paining and decorating, as well as hairdressing, accountancy, IT and business administration, apprentices will receive first-rate training and the qualifications they need to succeed. People aged 16 and over can apply for a place on Apprenticeship courses, that will see them work in their chosen industry four days a week and study at college the remaining day. They will work alongside industry professionals, who have the knowledge and experience to develop raw skills and turn young people into skilled employees. And for those who need to brush up on their key academic skills, such as maths and literacy, college tutors are there to ensure apprentices receive a rounded education that covers all the bases. Carol Jordan, Head of Employer Engagement at the college, said the majority of apprentices were given permanent jobs by their placement employers once qualified. She said there were no boundaries between young men and women – with a number of female students working in typically male dominated areas, such as construction. “We get a very varied group of people coming to the college for the Apprenticeship programme,” she said. “We have those in the construction trades, along with people who want to enter the world of business and accountancy. “I am always amazed at how skilled apprentices become in such a short space of time. They work hard, become very disciplined and are ultimately respected in their chosen fields of work. “It is so rewarding to see young people developing such sought-after skills and heading out on successful careers.” The college works with a range of employers from across the area who all value the injection of new skills and enthusiasm that employing an apprentice brings. Stan Clingo, of S.C. Joinery, said: “Apprentices are valuable members of the team and a great asset to the business. The apprentices that we employ are supported at all times by the college and their tutors throughout their training. Feedback and systems at the college are very easy to follow and communication is on-going.” Christine Kirby, of Coast & Country Housing Ltd, added: “Through our work with apprentices from Redcar & Cleveland College, we appreciate and understand the level of support that is given to them to help them succeed. We also understand how important it is to work closely with the college and the partnership we have. “We are very pleased with our decision to employ apprentices and work with the college to develop their skills.” As well as offering traditional Apprenticeships, the college also offers students the opportunity to study on an Advanced Apprenticeship course. The Advanced Apprenticeship offers an alternative to traditional A-Levels, offering young people the opportunity to take a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3. Additionally, the apprenticeship may include other requirements based on what the individual employers considers important for the young person and their business. There are 168 students this year on apprenticeships at the college, earning up to £95 a week, however, that increases with time and age. Michelle Wheeler, Employer Engagement Co-ordinator, said students had to meet strict criteria to be accepted onto a course, but said for those unable to do so, there were other pre-entry courses to help them on their way. “The apprentices are expected to work hard, but their rewards come once they are qualified because they acquire skills for life,” she said. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:57:58 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/apprenticeships-offer-first-rate-opportunity Students get into Christmas spirit with festive hair competition http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-get-into-christmas-spirit-with-festive-hair-co Students from a Tees Valley college have been getting into the Christmas spirit by holding a special event themed around the holiday season. Hair and beauty students at Redcar & Cleveland College held their annual Christmas competition and competed against each other in a range of categories that highlighted the bit of the festive period that everyone most enjoys. Level 1, 2 and 3 students studying hairdressing competed against each other to create dramatic hairstyles themed around the concepts of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Pantomime, whilst Beauty Therapy students carried out Christmas themed treatments in the college’s TS10 salon. Hairdressing student Emma Gidney, whose team were the overall winners of the competition with their ‘Scary Santa’ theme said: “The competition has been really good fun, and has given us the opportunity to express our creativity in weird and wonderful ways. “It’s also made me more aware of the options available to me as a hairdresser once I finish my course. I now not only think about working in a salon, but perhaps as a stylist in the theatre or television too. ” Head of the Hair and Beauty and Holistics Division at Redcar & Cleveland College, Delia Leadbitter, said of the event: “Through the programmes that our students study at the college we aim to give them as much experience as possible of what it is like to work as a qualified professional.” “The Hair and Beauty Competition mirrors a professional level competition in terms of the standards they have to work to and time limits they have to complete the tasks within.” Entries for the competition included pantomime characters, elves, and fairies whose hair was expertly styled by the students under the watchful eye of the college’s staff and industry professionals who were judging the event. Prizes were awarded to the winning students from each category, as well as an overall prize for the most dramatic style produced on the day. Delia went on to say: “The standard produced by the students in this year’s competition was extremely high and choosing a winners for each category was a difficult job for the judging panel.” You can view more photos from the competition here.  Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:52:14 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-get-into-christmas-spirit-with-festive-hair-co Redcar students awarded at glittering ceremony http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-awarded-at-glittering-ceremony Students from a Tees Valley college have been recognised for their successes and hard work at a glittering awards ceremony held last week (Wednesday 11th November). Outstanding students were recognised for their achievements at Redcar & Cleveland College’s Celebration of Achievement event, with 18 being awarded accolades for being the top student in their subject area. These winners went on to compete for the prestigious overall titles of Further Education, Higher Education and Work Based Learning Student of the Year. Winner of the Further Education Student of the Year award was a student who has faced more than his fair share of challenges in life. Twenty six year old Matthew Spencer arrived in the UK as a young child having been displaced from his country of birth, Zimbabwe, and during his time at school he struggled with health and immigration related issues. Matthew enrolled on the BTEC National Diploma in Software Development for IT Practitioners at Redcar & Cleveland College as a way of catching up on the education he missed out on during his years at secondary school and since then he hasn’t looked back, excelling in every aspect of his course. Talking about his reasons for nominating Matthew, his tutor Christopher Hart says that his outstanding attitude towards his studies and his willingness to help and encourage his peers make him a model student to work with: “Matthew has exceeded all previous performance standards by being the first student to achieve distinction grades in every single module on his course. “Not only this but he has gone the extra mile to work with the other students on the course to help them achieve, involving everyone in the work and encouraging them to come forward with their own ideas. “Matthew has now progressed on to a highly sought after course at Teesside University and I’m sure that he has a bright future ahead of him.” After receiving his award, Matthew said he was stunned to receive the accolade: “I’m totally shocked to win the award, I really wasn’t expecting it. “It’s really pleasing to be recognised for my hard work, but it is as much about the hard work of my tutors and my fellow students as the work that I have done.” Winner of Higher Education Student of the Year was mature student Joan Foy who impressed her tutors with her performance throughout her time studying on the Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree. Joan’s tutor, Irene Walker, said of her: “From doubting her own ability at the start, Joan went on to exceed her own expectations. She constantly strived to extend her knowledge, skills and understanding to improve her own practice. “She has a calm, warm, friendly personality, and is a pleasure to teach. She always shows concern for others, both students and teachers.“ The evening also saw the inaugural presentation of the Vicki Lawrence award, named after a student who tragically died in December 2008 shortly after successfully completing a course at the college and going on to study nursing at Teesside University. Sponsored by the Sir William Turner Foundation, the award is to be presented annually to a student who has chosen to follow the same career path as Vicki, into nursing, and shows the same blend of academic achievement and personal enthusiasm as she did for the subject. The award was presented by Vicki’s family to college student Jade Hind who won the award having shown incredible commitment and determination to achieve a Distinction in her BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care. Speaking about her award, Jade said: “It’s incredibly humbling to be the first winner of this award and to have it presented to me by Vicki’s family. “I really enjoyed my time at Redcar & Cleveland College and hope that I can go on and use the skills that I learnt here to complete my degree and build up a career in nursing.” Talking about the reasons that the award came about, Peter Chester from the Sir William Turner Foundation, who also taught Vicki during her time at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “Vicki was a bright, happy and hardworking student. She impressed everyone who taught her with her unfailing cheerfulness, her positive outlook, and her ability to get on with everyone, which for many was summed up in her smile.” The award for Work Based Learning Student of the Year went to student Kyle Would. Kyle joined the College on an e2e programme straight from school and has consistently shown a willingness to learn and accept responsibility. He progressed quickly onto a full-time joinery course and continued his full-time studies on the Intermediate Construction Award, gaining Modern Apprentice status as a result of a job offer. He successfully achieved his Foundation Apprenticeship in June, and is now on an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said: “The students who are here tonight have been nominated from the thousands of students who have studied at the college in the last academic year for the fantastic achievements and commitment they have shown. “They truly demonstrate that it is possible to achieve anything when you believe it is possible. “We hope that we have raised the aspirations and exceeded the expectations of all our students. We’re thoroughly proud of everyone who was nominated and won awards tonight.” Other winners on the night included: Joint Health and Childcare Students of the Year: Samantha Lee and Carla Turton Hair and Beauty Student of the Year: Nichola Poole Sport, Public Services, Travel & Tourism and Arts Student of the Year: Jamie Harding Management, Professional and ICT Full-time Student of the Year: Matthew Spencer Management, Professional and ICT Part-time Student of the Year: Maria Teresa Bianchi Engineering Student of the Year: Joseph Urban and Chris Milne Built Environment Student of the Year: Darren Lees Access to Higher Education Student of the Year: Michelle Jacobs Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Year 1 Student of the Year: Calvin Jobling Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Year 2 Student of the Year: Keiran Reed The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors Shield Student of the Year: Alastair Brook Joint Achievement Over Adversity award winners: Jessica Howes and Debra Foster Enthusiasm and Contributions to the College award: Liam Cowan View photos from the event on the college's Flickr photostream here.  Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:30 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-awarded-at-glittering-ceremony College to host skills showcase event and open evening http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-skills-showcase-event-and-open-evening Prospective students will get a chance to find out how gaining new qualifications could help them get on in life next week (Wednesday 21st October). Redcar & Cleveland College is holding a special Open Evening where anyone thinking of studying on a course can drop in and get further information, as well as taking a look around the world-class facilities. Staff will be on hand to give advice on the full range of full time and part time courses on offer. There will also be a Skills Showcase exhibition of work from current college students. Details are as follows: Date:        Wednesday 21st October Time:       5pm – 8pm Location: Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar The event is a chance for anyone thinking of developing their skills to come along and find out first hand how a new qualification from the college could give a boost to their confidence and improve their employability and career prospects. Visitors will get the chance take a tour of the college campus, and careers advisors and lecturers will be on hand to offer advice on opportunities and career progression. The college has recently launched its 2010/2011 Full Time Prospectus, giving anyone thinking of studying a full time course at the college comprehensive details of what is on offer. Gary Groom, Principal Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students to the new Redcar & Cleveland College Skills Showcase 2009 and showing them how the learning environment and courses we have on offer can give them a real edge when it comes to improving skills and gaining employment.”   Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:17:00 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-skills-showcase-event-and-open-evening Interest high for new Diploma courses http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/interest-high-for-new-diploma-courses New Diploma courses for 14 to 19 year olds are proving to be a hit with students enrolling at Redcar & Cleveland College this Summer. Over fifty students have already taken up places on courses in Hair & Beauty, Construction & the Built Environment and Engineering offered by the college, with more expected to join them over the coming days. The Diploma is a new Government backed qualification that combines theoretical study with practical experience aimed at equipping young people for the fast changing world they are growing up in. The Diploma requires students to achieve a minimum standard in English, Maths and ICT, complete a project and undertake a minimum of ten days’ work experience, as well as study a principal subject area. They are offered at three levels; Foundation, Higher and Advanced – equivalent to Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 study respectively. The courses are being delivered in conjunction with local secondary schools and give 14 to 19 year olds the opportunity to study vocational qualifications alongside more traditional academic qualifications. Due to the popularity of the Diplomas, Redcar & Cleveland College is already looking to expand the range it offers by adding additional Diploma courses in areas such as Retail Business and Travel & Tourism. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said of the new qualifications: “Further Education is all about offering a choice in how people learn and progress in their education. “These new Diplomas expand the range of opportunities for our students and establish new pathways for progression onto higher level courses which can only be a good thing.” Anyone wanting to find out more about the new Diploma courses, or other opportunities for learning available to them, can contact the college on 01642 473132. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:49:10 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/interest-high-for-new-diploma-courses U-Turn in career leads to plumb job for Darren http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/u-turn-in-career-leads-to-plumb-job-for-darren A Tees Valley student has turned his life around by retraining as a plumber after being made redundant from his previous job. Darren Lees, from Normanby, lost his job as a goldsmith after his employer decided to move production to a factory in the far-east and was left facing the daunting prospect of having to find a new trade after 20 years. Darren enrolled onto a Level 2 course in plumbing at Redcar & Cleveland College and since then he’s never looked back. Talking about the course, which he has completed in record time, Darren says: “I wanted to learn a new trade that would allow me to utilise the manual skills that I had developed in my job as a jeweller and when the staff at the college suggested plumbing I thought I’d give it a go. “It was daunting at first and I was by far the oldest student on the course, but after a while I began to relax and really enjoy the course. Darren impressed his tutors at the college so much that he is now employed as a plumbing technician for 4 days a week, helping out with the younger students. He is also studying towards his Level 3 qualification in Plumbing at the same time. Head of the plumbing division at Redcar & Cleveland College, Harry Teasdale, has been impressed by Darren’s enthusiasm on the course. He said: “Darren is a great example to people that it is never too late in life for you to retrain and learn a new skill. “Since he started at the college he has shown that with hard work and determination anything is possible and he has become something of a role-model to younger students in his group.” Despite being conscious of his age at first, Darren now feels that it’s not something to worry about: “There’s lots of mature students here at the college and I know some of them from years ago. “Age isn’t a barrier – you’ve just got to go for it and you’ll achieve your goal!”   Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:05:45 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/u-turn-in-career-leads-to-plumb-job-for-darren Local business scoops top award with help from college course http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/local-business-scoops-top-award-with-help-from-college A local business has been recognised as an outstanding example in its class at a recent prestigious awards ceremony, with help from a Tees Valley college. Marton Pharmacy won the Community Pharmacist of the Year award and was named runner up in the Clinical Service award at the Chemist and Druggist Awards in London following the launch of a holistic therapy centre to complement the traditional medicines offered. Following initial success, staff from the pharmacy undertook a Holistic Therapy course at Redcar & Cleveland College, allowing them to expand the range of treatments it offers to include holistic facials, body massage and stone therapy massage. With the course, which is studied one evening a week, students cover a range of areas including anatomy of the face and body, health and safety relating to holistic therapies and knowledge of holistic therapy products as well as carrying out of treatments on real clients in the college’s TS10 salon. On completing the required assessments, students qualify for a nationally and internationally recognised qualification within the beauty and holistics industry. Practice Manager Michelle Myers, said: “Holistic therapy isn’t the first thing you would expect to be on offer at a pharmacy, but we are increasingly looking to launch new services that build upon the traditional areas that people would visit a pharmacy for. “The holistic centre has been a real hit with customers and we’re already looking at further courses we can undertake to increase the number of treatments we can offer.” The Holistic Therapy course is just one of a range of beauty and holistic therapy courses offered by the college. Delia Leadbitter, Head of Division for Beauty and Holistic Therapies at Redcar & Cleveland College said of the college’s offer: “Redcar & Cleveland College’s range of hair, beauty and holistic therapy courses offer both individuals and businesses the opportunity to study in a flexible manner within facilities at the college which are outstanding. “We are increasingly working with local businesses, such as Marton Pharmacy, to help them develop new and existing skills within their staff and we are already seeing a growth in inquiries for similar courses starting this September.” Details of all the part-time and business training courses at Redcar & Cleveland College can be found by logging onto www.cleveland.ac.uk or by calling 01642 473132. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:28:05 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/local-business-scoops-top-award-with-help-from-college Heather aims higher with Access course! http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/heather-aims-higher-with-access-course A student, who has exceeded even her own expectations, is celebrating after winning a place at university after completing a course at Redcar & Cleveland College. Heather McLeod, completed the Access to Health course and is now going on to study a degree in Nursing Studies at the University of Teesside. Heather initially joined the college on the part-time Amspar Medical Receptionist course in 2007 and following the completion of this course decided that she wished to continue studying and fulfil a lifelong ambition to take up a career in nursing. Talking about her time at Redcar & Cleveland College, Heather says: “I was initially really nervous about coming back to college after such a long time out of education, but with the support of my family and the tutors at the college I was able to find a course that really suited me and fitted around the other commitments I have in my life. “The first day was a bit nerve racking and I felt like the oldest student in the college, but I soon settled in and started to enjoy the course. “Towards the end of the Amspar course my tutors started talking to me about what I wanted to do next and suggested that I consider the Access to Health course as a route to take me through to university. “I’d never thought about going down a route that would lead me to university, but after some persuasion I enrolled on the course starting in September 2008. “The Access course was challenging at times, but was really enjoyable and I now can’t wait to go on to university this September!” Angela Ince, Heather’s tutor on the Access course, said: “Heather’s initial uncertainty about taking up a place on the Access course is something that a lot of students experience initially, but once she got started on the course she exceeded both her tutors and her own expectations. Over the two years she has attended Redcar & Cleveland College it has been very humbling to see how much she has grown in confidence and stature, and how well she is now prepared to enter a level of education she did not consider was for her. Heather is not the only Redcar student to taste success on the Access programme this year. All of the students on the Access to Humanities course have gained places on degree or higher-level courses, whilst many of the Access to Health students are going on to study further higher-level qualifications. