Corporate http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/corporateCollege returns to Romania for a fifth year/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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-returns-to-romania-for-a-fifth-yearITV special report on Redcar's bright future/news/itv-special-report-on-redcar-s-bright-futureCollege Principal Gary Groom, lecturer Brian Lewis and a number of college students contributed to a North East Tonight special report on the impact of the SSI investment in steel production in Redcar.  The report shows that SSI as part of a burgeoning industrial sector has created a feel good factor in Redcar leaving the college to play a pivotal role in the future of the region. Watch the report: http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2012-04-18/forging-more-than-steel-how-ssis-arrival-could-create-thousands-of-jobs-for-the-future/   Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:58:33 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/itv-special-report-on-redcar-s-bright-futureCollege employee runs London marathon for local boy Alfie Spraggon/news/college-employee-runs-london-marathon-for-local-boy-alf A Redcar & Cleveland College employee and father of three is running this year’s London Marathon in support of Middlesbrough boy Alfie Spraggon. David Greensmith, 43, an experienced marathon runner is supporting little Alfie, whose family is looking to raise £20,000 for hearing implants that will help transform his life. Following complications at birth the three year old has suffered from severe hearing loss and experiences extreme frustration as result. David said: “I first heard about Alfie’s plight only very recently and it really hit home because I have a young family of my own. “I’m a member of Redcar Running Club and I’ve run five marathons including last year’s London Marathon and I’m hoping that by supporting such a worthwhile local cause will inspire people to donate a lot of money and motivate me to smash last year’s time. “I receive a lot of moral support from my wife and kids who travel to see me run these marathons and support me when I’m training. If I was confronted with a similar situation to the Spraggons I hope I would react the same as them and try to move heaven and earth to give my child the best possible chance in life. “I’ve also received a lot of support already from local people such as Darren Lees of Practical Car and Van Hire in Redcar who wouldn’t accept any money for the hire of one of his cars to get me down to London when he heard about Alfie and the appeal.” David is married to Nicola and has three children Stewart, three, Michael, eight, and Molly, 18. He has worked at the college for four years as their Building and Estates Manager and as a result of his keen interest in running is responsible for organising the college’s ‘Better Health at Work’ programme.  Alfie’s family recently launched the appeal to raise £20,000 for hearing implants which are not available on the NHS, but following the procedure could transform his life. Alfie, who was born at 28 weeks on June 19 2008, has an older twin brother Seth and two other siblings, also twins, James and Matilda, two, who all enjoy normal hearing. Mum Sarah, 27, of Barnaby Avenue, said: “Alfie was born prematurely at seven months and lack of Oxygen at birth damaged his hearing. “He had open heart surgery at six-weeks-old and has chronic lung disease so is oxygen dependent. This combined with his severe sensi-neural hearing loss in both ears means he can hear very little and can get really frustrated. “Despite the challenges he faces he is a very happy, upbeat little boy and we are determined to reach our £20,000 target to buy implants that could result in Alfie having his hearing restored.” If you would like to donate then pleade visit http://www.justgiving.com/alfiespraggonrun    Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:50:52 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-employee-runs-london-marathon-for-local-boy-alfCollege students get a taster of money management /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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-students-get-a-taster-of-money-managementHarry looking ahead to renewable future with Apprenticeship/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/harry-looking-ahead-to-renewable-future-with-apprenticeDetermined student wins place at Teesside University/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/determined-student-wins-place-at-teesside-universityNew opportunities to open doors for Loftus locals/news/new-opportunities-to-open-doors-for-loftus-localsPeople 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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-opportunities-to-open-doors-for-loftus-localsCollege to host special open evening/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-special-open-eveningCollege remembers fallen heroes /news/college-remembers-fallen-heroes-2 Former pupils and teachers of Redcar’s Sir William Turner School who fell during the First and Second World Wars were remembered today (11th November). The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Olwyn Peters and other Civic Dignitaries, members of the Sir William Turner’s Foundation, Old Boys of Sir William Turner’s School, present and former College students and staff, current and serving members of the armed forces, and members of the public, attended the annual Remembrance Day Service at Redcar & Cleveland College. In total, 102 young men from the School were lost on the two World Wars. This year the main wreaths were laid by Mr. Ray Stockton, an Old Boy of Sir William Turner’s, and Mr. Alan Jones, who taught both at Sir William Turner’s Sixth Form College and Redcar & Cleveland College. Mr. Stockton attended the School in the war years 1939-1945 and was School Captain in his final year, before going immediately into the RAF in 1945. He said: “It was very strange to be at School one week and then in the Forces the next. Yet when I read the names on the Memorial I can remember many of them very well. I am proud to be here to honour them, as I know Mr. Jones is.” Students from Redcar & Cleveland College also took part in the service and laid wreaths on behalf of today’s students. An Honour Guard from the Royal British Legion led a march to the College’s War Memorials before members of the congregation laid wooden crosses for each of the 102 young men listed on them.   