The framework led by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) aims to support further education (FE) providers to identify and implement community development strategies that are sustainable, appropriate and effective.

In addition, the LSIS Community Development Fund will offer FE providers up to £25k for projects that address local community issues by delivering innovative and partnership initiatives that improve neighbourhoods and provide brighter futures for people in the community. 

Vice Principal, Jane O’Neill, welcomed delegates from across the country to the afternoon event before passing over to speakers who included LSIS Executive Director, Yvette Adams, Principal of Wolverhampton College, Ian Millard, and Cathy Robinson from Fareport Training Organisation.

Jane O’Neill said: “We were honoured to host such an important event. This is an excellent opportunity for learning providers to invest in their communities and improve the future of their learners by contributing to a positive and cohesive community.”

Yvette Adams added: “We have had loads of wonderful ideas that give us a clear focus on the direction we need to take to establish collaborative partnerships. We have also had some inspirational and fantastic speakers that have inspired everyone to go away and think about what they can do to develop more sustainable communities.”

BTEC National Science students got exceptional results with one student, Shackeria Daley, who studied at the Enfield Centre, receiving three distinctions - the highest marks possible.

She said: “I always wanted to study something related to Medicine so I decided to enrol for BTEC Science. It’s been hard and I almost gave up but the lecturers have been really good and have encouraged me to keep going. I’m now going to combine my previous studies in Childcare with my BTEC Science and will be going to London Metropolitan University to study BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics. I want to specialise in Childhood Obesity.”

Shackeria’s classmates also did well with Jack Flemming going onto London Metropolitan, and Degan Negheie going onto Kingston University to study BSc Environmental Hazards and Disaster Management. Neamo Jama also received top marks and will be studying Biosciences at Middlesex University, one of the College’s partner universities.

Ann Obatomi, Curriculum Manager for Science at the College’s Enfield Centre, was delighted with her students’ achievements, saying: “We as a College continue to excel in supporting students to achieve beyond what anyone expected of them. It has been a very successful year and all the learners who completed have achieved their goals are all going on to higher education.”

However, it wasn’t just Science students that excelled but those studying Language, Law and Media Studies got outstanding results too. Anna-Maria Kritikos received 2 Bs and 1 C in her A Levels and will be going on to study Advertising, Public Relations and Media at Middlesex University. She said: “I came here as it is my local college and I’m so glad I did.  The tutors have been amazing, really supporting me and treating me like an individual, and I’ve loved every minute.”

Her tutor James Talent,  English and Communications Lecturer,  was there to celebrate with her and was thrilled at her success: “I’m delighted to see our learners go on to university study.  I’m excited for them and the thrilling careers I know they’ll have.”

Jane O’Neill, Vice Principal at the College, said: “Young people who come to study with us will achieve top marks if they are determined. We have a strong support network, dedicated and experienced tutors, and top class facilities. Our Science department at Enfield and Tottenham centres is second to none, and our Creative Media department has all the latest industry standard equipment - so students are skilled up for the real world.”

Level 3 vocational courses are equivalent to A Levels. As a specialist vocational college, learners can choose to go straight into work after their studies or go on to higher education. As a result the College has strong links with employers as well as some of the UK’s top universities, including Birkbeck, University of London, Canterbury University and Middlesex University.

90% of learners studying AS Level Turkish passed with a C or above while 60% received a grade A.

The AS Level is the first half of a full A Level and can lead on to a second year studying for the A2 Level, or can be a stand alone qualification.

90% of learners who chose to add to their AS qualification at the College and study for their A2 Level also passed with flying colours, while 40% received a grade A. This means they now have a full A Level qualification.

Jane O’Neill, Vice Principal, said: “Once again, we are very proud of our learners and their achievements. We teach many languages at the College which all add to the skills of our learners, as well as providing opportunities to go onto higher education.” 

Louise completed her Access to Psychology this summer, and after receiving her results in July is now on her way to study BEd English and Education at St Mary’s University so she can fulfill her long-term goal of becoming an English teacher.

As an outstanding representative for the College, Louise was chosen to speak to the Channel 4 news crew about being a mature student and the first in her family to go to university.

The news team producer, Dan Wright, turned out to be local learner too.  As well as attending Northumberland Park School in Haringey before going on to Lancaster University in 1990, his mother taught Housing Policy at the College for 35 years.

Louise raises her daughter alone and had been out of education for four years but despite this has excelled at the College both in her studies and in College life.  She was quickly selected as a Student Ambassador and for the College’s VTalent programme, which allows students to gain new skills and help others through volunteering.

She told Channel 4 News: “I’d enrolled at other colleges but they just didn’t work for me, so I thought I’d come here and try the vocational route. The VTalent programme and dedication of the tutors made it feel like a real community, and I’ve felt engaged from day one.”

