Former students inspire others Women changing perceptions
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021
Former
students
inspire
others
Page 8
Women
changing
perceptions
Page 14
Bringing Coulsdon students Safe return
Glory to reach new heights to college
Pathway Page 9 Page 3
Centre New Employability Hub
Page 22 Page 13
New
Nursing
Suite
Page 16
02 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 03
A TERM OF STUDENTS
CONTENTS RETURN
03 Students return safely
ACHIEVEMENTS SAFELY
04 News and views Welcome to the spring edition of
Staff and students have been
04 Coulsdon students feel like our Croydon Education Matters
welcomed back to Croydon
dancing newsletter – a termly round-up
College and Coulsdon Sixth
of news from our collegiate -
04 Award for Shyam Form College, as coronavirus
Croydon College, Coulsdon Sixth
04 College CEO Caireen restrictions begin to be
Form College and the Croydon
chats Croydon University Centre.
eased across the country. “The Croydon
05 Lockdown learners The College undertook a phased College test centre
Firstly I’d like to say a huge
choose pic of the bunch
congratulations to every member of
return for those studying full time is well organised,
on Monday 8 March, to ensure the
05 College heats up with our community who was involved College remained safe for both the staff are kind,
cooking competition in successfully getting all our 16-18 students and staff, as well as their friendly and support
06 Lecturer has book students back onsite from 8 March and families.
published those who have made arrangements for you throughout
CAIREEN
07 Snappy students promote
adults to have blended learning from 15
MITCHELL
To assist with keeping the College the process. The
March. The calm, safe and professional safe, students were invited to
wellbeing take lateral flow COVID-19 tests staff within the test
environment we have since established Principal & CEO
at each campus has been amazing.
to ensure they did not have centre ensure you
08 Meet our Alumni coronavirus and potentially spread
Students are delighted to be back, and
it to other members of the College
understand the
it feels fantastic to see our buildings
09 Hospitality & Tourism come back to life. Congratulations team
Community. These tests, which requirements and
reaching new heights Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth
produce the results after half an process of the testing.
hour, remain available and can be
Form College.
booked via MyProgressTracker.
10 World of Work
Testing for staff has been ongoing
I received the test
This year we have put the capital funding provided by the
14 Women Changing Perceptions Department for Education to great use by renovating classrooms since the beginning of February. results within 30 test at the College went smoothly;
the test centre feels incredibly
and refurbishing large areas throughout our Croydon Campus. Croydon College Principal and minutes. Well done professional and safe, and
15 International Women’s Day Find out more on page 13. CEO, Caireen Mitchell said: Croydon College for throughout my experience I was
“A massive congratulations
16 Croydon University Centre We are always looking for ways to improve the learning
to everyone involved in the
an outstanding test supported by knowledgeable and
environment for our students so we are also in the process of friendly staff.”
16 Suite new look for nursing establishment of the testing centre!!”
bidding for more capital funding from the DfE to continue our There is a one-way system around
students centre for asymptomatic staff
renovations and much needed maintenance. the College and floor designs
and students. My first lateral flow
17 Degree fees frozen Staff Member remain in place to remind the
It is also with great pride that we’ve recently received the funding
18 Croydon University Centre College Community to remain
to expand on and deliver an employability programme for Croydon
confirms newley validated socially distanced and provide
residents of all ages. This means Croydon College will be able to
directions through the one-way
degrees help locals find their next steps into employment or education. system. Staff and students, except
Read more on page 10. those who are exempt, have been
20 Student Profiles wearing face coverings when
I am also delighted to announce that during this busy period we have
moving around the College and
retained and indeed widened our Matrix Accreditation. A massive
22 The Pathway Centre in communal areas, to assist with
well done to everyone involved and especially the Student Services
reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Team for their excellent leadership and management of the process.
23 News & Views
Apprentices and Croydon
Finally, I’d like to say a huge thank you to our staff and students University Centre students have
24 Diary dates 2021 who voluntarily take part in the lateral flow tests at our test centres been continuing home learning, in
and those who continue to follow all the necessary COVID-19 line with government guidance, and
guidelines in order to protect our College Community. I’d like to the College group looks forward to
wish you all a restful break over the Easter Holidays. welcoming them back in a safe and
Follow us secure manner soon.
04 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 05
NEWS & VIEWS
COULSDON STUDENTS VIRTUAL CAREERS EVENT WITH
NOVELLIST CHRIS CORBETT
FEEL LIKE DANCING PAS
TA CHA
LLENG
E
ct th
e
reat
nity
ortu ills
opp our sk
y
A g evelop your C nt
to d add to represe
V
Performing Arts students at sele s and also to e.
will r entrie red and colleg
ges e te r
Jud six pap l be en sent you
p
to you w il pre
Coulsdon Sixth Form College to re
rs
arne . nd a l
all le te a a fin e.