This year, the service was opened by Peter Chester, a trustee of the Sir William Turner Foundation, and the prayers were led by the Revd. Graham Pacey, the Rural Dean of Guisborough and an Old Boy of Sir William Turner’s. Mr Chester commented: “It is very important that we do not forget the past sacrifices that have been made by many young men from Redcar and across the country. They gave their lives so that we can be here today.” Sir William Turner’s School, and now Redcar & Cleveland College, possesses two War Memorials. The Celtic cross in the College grounds commemorates those former pupils who were lost on the First World War. Inside the College is a large bronze memorial which was commissioned in 1948 to honour those young men lost in the Second World War as well. The service is a tradition dating back to 1922 when the Celtic cross War Memorial was first consecrated and it has taken place every year since then. Nowadays, the Sir William Turner Foundation plays an important part in Redcar & Cleveland College and the maintenance of the tradition of Remembrance symbolises that link. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:25:51 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-remembers-fallen-heroes-2Launch of new eco house enables professionals to stay ahead of the green technologies game/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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/launch-of-new-eco-house-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-collegeRedcar Higher Education Centre gets Royal seal of approval/news/redcar-higher-education-centre-gets-royal-seal-of-appro The Higher Education and Conference Centre at Redcar & Cleveland College got the Royal seal fof approval today (Tuesday 11th October) when it was officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke Of Gloucester. Developed in partnership with The Sir William Turners Trust Foundation and Teesside University, the £3.94m Centre offers students the opportunity from Redcar and beyond to study for accredited degree level courses in an environment specifically developed to meet their needs. As part of his visit, the Duke met with students studying on the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering in the Centre and saw some of it’s high-tech equipment in action, including a robotic arm which is one of only two in the UK. He then went on to unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the Centre. Commenting on his visit, His Royal Highness The Duke Of Gloucester said: “It’s a very great pleasure for me to be here in Redcar to have the very pleasant task of officially opening this Higher Education and Conference Centre. “It’s a great delight to me as an ex-architect to see a new building being put up to solve a particular problem and you now have a building at the cutting edge to provide exactly the right facilities that are needed for training the young people of the area. “We need our young people to be able to do all sorts of tasks and to think for themselves. Facilities such as this will give them the knowledge and understanding to keep our companies ahead of the field and ahead of the competition.” Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said of the centre: “The opening of the Higher Education Centre marks an important step for the provision of education and training in the borough. The College is delighted that His Royal Highness has officially opened the new centre here today and has made such an important occasion for Redcar extra special “By working with our partners, The Sir William Turner Foundation and Teesside University, we have been able to deliver a learning environment that goes beyond anything you would normally expect to find within a Further Education college. “It will now be easier than ever for our students to progress through the college to obtain degree level qualifications and we are also looking forward to working with local business and industry to meet their training needs. “Our focus for the centre is firmly upon providing the kind of courses that will be key in filling the future skills needs of employers within the region and it is great to see so many of our industry leaders here today to share the opening with us.” John Coulthard, Chair of Governors at the college, said: “It has been a great privilege to have His Royal Highness visit us today to officially open our new Higher Education and Conference Centre. “It has been a great honour for the college and we hope that he enjoyed his visit to the college as much as we enjoyed playing host to him.” Professor Graham Henderson, Vice Chancellor of Teesside University, said: “The university has worked with the Sir William Turner Foundation and the college to deliver this Higher Education centre and we believe that it is going to do fantastic things. “The centre at here Redcar, along with the four other university centres within the region’s colleges, makes higher level education more accessible that ever by bringing the offer to people’s doorsteps. “This is a facility that is already adding value to the lives of people in this community and will continue to do so for many years to come.” Peter Sotheran, Chair of the Sir William Turner Trust Foundation, said: “The Trustees of the Sir William Turner Foundation are pleased and privileged to be associated with this new development and we hope that it will help Redcar & Cleveland College to continue raising aspirations and exceeding expectations.” Teaching will focus on courses from within the emerging Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sector, as well as the Built Environment, Business and Management, Care, Counselling and Health, Computing, Engineering, Sport and Teacher Education & Learner Support.  Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:48:48 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-higher-education-centre-gets-royal-seal-of-approYou Beauty! College students taste success at competition/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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/you-beauty-college-students-taste-success-at-competitioRedcar students prove that they’re ‘Worth It’/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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-prove-that-theyre-worth-itSuper Sonic experience for students/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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/super-sonic-experience-for-studentsOpen evening gives prospective students a taste of college life/news/open-evening-gives-prospective-students-a-taste-of-collRedcar & 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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/open-evening-gives-prospective-students-a-taste-of-collCollege course teaches Stephen a lesson and a new career!