College Vice Principal, Jane O’Neill, said:”Many of our learners go to university with Level 3 vocational qualifications rather than A Levels.  We also offer an excellent range of Access programmes and Foundation Degrees.”

College Enrichment Manager, Anthony Robinson, said: “As part of the VTalent programme Louise mentored other learners and worked as a classroom assistant, all tailored towards her chosen career and giving her experience, confidence and motivation. I am delighted with Louise’s success.  It was our first year of running V Talent and the results have been fantastic.”

Louise added: “I always intended to go to university but sometimes life gets in the way. However I persisted and with the encouragement of family, friends and the College I’m finally there.”

Louise will start her degree in September.

BTEC National Science students got exceptional results with one student, Shackeria Daley, who studied at the Enfield Centre, receiving three distinctions - the highest marks possible.

She said: “I always wanted to study something related to Medicine so I decided to enrol for BTEC Science. It’s been hard and I almost gave up but the lecturers have been really good and have encouraged me to keep going. I’m now going to combine my previous studies in Childcare with my BTEC Science and will be going to London Metropolitan University to study BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics. I want to specialise in Childhood Obesity.”

Shackeria’s classmates also did well with Jack Flemming going onto London Metropolitan, and Degan Negheie going onto Kingston University to study BSc Environmental Hazards and Disaster Management. Neamo Jama also received top marks and will be studying Biosciences at Middlesex University, one of the College’s partner universities.

Ann Obatomi, Curriculum Manager for Science at the College’s Enfield Centre, was delighted with her students’ achievements, saying: “We as a College continue to excel in supporting students to achieve beyond what anyone expected of them. It has been a very successful year and all the learners who completed have achieved their goals are all going on to higher education.”

However, it wasn’t just Science students that excelled but those studying Language, Law and Media Studies got outstanding results too. Anna-Maria Kritikos received 2 Bs and 1 C in her A Levels and will be going on to study Advertising, Public Relations and Media at Middlesex University. She said: “I came here as it is my local college and I’m so glad I did.  The tutors have been amazing, really supporting me and treating me like an individual, and I’ve loved every minute.”

Her tutor James Talent,  English and Communications Lecturer,  was there to celebrate with her and was thrilled at her success: “I’m delighted to see our learners go on to university study.  I’m excited for them and the thrilling careers I know they’ll have.”

Jane O’Neill, Vice Principal at the College, said: “Young people who come to study with us will achieve top marks if they are determined. We have a strong support network, dedicated and experienced tutors, and top class facilities. Our Science department at Enfield and Tottenham centres is second to none, and our Creative Media department has all the latest industry standard equipment - so students are skilled up for the real world.”

Level 3 vocational courses are equivalent to A Levels. As a specialist vocational college, learners can choose to go straight into work after their studies or go on to higher education. As a result the College has strong links with employers as well as some of the UK’s top universities, including Birkbeck, University of London, Canterbury University and Middlesex University.

The College is in its first year as a Career Academy provider with membership open to students who are studying a Level 3 Business Diploma.

The programme includes one-to-one mentoring with employers, regular workshops hosted by business partners and valuable work experience with global and regional businesses.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, one of the largest law firms in the world, is amongst the private, public and voluntary sector organisations giving the ‘academy’ students the opportunity to experience the world of work - as well as the Bank of New York Mellon, Lloyds Banking Group, The Citizenship Foundation and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Enfield student, Steven Mafolabomi (19), is studying for his Level 3 OCR National Diploma in Business and is spending his internship with the Bank of New York Mellon. He says: “I’m really looking forward to my internship.  It’s a great opportunity to see what working life is really like and I hope the placement will help me get ahead in my future career.”

Steven’s first tasks are to gain an overview of the organisation’s human resources function before he moves on to work in asset management and pension funds.

College Principal and Chief Executive, Paul Head, said: “We want to thank our business partners for their generous cooperation, particularly in such a tough economic climate. It is through their support that our students have the opportunity to get a real and meaningful experience of a professional work environment. We hope that the internships will have an aspirational effect on our students, giving them a sense of the range of careers out there and the confidence to pursue their interests and passions.”

Career Academies demonstrably improve students’ achievement and attainment.  Almost 90% of graduates progress on to higher education or into a job with an equivalent level of training. The students get to develop a range of other skills and attributes including communication and confidence.  They learn how to spot opportunities, overcome challenges and implement ideas.

However the programme does not just benefit the students.  James McCreary, Chief Executive of Career Academies UK, explains:  “Engaging with young people through the Career Academy programme brings many benefits to the businesses and employee volunteers involved. Often employers are pleasantly surprised by the quality of what the interns have to offer, including a fresh approach and creative ideas.