For articipa into colleg t.
to p you
r dien
ingre is
have worked hard to put a as
past use o
with s if the
main asta
the fresh p
f
e
ow
to g £10
ith
ish era g an
together compilation videos to
al d ark bev f less th
K rigin ore m
E TAS an o ore m ct a
sele udget
o
TH pro
d uce
will
sc
gion ave
a nd
ab
e to arners or re . You h e dis
h
ill b
showcase what they’ve learnt so ntry g th r will
le e
sk w level 3 cou in cours tailin tuto
r ta any
You l 2 and d. a d de . Your
e
Lev rporate from or a m base rk
ca n be arter p a per d of wo
inco h a st
far during the course. a dis an be be o
past will a meth plain
The dish. It
c tion nd . d ex s:
peti ture a urpose h an d word balance n
r
you e dish
. com ic p n dis re e se
the nts, a p r this ose o hund how th e cho
for
th e of ie fo r ch , av
t stag ingred mplate r you it of tw e dish you h
firs e te fo m th io n
rag ide a li chosen or reg
e
The ding th with a
Watch the videos on YouTube,
eve y
inclu ide yo
u b rov ave tr
v p riate oice. P you h at coun
pro pro ch hy h
n ap r your ining w and w
ct a la rk
Sele ason on exp res wo
fo
click on the QR codes below. tu
re
the planati nd tex
a
an ex ours h. e
f flav asta dis to b e a
o p date ceiv
the k off s will re nd the s!
for coo ie a
tual ll entr ement ith prize
D L INE l vir A
Fina rmed. f achie arded
v w
DEA
n fi o w
Contemporary Musical Theatre
n te f
issio co
ifica l be
re rs o
arch
bm cert sts wil tuto e
r su li the Colleg
e fo fina om l
dlin ck fr egiona !
Dea
5M
d Lu
Dance Video Medley Video Goo bridge n Colle
C a
and
m
Cro
y d o
R ge
Novelist, corporate communications
expert and freelance writer, Chris
Literature students.
Chris discussed aspects of his
COLLEGE
Corbett hosted a virtual careers talk
with Coulsdon Sixth Form College
career and gave several top tips to
help students get into the world of
HEATS UP WITH
A Level English Language and writing. COOKING
Award for Shyam his CIMA certificate following the
workshop. PEACE COMPETITION
As part of HE taster week, Croydon
EDUCATION
University Centre BA (Hons) Business
and Management students were
PROGRAMME Lockdown Croydon College Cookery
students took part in an Inter-
learners
invited to a virtual Charted Institute College Pasta Competition with
of Management Accountants (CIMA) INSPIRES A Cambridge Regional College
workshop hosted by Jason Nye.
Student Executive and Student
BETTER WORLD choose pic of students.
The top six entries from both
the bunch
Mentor, Shyam Pillai was awarded The Peace Education colleges were chosen by a panel
Programme, currently on of judges. The 12 finalists will
offer to Coulsdon Sixth
COLLEGE CEO looking ahead and what factors
could most positively change Form students, consists of ESOL students at Croydon College
soon compete in a virtual
cook-off for a chance to win
CAIREEN Croydon in the next few years. videos, animations and/ have embraced online learning some exciting prizes!
CHATS CROYDON Caireen spoke about Building
Back Better and increasing access
or infographic materials
designed to educate students
during lockdown by taking part in
new activities set by their tutors.
Croydon College’s very own to a more skilled workforce in on a better world. One of the new activities included
Principal and CEO Caireen Mitchell Croydon and developing local Michael Clarke, Student the photo project. The task was to ESOL lecturer has
featured in Croydon Conversations
hosted by Develop Croydon.
talent through education and
training. Go to www.youtube.com/
Experience Officer at the pick any image of the College that original poetry published
College said: “The Peace inspires the student the most and
The conversation was focused on watch?v=nv1OW02mY6c Education Programme explain why. Judith Kingston, an ESOL lecturer at Croydon
encourages the students College, often uses her spare time to write
One student who took part in the poetry, fiction stories and plays.
to use their critical thinking photo project said “The image of
skills. They talk about the Over the past few years she has used her creative
the front of the College is the most
subject of peace in a relaxed skills to stage Christmas pantomimes with ESOL
inspiring picture for me. Every time I
discursive environment. The students and has seen her poetry published in a
come to College, all the stress I have
course is structured well and wide variety of literary magazines and two print
goes away. I have met a lot of friends
the videos and discussion anthologies. She also has a short poetry e-book
and inspiring teachers. This is the
balance out the content.” out with Ghost City Press.
place where I’m happiest.”
06 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 07
NEWS & VIEWS
Sustainability DO MORE, BE MORE WITH VIRTUAL ISHA ALI
at the core of ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME SNAPPY STUDENTS
Strategic Plan All students at Croydon College and
Coulsdon Sixth Form College have
and enjoy themselves.