/news/college-course-teaches-stephen-a-lesson-and-a-new-careeFifty-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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-course-teaches-stephen-a-lesson-and-a-new-careeNew Course Launched For Budding Entrepreneurs //new-course-launched-for-budding-entrepreneursRedcar & 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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk//new-course-launched-for-budding-entrepreneursCollege launches new Apprenticeship courses/news/college-launches-new-apprenticeship-coursesStudents 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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-apprenticeship-coursesNew £3.9m college development to open doors/news/new-39m-college-development-to-open-doors   A major new Higher Education development on Teesside opens its doors for the first time today (Friday 10 September). The £3.94m Higher Education Centre at Redcar & Cleveland College will offer the opportunity for students from Redcar and beyond to study for accredited degree level courses in an environment specifically developed to meet their needs. The centre has been developed in collaboration with two key partners, Teesside University and the Sir William Turner Foundation, who have provided the funding in order to see the project through to fruition. Teaching will focus on courses from within the emerging Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sector, as well as the Built Environment, Business and Management, Care, Counselling and Health, Computing, Engineering, Sport and Teacher Education & Learner Support. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said of the centre: “The opening of Redcar & Cleveland College’s Higher Education Centre marks an important step for the provision of education and training in the borough. “By working with our supporters, The Sir William Turner Foundation and Teesside University, we have delivered a learning environment that goes beyond anything you would normally expect to find within a Further Education college. “It will now be easier than ever for our students to progress through the college to obtain degree level qualifications and we are also looking forward to working with local business and industry to meet their training needs. “Our focus for the centre is firmly upon providing the kind of courses that will be key in filling the future skills needs of employers within the region and it is great to see so many of our industry leaders here today to share the opening with us.” State-of-the-art equipment, including the latest Computer Aided Design software, robotics, Biometric and 3D technology, will be installed in the centre’s classrooms and workshops, ensuring that students receive their training using the most cutting edge facilities available. Chair of the Redcar & Cleveland College Board of Governors, John Coulthard, added: “What we have achieved with the Higher Education Centre builds upon our already world class Phase 1 development, which opened in 2008. “Without the backing of the Sir William Turner Foundation and Teesside University, it would have been impossible for us to deliver a project of this high standard. We are delighted that they have worked with us throughout the process to help us achieve our vision.” Peter Chester, a Sir William Turner Foundation Governor and former history lecturer at the College, said: “The College, the University and the Sir William Turner Foundation have come together to invest in a building which represents a new vision for this College, the town and the local community, and we are pleased to be part of this. “Although we associate Sir William Turner's name with education and prestigious schools in the twentieth century, he was very much a practical, 'skills-based' man, and he would have much appreciated the focus of much of the work of the modern Redcar & Cleveland College. We share Sir William Turner's vision that education is beneficial to all and I think he would recognise today that we have invested his legacy wisely.” He added: “The motto of the old Coatham School and Sir William Turner's Grammar School was 'Floreat Domus' - 'May the House Flourish' and I cannot think of a more appropriate good wish for this new Higher Education Centre.” Professor Graham Henderson, Teesside University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “The University has been working in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland College for many years, to improve access and progression to higher education for the people of Redcar and Cleveland, to the point where the College is now one of our most important, and valued, strategic partners. “We are therefore delighted that, together, we have been able to take the major step of creating an outstanding new Higher Education Centre within the College – which is a visible tribute to our joint, long term commitment to making higher education as accessible as possible.”  Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:25:56 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-39m-college-development-to-open-doors Baroness visits Tees Valley college/news/baroness-visits-tees-valley-collegeStudents at a Tees Valley college had a chance to find out about the work of the House of Lords on Friday 4th December when they received a visit from one of its Peers. Baroness Maddock visited Redcar & Cleveland College to talk to students on the public services preparation course about the role and function of the Upper Chamber of Britain’s Parliament. The Baroness, who worked as a teacher before taking up a career in politics, visited the College as part of the “Peers in Schools” programme that aims to give young people a better understanding of how the UK’s parliament operates. Many of the students on the public services preparation course are hoping to go on and take up careers in the police, armed forces or in other areas of public life. They regularly receive guest lectures from serving members of the army and local police, but this was the first time they have been visited by a politician. 17-year old Hannah Langham-Jones (pictured), a student studying the uniformed public services level 3 course, was surprised at how important a role the House of Lords plays in the making and passing of legislation in the UK. She said: “I feel like I’ve really learnt a lot from the Baroness’s visit.  There are probably quite a few of us on the course who didn’t really know much about the House of Lords so I think we’ve all learnt something important today.  It’s also made me even more excited about the forthcoming trip to London that the college has planned in the New Year, and I’m particularly interested to go and visit the House of Lords.” Talking about the Peers in Schools Scheme and her visit to Redcar & Cleveland College, Baroness Maddock said: “I think it is important that young people understand how the work that is carried out every day in the House of Commons and the House of Lords affects their lives. “I’m especially pleased that the students who I met seemed to have a real interest in how the law and legislation that we pass in parliament will relate to the careers that they are hoping to take up in the future, whether that be as a police officer or as a member of the armed forces.” As well as contributing to the debates on housing and climate change, she has also served as the Liberal Democrat nominee on the Committee on Standards in Public Life since 2003. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said:  All of the students at the College are engaged in the ‘Citizenship agenda’ as part of their programme. The opportunity to meet Baroness Maddock has been fantastic for the students and this has given them a really good insight into the mechanics of Government.  Indeed many of the students are just coming up to voting age and are looking forward to being able to engage in the shaping of the future of Government. Baroness Maddock gave freely of her time with a questions and answers session followed by a tour of the College and it was clearly appreciated by the students and staff involved in the visit.” Pictured: College Principal Gary Groom with Baroness Maddock and Public Services students Kaine Buckeridge and Hannah Langham-Jones. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:51:23 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/baroness-visits-tees-valley-collegeRedcar 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-ceremony“Text a bath” idea wins students top prize/news/text-a-bath-idea-wins-students-top-prize A bath which pours itself to the right depth and temperature at just the right time – that's the business brainwave which this week won a team of Redcar & Cleveland College students top prize in a competition aimed at developing budding entrepreneurs. The four strong team, calling their company “The Bath People”, devised the idea of an electronically-controlled bath which could be preset to pour itself ready for its owners return from work – adding bubbles if needed. The owner could even text on the way home, ordering the bath to start pouring. The winners were just one team from the 200-plus students who took part in the college’s ‘Ride the Wave’ programme, an innovative three-day event aimed at boosting their enterprise skills and improving their employability prospects. They were one of six teams which won their group competitions, with the winners all receiving cash prizes. The students engaged in a number of hands-on group activities to develop a business plan, in such areas as sales and finance, with the help of experts from local business. The experts advised them on their ideas before the teams came back to pitch to them in a Dragon’s Den style meeting. Student Daniel Hunter of The Bath People said: “I wasn’t very enthusiastic at first but by the end I really enjoyed it. I know I am shy but by day three I took on more of a leading role and I now know I can be successful”. One of the experts, Sue Pattison of Mouchel, said: “We were all impressed with the quality of the ideas and the enthusiasm of the students. The overall winners, The Bath People, were especially impressive with the team having a good product idea, working well as a team and thinking on their feet when it came to answering difficult questions from the experts.” The programme, which is entering its fifth year, aims to give students a taste of what it is like to set up their own business. David Wilson from PD Ports, who has been involved in the event on the panel of business experts, said: “I have been involved with ‘Ride the Wave’ from the outset and the experience is always rewarding. Importantly it provides an opportunity for local businesses to engage with students to give them the benefit of our experience and improve their prospects for gaining employment – an outcome which proves beneficial for all parties.” As well as helping students develop commercial awareness, business language skills, negotiation and presentation skills and improving their self-confidence, which all boost their employability, everyone who goes through the programme can receive a formal recognition by achieving either a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification such as ‘Working With Others’ Wider Key Skill or the Communication Key Skill. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said: “In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever to ensure that our students are instilled with the spirit of enterprise that will help give them that extra edge when they enter the world of work. “Every full-time student at Redcar & Cleveland College experiences ‘Ride the wave’ and students who went through the programme last year are already seeing the benefits with employers seeking out some of the more innovative students and offering sponsorships for business ideas.”Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:35:25 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/text-a-bath-idea-wins-students-top-prizeCollege to host skills showcase event and open evening/news/college-to-host-skills-showcase-event-and-open-eveningProspective 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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-skills-showcase-event-and-open-eveningCollege celebrates year of success in new campus/news/college-celebrates-year-of-success-in-new-campus Students and staff at a Tees Valley college were giving themselves three cheers following a highly successful first year in their new campus. Twelve months ago Redcar & Cleveland College opened the doors of its £26m new campus on Corporation Road in Redcar and what followed has been a year of fantastic achievement for staff and students alike. In February the new campus received a Royal seal of approval when it was officially opened by HRH the Duke of York and in June it was recognised as being an officially ‘Good’ college by Ofsted inspectors. College Principal, Gary Groom, was joined by student Grant Davies, who celebrates his birthday with the college, to share a slice of special college birthday cake. Mr Groom said: “It hardly seems like yesterday that we were stood here with the Right Honourable Vera Baird MP watching the first students come through the doors, twelve months on and with an Ofsted report that identifies our building as ‘outstanding’ and our provision as ‘Good’ we are looking to the future with our phase 2 development programme already well underway. “We are determined not to stand still and we want to continue to grow and improve the range of courses and facilities available to our students, we are already on the journey to becoming an outstanding college. Student Grant Davies, who celebrated his birthday on the same day as the college, only recently started on a BTEC Diploma in Information Technology at the college. He said: ““The new college is really successful and this was a big reason for me choosing to come and study here, but I didn’t realise that I shared a birthday with it. “I’m really looking forward to my time here at the college and hope that I can do well on my course and develop a career in IT.” Timeline: It’s been a busy year at Redcar & Cleveland College. Below are just