Awards http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/awardsStudents cook up a storm in enterprise challenge /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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-cook-up-a-storm-in-enterprise-challengeCollege awards celebrate top students/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-awards-celebrate-top-studentsCollege course helps to engineer career choice for shining star Mellisa/news/college-course-helps-to-engineer-career-choice-for-shin Taking part in an innovative partnership between local secondary schools and a further education college has resulted in an unexpected career choice for a young student. Mellisa Haigh, aged 15 from Marske took part in the Curriculum Enhancement Programme at Redcar & Cleveland College where she studied for one day a week towards a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering alongside her GCSE studies. Her time at the college has led her to decide to take up a career in engineering and she has now enrolled on an engineering apprenticeship starting in September. Talking about her time on the curriculum enhancement programme Mellisa, who is a student at Bydales School, said: “Coming into college for one day a week and getting hands on experience of a subject has been a real help to me in deciding what I want to do as a career. “The course was really varied and has given me experience of lots of different aspects of engineering. It’s motivated me to look to go on to further studies and I’m eventually hoping to studying a qualification in engineering at Higher level.” Mellisa’s achievements during her time at Redcar & Cleveland College were recognised when she was awarded the title of Best Overall Student on the Higher Diploma in Engineering course at the college’s annual Shine Awards. Jeff Marsay, Mellisa’s tutor at Redcar & Cleveland College, said of Mellisa’s win: “Mellisa has worked hard throughout her time with the college and has developed a real interest in engineering over the course of the two years she has been with us. “She has coped with the intense work required for the course with minimal supervision from her tutors and has constantly delivered outstanding work. “We’re delighted that she has decided to take up a career in engineering and wish her every success in the future.” On her award win, Mellisa said: “To win the award has been a massive surprise and it’s a real boost for me ahead of starting my apprenticeship in September.” Principal of Redcar & Cleveland, Gary Groom, said of the winners: “We’re delighted to be recognising the achievements of all of the young people who have taken part in our Curriculum Enhancement Programme over the last year. “All of our winners tonight have shown real commitment and enthusiasm during their studies with the college and I’m sure that they will all go on to achieve great things in their future careers.” View and download photos from the awards ceremony.  Other winners and nominees on the night were: YAP Engineering NVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations – Best Overall Student   Winner:    Charlie Brighton (Sacred Heart School)   Nominees:    Sean Dolan (Sacred Heart School) Tom Hill (Redcar Community College) Ryan Lund (Redcar Community College) Josh Thompson (Laurence Jackson School)   Foundation Diploma in Engineering – Best Overall Student   Winner:   Nathan Hall (Freebrough Academy)   Nominee:   Aidan Hicks (Freebrough Academy)   Higher Diploma in Engineering    Winner:   Mellisa Haigh (Bydales School)   Nominees:   Liam Ashurst (Freebrough Academy) Mark Harrison (Freebrough Academy)   Level 1 Certificate in Salon Services, Hairdressing- Best Overall Student   Winner:   Stephanie King (Laurence Jackson School)   Nominees:   Sophie Coonan (Laurence Jackson School) Megan Mason (Laurence Jackson School)     Jade Williams (Laurence Jackson School) Tara Jane Lance (Redcar Community College) Rebecca Place (Redcar Community College) Daniel Weatherson  (Redcar Community College)   Level 1 Certificate in Salon Services, Beauty- Best Overall Student   Winner:   Jenna Robson (Bydales School)   Nominees:   Jess Geldart (Bydales) Shannon Payne (Redcar Community College) Sammie Robinson (Laurence Jackson) Gemma Ward (Laurence Jackson)   Foundation Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies- Best Overall Student   Winner:   Bethany Atherton (St Peters Catholic College of Maths and Computing)   Nominees:   Megan Bernascone (St Peters) Domenique Mondahl (St Peters)   Higher Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies- Best Overall Student   Winner:   Megan Harris (St Peters)   Nominees:   Laura Beth Dawkins (Sacred Heart School) Laura Hodds (St Peters)   Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction, Brickwork- Most Outstanding Student   Winner:    Graham Brimble (Rye Hills)   Nominees   David Hodgson (Laurence Jackson) Kea Larder (Laurence Jackson) Ryan Vincent (Laurence Jackson) Joe Miller (Rye Hills School)   Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction, Joinery- Most Outstanding Student   Winner   Gareth McGowen (Bydales)   Nominees   Thomas Lee (Bydales) Luke Ramsay (Bydales)   Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction, Painting and Decorating- Most Outstanding Student   Winner:   Ben Butho (Redcar Community College)   Nominees   Aaron Cox (Redcar CC) Kieran Lucas (Redcar CC) Lewis Woolbar (Redcar CC)   BTEC First Diploma in Construction- Most Improved Student   Winner:   Anna Wood (Laurence Jackson)   Nominee:   Joe Easton (Laurence Jackson)   BTEC First Diploma in Horsecare- Best Overall Student   Winner:   Danielle Bullock (Rye Hills)   Nominee:   Emma Stubbs (Rye Hills) Laura Krerowicz (Redcar CC) Millie Parker (Sacred Heart School)      Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:48:32 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-course-helps-to-engineer-career-choice-for-shinRedcar students awarded at glittering ceremony/news/redcar-students-awarded-at-glittering-ceremony-1 Students from a Tees Valley college have been recognised for their successes and hard work at a glittering awards ceremony held earlier this month (Wednesday 10th November). Outstanding students were recognised for their achievements at Redcar & Cleveland College’s Celebration of Achievement event, with 20 awards being handed out to the top students 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. A number of special awards presented in memory of former staff and students of the college were also presented on the night including the Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy, presented in memory of the former college lecturer and Redcar Councillor. The prize was awarded to the winner of a competition held with the college’s first year Carpentry and Joinery students. The night also saw the inaugural presentation of the Paul Stott Memorial Trophy. Paul had been a lecturer in the Built Environment at the college, before being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. He lost a three year battle with the disease earlier this year. The prize, presented by Paul’s daughter Vicky, was awarded, following a competition, to the highest achieving student from the college’s brickwork course as a fitting tribute. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said: “The students who have won awards 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. “It is particularly fitting that we have presented a number of awards which not only recognise the achievements of our students, but also commemorate some of the individuals who have been associated with the college and have left a lasting impression within it. “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.” Winners on the night included: The Beauty & Holistics Student of the Year is Kelly Evans Hairdressing Full-time Students of the Year are Lauren Collinson and Sophie Leigh Budd Sport, Art & Design and Travel & Tourism Students of the Year are Craig Cameron and Kirstie Louise Doy Business, Management, Administration & Accounting Student of the Year is Geovanna Waters. Computing, IT & Media Student of the Year is Sarah Cooper Engineering & Science Full-time Student of the Year is Damien Teasdale Engineering & Science Part-time Student of the Year is Craig Wilson Best Final Year Student on the Instrumentation and Control HNC course is Andrew Richardson Public Services Full-time Students of the Year are Kaine Buckeridge and Andrew Duff The Paul Stott Memorial Trophy 1st Prize went to Simon Dobson The winner of The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors Shield Award is Daniel Barker-Priestley Built Environment Student of the Year is Erion Thaci Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Student of the Year is Bradley Nixon Wellbeing & Education Student of the Year is Bethany Atkinson Winner of the Achievement Over Adversity Award is John Michael Pratt Winner of the Enthusiasm & Contribution to the College Award is Hanna Graydon Winner of The Sir William Turner Foundation Vicki Lawrence Memorial Award is Alan Dack Winner of the Higher Education Student of the Year award is Stewart Capes Work-based Learning Student of the Year is James Dent Further Education Student of the Year is Geovanna Waters View all the photos from the Celebration of Achievement on the college's Flickr photostream here. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:38:30 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-awarded-at-glittering-ceremony-1Stars shine bright at awards ceremony/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 13:14:12 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/stars-shine-bright-at-awards-ceremonyStudents get into Christmas spirit with festive hair competition/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-get-into-christmas-spirit-with-festive-hair-coRedcar students awarded at glittering ceremony/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-awarded-at-glittering-ceremonyRedcar trainees are best in the North East/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 15:12:27 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-trainees-are-best-in-the-north-eastOfsted inspectors grade Redcar & Cleveland College as ‘good’/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-asStudents 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 newsletterTue, 23 Jun 2009 15:12:59 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-asStudents shine at awards ceremony/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 09:40:17 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-shine-at-awards-ceremonyDaniel receives top honour at student awards ceremony/news/daniel-receives-top-honour-at-student-awards-ceremonyA 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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/daniel-receives-top-honour-at-student-awards-ceremonyAwards for new Redcar & Cleveland College team/news/awards-for-new-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-teamThe team responsible for delivering the new £26million Redcar & Cleveland College was recognised at an awards ceremony in the new building.   Managers from the College and the contract team received awards for what Principal Gary Groom described as “commitment, focus, enthusiasm, pride and passion of so many organisations, their teams of staff and key individuals.”   The three-year project was completed in September, when the College’s 5,500 full and part-time students and 250 staff occupied the new building for the first time.   Mr Groom said: “This landmark building changes the face of Redcar and Cleveland and the lives of so many people within the borough for now and for generations to come.” Pictured (l-r) are College Governor Richard Darling, Principal Gary Groom, Chair of the Board of Governors Dr Graham Hillier, College Project Manager Jeanette Judge and Richard Tyler, Project Manager for BAM Construction, who all received awards for outstanding contributions to the project.   Other awards went to Architect Robert Ainley and to contractors Advantex, Anthony Alexander Interiors, Bailey, Caliba, Castle Grange, Curtis Office Furniture, Executel, Hicktons, Low Fell Removals, Nightingales, Salon Services, Technogym and Viglen. Awards for financial support went to the Sir William Turner Trust and the Learning and Skills Council. To view more photos from the awards click here.Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:46:08 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/awards-for-new-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-team

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