“At the same time, supervising interns presents a great opportunity to develop the leadership and management skills of young staff. Just ask companies like BP, Lloyds Banking Group or Yorkshire Bank and they will be glad to tell you the value that these young people can add to a business."
 

The consultation document 'Skills for a Sustainable Growth' outlines the Government’s vision for skills and what are expected to be the key elements of the strategy to deliver it. 

College Principals, employers from the public and private sector and some apprentices sat in the audience, while Mr Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, talked about creating more apprenticeships, working with employers, informing individuals about their choices and providing more resources with greater efficiency.

Speaking about the challenges the country faces, he said: “Skills are vital for our economy but they also help to build stronger communities and empower individuals. Only by seeing learning as a whole, not a series of separate compartments, can we ensure that it takes its place at the heart of both business strategy and community life.”

He added: “I am determined to ensure our decisions are the result of proper consultation so that policy reflects real priorities. I therefore welcome responses to the questions in this paper.”

College Principal and Chief Executive, Paul Head, welcomed the minister and spoke about how the College as a specialist provider of vocational training can really focus on improving the local economy. He said: “We have a passion for transforming lives by having high expectations of ourselves and what our students and partners can achieve through the power of education. Therefore it’s really important that the college, its students, and the local community get involved and have their say on how they’d like to receive training in the future.”

Fatema Begum, a Business Administration apprentice based at the College, was impressed with the minister’s thoughts saying: “I think anything that aims to improve skills for adults is a good thing. I always wanted to go back to college and get qualifications but needed to work for money, which made it really difficult. I’d heard about apprenticeships but thought they were only for 16 to 18s so when I realised that they went up to 25, I started looking for vacancies on the internet straightaway and it’s really worked for me.”

The consultation runs until 14 October and is available to read at

Apprenticeships First is the new government funded Apprentice Training Agency, which allows the two partner colleges to directly employ apprentices, placing them with suitable host employers and delivering valuable training to them in the workplace.

The scheme works just like a recruitment agency except that Apprenticeships First matches apprentices to employers and vice versa, rather than already qualified employees.

The launch took place at Dexter House in Tower Hill with key note speaker Jon Thorn, from the National Apprenticeships Service, who said: “Apprenticeships can play a key role in revitalising our economy, not just by creating jobs but because they increase productivity and morale throughout workforces.  Apprenticeships First is a great initiative that will help a new range of local businesses offer Apprenticeships. This in turn will create the opportunity for the young people involved to launch a successful career and earn as they learn.”

Guests in attendance included representatives from job centres and local authorities, with an interest in finding suitable placements for apprentices, but also small and large companies such as Serco and Homes for Haringey.

The launch of Apprenticeships First comes as John Hayes, the new Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, recently pledged to provide the largest number of apprenticeship places in history.

Maxine Room, Principal of Lewisham College said: “Apprentices will play a key role in revitalising our economy. With unemployment set to hit 3 million, creating new apprenticeships is a great way of helping people in our local community, especially young people, back into work.

“Apprenticeships First will also help a range of local organisations, especially small businesses, offer Apprenticeship places to young people.”

Paul Head, Principal of the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, said: “Apprenticeships allow our workforce to learn new essential skills while they earn at the same time.  Employers can be confident they have expert and well motivated staff and apprentices and their families know they have the experience and training to enjoy a rewarding and satisfying career. 

Colleges, like ourselves and Lewisham play a critical brokerage role in ensuring the success of Apprenticeships nationally.”

The learners, accompanied by their lecturer Neil Templeman, were given a tour of the court building by magistrates Kevin Fitzpatrick and Victoria Scott (JP). They were then given a briefing before each case in court, with Kevin and Victoria explaining the relevant points of law. Then, as each case of the day was heard, Kevin and Victoria sat with the learners in the public gallery, providing commentary and analysis as the proceedings unfolded before them.

A total of 30 learners took part in the visit, entering the court in rotation in smaller groups to avoid disrupting the day’s work. 

Learner Hani Gue said: “We saw a very wide variety of cases – some where clients represented themselves and others who were represented by lawyers. The contrast between the two was really interesting, and it made it clear to me the importance of having legal representation in court. That’s the sort of thing you can only really understand by seeing the court in action and not just reading about it. The whole day was fascinating.”

Public Services Lecturer Neil Templeman said: “All of the learners have enjoyed the opportunity to see real life court cases. I think they were surprised by the variety of crimes that are dealt with on an average day at the magistrates’ court. They got to see how magistrates deal with those different charges, and the range of punishments that can be ordered.”

At the end of the visit, the learners joined magistrates Kevin and Victoria again, together with legal advisors, to discuss the cases they had seen. A lively debate was a sure sign that the learners had found the visit extremely thought-provoking. Neil said: “Kevin and Victoria were very impressed with the conduct of our learners, and how engaged they were. They were a great credit to the College, and we’re confident that many more visits like this will happen in the future.”