some of the highlights: September 2008 – The new Redcar & Cleveland College opens its doors to its first students November 2008 – Staff, students and former pupils gather for the rededication of the college’s war memorial, which was repositioned as part of the new development. November 2008 – Olympic Pentathlete, Katy Livingstone, visits the college to present a sporting masterclass to students. December 2008 – The college is visited by teachers from a Polish primary school as part of a cultural exchange programme. January 2009 – Students from the college’s Public Services Preparation course take part in a residential course with the armed forces at Barnard Castle. February 2009 – The new college campus gets the Royal seal of approval at an official opening by HRH the Duke of York. March 2009 – The college hosts the regional finals of the UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year competition. April 2009 – The college launches a new Foundation Degree qualification in Chemical Science aimed at boosting the skills of local people working in the chemical and process industry. April 2009 – The seeds are sown for the college’s new state of the art sports pitches with the help of students from the college football team. May 2009 – The achievements of students on the college’s Curriculum Enhancement Programme June 2009 – Students from the college’s Art and Design course show off their work at a special exhibition. June 2009 – An Ofsted report grades the college as being officially ‘Good’ July 2009 – College students from the CACHE Childcare course visit Romania. July 2009 – Students John Atkinson and James Brownless scoop gold medals at the regional SkillBuild competition. August 2009 – Student Heather McLeod celebrates after landing a place at university following a course at the college.  Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:07:41 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-celebrates-year-of-success-in-new-campusLocal business scoops top award with help from college course/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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/local-business-scoops-top-award-with-help-from-collegeRedcar 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 16:12:27 +0100http://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 16:12:59 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-asCollege lecturer becomes world skills expert in plastering/news/college-lecturer-becomes-world-skills-expert-in-plasterLecturer 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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-lecturer-becomes-world-skills-expert-in-plasterStudents 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 10:40:17 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-shine-at-awards-ceremonyStudents pitch in for new college development/news/students-pitch-in-for-new-college-developmentA 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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/students-pitch-in-for-new-college-developmentDaniel 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-ceremonyRedcar & Cleveland College get Royal opening/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-get-royal-openingRedcar & Cleveland College’s £26m new campus received a Royal seal of approval today (Thursday 12th February), when the Duke of York, HRH Prince Andrew, visited to officially open the building. Whilst on site the he took a tour of the college, visiting the college’s industry leading gas assessment centre and dropped in on a class of engineering students studying for a HNC in Chemical Engineering who were running chemical process simulations in one of the college’s high-tech IT Labs.   The Chemical Engineering course gives students a grounding in the principals and processes involved in working in the chemical industry and builds upon the college’s strong relationship with the National Skills Academy for the Process Industry based at Wilton.   The Prince, a former serving member of the Royal Navy, also met with students studying the Uniformed Services Pre-Entry course who were carrying out a series of command exercises in the college’s sports hall, before joining in a discussion centring on the topic of citizenship.   The courses give young people who are thinking about going on to join the Armed or Emergency Services an insight into and a taste of life in these Services. Students go on to careers in the military and emergency services – in particular the army and police.   He rounded off the visit by unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the new campus in the college’s atrium in front of hundreds of college staff and students.   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said:   “We are honoured that His Royal Highness is able to be with us here today to open the new Redcar & Cleveland College Campus. The new campus stands as a beacon of vocational learning in the Tees Valley and has already raised the aspirations of the thousands of students who have passed through the doors since the college first opened in September 2008.   "Staff, students and visitors all say how much they love the new building which has exceeded all expectations, there is a palpable sense of pride in the college and the wider community.   “Much of what has been focused upon today reflects the college’s excellent provision with a particular focus on its strengths in engineering and the built environment. The Duke has a particular interest in the process industries as we know from his recent visit to the Wilton site and he was particularly impressed by the work that our Chemical Engineering students were doing on process simulation.”   Jon Nixon who is studying the Chemical Engineering course said:   “Meeting the Duke was an honour and it is great that he has such a keen interest in the process industries and in particular the local industry here on Teesside.   “He has a real interest in the chemical and process industries which was evident in the kinds of questions he was asking about the simulations we were running when he visited our class.”   Dr Graham Hillier, College Chair of Governors at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: "We are delighted and grateful to be celebrating here today with His Royal Highness, which recognises the journey that has been undertaken by the College and its staff to reach this point.    "With tremendous effort by all of the staff the College has seen its success rates rise every year over the last four years, this achievement is now culminated by the opening of a new campus which embodies and represents the true brand value of what is the all new Redcar & Cleveland College."   