PROMOTE
WELLBEING
Sustainability is one of the core Restrictions meant the enrichment
values in our Strategic Plan, been getting involved in a full range
programme has moved online, and
underpinning everything that of enrichment activities in the Do
students have been involved in a
we do. Our commitment to More, Be More Virtual Enrichment
range of activities from learning
sustainability runs throughout programme, to help them embrace A Level Photography students at Coulsdon Sixth Form College
Mindfulness techniques, to how to
all our practices, including the new normal and participate in
decorate biscuits on a budget! have been busy creating wellbeing posters in response to the
working with the Curriculum virtual sessions to learn new skills
Team to ensure the courses latest lockdown.
and teaching enable the Students took the images from inside their own homes or gardens
delivery of qualifications for March Virtual Enrichment and created the posters using various online tools such as Pixlr,
sustainable jobs. 2021 Programme Snapseed or Picsart.
Departments such as Hair &
DO MORE,
Beauty and Creative Arts ensure
that students dispose of waste TIANNA SMART RENE OSTBY GRAHAM
in a sustainable manner, and
lesson resources are sustainably
sourced and eco-friendly.
In the Business, Community
and Access department,
Business students are
completing a ‘crisp packet’
BE MORE! PHOEBE NEWMAN
project, which gets them to
think about the ways we can
make crisp packets sustainable.
Access students have also 2 3
provided helpful feedback on
assessments for this term, all
of which have been carried out
Virtual concert
online.
Health and Care students have
LECTURER raises money for
been completing a variety of
community based projects in
HAS BOOK local hospital
their study programme - all
linked to sustainability.
PUBLISHED Coulsdon Sixth Form College
Music students proved despite
LEAH HARDING JADA GIBSON MICHELLE BEDIAKO
Croydon University lockdown, the show must go on!
The College group is also
Centre’s very own By taking their talents online,
working with awarding
Public Health and the students staged an exciting
organisations to develop new
Social Care, and online charity concert to help raise
pathways into environmental
Early Childhood money for Croydon University
sciences, where units could
be used across a number of Studies lecturer, Dr Hospital. The event successfully
courses. Philomena Osseo- raised more than £100 for the
Asare has released hospital and was well received
We have even reduced the
her very own book. by an audience of staff, students,
number of printed copies of
family and friends.
this edition of our Croydon
Education Matters newsletter The book examines changes in
to support our strategy. Ghanaian language and literacy
policy following independence in
1957 to consider its impacts on
early literacy teaching.
You can purchase a copy here:
www.routledge.com/product/
isbn/9780367424114
08 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 09
COLLEGE ALUMNI HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
Former students inspire others REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Even after leaving education, our alumni remain a key part of our community, Coulsdon Sixth Form College’s Level 2
engaging and motivating students to achieve their goals and progress along Hospitality, Travel and Tourism students
(left) have received their latest exam
their chosen career path. results - with 83% achieving a merit or
distinction.
LOUISE WARDLE JAMES FARMER Donna Hollick, Head of Faculty for
Vice-President of Social Worker Business and Service Industries, said: “I’m
International Marketing Former Croydon University Centre extremely proud of our students who
have achieved fantastic results during
for Subway student James Farmer hosted a virtual
uncertain times.
careers talk for current students.
“A huge thank you to tutor Sarita Lightfoot-
James studied BA (Hons) Public
Taylor who taught this exam unit.”
Health and Social Care at the
University Centre and successfully
graduated with a First Class Honours. Coulsdon fuelled
He then went on to do his Master’s alumni’s lofty ambitions STAFF PROFILE: Sarita Lightfoot-Taylor
Degree at University of Sussex in As part of Careers Week, Coulsdon Despite restrictions on the tourism and hospitality sectors, Coulsdon
Brighton. During his chat with Sixth Form College alumni and Cabin Sixth Form College’s Hospitality, Travel and Tourism courses continue
students, he said: Crew member for TUI Oscar Quigley to go from strength to strength - thanks to great staff sharing their
helped inspire current-day students. years of expertise from working in the industry to help the next
“Croydon University Centre gave me Oscar is just one of Coulsdon’s generation on their journey.
successful Travel and Hospitality
a chance at a time when I was low in students who have moved on to
Sarita Lightfoot-Taylor is Head of Year Intermediate, Teacher of
Business, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism and joined Coulsdon Sixth
confidence. The best advice I can give is achieve great things. He studied at Form College following a successful career at Thomas Cook.
the College between 2016 and 2019,
that you have to be comfortable with being studying Level 2 Travel and Tourism What inspired you to become a teacher?
uncomfortable. Always be kind to yourself, and Level 2 Media in his first year, Working with young people is my calling;
Croydon College alumni, Louise
Wardle hosted an online talk to learn from feedback and bounce back.” and Level 3 Travel and Tourism, Level
3 Media and Level 2 Cabin Crew in
combined with my love of the Hospitality
and Travel industries means I get to share
inspire current Croydon College his final two years. my experiences and open the students up to
students to follow their dreams just
as she did. ALUMNI TAKE PART IN CAREERS MONTH Oscar is thankful for the support he opportunities outside of their comfort zone.