The ‘avant culture’ show, held earlier this week, included 17 models styled by students using body paint, hair extensions and themed costumes, and each with names such as Angola Water and Somalian Spirit.

The students, who are in their final year studying Hairdressing City and Guilds NVQ Level 3 or Theatrical and Media Make-up VTCT Diploma Level 3, worked on the models as part of their last assignment and were excited to show off their hard work at the two hour show held at the College’s Tottenham centre.

Sadya Cinko, recently named runner up at the London World Skills UK Awards, styled Giovanna Capone using inspiration from Queen Victoria and Vivienne Westwood. She said: “Working on the end of year show has been a pleasure. I’ve really loved the course and have got on well with everyone so although it’s exciting to be part of it, it’s a bit sad that we’ve come to the end of the year. However I’m really happy with how things have turned out and I look forward to receiving my qualification before I set off on my travels around the world.”

Some of the students worked in pairs to style their model, including Maria Halkou and Atarah Mayhew who are both studying theatrical make-up. Maria said: “I’ve been interested in tribal body art for a while now and have taken part in several shows across London using the same theme, so I knew straight away what I wanted to do for my end of year assignment. Theatrical make-up is something I really want to do, so now my course is almost finished I’m hoping to do a year’s work experience before getting a lucky break.”

Hair and Beauty Lecturer, Lydia Karekedou, has been working with the students all year and was beaming with pride after the event, saying: “The effort and passion that the students put in to this show was clearly visible. The hair styles were adventurous, requiring a high level of skill, and the make up, especially the body paint, was amazing. I’m so proud of them all and know they will go on to do great things.”

Young people from across London come to study hair and beauty at the College as it is known for its expertise and excellent facilities, which includes an onsite professional, state-of-the-art, fully fitted hair and beauty salon open to the public.

Jane O’Neill, Vice Principal Curriculum and Learner Experience, said: “Hair and beauty is one of the most popular vocational courses we offer at the College and year on year we receive outstanding results. Once again the students have done us proud and I congratulate them on a superb show. I’d also like to thank the tutors who are dedicated to the success of their students.”

Fiona McKinney, 18, studies for a Level 2 Carpentry qualification at the College while working for Haringey Council’s housing service, Homes for Haringey. Now, her hard work could also earn her the top prize in the APSE National Housing and Building Apprentice of the Year Awards 2010.

APSE (the Association for Public Service Excellence) runs the awards to recognise the very best apprentices from the thousands currently combining work and study across the UK. Fiona, who was nominated by her manager at Homes for Haringey, will attend a special awards ceremony in Manchester on Thursday 1 July.

Fiona said of the news: “My employer encouraged me to apply for this award, but I was really surprised when they called me to say I was on the shortlist. All the staff at Homes for Haringey and everyone here at the College has been congratulating me. I’m really looking forward to the ceremony – I’m going to get out and buy a new outfit! My sister’s going to come along and support me, as well as my tutor and my mentor from work.”

Fiona’s tutor, Kevin Solomon, added: “Fiona’s mentor at Homes for Haringey also did his Apprenticeship here at the College a couple of years ago, so he knows exactly how to support Fiona with her work and the theory she’s picking up. Everyone who works with her thinks she’s got a bright future ahead of her – I could see her as a trainer, and she could really inspire other young women into construction trades.”  

While others have lauded Fiona as a role model for other women, the modest youngster says she’s just concentrating on learning her trade: “Woodwork was the only thing I really enjoyed at school – I just like practical things. I have to do some classroom work in my Apprenticeship, but it’s different from school, because I can see how it relates to what we do in the workshop.” Fiona was also keen to credit both her employer and the College for some part in her success. “The facilities and the whole environment I get to work in here are brilliant,” she said of the College’s Tottenham construction training department.

The College’s Vice Principal for Curriculum and Learner Experience, Jane O’Neill, said: “Fiona’s achievement is great for her, and it’s also recognition of our sector-leading Apprenticeship provision and the strong relationship we have with employers like Homes for Haringey.”

Fiona is in very good company at the College as a pioneering female in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Other recent success stories to come out of the high-achieving construction department at the College include Natasha McDonald, a plumbing apprentice and winner of both an Adult Learners Week Awards and a National VQ (Vocational Qualification) Learner Award. Meanwhile fellow plumbing apprentice Catherine Neary has been helping to build the Olympic site as part of her work for Wingate Electrical.

Performing Arts learner Delroy Ogiste and Plumbing Apprentice Natasha McDonald received their prizes at the flagship event for 23 June’s VQ (Vocational Qualification) Day, held at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls.