More photos can be viewed via this link: http://flickr.com/photos/redcarandclevelandcollege/sets/72157613712712628/  Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:07:13 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-get-royal-openingNew courses kick off new year at Redcar & Cleveland College/news/new-courses-kick-off-new-year-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-cRedcar & 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 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-courses-kick-off-new-year-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-cKids visit Santa down ironstone mine/news/kids-visit-santa-down-ironstone-mineSanta swapped the cold of Lapland for the East Cleveland hills yesterday (15th December) when he made a trip to depths of Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum for a special festive event.   Children from Handale Primary School in Loftus paid a visit to a specially created grotto 20 metres from the drift entrance, where Father Christmas was waiting to hear what they had on their Christmas lists ahead of the big day.   As well as getting to meet the man himself, the children also took part in a special festive storytelling session with Redcar & Cleveland College’s Community Animateurs who regaled kids with tales of Christmas past.   The session was part of a weekend of activities organised by Redcar & Cleveland College and the Big Lottery Fund at the museum which saw over 200 children take part in a range of activities.   Michael Kinder, External Projects Coordinator at Redcar & Cleveland College, helped to organise the event. He said:   “The session today was great fun for all involved and as well as getting to meet Santa, the kids also got the opportunity to learn some valuable lessons about the history of Christmas through the sessions that were held with the Community Animateurs.   “Redcar & Cleveland College places great importance in getting involved with events taking place in our local community. Our Community Animateurs will be working hard in East Cleveland’s libraries and community centres during the run up to Christmas and in the new year.”Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:09:27 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/kids-visit-santa-down-ironstone-mineAwards 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-teamCeltic Cross rededicated as college remembers fallen heroes/news/celtic-cross-rededicated-as-college-remembers-fallen-heStaff and students from Redcar & Cleveland College joined with veterans, existing and former students and members of public to remember our country’s fallen heroes at the college’s annual Service of Remembrance today (Friday 7th November).   The service, which is a tradition maintained by the college dating back to the days of Sir William Turner’s school in the early 20th century, was lead by the Reverend Graham Pacey – himself a former pupil of Sir William Turner’s and was attended by over 150 people.   The service included a March On by Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and ex-service groups as well as readings by college students Laura Waugh and Daniel Drazdauskas and by College Foundation Governor Pat Rutherford.   The Act of Remembrance, by Rev. Pacey and College Governor Sylvia Hall, was followed by the Last Post and two minutes silence.   It also included the rededication of the Celtic Cross war memorial by the Bishop of Whitby – the Rt. Reverend Robert Ladds - after it has been moved to a new and more prominent home on the corner of Corporation Road and Locke Road from the grounds of the old college.   Wreaths were laid at the cross, which commemorates old boys of Sir William Turner School who fell in the Great War. A bronze plaque records the names of those who died in the Second World War. 102 of the school’s former pupils died in the two wars.    Peter Chester from Redcar & Cleveland College, who organised the service, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to come along to today’s service which carries on a tradition dating back almost 90 years.”   College Principal Gary Groom said: “The re-siting of the memorial is recognition that we at the college will continue to remember the sacrifices made by former staff, students and local people who gave their lives for our freedom.” Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:58:40 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/celtic-cross-rededicated-as-college-remembers-fallen-hePublic invited to remember fallen heroes/news/public-invited-to-remember-fallen-heroesVeterans, former students and members of the public are being invited to attend the annual Remembrance Day Service at Redcar & Cleveland College next Friday (7th November).   Details of the service are as follows:   Date:          Friday 7th November Time:         10.20am – 11.40am   (Refreshments will be served after the ceremony in the college atrium)   Location:    Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar   The service is a tradition maintained by the college dating back to the days of Sir William Turner’s school in the early 20th century and this year’s ceremony will see the re-dedication of the war memorial in its new home on the corner of Corporation Road and Locke Road.   The ceremony will be attended by current staff and students of the college, along with the Bishop of Whitby, the Right Reverend Robert Ladds, who will carry out the re-dedication of the memorial. An Honour Guard from the Royal British Legion will also lead a march past of the memorial.   Peter Chester of Redcar and Cleveland College, who is a member of the Sir William Turner Trust and who is leading the organisation of this year’s ceremony, said:   “Anyone who feels that they would like to come and show their respects is welcome to come and attend the ceremony.   “Whilst the college has moved to its fantastic new home for the future, it is vitally important that we do not forget the past sacrifices that have been made by many young men from Redcar and across the country, who have sacrificed their lives in order that we can be here today.”   Anyone who wishes to attend the service should contact Peter Chester at Redcar & Cleveland College on 01642 473132 or email pchester@cleveland.ac.uk  Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:33:44 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/public-invited-to-remember-fallen-heroesChance to see behind the scenes at new college/news/chance-to-see-behind-the-scenes-at-new-collegeProspective 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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/chance-to-see-behind-the-scenes-at-new-collegeRedcar & Cleveland College students get head start to HE/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-students-get-head-start-toRedcar & 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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-students-get-head-start-toRedcar & Cleveland College Leads The Way With Student Training/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-leads-the-way-with-studentStaff from Redcar & Cleveland College were celebrating this week after receiving national recognition for the quality of one of their training schemes developed in partnership with The Working Knowledge Group.   