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “What Heather and the other students on the Access courses have achieved is absolutely fantastic and demonstrates how when a student raises their aspirations they can achieve their ambitions in life. “We’re finding increasingly that people are deciding to come back to college to develop existing or new skills and with the college offering a range of routes through into higher education many are surprising themselves with how far they can go.” Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:40:26 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/heather-aims-higher-with-access-course Redcar trainees are best in the North East http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-trainees-are-best-in-the-north-east Two students from Redcar & Cleveland College have nailed top titles at the regional heats of a prestigious national skills competition. John Atkinson and James Brownless proved that they are two of the best trainees in the North East, following success at the regional heat of this year’s SkillBuild – the UK’s biggest construction skills competition. John, 21, who is studying for an in NVQ Joinery and Carpentry won a gold medal in the Joinery category of the competition, whilst James, 19, who is also an apprentice with Mitie, won the gold medal in the Junior Painting & Decorating category at the North East heat, which took place on 1st July at Newcastle College. Talking about his success at the competition, John, who has been supported throughout his studies by his employers PM Straw Builders, said: “The award is fantastic as it reflects the hard work that I’ve put in during my course and also the support I’ve received from my employer and tutors at college. “I really wasn’t expecting to win today as the level of competition was so high, but we’ve worked hard in preparation for the competition and that really helped me to handle the task we were set.” The lads weren’t the only Redcar & Cleveland College students to taste success at the event - Lucie Nicholson, 19, placed 2nd in the Junior Painting & Decorating category and Stephen Read, 26, and Glenn Jones, 19, achieved 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the Carpentry category. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said of the student’s success: “To have so many of our students competing and finding success in the SkillBuild event highlights the college’s strengths in Built Environment disciplines. The college is clearly providing the very best training you can find anywhere in the UK. Staff and students put in a tremendous effort to attain such high standards and we are very proud of them.” “This is the third year in a row that students from Redcar & Cleveland College have won gold medals on a regional level and we hope that they will now go on to National success ” John and James will now be flying the flag for the North East and will have their chance to compete against the other UK regions at the SkillBuild national final, which will take place 7-9 October at South Lanarkshire College in Scotland. National winners from this year’s competition will then have the opportunity to represent the UK and compete in the 2011 international WorldSkills competition in London. SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, aims to find the UK’s best trainee across a variety of trades including: bricklaying, carpentry, joinery and painting and decorating. The students competed against each other in their given trade to complete a set of work within the day. The competition challenged the trainees to produce accurate and high quality work within a strict timescale – all essential requirements for today’s construction industry. The work was assessed by a panel of technical experts at the end of the day when the winners in each trade were announced. The competition, which has been running for more than 20 years, is an opportunity to recognise the importance of apprentices and full time trainees, and their skills. It also provides a platform for companies to highlight the quality of their workforce and commitment to training – which is essential in the current climate to provide businesses with a competitive edge. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:12:27 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-trainees-are-best-in-the-north-east Moving experience for Redcar students http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/moving-experience-for-redcar-students Students at a Tees Valley college were so moved during a trip to a Romanian orphanage – they decided to present the young people with a most prized gift. The 15 students from Redcar & Cleveland College, who were overseas as part of their Children’s Care, Learning and Development programme, donated Racco the cow to the Bratca orphanage, in the hope it would provide much-needed milk and interest. The teenagers spent seven days in Oradea, meeting and working with disadvantaged and abandoned children. However, when they visited the Bratca orphanage, which cared for young people with mental and physical disabilities, they felt so touched by what they saw, they decided to do something extra to help. First of all, the students went to the local market and bought 27 new pairs of shoes for the orphans, before turning their attention to how they could help out in the long-term. After a frenetic exchange of communications with staff back at the college, the group got the OK to spend £200 of their funds from the Sir William Turner Foundation Trust to buy the cow, which, it is hoped, will provide milk for many years to come. The cow, aptly named Racco (Redcar & Cleveland College Overseas), was presented to the staff and residents of the orphanage before the students returned home last weekend. The orphanage will use Racco not only to provide milk, but also to produce other dairy products, such as cheese, which they would not otherwise be able to afford. Liam Cowan, 18, who is studying Level 3 Childcare, said: “The trip has been the best experience of my life so far and the experiences I have had while in Romania will stay with me for the rest of my life. “Visiting the orphanage was the highlight of the trip for me and what I saw and learnt there will prove to be invaluable when I go to university to study childcare next year. “The conditions that the children live in out there really make you appreciate the life we have in the UK and it was so rewarding that we were able to make a contribution by purchasing Racco for the orphanage.” This is the second year that the college has been invited by the Caminul Felix charity to help out at its two family villages for abandoned and neglected children at Oradea. While on the visit, the students also had the opportunity to visit the Universitatea Din Oradea to experience how students studying similar courses to themselves are taught in Romania. Angela McLean, the college’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, said: “The idea behind the international visits is to improve our students’ employability skills and help them to become more rounded individuals by taking them away from the environments they now take for granted. “During our experience in Romania, we saw our students bond with each other and Romanian people. Their time there was full of laughter, joy and tears.” Early Years lecturer Irene Walker said: “We all experienced a complete change of culture and lifestyle. Students grew in maturity quickly and brought back new skills and experiences that will stay with them for ever.” The students now hope to pass on some of the lessons and experiences from their Romanian visit to children at nurseries and schools in the area. And planning is already underway for next year’s visit, with the team actively seeking local businesses and organisations to provide sponsorship. Staff and students at the college would like to thank the Sir William Turner Trust Foundation, Aimhigher North East, Arriva North East, Hollywood Bowl, the Saltburn Rotary Club and Morrison’s Redcar, who gave students the opportunity to bag-pack to raise funds for the visit. More photos from the student's trip can be found here.   Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:01:08 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/moving-experience-for-redcar-students Carpentry students produce model of Victorian pier http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/carpentry-students-produce-model-of-victorian-pier Proud carpentry and joinery students have seen their handiwork go on public display after reproducing a scaled model of Saltburn pier. The replica of the Victorian landmark has been built from recycled materials by the craft students at Redcar & Cleveland College. Jackie Taylor, chairwoman of Saltburn in Bloom, asked the college to help out after the first model of the pier, produced in 2000 to commemorate the refurbishment of the real thing, fell into disrepair. The college took away the old model and has spent weeks working on a new version, which is exactly the same as the historic pier, right down to the dark red Tudor cladding. “The college produced the original model for us in 2000, which was fantastic, but, of course, it was made of wood, and it suffered some vandalism, so it was in need of repairing,” said Jackie. “The college very kindly said it would make us a whole new model, and we were extremely grateful. We knew it would be just as brilliant as the first one. “It is used as part of our floral display on Marske Road for Saltburn in Bloom, and we are very proud of it.” Carpentry student Jamie King, 16, from Dormanstown, Redcar, said: “We have all really enjoyed making the model, and it has involved us in things we wouldn’t normally do, such as drilling through steelwork. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s great to see it on display.” Lecturer Alan Hodgson said the project also demonstrated to students how old materials could be used again for new projects. He said he was very proud to see it on display in Saltburn. “It has been hard work, but enjoyable, and the students have got a lot out of it,” he said. “It’s involved them working with the community, which is nice. We were very happy to help.”   Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:31:11 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/carpentry-students-produce-model-of-victorian-pier Ofsted inspectors grade Redcar & Cleveland College as ‘good’ http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-as Students and staff at a Tees Valley college are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors praised its effectiveness and graded it as a ‘good’ learning establishment. Redcar & Cleveland College Principal Gary Groom said he was thrilled with the inspector’s report, which praised the wide range of courses available, the effectiveness of the college, and the new state-of-the-art facilities. He said it was testament to the hard work put in by every member of staff and student during the past few years, who have worked to further improve all aspects of college life. “We are delighted that the college has now been recognised for the large number of improvements we have made since the last inspection in 2004, when we were then graded as ‘satisfactory’,” said Mr Groom. “Previously, the college was not meeting its full potential and needed to improve both standards and the facilities. “We are now officially graded as being a good college, which is fantastic news for everyone in Redcar and Cleveland – knowing that not only is there a terrific new £26m college building in the borough, but there is also continued improvements in both success rates and student retention.” Inspectors rated the new college building and facilities, which opened in September last year, as outstanding. Safety of students and staff was also graded as outstanding, and the inspectors also commented that students were well behaved and respectful to each other. They said the overall effectiveness of the college was good, and stated that its capacity to improve further was also good. The report stated: “Over the last three years, success rates have significantly improved. Success rates for learners aged 16 to 18 are above national average. “The quality of provision is good, as are teaching and learning. Lessons are well planned and teachers effectively link theory to practice. The college is highly responsive to the needs of students, employers, local and national priorities. The curriculum is very accessible and progression routes are increasingly well-used.” It added: “The principal provides strong direction to raise standards. Quality improvement strategies are very effective. Success rates have improved year-on-year. “The college has made good progress since the last inspection. Strengths identified then have been maintained and areas for improvement addressed.” Mr Groom said everyone at the college was very proud of what they had achieved. “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the college, because without their hard work and dedication, this great Ofsted report would not have been possible,” he said. “We set out on a long journey to improvement when I arrived here four years ago and, while we are extremely pleased with our achievements so far, we still have a distance to travel and are very focussed. “We will continue to strive for excellence in the hope that we achieve the highest grade possible at our next inspection – that of ‘outstanding’.”  Chairman of Governors Dr Graham Hillier said: “This is an excellent achievement for the college. We are all extremely pleased that the inspectors recognised the many improvements that have been made since the last inspection, and saw the college as we do – a good learning establishment. “Everyone has worked very hard and will continue to do so to ensure that our students get the best education possible.” View the newsletter Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:12:59 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-as Girls are doing it for themselves http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/girls-are-doing-it-for-themselves Teenagers Louise Dabb and Becky Williams may be working in a typically male environment – but they have proved themselves more than capable when it comes to skimming walls. The pair are the first ever girls to study plastering at Redcar & Cleveland College, where they are working towards their level one diploma on the full-time course. The 18-year-olds are unfazed by the attention and find themselves mucking in like every other student on the programme. Indeed, their talents are such that both girls have shown a natural ability for plastering, with Louise being nominated to represent the college in the plastering category in the regional heat of the Skillbuild competition. Plastering lecturer Peter Moore said the girls’ involvement in the course had had a calming and maturing effect on the class, as a whole. “It’s rare to have one female plasterer, but we actually have two, which is extraordinary,” he said. “They are the first full- time female plasterers Redcar & Cleveland College has ever had. Both girls are very good, and they get on with the task at hand like any of the boys. Louise, however, is one of the best in the class and is definitely showing a flair and talent that is quite remarkable. “She is extremely motivated and uses her own initiative much of the time. She is outstanding. Equally, Becky is showing real skill and puts in a lot of effort and will definitely have a future in the trade. They are both excellent students.” Both girls are now considering what the future holds. However, Louise is certain she wants to progress to the level two diploma and hopes to then get an apprenticeship.  “I’m loving the course and feel as though I have learned so much,” she said. “The facilities and workshops are great and the tutors really go out of their way to help.” Becky said: “It’s a great course. I guess it is unusual to have girls on the plastering course, but we are treated no differently to anyone else.” Head of the Construction faculty John Jordan said companies were eager to hire females, as were members of the public, so he had no doubts that the girls would succeed. “The girls that take up the trades are certainly as able as the boys, but it is unusual in plastering for females to sign up. We are delighted to have them,” he said.  Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:48:41 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/girls-are-doing-it-for-themselves Students have designs on a bright future http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-have-designs-on-a-bright-future Crafty and creative individuals from a Tees Valley college have been painting the town red by showing off their work to family and friends. The talented students from Redcar & Cleveland College’s BTEC National Diploma Art & Design course showcased their work at a special exhibition for parents, staff and local people held at the college last week.  The first and second year students exhibited digital work, drawings, painting, ceramics and textiles that they have produced over the course of the last year. Having attained excellent results, many of them are now going on to further study within the field at higher and university levels. Rachel Holmes, 17 from Eston is planning to go on and study graphic design at the University of Teesside. She said: “The art and design course here at the college has been excellent. There is a really good mix of students and the tutors are very easy to get on with and talk to. I would really recommend the college and the course to anyone who is looking to study art and design. “My personal favourite pieces from show are the picture of Golden Gate Bridge made from glue and water and the dress I designed, which was inspired by the 80s mixed with the elegance of salsa – I wanted it to swish!” 18-year old Rebecca Dickinson, from Grangetown, is hoping to become a costume designer after securing a place on a costume-making course following completion of the course at Redcar. She said: “I have really enjoyed studying at Redcar & Cleveland College and I have even been to visit schools in the area to talk about the course and the great facilities that the college has to offer. “I think my best pieces of work are a dress that I created, which was inspired by the classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet – with a 60s twist!” Students from the course go on to work in a wide range of careers, and not all of them would be what you might expect from an art and design qualification. Declan Hill, 18 from Skelton, is very much looking forward to studying to become an architect, after applying to universities in Sheffield and Newcastle. He says: “I would happily recommend the course and the college to any students. The quality of the course and the support of the tutors will help me to achieve a career in architecture.” Colin Cook, BTEC National Diploma Art & Design course leader at the college said: “Since we move into the college’s new purpose-built building last September the Art & Design courses have gone from strength to strength. The new facilities are allowing us to fulfil the creative potential that our students have and mean that we have been able to significantly improve and expand the curriculum. “The work on show from the students demonstrates what can be achieved with a little application and the fact that many of them are now going on to study further, more advanced, art and design related courses speaks volumes for the hard work they have put in over the last year.” View more photos from the event here. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:18:21 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-have-designs-on-a-bright-future College lecturer becomes world skills expert in plastering http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-lecturer-becomes-world-skills-expert-in-plaster Lecturer Peter Moore is going global after being appointed as a World Skills expert in plastering and drywall systems. The Redcar & Cleveland College tutor has been appointed to the role of UK Training Manager in plastering and drywall systems for UK Skills. The role involves taking selected young trades people and training them to international standards in order to participate in the World Skills competition in London 2011. The next competition is taking place in Calgary, Canada, in September, where Peter will be one of the experts for the plastering final, where the winner will be chosen from the 40 competing countries.  Peter, who worked in the plastering industry for 25 years before becoming a college tutor, said he was thrilled to have been selected for UK Skills. However, his appointment was made even sweeter when Redcar & Cleveland College was selected as one of UK Skills’ training centres, where nationally- selected competitors are trained by specialist training managers in order to make the British team for Calgary. He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be given the role of Training Manager, and from that I will be involved in the World Skills competition in Canada. “I’m really looking forward to going to Calgary to see what other countries are doing in terms of plastering and dry wall systems, because not every country does traditional wet plastering, like us. “It will give me an opportunity to talk to other experts in the field, and hopefully bring some useful things back that we can include in UK competitions.” Peter said it was great to have the week-long UK Skills training workshop at Redcar & Cleveland College in the spring, just after his appointment.  “I am so proud that the college has been named as a training centre for UK Skills, which confirms our position as a leader in this field, and recognises the excellent facilities and equipment we have to offer,” he added.  UK Skills recently visited the college to prepare for their visit to the World Skills Competition in Calgary, Canada. Find out what they thought of the college's facilities and staff in the video below.       Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:13:23 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-lecturer-becomes-world-skills-expert-in-plaster Students raise Cash for Kids at charity event http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-raise-cash-for-kids-at-charity-event Children in difficult circumstances across the North East will benefit from the hard work of a group of students who have raised money to help them. Students from Redcar & Cleveland College joined forces with local businesses recently to stage a charity fashion show in aid of the Cash for Kids charity. From the stage, which was constructed by students from the college’s Built Environment faculty, through to the finishing touches for models which were done by students studying hair and beauty courses, students from all curriculum areas were involved in staging the show which took place in the atrium of the new £28m campus. Local businesses showcased their latest collections alongside the creations of students studying art & design and graphics at the college. Over £200 was raised on the night, which will be donated directly to the Cash For Kids charity which supports local children of Tees Valley, North Yorkshire & County Durham who are either sick or under-privileged.  College Principal Gary Groom, said:   “The evening was a fantastic showcase of talents from all the staff and students involved who gave up their own time to arrange and put on the fashion show. “Our thanks also go to the local businesses from Redcar and across the Tees Valley who helped us to put on what was a very entertaining evening. “We’re delighted that such a significant amount of money has been raised and that it will go to such an worthy cause.” Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:40:53 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-raise-cash-for-kids-at-charity-event New college funds to help unemployed back to work http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-college-funds-to-help-unemployed-back-to-work Unemployed people are to get extra help to re-skill and re-train with the help of Redcar & Cleveland College.   The college has been awarded extra funds as part of an £83m allocation in the north east to help train people who have been unemployed for over six months and help them back into work. This is in addition to the existing range of support options available to people through the college.   There will be plenty of new short courses to get people back into work as quickly as possible. Springboard courses will get those coming out of work into further training and new jobs to meet opportunities for employment in the region.   In addition to this scheme the college also offers a range of other vocational training options for anyone who is looking to boost their skills or learn a new profession.   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said:   “This new funding will benefit hundreds of people in the area who are looking to get back into work.   “The job losses resulting from the recession have meant that the employment market has become constricted and there is much more competition to get the jobs that are out there.   “Redcar & Cleveland College is here to help anyone who wants to improve their opportunities for gaining employment by boosting their existing skills or learning a new set of skills.” Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:04 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-college-funds-to-help-unemployed-back-to-work Students shine at awards ceremony http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-shine-at-awards-ceremony A group of Tees Valley teenagers have had their hard work and dedication recognised at a special ceremony. Redcar & Cleveland College’s annual Shine Awards took place last night (Thursday 7th May) where students from the college’s Curriculum Enhancement Programme, which creates vocational and work based learning opportunities for 14 to 16 year olds, were honoured.  The event brought together students, their families and education professionals to celebrate achievement and see how the Curriculum Enhancement Programme is working to open up new opportunities for young people in Redcar and the wider Tees Valley. Pupils from schools across Redcar and Cleveland, have been working with the college to give their 14 to 16 year old students the opportunity to come into the college and study for vocational qualifications as part of their progression through secondary education.  Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, presented the winners with their awards and certificates on the night. He said: “Congratulations to all of our winners and nominated students. They have shown tremendous commitment over the course of their time with us.  “Our work with local secondary schools through the Curriculum Enhancement Programme brings tremendous value and opportunities to the area by giving students the chance to get a taste of vocational based learning and study for practical qualifications that they can use to progress their careers in the future.” Schools involved in the scheme include Bydales School, Redcar; Freeborough Specialist Engineering College, Saltburn; Gillbrook College, Southbank; Redcar Community College, Redcar; Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough; St Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing, South Bank; Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar; Huntcliff School, Saltburn; and Rye Hills School, Redcar. Hamish Joyce, Head Teacher of Rye Hills School, said of the Curriculum Enhancement Programme: “The students from Rye Hills School have produced some excellent work whilst studying for vocational qualifications at Redcar & Cleveland College.  “As well as this, they have gained some great experience of studying in an institution other than school.” Amongst the winners on the night were a group of students who have been studying on the CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children. Jade Wright, Tanya Foxton, Katie McCutcheon, Rebecca McEwan, Flair Steyert, Molly Stevens, and Demi Phillips, who go to Sacred Heart RC School, were recognised for the tremendous commitment and teamwork skills over the last two years whilst studying the on the programme. Talking about the course and her award win, Molly Stevens from the group said: “I was really shocked when they announced that we had won an award tonight as we thought we were just here to do a presentation for the audience about our course. “I really enjoy coming to the college. The way that we learn here allows you to be a lot more independent and individual, but the staff are still there to help you out when you need them.  “All of us from the group are planning to come back to the college next year full time to study further childcare courses. I’m really looking forward to it.”  Sandra O’Rourke, Head of the Education, Management and Wellbeing Faculty, said of the group:  “Throughout their studies the group have been willing to go the extra mile and as a result they have become involved in projects with the University of Teesside and with local community projects to encourage improved literacy through the use of Story Sacks. “Every student on the programme has demonstrated a strong work ethic and as a result all of them are predicted to receive Merits or Distinctions as their final grades.  “All of this was only achievable due to the peer support and the respect the students have shown towards each other during their studies.  They are a credit to their school and college.”  Other winners on the night were: ·      Ben Henderson from Bydales School in the GCSE Engineering category  ·      John Michael French from Gillbrook College on the BTEC Introductory Certificate in Engineering programme ·      Shaun Gell from Freeborough Specialist Engineering College for NVQ 2 Performing Engineering Operations ·      Morcel Azizi from St Peter’s Catholic College in the IT @ Work category ·      Sophie Dixon Bydales School for NVQ 1 Hairdressing ·      Jessica Dunkerley from Laurence Jackson School for NVQ 1 Beauty Therapy ·      Bethany Weedall Rye Hills School in the GCSE Art and Design category ·      Jade Wright from Gillbrook College won the individual award for CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children ·      Becky Turnbull from Huntcliff School in the 1st Diploma in Horsecare ·       Anthony Melville from Redcar Community College won in the Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Plastering category ·      Jay Bowie from Sacred Heart School won the award for Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Brickwork ·      Reece Howes from Gillbrook College won in the Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Paining and Decorating category  Further pictures from the ceremony can be found here.   Fri, 08 May 2009 10:40:17 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-shine-at-awards-ceremony Students pitch in for new college development http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-pitch-in-for-new-college-development A pitch fit for the finest sportsmen and women, capable of staging a large number of events at the highest level. You might be forgiven for thinking that this statement refers to how the playing surface at Wembley Stadium should be, but staff and students at a Tees Valley College are hoping that in a few months’ time, their sports fields will be the envy of the national stadium. Redcar & Cleveland College is investing a considerable sum of money in constructing new sports pitches alongside its new £26m campus on Corporation Road, following the demolition of its previous home on the site. Students studying sports and fitness courses at the college will be able to use the pitches for a variety of outdoor sports including football, rugby and hockey. As landscaping work on the pitches is completed, the college’s football team kicked off the growth by sowing the first seeds of the football pitches they will soon be playing on. Captain of the college football team Gary Sharples, who is studying a BTEC National Diploma in Sport said: “The new pitches will be a real benefit to the college and will be a massive improvement on what we are used to playing on. “By having top quality facilities outside as well as inside it will mean that, as students, we can achieve so much more in our studies and extra curricular activities as well. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said: “These new facilities will be amongst the best in the area and will give all of our students the opportunity to remain fit and health during their time with us. “We have worked closely with Sports England to ensure that the pitches will provide a top class playing surface and with over 100 students currently studying sports and fitness courses at the college the new facilities will allow us to expand our offer to them and new students who start at the college this coming September. Further images to accompany this story can be found here. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:47:28 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-pitch-in-for-new-college-development Spring into action with Redcar & Cleveland College http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/spring-into-action-with-redcar-amp-cleveland-college People across the Tees Valley are being urged to Spring into action this month and look at furthering their career by going back to college.   Redcar & Cleveland College has launched a range of new offers on part-time courses starting in April, May and June aimed at anyone who is looking at refreshing their skills or considering a change of career.   