Delroy received his ‘Industry Insider’ Award from entertainment icon Arlene Phillips OBE, who had helped to judge the entries and pick Delroy as the winner. The award identifies Delroy as ‘one to watch’ in the arts and entertainment field, and he will now benefit from a one-to-one coaching session with Arlene as well as a work experience placement that forms part of his prize.

Delroy said: “I'm thrilled to win the VQ Day Industry Insider Prize.  Getting to work with experts in the entertainment industry and learn from icons like Arlene Phillips is such an amazing opportunity.  The entertainment industry is one of the toughest to break into and I know this prize will be invaluable to my career by providing a foot in the door that so many students desperately want."

Delroy, who gained a double distinction on his BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts, will take up a place on a degree course at the prestigious Regent’s College in September. He used his acceptance speech to thank the College for its support and direction, singling out his tutor Mark Spillane, whom he described as ‘inspirational’.

Following on from Delroy’s success was Natasha McDonald, an outstanding plumbing apprentice who already has two College Excellence Awards and an Adult Learners Week Award to her name. Having already been announced before the VQ Day event as the VQ Learner of the Year for London (over 25), she was delighted when she was confirmed as the overall winner for the entire country. “It’s brilliant to get this award,” she said. “I’m so happy to have got this award for doing something that I just really love doing. It’s great to see that people like me who work hard to learn a trade are being recognised.”

Natasha completed an NVQ Advanced Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship at the College in 2009, and works for Homes for Haringey, renovating the borough’s social housing stock. Homes for Haringey’s Chief Executive, Paul Bridge, said:  “This is fantastic news.  We are very proud of the dedication and commitment Natasha has shown throughout her apprenticeship. This award adds to the growing list of accolades Natasha has so far received.”  

The College’s principal Paul Head was present at the event to see Delroy and Natasha receiving their awards. “I’m so proud of both of them,” he said. “They are fantastic examples of the power of vocational learning to change lives, and they fully deserve all the praise they have had.”

About VQ Day - 23 June 2010
Last year 4 million people gained a vocational qualification and millions more will achieve similar success this year. This vocational achievement is celebrated every June on VQ Day, a date fast becoming a fixture in the education calendar.

23 June 2010 was the third VQ Day - a celebration of the people who gain vocational qualifications every year. By working with partner organisations across the UK, VQ Day is raising the stature and demonstrating the benefits of practical and vocational qualifications to future learners, employers, opinion formers and the wider public.

Proud to have sponsored the Carnival for the tenth year running, staff and students from the College were busily setting up from early morning, ready to give out information and guidance on courses to carnival goers once the procession reached Bruce Castle Park.

Nail Technician Level 2 students offered free nail art, Beauty Therapy Level 2 students offered carnival-style face painting and the College’s Hair styling students offered hair braiding to long queues of locals throughout the day who took full advantage of the opportunity to be pampered.

Carnival stars, including the Carnival King and Queen Gerald and Agatha White, Cirque Nova Performers: Jessica Burn, Naomi Lynch and Clive Beckford; carnival dancers Naomi and Chante from St Anne’s RC School and David Lammy MP made visits to the College’s busy stall.

Lakeesha Williams, who plans to study her Nursing - Access to Higher Education Diploma at the College in September, said: “This is great, I’m going out this evening and now I can feel that extra bit special because I’ve had my nails done.”

Veronica Sarfo, who plans to study as a nail technician at the College and her daughter, Anna, who hopes to become a doctor, got their nails painted in style, too.

Director of Learner Recruitment, Howard Jeffrey MBE, who was helping to run the stall, said: “The College is proud to support our local community and to take part in such enjoyable events. The College provides essential skills and employment opportunities and at Carnival we are able to meet local people and give them advice on which study and training options are best for them.”

The ‘Leading the Learner Voice’ Awards are organised by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), the organisation formed to accelerate quality improvement, increase participation and raise standards and achievement in the learning and skills sector in England.

This latest recognition of the College’s commitment to the welfare of its learners and its wider community follows on from Ofsted’s glowing report on the support on offer, and a string of accolades for the College learners’ BRACE group (Building Relationships Amongst Cultures Everywhere).

Howard Jeffrey, Director of Learner Recruitment and Support, said of the latest accolade: “This is great news for the College, and its learners. We pride ourselves on being a College that listens to the voice of its learners, whether that is through our student governors, our regular learner conferences or our tutoring and mentoring systems.”

Jane O’Neill, the College’s Vice Principal for Curriculum and Learner Experience, added: “As one of the largest and best further education colleges in London, we know that we have an important role to play in the wider communities of Haringey and Enfield, so we are particularly pleased that it is this aspect of our work that LSIS has chosen to commend.”

Representatives of the College will now attend a central London awards ceremony on 6 July, to discover whether they will take the top prize. The category in which the College has been nominated rewards education providers that operate outside the confines of their own buildings, and have a positive influence on the wider community through learner-led activity.