The Working Knowledge Group picked up National Training Awards in both the North East Regional and UK Categories at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead earlier this week for their work in developing an innovative enterprise training programme in conjunction with the college.   Initially funded through ASPIRE and One North East, Redcar & Cleveland College were able to partner up with The Working Knowledge Group to put together a range of activities for students that aimed at giving them experience of setting up a business – right from the initial idea through to taking their product or service to market.   The programme, known as ‘Ride the Wave’ has three events called The Plunge, The Splash and Dive In that are applicable for students at all levels in Further Education.   Students engage in a number of hands-on activities to develop a business plan which local business people help them refine in a series of real business meetings in such areas as Sales and Finance. Organisations involved include Barclaycard, Renew Tees Valley, PD Ports, Corus, University of Sunderland, Pulse Creative Marketing, North East Business and Innovation Centre, Calm Asylum Communications Ltd, ARC, Johnson Matthey Catalysts and Imex Grafix Ltd, who were thoroughly impressed by the quality of the students that they saw.   David Wilson from PD Ports, who has been involved in the event on the panel of business experts said:   “I have been involved with Ride the Wave for the last four years and the experience is always rewarding. Importantly it provides an opportunity for business to engage with colleges and their students with an outcome which proves beneficial for all parties.”   As well as helping students develop commercial awareness, business language skills, negotiation and presentation skills and improving their self-confidence, which all boost their employability, everyone who goes through the programme can receive a formal recognition by achieving either a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification such as ‘Working With Others’ Wider Key Skill or the Communication Key Skill.   Having successfully developed the courses at Redcar & Cleveland College, The Working Knowledge Group in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland College is now rolling out the courses nationally with Redcar & Cleveland College being used as the primary model of good practice for delivering training of this kind.   Andrew Hatcher, Managing Director of The Working Knowledge Group said:   “We are thrilled to be recognised for our work with the staff and students at Redcar & Cleveland College. The award confirms our belief that by bringing employers together with young people in a professional and business-like way, rapidly bridges the skills gap as cultural and inter-generational barriers fall away. Programmes like Ride the Wave have a huge part to play in raising the aspirations and skills of our young people, while simultaneously highlighting the fantastic talent available to employers that exists in our colleges.”   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said:   “This is fantastic! These awards recognise the hard work that the staff at the college and partner organisations have put into developing the programme and demonstrates Redcar & Cleveland College’s commitment to a developing enterprise culture which is critical to energise innovation and economic regeneration.   “Every full-time student at Redcar & Cleveland College goes through Ride the Wave and students who went through the programme last year are already seeing the benefits of it when they enter the world of work. It is absolutely brilliant, employers have been seeking out some of the more innovative students and have been offering sponsorships for business ideas as well as mentoring opportunities leading to full-time employment.   “Feedback from students shows that they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have developed a real focus on employability and business start up issues.   “The Ride the Wave programme at Redcar & Cleveland College is making a real difference to enterprise culture in our local area and with the now award winning programme being offered nationally, this will have an impact across the UK.”  Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:49:44 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-leads-the-way-with-studentRedcar & Cleveland College Welcomes First Students To New Campus/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-welcomes-first-students-toRedcar & Cleveland College opened the doors of its new campus for the first day of teaching this morning (15th September). College Principal, Gary Groom and Chair of Govenors, Dr Graham Hillier, were joined by Redcar MP Vera Baird to welcome the first students to the £26m development on Redcar’s Corporation Road. The new campus houses state-of-the-art facilities including a specialist gas training centre, hair and beauty salons and its own fitness suite. Students will be able to study a range of vocational courses across a range of subject areas including Engineering, The Built Environment, Care and Management. It replaces the college’s previous campuses on Corporation Road and Redcar Lane and will provide the facilities for the college to deliver over 200 full-time time and part-time courses. Over 5,500 students are expected through the doors of the college over the next 12 months, with enrolments already exceeding all the college’s targets for both Further and Higher Education courses. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “This is a very exciting time for the college, its staff, current and prospective students. We’re delighted that MP for Redcar, Vera Baird, can be here with us to receive the first learners into the new campus. We are currently planning a further official opening ceremony, with a member of the Royal Family, which will take place early in 2009. “The new Redcar & Cleveland College represents what the college is striving to achieve through its mission by 'Raising Aspirations and Exceeding Expectations', with the new building truly reflecting the quality of the college teaching & learning which in itself has been making new national records for excellence.  “We have already exceeded our initial targets for recruitment this year with some 1,500 learners aged 16-19 expected through the doors today for their first week of term, and we are still enrolling with many more students arriving on a daily basis.  “The new Redcar & Cleveland College is going to be a great place to learn and work. For many learners recruited this year Redcar & Cleveland College has been their first choice destination for further learning, which is brilliant news.” Dr Graham Hillier, Chair of College Govenors, said: “The new building is truly iconic and has already had a huge impact on Redcar and the surrounding areas. “Working closely with our partners and colleagues in the schools and at the University of Teesside, the college will be delivering programmes which make learning exciting and allow us to meet the new challenges for education from aged 14 years through to adult.  “By building this new further education college in Redcar & Cleveland we have created a world class learning environment which, together with our excellent staff, is set up and equipped to deliver outstanding teaching and learning well into the long term future.” Vera Baird, Member of Parliament for Redcar said: “I am delighted to be here with the first students on day one of Redcar’s new era as a hub for FE in north east. The new college facilities are fantastic. “The opening of the new Redcar & Cleveland College campus signals Redcar’s intent to be at the forefront of Further Education in the north east. It has been exciting watching the new campus grow over the last 18 months into a new landmark for the town. “The new campus gives us a world class Further Education institution right on our doorstep at a time when vocational learning is growing in importance on both a local and national level. The facilities here mean that the college is perfectly placed to deliver high class vocational training for many years to come.” Work started on the development in January 2007 following many months of planning. Hundreds of college staff and contractors have worked on the landmark development, including several students on work-based learning apprenticeships who have put the skills learnt on courses at the college into practice. Prior to the opening of the college, student ambassadors who will be helping other students to settle into the new campus and find their way around, got to have an advance preview of the new facilities. All of the students were very impressed with the new college facilities after a brief guided tour ahead of the opening. Rebbeca Smith, 18, from Dormanstown is looking forward to studying an NVQ in Beauty Therapy and hopes to open her own salon. She said: “I really like the design of the college’s new beauty treatment salon, especially the separate treatment rooms. The overall look of the college, with its glass walls, is very bright, open and spacious. ”   Cariann Crowther, 17, from Carlin Howe, is on her 2nd year BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design and she said: “I am really looking forward to seeing the art rooms, especially after seeing how smart the rest of the new college is. It is also really cool that the new gym can be used by all students.”   Joining Cariann on the Art & Design course is 18-year old James Birkbeck from Redcar. He added: “Overall the feeling of the new college is relaxing, which is great for being able to study.” The new college campus will be opening its doors for a number of tours for prospective students and members of the public to take a look at the fantastic new facilities. Further information on the college and the new campus can be found on the college website www.cleveland.ac.uk    View the opening imagesMon, 15 Sep 2008 13:15:39 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-amp-cleveland-college-welcomes-first-students-toNew look college website goes live/news/new-look-college-website-goes-liveRedcar & Cleveland College took the first steps in the move to its new campus today with the launch of a new look and expanded website.   The new site will give visitors access to all the latest information from the College, such as course information, timetables and documents; latest news; and video and still image galleries.   The College opens the doors of its £26m new campus on 15 September and the new site also offers prospective students the chance to have a ‘sneak peek’ at what the new learning environment will look like through a 3d fly-though video and pictures from inside the new building.   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said:   “With the move to the new campus almost upon us, now is the ideal time for us to launch a new website.   “The new site reflects the growing importance of the internet and gives students and prospective students a fantastic new tool to find out all they need to know about the College.”   The new website can be found at www.cleveland.ac.uk     Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:00:14 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/new-look-college-website-goes-liveRedcar & Cleveland College celebrates students’ success/courses/news/latest-news-articleFour 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 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/courses/news/latest-news-articleDaniel carves out a winning spot at Skillbuild/news/daniel-carves-out-a-winning-spot-at-skillbuildRedcar & Cleveland College student, Daniel Ferguson from Middlesbrough, took the top spot in the carpentry category at the Skillbuild regional finals held at City of Sunderland College.   Daniel, 19, employed by Tolent Construction as part of the Construction Industry Training Board’s mentoring scheme, was one of 14 students from the College entering five of the possible eight trade categories in the junior and senior sections of the competition.   Talking about winning the carpentry award Daniel said, “I had to build a timber stud partition and do a range of tasks against the clock. It was pressured, but I enjoyed it and got to put into practice the skills I picked up on my course. I’m looking forward to the national competition.”   Talking about the Skillbuild entry John Wade, lecturer in Construction at Redcar & Cleveland College, said, “The team we entered into the SkillBuild competition in Sunderland did really well, with Daniel now getting the chance to represent the North East region at the national finals in Leeds later in the year. He has the potential to progress to the British team that will take part in WorldSkills Olympics.   “We were the only college in the region to enter female contestants, with Yvonne Tennant for painting and decorating and Suzanne Winn for bricklaying. Both put in very credible performances in their competitions with Suzanne, who is employed by Barratt Construction, doing exceptionally well.   The College also picked up some other good results, with Andrew Ellsworth cementing a runners up spot in the plastering category, and first year student John Atkinson narrowly being beaten to first place in the Joinery category.Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:49:12 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/daniel-carves-out-a-winning-spot-at-skillbuild

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