With discounts of up to 50% available on some courses, including IT for Beginners, Nail Technology and Teaching in Lifelong Learning, there has never been a better time to be studying.   Alongside these courses are a range of business oriented offerings such as Level 3 and Level 4 Management, Legionella Risk Assessment and a National Certificate qualification for Door Supervisors and Security Guards. If you do not see the course in which you are interested, please contact the college.   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said:   “In the current climate, more and more people are choosing to boost their skill levels or change their career by studying a part-time course and with our fantastic new facilities Redcar & Cleveland College is ideally placed to help with this.   “It’s not only individuals we are seeing enrol on our courses, many businesses are seeing the benefits and efficiency savings they can achieve through investing in training their workforce.”   Full details of the courses starting this Spring, including those eligible for discounted fees, can be found on the Redcar & Cleveland College website at www.cleveland.ac.uk or by calling 01642 473132. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:01:36 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/spring-into-action-with-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Daniel receives top honour at student awards ceremony http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/daniel-receives-top-honour-at-student-awards-ceremony A carpentry student has topped off an outstanding year by being named Redcar & Cleveland College’s Further Education Student of the Year at a recent ceremony held at the college.   Daniel Ferguson, aged 19, who has been studying an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in carpentry within the college’s Built Environment faculty was one of over 20 winners at the Celebration of Achievement held earlier this month at the new £28m campus on Corporation Road.   Daniel has already tasted success as part of his course after coming out on top in the regional heats of the national Skillbuild competition, which aims to find the top students studying disciplines in the built environment across the UK.   Speaking after his award win Daniel said:   “This is a huge shock and something I really didn’t expect, but it rounds off what has been a really enjoyable and rewarding year for me at the college.   “I’ve had a fantastic time at Redcar & Cleveland College and getting to take part in events like the Skillbuild competition have meant that I’ve been able to build upon the skills that I have learnt on my course and improve my employability prospects in the future.”   Other winners on the night included:   Simon Armistead won Higher Education Student of the Year Lee Smee and Simon Armistead in the Built Environment category Fraser Ross won in the Engineering category Josh Jackson and Wayne Jackson for Business, Administration, Medical and Equine Laurie Lacson in the Business and Management category Kendra Sleightholm for Computing, IT and Digital Arts Ariel McCarron in the Engineering category Karen Hart-Hirst for Hair, Beauty and Holistics Sheridhan Cave and Gemma Doe in the Health & Social Care, Early Years, Learning Support category Caroline Atkinson for Sport, Public Services & Travel & Tourism Amanda Wellburn in the Teaching Education, Teaching Assistants category Grant Horton was named Work Based Learning Student of the Year David Parsons was named Pre-16 Student of the Year Sheridhan Sullivan and Jo McGowan awards for Achievement Over Adversity Kevin McNally won the award for Enthusiasm and Contribution to the College Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said:   “The Celebration of Achievement is all about recognising the efforts and hard work that all of our students have made in their studies at the college.   “All of our award winners have shown that they are willing to go the extra mile in their studies to ensure that they fully achieve their career aspirations.”   You can view more photos from the event here. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:57:12 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/daniel-receives-top-honour-at-student-awards-ceremony College centre leads the way with gas training http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-centre-leads-the-way-with-gas-training Tradesmen are receiving world-class training and assessment in gas installation and assessment at a north east college. Redcar & Cleveland College’s gas centre has been hailed as a national centre of excellence for training and assessment for gas professionals.   At a recent inspection by accreditation authority BPEC, the inspector praised the college’s facilities which have been upgraded to industry leading standards as part of the move to its new £26m campus.   The BPEC assessment is required for the college to offer Corgi certified training and certification and looks at all aspects of the work carried out in the college’s gas centre from the facilities themselves to the quality of the training on offer.   In his assessment report the inspector said that “BPEC is proud to be associated with a progressive college with such excellent, modern facilities in the Gas Centre.”   Peter Marshall, Head of the Gas Centre at Redcar & Cleveland College said:   “We have worked extremely hard to establish the college as a centre for excellence in gas training in the north east and it is absolutely fantastic that we have received this recognition on a national level.   "The gas centre is also launching a new CPA1 Gas Analyser course which is required by anyone who will be fitting or working on modern condensing boilers.   "The 5 hour short course can be completed in a single day and provides Corgi certification after carrying out a short assessment included in the course."   Peter added:   “Moving to the new campus last September has allowed us to expand the range of courses that we offer. We have introduced the Combustion Performance Analysis course, have re-launched the Reassessment of Unvented Hot Water Systems course and are looking at the delivery of a course on Solar Water to complement the course on the Installing and Testing Domestic Photovoltaic Systems.   “The CPA course is proving to be extremely popular and we have already had staff from several large local companies enrol to go through the course.”   Anyone wanting further information on the CPA1 course or the other courses offered at the Redcar & Cleveland College gas centre can contact Peter Marshall on 01642 777218 or visit www.cleveland.ac.uk Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:15:08 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-centre-leads-the-way-with-gas-training College opens doors for prospective students http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-opens-doors-for-prospective-students Redcar & Cleveland College will be opening its doors next week (Wednesday 11th February) to give prospective students a chance to see the range of courses on offer at the college’s £28m new campus.   The open evening takes place between 4:30pm to 6:30pm and visitors will be treated to demonstrations and taster sessions from across the curriculum areas offered by the college.   The college is still enrolling for part-time courses starting this Spring and careers advisors will also be on hand to offer guidance for students about to take their GCSE exams about what options are available to them for courses starting in September.   College Principal Gary Groom said:   “The open evening is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of enrolling on a course at the college to come along and see what it’s all about.   Further information on the courses available at Redcar & Cleveland College can be found at www.cleveland.ac.uk or by calling 01642 473132.     Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:20:02 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-opens-doors-for-prospective-students New courses kick off new year at Redcar & Cleveland College http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-courses-kick-off-new-year-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-c Redcar & Cleveland College is kicking off the New Year with a range of exciting new courses and an Opening Discount offer that could help students beat the credit crunch whilst developing their career. Students enrolling on many popular courses like DIY Plastering, Brickwork and Decorating may qualify for the Opening Discount of up to 50% on many of the new courses starting from January.   The college is also launching a range of free entry-level courses for those students looking to find a route into NVQ Level 1 training, but who may not posses the necessary qualifications. Options include plumbing, hair styling, waxing, holiday Spanish and customer services, plus many more.    The college offers a mix of daytime and evening courses to allow people keen to further their professional development to select the best type of course to suit them.   There is a broad range of part-time courses starting in the new year including short professional update courses for trades people to those aimed at helping people learn new skills from scratch.   The subject areas for the newly released courses include Built Environment; Engineering; Computing & IT; Skills for Life; Hair, Beauty & Holistics; Health Care and Counselling; Business; Management and Administration; Sport and Teaching & Early Years.   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “We have a great range of new courses starting in 2009, so I’d urge anyone who is looking to refresh their professional expertise or start learning a set of new skills to check out what is available here in Redcar. Since our state-of-the-art new campus in Redcar opened this September we’ve had record enrolment figures and a fantastic reaction from students and staff, so we’re expecting a lot of interest in the January courses.”   A full range of subject details, along with times, costs and discount details, is available online at www.cleveland.ac.uk or by calling 01642 473 132 and asking for a copy of the new January prospectus. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:18:59 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-courses-kick-off-new-year-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-c Story sack project gives students a chance to get stuck in http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/story-sack-project-gives-students-a-chance-to-get-stuck Students at Redcar & Cleveland College have been picking up some unusual skills to help them in the world of work from trained Community Animateurs.   The students, who are all studying BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Level 3), have been working with the college’s team of Community Animateurs to learn how to make and use story sacks.   A story sack is a special prop used by teachers and carers to make stories more interesting and interactive for young children. It is a large bag containing a children’s book with supporting props and scenery that parents, carers and other adults can use to bring the story to life. The students are learning to use the special story-telling technique by pulling objects such as toys, musical instruments and other props out of the brightly coloured ‘story sack’.   The students on the course are all studying to learn skills that will help them in their future careers in childcare.   The college’s specially trained Community Animateurs hold regular story-telling sessions throughout the area where parents can bring their children along so they can experience the magic of story-telling with the story sacks for themselves. The sessions are ideal for children of any age.   