Hospitality is one of my favourite subjects to
received from his course leaders,
Discussing her career journey, As part of Careers Month, Coulsdon Sixth Form College hosted a range teach as it revolves around what we all do to
who continued to motivate him
Louise showed students where her of virtual Career Pathway Evenings to give prospective students the relax or make memories with friends and family.
to aim high. He also
HND in Graphic Design has taken opportunity to hear from tutors, past and present students, and industry
met some life long What do you love most about your job?
her so far. speakers about our courses and what career paths they could lead to.
friends and went on
I love seeing the students achieve their exam
Commenting on her talk, We were delighted to see so many of our alumni, including Akua Apeagyei some memorable results and realising the potential that is within
Louise said: and Liane Davies, agree to join us at our Career Pathway Evenings and help trips to places such as them. Being a part of the journey for students
inspire the next generation of students. Barcelona and Beijing. who start at Level 2 and leave in their upper sixth year to go onto
“I look back on such Attendees had the chance to move between breakout rooms to chat our He has always wanted university, full time employment or an apprenticeship is extremely
to travel the world and rewarding for me.
fond memories at former students including Lareb Naseem and Sophia Carey who both
work within the Travel
studied Media at Coulsdon College. How have you found online teaching during the pandemic?
Croydon College. sector.
Online teaching, albeit challenging at times, meant I could get
It was also a pleasure to welcome back Rajen Jotangia, Mohammed Sheikh Oscar said: “I was fulfilling my
I’ve relished the and Yusef Ahmet who have all been friends since their Coulsdon College dream of travelling to destinations
creative with my lessons and discover new ways to keep students
engaged through the use of technology resources. I invited many
opportunity to share days more than 10 years ago. all over the world. Last March I only
guest speakers from local Hospitality businesses to speak to my
managed two trips before lockdown
my knowledge and brought my contract to an end.
students who found this beneficial and inspiring.
experience with “Fortunately, TUI has invited me to
current students to return in May - I have everything
APPLY NOW
crossed this will go ahead! It’s not too late to apply to our courses - scan
inspire them.” the QR code to start your application now.
10 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 11
WORLD OF WORK
Your roadmap to recovery ON-THE-JOB SKILLS GAINED ONLINE
Work experience is an important session is designed to help students
gain invaluable insights into the
As Croydon and the rest of the UK begins to reopen, many people will part of all our students’ study
industry they are interested in.
programme. They are required
be returning to a very different world. Croydon College is here to help. to complete one week of work Our Construction and Creative Arts
experience with local, regional students took part in their five-day Meet ISG -
and national businesses. programme on Monday 22
March in partnership with ISG.
our Virtual Work
While lockdown restrictions have
Following them will be: Experience Partner
made this challenging, we have
ISG is a global construction
still been able to deliver work Engineering & Science
specialist, delivering places
experience for our students through students - Monday 19 April
a series of virtual work experience where people and businesses
– Friday 23 April 2021
programmes. thrive and their aim is to
Business, IT, and Travel & inspire and encourage the next
Many will have been furloughed We have a fantastic range of Tourism students generation to pursue a career
at some point in the past year, employers on board to help deliver Monday 26 April in construction.
worked on reduced hours and our virtual programme and every – Friday 30 April 2021
As part of the virtual work
pay, and had their careers experience placement,
paused, or stopped completely Construction students were
Meet the
and many will be looking to At the Meet the Construction able to gain an insight into the
retrain or upskill. Our young Apprentice Employer virtual event, construction industry and ISG
people also face some difficult
decisions about their next steps Construction attendees were able to chat to a
variety of employers in the industry
as a company through a series
of workshops and activities.
into further education, higher
education or whether to go Apprentice including Mott MacDonald, Willmott
Dixon and Kier, who shared their
Students then worked on a mini
project and presented their final
straight into employment.
Located at the Croydon Campus,
Employer expert knowledge about the
sector and potential routes into
piece at the end of the week.