The Leading the Learner Voice Awards seek in general to celebrate innovation, effort and action in the area of learner representation. Other key factors that led to the College being shortlisted include the promotion of equality and diversity across the organisation.

Susan Neal, head of the College’s Employment Training Solutions team, accepted the Partnership Award from bus company Metroline at the Wembley event. Speaking after the event, she said: ”I’m very proud of this achievement – and of the work that we have done with Metroline over many years. Our partnership is a fantastic example of what can happen when a top learning provider gets together with a company that is so committed to upskilling its staff.”

The College has now been working with Metroline for more than ten years, using the innovative approach of equipping a ‘learning bus’ – one of the company’s vehicles fitted out with the latest computers and other resources. The concept has proved so popular amongst learners and trainers alike that a second bus was officially launched last month. The bus was donated by Metroline, while the laptops and other learning resources within the bus are provided by the college.

Union Learning Representative (ULR) Tom O’Callaghan drives the bus around Metroline’s garages, helping to market and organise the courses as well. ULRs play an important role in encouraging their colleagues to take up training opportunities. The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London leads the way in producing new ULRs, having trained thousands in recent years. Tom said: “It really is a win-win situation. Drivers can use the bus in their own time, or when they’re on standby duties. Some people are so keen on using the Learning Bus they come in on their holidays!”

Employees have been able to take courses – and gain qualifications – in literacy, numeracy and computer skills, as well as a special NVQ qualification in passenger transport, taken by new drivers.

Jane O’Neill, The College’s Vice Principal of Curriculum and Learner Experience, said of the award: “We’re proud of the work we do with companies like Metroline, so it’s great for them to recognise us in this way. It’s just one of the exciting ways that we are taking learning out of the classroom and direct to people in their workplace.”

The culmination of a lot of hard work throughout the year, the Show, provides an opportunity to experiment with craft, design and textiles, while at the same time enchanting an audience.

Lecturer, Nancy Mpanzu, an accomplished designer with great expertise in putting on red-carpet events throughout London, said: “In preparation for the show, these students have shown exceptional talent and taken painstaking care.  As consumers, we get used to seeing high street fashion as cheap and disposable – yet these garments, which have all the appeal of the high street, are well crafted and constructed.”

The fashion end of year show is a sought after event in the College’s busy calendar.  The students, who describe influences as diverse as Dior, Galliano and Karen Millen in their work, all plan to pursue a career in fashion and textiles at university.

Student, Maxine Ford, who cites Elie Saab as her favourite designer, said: “I love the creativity in fashion and I love illustration too.  I hope to have my own boutique one day and I really want to develop extravagance and femininity in my work.”

The College has recently established a higher education partnership progression with the world renowned London College of Fashion.

Victoria Scott and Kevin Fitzpatrick from Magistrates in the Community (MagIC) delivered a two hour seminar talking about their role in the criminal and civil justice system, focusing on how it impacts on communities.

The seminar was attended by over 50 students who are studying for a  BTEC in Public Services, a course aimed at those who want to train or prepare for employment in the uniformed services, such as the police, emergency fire services or armed forces.

Student, Hani Gue (18), thought it was very useful saying: “The seminar was really interesting and gave me more knowledge about how magistrates function. It was good to speak to them directly as I’ve always heard the term ‘magistrates’ but not really understood exactly how they differ from judges. This was a good opportunity to ask questions face to face and get a real understanding of how the justice system works.”

The seminar was set up as part of a programme of events aimed at helping learners to understand criminal justice. Other events include the roles of the police and prison services.

Chairman of MagIC, Kevin Fitzpatrick JP, said: “The students at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London were really engaged and bright, asking searching questions and shared a real grasp of the whole range of issues facing Britain today. We really enjoyed the sessions and look forward to returning to the College in the future.”

College Principal, Paul Head, said: “This is just one of many teaching methods we bring to the College to give students an all round skill set, preparing them as much as possible for the workforce.”

The annual event held at both Enfield and Tottenham centres provided over 500 students with information and support about the labour market, learning opportunities and employment in a range of different sectors.

Careers Advisor, Renu Arrowsmith, said: “The event is held at an important time in the college year when students are planning their next steps and some are preparing to make transitions into employment or further training. It provides them with a range of information, helping them become more focused on their plans for the future.”

Dilek Edebak (21), who is studying Employability Skills at the College, said: “It’s great that the College holds this event as it gives us a chance to speak to employers and get information on various schemes and courses. I’ve spoken to several organisations and got loads of information that I hope will help me decide what to do next.”

Organisations who attended included; The National Apprenticeship Service, Job Centre Plus, VInvolved, Sainsburys, Napp Pharmaceuticals, NHS, Lovell, RAF, Mountview Academy, Homes for Haringey and Positive Employment.