Lucy Gates, one of the students on the course, enjoyed her experience of learning how to make and use story sacks. She said: “It was great to learn a new way to engage children and help bring stories to life for them. We’re all looking forward to putting the new skills into practice.”   Michael Kinder, who is the Big Lottery Fund co-ordinator at Redcar & Cleveland College, has co-ordinated the sessions for the students. He said, “Family literacy is a very important issue and this is a great way to get children involved in story-telling and make it a fun and engaging experience for children and adults. Our Community Animateurs team is out and about across the area every day of the week entertaining children at local libraries, but it’s great that they can pass on these skills to the students at the college as well.”   The Community Animateurs can be found in libraries across the borough during the week. Their schedule is:   Day Session 1 Session 2 Location Activity Monday 1.30 2.30 Brotton Library Rhyme Time Monday 3.30 4.30 Ormesby Library Story Club Tuesday 11.30 12.30 South Bank Library Rhyme Time Tuesday 3.30 4.30 Roseberry Library Story Club Tuesday 3.30 4.30 Laburnum Library Story Club Wednesday 3.30 4.30 Redcar Library Story Club Thursday 4.30 5.30 Brotton Library Story Club Friday 10.00 11.00 Dormanstown Library Story sack session Friday 1.30 2.30 Redcar Library Story sack session   R&CC students storytelling Left-to-right: Jenna-May Rose, Ben Murrell and Lucy Gates.   Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:44:35 +0000 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/story-sack-project-gives-students-a-chance-to-get-stuck Chance to see behind the scenes at new college http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/chance-to-see-behind-the-scenes-at-new-college Prospective students will get a chance to see behind the scenes at Redcar & Cleveland College new £26m campus when doors are opened next week for an open evening.  Details are as follows:   Date:              Wednesday 22nd October Time:             16:30 – 18:30 Location:      Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar   The open evening is a chance for anyone thinking of developing their skills to come along and find out first hand how the range of courses on offer at the college can give a boost to their confidence and improve their employability prospects.   Visitors will get the chance to try out course taster sessions and take a tour of the new campus and careers advisors and lecturers will be on hand to offer advice on opportunities and career progression.   The college will also be launching its 2009/2010 Full Time prospectus, giving anyone thinking of studying a full time course at the college comprehensive details of what is on offer.   Gary Groom, Principal Redcar & Cleveland College, said:   “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students to our fantastic new home and showing them how the new learning environment and courses at Redcar & Cleveland College can give them a real edge when it comes to improving skills and gaining employment.” Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:04:56 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/chance-to-see-behind-the-scenes-at-new-college Redcar & Cleveland College students get head start to HE http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-students-get-head-start-to Redcar & Cleveland College has joined with other colleges across the north east to launch a new scheme aimed at helping students to progress from further education to higher education. Passport Plus has been set up in conjunction with the University of Teesside to mark its tenth anniversary and to demonstrate the continued commitment of members to support progression to higher education. The scheme provides students who are considering higher education courses with a range of support services including advice, guidance and a range of activities to help them make the move into HE. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: We’re absolutely delighted to be involved in Passport Plus as it will give students at Redcar & Cleveland College a fantastic opportunity to study at degree level whilst they are with us here and then go on and progress to University.” The University of Teesside’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson said: “I am delighted to announce this major expansion of our Passport programme. It is a partnership in which I take great pride and this latest evolution will, I am sure, make a major contribution to supporting students to achieve their potential.” Passport Plus represents the members of the University of Teesside Partnership which boasts over 30 member institutions and over 6000 student members from across the region. Passport Plus institutions will enjoy additional benefits both to students and staff to include student shadowing opportunities and the provision of HEadstart modules.  College students can study year one degree level modules while at college, enhancing their skills and knowledge and giving them the chance to get a head start on their higher education.     Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:12:22 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-students-get-head-start-to Quality as standard at Redcar & Cleveland College http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/quality-as-standard-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Redcar & Cleveland College is well on the way to earning the new national Training Quality Standard that will signpost employers and students to the learning and training they require. The standard has been developed by employers, through the Learning and Skills Council, to make sure they can access the skills and courses they need to effectively develop their workforce and businesses. Redcar & Cleveland College is talking to companies and individual business sector organisations, particularly with regard to construction and engineering to provide the quality and type of learning that employers in the region must have to grow.   The College’s Gas Centre has had an outstanding year and we have responded to employer demand by introducing Energy Efficiency courses, Legionella Risk Assessment and Legionella Disinfection courses. The College is also planning to expand its programme linked to renewable energies, building on the popularity of the course it offers for training in the installation of solar panels on roofs. Patricia Oswald, Customer Relations Manager at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “The new Training Quality Standard will replace our CoVE status for Engineering, but will also increase recognition of our expertise in the areas of Construction, Management, and Early Years in the future and strengthen our ties with business and industry across the North East. “Part of the new accreditation will also cover our standards in the services and learning experience that we deliver to employees.  This is especially important as we are about to move into our brand new campus in September. It will offer the very latest services and facilities to employers, public and students, for example in our wonderful TS10 Health and Beauty Spa, new fitness suite and Gate 9 Travel Agency. The Training Quality Standard will say to people in Teesside, and beyond, that Redcar & Cleveland College has outstanding courses, facilities and, of course, customer service.” END Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:56:45 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/quality-as-standard-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Libyan students on safe ground at Redcar and Cleveland College http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/libyan-students-on-safe-ground-at-redcar-amp-cleveland A group of students from Libya have travelled almost 2000 miles to the UK to benefit from industry leading tuition in health and safety at a local college.   Yousef Allasga, Abdulbaset Ali Abdulhafid and Bashir Taleb are studying for the NEBOSH certificate in Health and Safety at Redcar and Cleveland College with the aim of picking up specialist knowledge which will assist with training workers at the Specific Training Centre working with oil companies in Libya.   On their return to Libya all three will share the knowledge they have learnt on the course with their colleagues who will then train workers across the oil industry in the country.   Talking about the course Yousef said:   “The NEBOSH certificate is recognised internationally as a high quality health and safety qualification and studying it at Redcar & Cleveland College means that we can get given information that is specific to the petrochemicals industry.”   Abdulbaset added:   “The knowledge we are learning on the course at Redcar & Cleveland will allow us to return to Libya and pass on best practice in health and safety to our colleagues working in the industry.”   Talking about their time at the college Bashir said:   “We have been made to feel extremely welcome at the college by the staff and lecturers as well as the local people of Redcar. We are already looking forward to returning to study for further qualifications in the fantastic new building when it opens.”   The course covers the full spectrum of heath and safety related activities from the correct use of fire extinguishers to monitoring noise levels in the working environment, but it is the specialist knowledge of health and safety in the petrochemicals sector that has led to studying for the qualification on Teesside.   Colin Willis, Health and Safety Course Leader at Redcar & Cleveland College said:   “Having one of the longest established and most advanced petrochemicals sites in the world on our doorstep means that Redcar & Cleveland College is uniquely placed to offer industry leading training for heath and safety in this industry.   “Many of our lecturers have current or previous experience of working in the industry and this allows us to tailor the curriculum that we teach to take into account modern working practices.   “Of course the NEBOSH course isn’t just for those working in the oil industry. Anyone whose day to day job involves health and safety can benefit from having an internationally recognised qualification in this important field.”     Attached photo shows (left to right): Colin Willis (Health and Safety Course Leader); Yousef Allasga, Abdulbaset Ali Abdulhafid and Bashir Taleb (students); and Kevin Morris (course lecturer) measuring traffic noise using a digital noise meter.   Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:34:12 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/libyan-students-on-safe-ground-at-redcar-amp-cleveland Enrolment underway for Redcar & Cleveland College’s new campus http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/enrolment-underway-for-redcar-amp-cleveland-colleges-ne Students celebrating their GCSE results will be able join other learners from across the area and sign up on a range of vocational courses when enrolment gets underway at Redcar & Cleveland College tomorrow (21st August). The College throws open the doors of its £26 million new campus this September and to mark the occasion the College is offering some fantastic course fee reductions for local residents. Students will be able to choose from a wide range of courses across a range of subject areas including Hair, Beauty and Holistics, Engineering and Care – many of which can offer accelerated access to university degree courses through the Expressways programme Enrolment for students will take place in the current college on Corporation Road.   