For more information about
employment, including apprenticeships
our newly formed World of
Work Team are on hand to help
Our World of The Croydon College World of Work
and industry placements.
our Virtual Work Experience
Programme, please email
team recently joined forces with the
our current students and other Work Team Croydon Constructing Excellence ravin.anenden@croydon.ac.uk
Croydon residents find their
next steps into employment or can help you Club to provide an opportunity for
Croydon residents to meet a wide
education in the post-COVID world. find your variety of Croydon-based employers
www.croydon.ac.uk/world-of-work dream career in the construction and engineering
sectors.
via a variety
of different
The government-funded Kickstart routes, including
Programme provides work
placements to 16 – 24-year-olds on
Apprenticeships,
Universal Credit. Kickstart, online
The College can also assist
employers and businesses looking
learning - and
to enhance their workforce, giving work experience
young people a chance to learn
new skills and kickstart their
for current
careers. The College works hand- students. There
in-hand with organisations to hire
the right people and ensure a six- really are no
month job placement is created. limits.
email: kickstart@croydon.ac.uk
12 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 13
WORLD OF WORK
CROYDON
Croydon College have recently been granted funding
to build a brand new World of Work Employability
Hub to help those aged 18 -24 years get into
APPRENTICESHIPS
employment through the ‘Your Future – Get Started’
programme.
The Personal Enterprise Employability Programme will help
learners think about alternative ways to find employment
and apply new skills with confidence when job seeking. The
programme promotes entrepreneurial attitudes and is based
on proven sales, business and enterprise techniques.
CROYDON APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
Apprenticeship Week took place between 8 February and 14 It gives participants the chance to explore opportunities
best suited to their skills, learn to engage with employers,
February, giving students a great opportunity to find out about
and better achieve their career goals by promoting the life
Apprenticeships and how they could support their next move
experience they have gained.
from College.
The course will focus on perceived barriers to employment
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we created a
and how to overcome them. At the end of the programme,
week-long programme of events which offered those
participants will leave with a clear action plan.
signed up the opportunity to discover apprenticeships,
hear from employers and unearth exciting opportunities
available to everyone.
Croydon residents were able to chat to our
Apprenticeships Team about the benefits of an NEW LOOK DRIVES A Level
SUSTAINABILITY Accountancy
apprenticeship and the vacancies we currently have on
offer at the College, including Higher Apprenticeships.
Participants could also ‘Meet the Apprenticeship coming to
Employer’ where they were able to chat to businesses
who currently have an apprenticeship programme on
Students have been welcomed
back to College with some
Coulsdon
offer to discover apprenticeship opportunities and if
it’s the right path for them.
renovations to our IT facilities Sixth Form
In partnership with Croydon Health Services,
and Health and Social Care
department, which are improving College
we also hosted a NHS Apprenticeships webinar, learning experiences for students
as well as driving sustainability. Coulsdon Sixth Form
where attendees were able to find out more
about the Croydon College and Croydon Health Marking the return of students on
College will soon be
Services partnership, and the NHS apprenticeship 8 March, Croydon College unveiled the first college in the
latest teaching resources. area to offer A Level
opportunities available to them. its new-look IT areas, with work
also being completed to refresh At Croydon College we want Accountancy courses.
If you missed any of the the toilets. The fully-refurbished all students to learn in pleasant
environments, with the latest and According to market data,
webinars, scan this QR code IT facilities now feature the latest
best technologies available to them, roles in Accountancy are
to catch up. teaching technology and Wi-Fi,
and bids have been made for more growing on a yearly basis,
as well as low energy LED lighting
funding from the Department for and despite the pandemic
systems that significantly reduce
Education. there continues to be
energy consumption.
APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES The Health and Social Care Paul Marsden, Director of IT &
an increased interest in
As the largest provider of apprenticeships in south accounting and finance roles.
department have also had a re-vamp, Estates, said: “We are delighted to
London, the College offers an ongoing programme with classrooms updated with the be able to have this opportunity to Some of the many benefits of
of vacancies for apprenticeships at all levels and provide our students with first class studying A Level Accountancy
employers can now take advantage of the £3,000 teaching facilities that also drive include a flexible career
apprenticeship funding recently announced. our Sustainability Strategy for the path, high earning potential,
College.” and the chance to learn
If you’re interested in an transferable skills.
apprenticeship, please scan this Sue McKeone, Academic Leader for
QR code to take a look at our Business and IT, said “The rooms Watch this space for more
list of vacancies on our website. look amazing and the students just information.
love to be in them now!”
14 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 15
WOMAN CHANGING PERCEPTIONS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
# Choose to
Challenge
The theme of International Women’s
Day 2021 was #ChooseToChallenge by
challenging and calling out gender bias and
inequality.
Our inspiring all-female Executive Team and our
Foundation Degree Public Health and Social Care
students celebrated International Women’s Day by
raising their hands to show their commitment to
#ChooseToChallenge.
Also in recognition of International Women’s Day,
Croydon University Centre’s Programme Leader and fosters gender inequality, silence
for Public Health and Social Care, Dr Pauline Aweto and stigma”. She also called for a
delivered a keynote address at an online conference, “focus shift from formal education to
WOMEN AT THE
which focussed on strengthening human capacity skills acquisition, entrepreneurship,
against human trafficking in the era of COVID-19. apprenticeship, and harnessing
Pauline commented: “There is the need to address and the under-utilised skills of informal
WHEEL OF VEHICLE
discourage demands that foster exploitation that leads education cemented in the experience
to human trafficking; education and lack of access, a that African women acquire in life in their traditional
shift in values, traditions and culture that promotes roles as wives and mothers.”