All organisations completed feedback forms with comments including: “Most useful aspect of the event was meeting such a diverse range of people” and “it was great to speak to employees of the future”.

The Careers Information Event is part of the College’s commitment to providing enhanced support to students. The College has dedicated career advisors who work closely with Connexions to make sure students have access to the advice they need to guide them through education and training, and towards employment in the future.

That’s what Construction Apprentice, Natasha McDonald did. She won this year’s regional over 25 Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Learner of the Year Award for London, and has been invited along with Performing Arts learner, Delroy Ogoiste, to the prestigious awards ceremony hosted by TV celebrity, Arlene Phillips OBE.

Shortlisted for the Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Industry Insider Prize, Delroy is one of five hopefuls nationally, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner. Natasha has also been nominated for VQ Learner of the Year Award, a national prize - which will be announced on 23 June.

Last year, George Ogunrinola did the College proud by fighting off hundreds of nominees to be named VQ Hero 2009 for the whole of London.

With learners from the College winning awards for the second year running, a day of taster sessions will be held on VQ Day to give prospective learners the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and have a chance of being nominated next year.

Held between 10am and 4pm on 23 June, people can sign up to Creative Studies, ICT and Science sessions.

Prospective learners will have the opportunity to go on a tour of the College, speak to tutors and take part in practical workshops.

Principal, Paul Head, said: “As a leading provider of vocational qualifications, we thought it would be good to celebrate our students’ success and VQ Day by giving prospective learners the chance to see if vocational study works for them. I hope people use this unique opportunity to gain some real insight and decide to join us in September.”

VQ Day, which is led by independent education foundation, Edge, with support from many of the leading players in the vocational education community, is a national day of celebration that includes an annual awards event to celebrate learners who have achieved outstanding results.

ESOL (English as a Second Language) students aged between 16 and 18 gave up their free time to improve Lea Valley Regional Park. During the day they cleared out a pond and made way for an artificial river to connect to the natural river.

Nur Mohammed (18) said: “It was hard work but a good experience and useful to know about the natural habitat, such as trees that are over 100 years old, small rivers and different types of flowers.”

Tutor, Florence Delacroix, said:  The students worked very hard and I’m really proud that they carried it out with such enthusiasm.”

Nnenna from V-involved, who worked hard to set the project up, said: “We’re going to have a ceremony to thank the learners who participated where they’ll be given a certificate, and look forward to running similar projects in the next academic year.”

The group, who were accompanied by their teachers Susan Raymond and Svar Simpson, have been working together for the whole of the last year. Susan said: “They have done everything from choosing the name of their company – Creations – to coming up with a logo and then designing and making their own hand-made Christmas cards and designer bags.” The learners went on to sell their creations, marketing the Christmas cards to College staff and selling their bags direct to the public at central London’s Spitalfields Market.

Explaining their well-deserved recent accolade, Susan said: “Our learners were entered into the London finals of the Young Enterprise competition, which encourages young people to experience running their own business, and they attended a grand event at Canary Wharf. They had prepared a presentation about their company, and even written a ‘rap’ about their experiences. They had practiced really hard in the run up to the event, so we were all delighted that the group won the award for best presentation.”

Learner Ceylan Diyenli, 19, said: “At the beginning I felt shy because I didn’t know anybody. Now I know how to sew, iron, do art and I’m better at English and maths.” Her fellow team member Abdi Roble said: “It’s been great - I learned how to run business and I got to be creative!”

While the competition was great fun, it is also an important part of the curriculum for learners with learning difficulties. The College’s Supported Learning programme focuses on preparing these learners for independent living and the world of work. As Susan Raymond explained: “Being part of a genuine company gives the learners real experience in producing and selling goods, and they were justifiably proud of themselves, as were we!”

The new initiative involves training teachers on site at the College to become Subject Learning Coaches (SLCs). The role of SLCs is then to spread excellent and cutting-edge teaching techniques throughout their specialist sectors.

The training, which began last week, is just the latest result of the College’s close relationship with the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) – the national body set up to improve the quality of teaching and learning in further education.

Sally Emerson, the College’s Head of Transforming Learning explained: “Subject Learning Coaches within the College are trained to disseminate innovative, active learning methods and to share resources with their peers. Other recent projects have seen the College piloting and producing brand new teaching and learning materials.”

Jane O’Neill, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Learner Experience, added: “As a Beacon College, we are not just committed to making our own staff excellent, effective teachers. We also have an important role to play in promoting the very best practice across our sector as a whole.”

Ann Obatomi, a maths teacher, and Adedayo Sangoniron, a science teacher, are taking the next step in the process by training as Advanced Coaches. At last week’s session, they joined forces with Lead Coach and business teacher Benson Osejindu to deliver SLC training to eighteen enthusiastic, committed teachers.