Enrolment is taking place on the following dates:   Thursday 21st August 9.00am – 5.00pm   Friday 22nd August 9.00am – 4.00pm   Tuesday 26th August  9.00am – 8.00pm   Wednesday 27th August 9.00am – 8.00pm   Thursday 28th August 9.00am – 8.00pm   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said:   “We’re looking forward to opening the doors of the new campus on 15th September.   “The new facilities will allow us to build on our already excellent course offering and provide students with a learning environment where students can really excel in their chosen subject.”   “Anyone coming along to enrol will still be able to access the College using the signposted diversion routes, but if anyone is in any doubt they can contact the College for further information.”   Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:41:20 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/enrolment-underway-for-redcar-amp-cleveland-colleges-ne Redcar & Cleveland College celebrates students’ success http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/courses/news/latest-news-article Four students from Redcar & Cleveland College are looking forward to academic life and a great time after achieving fantastic A-level results to get into their first choice of university. 19-year old Phil Deaton from Nunthorpe, Ed Fletcher, 20, from Redcar, Lindsay Watson, also 20, from Skelton and 19-year old Alex McFarlane from Skelton are thrilled with their results and to be able to study at their university of choice.   Alex is very much looking forward to city life in Newcastle and will be reading biology at Newcastle University, with a view to a career in microbiology. On receiving his results of Sociology grade A, Biology grade B and Maths grade D, he said: “Although I had hoped for a grade A in Biology, I was pleased with my results, as were my family. I am now really looking forward to student life as Newcastle is a great place to study.”   Ed Fletcher, who achieved Maths grade A, Further Maths grade B, Biology grade C, and AS Chemistry grade C, is off to York University to study accountancy. On receiving his grades, he said: “I was really pleased with my results and that I am able to study at my first choice of university. The course and the location are excellent.”   Having already achieved Maths grade A and Further Maths grade B last year, Lindsay has now received a grade A in Biology and English Literature grade C. Lindsay will be joining Alex at Newcastle University when she starts her degree in Maths.   Phil is heading off to the thriving student city of Manchester to study maths at its Metropolitan University after achieving Maths grade D, Biology grade E and Chemistry grade E.   Sandra Burns, Maths Lecturer at Redcar & Cleveland College was very pleased with the students’ results and the success in general throughout the 2nd year. She said: “We are delighted with the overall A-Level results this year, with many subjects achieving 100% pass rates, including all maths and science subjects. The majority of our 2nd year students have been accepted for their first choice of university course and we wish them the best of luck. They have all worked very hard and deserve every success in the future.”   Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:43:10 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/courses/news/latest-news-article Romanian experience brings laughter and tears for Redcar students http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/press-release-july-2008 Students and staff from Redcar & Cleveland College have been on a life-changing learning experience to childcare projects in Romania.   The 22 Students and four staff from the BTEC National Diploma in Early Years and the Children’s Care, Learning and Development courses at Redcar & Cleveland College spent six days in Oradea in western Romania.   Invited by the Caminul Felix charity to help out at their two family villages for abandoned and neglected children at Oradea, the students had the opportunity to put their child development knowledge and care skills into practice in challenging environments. The group worked with local gypsy families and their children, who have limited access to support and education, to promote child development.   Angela McLean, Head of the Health and Wellbeing Division at Redcar & Cleveland College explained more, “The idea behind the international visits is to improve our students’ employability skills, and help them to become more rounded individuals by bringing them away from the environments they take for granted. During our experience in Romania we saw our students bond with each other and Romanian people. Their time there was full of laughter, joy and tears.”   Irene Walker, Lecturer in Early Years said, “We all experienced a complete change of culture and lifestyle, students grew in maturity quickly and brought back new skills and experiences that will stay with them for ever.”   Emma Stephenson, Lecturer in Early Years said, “The trip widened students life experiences giving them the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time.”   Claire Barwick, Lecturer in Health and Social Care said, “The trip was an emotional, life-changing experience for the students.”   The students hope to pass on some of the lessons and experiences from their Romanian visit to children at nurseries and schools in the area. Their plan is to talk to children about what they did in Romania, and future visits, through photo diaries using teddy bears purchased for them by the College from the Daisy Chain Special Needs Charity in Norton.   The visit to Romania ties into the College’s plans to extend links to other learning centres and projects around the world that will expand and enrich the learning experience for students and staff.   Future visits are currently being explored for the childcare and health students at Redcar & Cleveland College that include China, Poland and Argentina. Fundraising activities will support these events. The team would value any sponsorship or donations to support these exciting and valuable events for students.   The Staff and students at the College would like to thank the following for their sponsorship of the visit to Romania: Sir William Turner Trust, Aimhigher North East, Rowley’s Tyres Middlesbrough; the Freemasons: Saltscar Lodge and Redcar Mark Lodge; Corus (Redcar and Scunthorpe) who provided goody bags for the Romanian children; and Tesco, Morrison and Asda who all gave students the opportunity to bag pack to raise funds for their visit to Romania.   The students organised events such as tombolas, raffles and sports activities on the beach at Redcar to raise additional funds to finance their trip.   Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:13:52 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/press-release-july-2008 College designs bright future for creative students http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-designs-bright-future-for-creative-students Redcar & Cleveland College has showcased the latest crop of creative and artistic talent to come from its respected Art & Design course for the last time at its old campus. New students and those beginning their second year will move into the new £26 million college building early in September. The first and second year BTEC National Diploma Art & Design students exhibited digital work, drawings, painting, ceramics and Antonio Gaudi inspired panels that will take them a step closer to university places and jobs. The second year students will follow hot on the heels of previous college students who have gone on to achieve career success from the Art & Design course at Redcar & Cleveland College. These include Craig Pinder, who is now the graphic designer at Middlesbrough Football Club and Amy Wilde, whose talent is employed by the Hallmark greeting card company. Amy designed a highly successful national Christmas campaign for Hallmark in Asda stores last year. From the final year students Sarah Hall, a former pupil at Rye Hills School, will go on to a degree course in graphics at the University of Teesside, Stephanie Weeding, a former Redcar Community College pupil demonstrated the ability to become an accomplished fine artist and Catherine Chung exhibited her command of digital art skills. Colin Cook, BTEC National Diploma Art & Design course leader at the college said, ”We work closely with our partner school, Rye Hills, to encourage 14 and 15 year olds who are creative and artistic to come to college. As part of an applied GCSE course they work on the basics, including photography and use of digital imaging software and drawing the people and places that inspire them. “We find these young people have skills and a work ethic that can be channelled to grow creatively and combine with learning and advice that start to shape commercial and business skills. Craig Pinder’s passion for graphic design and his love of Middlesbrough Football Club is a great example of what they can achieve. To go on and get a dream job with his football club and to then design their new club badge is amazing. “When we move into the College’s new purpose-built building in September, the Art & Design courses will go from strength to strength. There will be excellent new facilities, including 18 new computers with the latest graphic cards and software to offer the best creative and practical learning platforms, plus a significant investment in items like a band saw and mitre-forming equipment for work with plastics and wood.”   Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:35:40 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-designs-bright-future-for-creative-students Horse sense students give money to Saltburn animal charity http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/horse-sense-students-give-money-to-saltburn-animal-char Students from Redcar & Cleveland College’s Horse Management Diploma course have raised £150 to support the work of Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (SARA). Handing over the fundraising cheque at Eston Equestrian Centre, where the College teaches the students advanced skills in horse management, student Sam Gray said, “We have been raising money by doing gymkhanas and dressage events and wanted to help support SARA in some way. As part of our course we learn a lot about animal welfare and wanted to give something back to a local charity that works closely with animals.” The Horse Management course leader at the College, Maria Parker, was impressed by the student’s initiative and determination to make the gesture to SARA and said, “The students did all the fund raising themselves and they deserve a big thank you, although I am slightly biased towards SARA having found the best dog and great companion in Harry there. The course teaches students how to care for horses and helps them to understand and respect the need for animal welfare as well as learning about aspects of business management, different breeds and animal science.” SARA was founded in 1995 by local animal lovers in the Saltburn area and since that time has earned charity status and rescued over 2000 cats and dogs in the area. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:48:32 +0100 http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/horse-sense-students-give-money-to-saltburn-animal-char

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