MAINTENANCE COURSES Female poetry for International Women’s Day
In addition, Croydon College reached out to four female poets from south London who performed original poetry on
Croydon College’s three vehicle maintenance Tilly Ricketts, Motor Vehicle Lecturer the theme of women and International Women’s Day.
courses aim to change perceptions in the I LOVE being a female doing what is
motoring sector – with female course leaders still in this day and age considered a
teaching the next generation of experts in ‘mans’ job. Sometimes I feel have to
the industry. prove my capability and knowledge
to male AND female students who
Croydon College’s Level 1 Transport Maintenance and hesitate in trusting in me. I would love
Level 2 and 3 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair courses to see more females taking on these
give those with a passion for cars an introduction into courses so in a few years from now
the industry, along with the practical experience and they will not have to prove themselves.
technical knowledge needed to work in the automotive
industry, with students learning how to carry out Jayne Savill, Vocational Lecturer
maintenance and repairs on vehicles in the College’s Shaniqua Tyries Esther Paula
I’ve always enjoyed DIY. I have
fully-equipped workshops.
expensive taste but as a single parent,
“Women are amazing and “International Women’s Day “International Women’s “International Women’s
From September 2021, these courses will be delivered as a I could not always afford to pay for
so incredibly strong, but holds an importance for Day is important to me Day is a necessary event
BTEC - a more technical and practical based qualification someone to do the work so I learnt a
don’t always get the credit me as women have been as it is a day where all that hopefully one day
which will allow students to progress to university. lot of my skills on the job. In fact, I’ve
we’re due, which makes historically unappreciated, women of different races, will not be required, which
Nicola Tarry, Curriculum Manager, said: “These courses are just installed my third kitchen!
celebrating women so particularly black women. countries, cultures and recognises the countless
a great opportunity to get into the industry and we would
wonderful and important.” This day lets us recognise religions are celebrated accomplishments and
encourage anyone – especially women – to train and Keep an eye on our website and celebrate the beauty, and reminded of their advances of all women.”
continue to change perceptions in what has traditionally www.croydon.ac.uk where more details essence and strength of powerful contributions to
been seen as a male-dominated profession.” will be announced soon. being a woman.” society.”
16 CROYDON Education Matters AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2020 17
in partnership with
SUITE NEW LOOK FOR Degree fees frozen
NURSING STUDENTS Pricing for higher fees remain comparatively
low for the coming academic
education. It is so important,
now more than ever, to support
education degree year. Amidst the difficulties of students in our local area to
courses at Croydon the pandemic, we are able to achieve their career dreams and
continue to offer affordable own their futures.”
University Centre study options without
have been frozen compromising on quality. *BSc Adult Nursing fees will
TY CENTRE CLINICAL SIMULATION SUITE GRAPHICS
for the next “We are proud to support
differ as this is run in partnership
with University of Roehampton.
SIMULATION CENTRE
all siteplan
Area 2
Cutout vinyl graphics academic year. widening participation in higher
Area 3 Fees for undergraduate degrees
Full wall vinyl graphic
are to remain at £6,000* per
academic year and HNC (Higher
National Certificate) courses
will cost £5,450 for students
starting with us full-time in
September 2021. These prices
Artists illustration of the Clinical Simulation
Centre at Croydon University Centre are highly competitive and offer
students the reassurance and
convenience to study on their
An exciting part of our new the nursing suite to our first doorstep.
partnership with University of nursing students in September.”
From degrees in Business and
Area 1
Offset/mounted dibond
Roehampton is that the BSc
lettering with cutout vinyl logos
Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Public Health to Criminology
Adult Nursing degree, starting
Vice-Chancellor, University of and Early Childhood
from September 2021, will allow
Roehampton, added: Studies, along with HNCs
students to learn in a brand new
in Construction, Business,
state of the art nursing suite – staff from the University of “Our strategic partnership with
and teacher training, careers
The Clinical Simulation Centre in Roehampton. As part of the degree Croydon College will allow us to
really are made and shaped at
the heart of Croydon at Croydon programme, students will take part harness our respective strengths
Croydon University Centre.