Sally Emerson said: “the teachers who received today’s training came from a wide range of curriculum areas, from construction to sport and fitness. They will now go back to their teams and share what they have learnt, which will eventually raise the standards of teaching experienced by every student in every classroom across the College.”

Jane O’Neill explained the importance of this type of activity, saying: “I am delighted that we have such committed staff who become Coaches for the benefit of the College as a whole, promoting excellent teaching and learning for all.”

During a week-long visit to the Rock UK Outward Bound Centre in Kent, the learners took part in a variety of challenging events, designed to develop their team work, communication and personal motivation skills. The activities included assault courses, raft building, a high rope course, abseiling, rock climbing, swimming, parachute jump, volleyball, a night hike and lots of team work scenarios.

Public services lecturer Neil Templeman said: “the whole week was physically and mentally demanding, and it was great to see the learners’ confidence develop. When we left at the end of the course, I think every learner had overcome personal battles to achieve one or other of the tasks they had faced.”

Learners agreed that some of the most challenging activities were those involving heights. One task, called ‘the leap of faith’, involved climbing a telegraph pole and standing on a tiny platform, before jumping to reach a trapeze bar 12ft away. Neil said: “This really was as much a mental challenge as a physical one – both learners and staff together had to develop the mental toughness to make that leap.”

Neil’s colleague, Sports and Public Services lecturer Nihaad Kapdi said that the learners were sad to leave the centre at the end of their week of adventure: “We’ve all taken away great memories – not just of the activities we all participated in, but of working in teams to achieve things together. We couldn’t have done things like the assault course or the raft building without learning about cooperation and effective communication.”

Learners also had to cook their own food for the week, as well as managing their own time and keeping their accommodation clean and tidy. Nihaad explained: “this wasn’t just a holiday for the learners. It was a real opportunity for them to develop the responsibility and organisation that would be crucial in a career in the uniformed services, for instance. I’m proud of the way our learners rose to all the challenges.”

The event, which attracted professionals from across a keen growth industry were highly impressed by the students’ technical standard of work as well as their exceptional talent.

Graphic Artist, Dumisami Kopotsha who has worked for the likes of Sony and News International, has been mentoring the students through their course, said: “The imagination, flair and skills that these young people have is amazing.

“The artwork on display was fantastic and I’m positive that they’ll all have a great career in the industry. All I can say is ‘watch this space’.”
 
Included in the exhibition was work from Anderson Arokium (18) who is studying Media Production Games Development BTEC Level 2. Anderson said: “It is deeply satisfying to show off all my hard work and really good to speak to industry insiders and get their opinion.”
 
Games Development tutor, Gary Beswick, was really impressed with his students saying: “The standard of the students’ work gets better and better each year. All my students in the last year of their National Diploma have gained places within higher education.

“I am extremely proud to have taught such a talented group of individuals and look forward to what next year brings.”

The exhibition includes work from students studying a BTEC National Certificate and National Diploma course.
 
Students are taught all aspects of games design, from developing concepts to 3D modelling using the latest industry standard software, and either progress to a junior games industry role, or to a specialist games or interactive media degree programme.

Jane O’Neill, the College’s Vice-Principal for Curriculum and Learner Experience said: “The work of our games design learners is truly outstanding and I anticipate some very successful careers in this area.”

September 2010 will see the expansion of the curriculum area to include an animation course, which is a reflection of the consistently high standards being produced by students studying in this area.

Ossie spoke about his rise through the football ranks in Argentina and England and answered a range of questions from the learners. 

Afterwards the students broke into groups to analyse the techniques and abilities of four famous players and later gave a short presentation to Ossie.

The visit was arranged by Lecturer in Sports and Public Services, Amanda Neufville-Austin, who was ecstatic to have the footballing great speak to her students.

“From his days as a player through to being a manager, Ossie is an inspiration.  He’s had such an amazing journey yet he is still so humble,” she said.

Ossie started playing football at a young age and had an obvious gift.  He said that while growing up in Argentina, his father stressed the importance of having an education, so he began studying a degree in law.

After he was selected to play for the national team, Ossie had to put his studies on hold to fully concentrate on a professional career in football. 

He was a World Cup champion in 1978 and later moved to England to play for Tottenham.  Ossie was instrumental in helping them win the 1981 FA Cup.

He said he still rates fellow team-mate Maradona as the best ever footballer.

As an Ambassador for Tottenham Hotspur, Ossie represents the club at various functions, helps promote the game and passes his knowledge on to young people.

Ossie said: “College is wonderful!  I enjoyed it very much and wish I could go back and study.  I think it’s important for young people to be part of the community and gain an education.”

Some of the students he spoke to were also members of the College's Football Academy.

Ossie said: “It’s a great thing if you can combine football and study.”