University Centre. in placements at Croydon Health to educate the next generation
Services NHS Trust and other local of healthcare professionals. By working with local
It has been a long-held ambition of
health providers. employers, courses offer great
the College to bring a Nursing Degree The University of Roehampton
to Croydon, to better meet the employment prospects, allowing
Miemie Neethling-Taylor, Head has a thriving Adult Nursing
needs of the local economy, and the students the chance to develop
of Higher Education, Croydon programme, with a strong
community it serves. a deep understanding of their
University Centre said: emphasis on community and
subject, high-level job skills and
Croydon University Centre have “The Clinical Simulation Centre primary care nursing, providing a a positive attitude to important
invested close to £1 million to install
is a great asset for our students wide range of career options for workplace issues including
the Clinical Simulation Centre, which
and the wider community. We our graduates. We are excited workplace diversity and equal
replicates realistic community and
are really excited about this to work in partnership with opportunities.
in-hospital settings. Here students
will safely practice clinical skills facility and it is becoming more Croydon College and healthcare Miemie Neethling-Taylor, Head
with other students, service users, of a reality each day. Students providers, including Croydon of Higher Education, said:
role players and hi-tech patient will be able to see the project University Hospital, to offer “We are delighted to announce
simulators under the guidance of develop over the next few this innovative programme to a our higher education course
experienced clinical and academic months. We cannot wait to open wider audience.”
18 CROYDON Education Matters AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2020 19
STUDENT PROFILE
Natasha, a former Croydon the pandemic on the NHS in her first
College student and mum clinical placement.
of four, is a first year BSc Adult In the short time Natasha has been at
Nursing student at the University Roehampton, she has become actively
of Roehampton. involved in networking with the Royal
Upon her return to education in 2019, College of Nursing and the General
Natasha initially wanted to pursue a Practice Nursing, Student and Nurse
career in Midwifery, but it was a Nursing Network (GPN SNN) as a Student
Studies lecturer at Croydon College, Ambassador.
who through her own passion for Natasha now has a strong desire to
nursing, helped Natasha understand be a General Practice Nurse and has
nursing was more suited to her. thanked Croydon College for helping
She has already learnt so much her kickstart her nursing career.
through theory and clinical skills
APPLY NOW
within the simulation centre and
For the new BSc in
clinical placements. She has even Adult Nursing course for 2021 at
experienced first-hand pressures of www.ucas.com
DEGREE COURSES STILL OPEN
FOR APPLICATIONS University Taster Week
Croydon University Centre is pleased to
announce its new university degree courses Explore and learn more about our undergraduate courses:
are starting in September 2021 in partnership
with University of Roehampton.
Monday 10 May Thursday 13 May
The bustling University Centre, situated in the buzzing
town centre of Croydon, is not your everyday university. Early Childhood Studies Construction & Engineering
It takes pride in offering a unique student experience & Public Health & Social Care
centred around smaller cohorts, catering to the Friday 14 May
individual needs of its students. The University Centre
offers a range of university level courses including Tuesday 11 May Criminology, Psychology & Social
degree courses, taught in Croydon. Adult Nursing & Teaching Level 5 Justice
There is still time to apply to be part of Croydon’s
close-knit University community in September 2021.
Prospective students can choose from a range of include Business & Management, Criminology,
Wednesday 12 May
courses including the BA (Hons) degree in Early Psychology & Social Justice, and a three-year degree in Business & Management
Childhood Studies. Public Health & Social Care. The University Centre also
offers Higher National Certificates (HNC) in Mechanical
The Early Childhood Studies course opens a world of
Engineering, Construction and Business.
opportunities for those wanting to get into education in
early years settings – with alumni moving into primary Join for FREE online via Zoom. Meet the lecturers, talk to current students,
school teaching or nursery care, and others using their APPLY NOW take part in live interactive lessons and get application advice and guidance.
knowledge gained as part of the degree to shape
By visiting:
children’s policy and research.
www.croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk
Other degrees on offer at Croydon University Centre
For more information or to register
now visit croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk20 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 21
STUDENT Applications
are up – but ARE YOU
PROFILES still time to
secure study
PASSIONATE
ABOUT
SOCIAL MEDIA?
Applications to study in Croydon
In this edition of Croydon Education Matters, we’re highlighting some of and Coulsdon are up on this
our students at Coulsdon Sixth Form College, who tell us a bit about their time last year – and prospective
JOIN OUR
students are being encouraged
courses, hopes and ambitions for the future. to apply now.
SQUAD!
And with telephone interviews
taking place instead of in-person as
a result of the COVID-19 lockdown,
the application and offer process has
been streamlined, making it easier
Jack is the Equality and
and more accessible for people to
Coulsdon College was at the Diversity Officer for Coulsdon
get a place and start their career in
top of Ronaldo’s list when Sixth Form College’s
Student Union, a role he finds the borough.
applying for college due to our
friendly staff, the large grounds extremely rewarding. At Croydon College, there has been
and location. Ronaldo wishes to As a SEN student himself, Jack an 11% increase in applications
study Economics and History at took on this role to show other students you can received, while at Croydon University
University and says Coulsdon Sixth Form College achieve your dreams no matter who you are. Centre, applications are up 27% on
has helped him to aim high in his career.
last year.
To find out about the courses We’re looking for students to
available at Croydon College visit collaborate with the College
www.croydon.ac.uk Marketing team on upcoming
For more information on the courses social media campaigns.
at Coulsdon Sixth Form College, visit
Dragisa has found online Find out more and apply here:
www.coulsdon.ac.uk www.croydon.ac.uk/social-media-squad
learning during the pandemic The mix and match
tough since she studies very programme is completely To view the courses at Croydon
practical subjects. unique to Coulsdon Sixth Form University Centre, visit
However, she has been College and is one of the main www.croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk
overwhelmed with support she’s reasons why Luke applied here.
received from the College in what has been a The flexibility of the programme has
tough time for all. enabled him to get a part-time job and start his
career journey at a young age. We are always looking for ways to improve the learning
experience for students and working environment for
staff. The views of our diverse, vibrant and creative staff
group from this survey will ensure that we create the right
environment that enables our learners to thrive, and for our
staff to be happy and engaged.
Once Bethany finishes her Nataly chose to study Politics
studies here at Coulsdon Sixth as she has always found
Form College, she plans to go herself absorbed in the world of
to University and study Fashion politics.
Management with Marketing.
Her ultimate dream is to join a political
Bethany hopes to use her degree to
party and become an MP where she will have a say
setup her own Fashion business which will focus
in laws and policies that pass in parliament.
on upcycling and sustainability.22 CROYDON Education Matters SPRING NEWSLETTER 2021 23
NEWS & VIEWS
BRINGING GLORY TO NEW STAFF INTRANET
GOES LIVE!
Matrix Accreditation
Retained
THE PATHWAY CENTRE As part of the College group’s ongoing commitment
to making improving communication with its staff, a
new intranet has been launched, with a new, easy-to-
navigate, layout.
We are delighted to announce we’ve retained and
widened our matrix Accreditation, demonstrating
the high quality standard of education support
services we provide to local residents.
Current student Glory Nnama
is the host of a new video The matrix Standard is the international quality
showcasing the great work, standard for organisations that deliver information,
facilities and staff at the advice and/or guidance, either as their sole purpose
Pathway Centre, the specialist or as part of their service offering.
education provision based at Roger Chapman,
Coulsdon Sixth Form College. Head of the matrix
A natural in front of the camera, Service for The
Glory expertly narrates and guides Growth Company said:
the viewers around the centre and “This is a fantastic
is certainly not camera shy! achievement for
Hushna Utim, SEND Manager at the Croydon College. The matrix Standard is designed
to benchmark organisations against best practice
Pathway Centre said: “It’s fantastic
in these areas. With their accreditation success,
to see Glory excelling in this way.
Croydon College is working to provide the best
Since being with us his confidence
has grown so much and his STUDENT PROFILE possible support to their clients.”
exuberance and energy really helps
to demonstrate what a happy place Glory Nnama, The Pathway Centre
College continues
this is supported by a great team of
staff and students.”
What do you like most about the What are your interests outside of VIRTUAL LEARNING to close gender
ENVIRONMENT KEEPS
Pathway Centre? College?
VIEW VIDEO
It is such a fascinating College – I
get to learn so much.
I like trainspotting, making people
laugh, listening to ‘80s music and pay gap
Scan in this QR code
to watch the video on
What has your journey been like?
It’s been exciting. I love the activities
chatting about game shows.
How has online learning been for
STUDENTS STUDYING
the Pathway Centre.
I get to do in my course which is an you? Students across the Croydon College group have been
Into Work course. I miss College a lot but I have learnt continually supported throughout lockdown and home-
to enjoy learning from another
What are your future aspirations? learning thanks to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
perspective. The staff have been so
I would love to be a comedian. reassuring and supportive. Ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, the College’s
Quality team and IT Services team, saw technology introduced
into classrooms to enable students to participate in lessons even
VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE if they’re unable to attend, incorporating Zoom and other new
technologies through the VLE system and expanded media server
In its recent gender pay gap report, the
Croydon College group has seen the
In January, students had the opportunity to take part in virtual work storage capacity so recorded lectures and additional materials
gap fall from 5.34% in favour of male
experience. Eight Into Work students and two Life Skills students could be hosted and downloaded.
employees in 2020 to 4.25% in 2021.
embarked on a week of learning, discovery and The project also saw the Intranet pages enhanced, and automatic Nationally, the mean gender pay gap is
engagement during their virtual work experience transcribing enabled on Zoom to improve accessibility for all around 9.7% in favour of males, meaning
with Birchwood Care Home. students. the College is doing better at closing that
Students explored the skills required by care home gap. Caireen Mitchell, Croydon College
Croydon College’s Head of Learning & Quality, Martin Silverwood,
employees and even designed an interactive activity for CEO and Principal, said: “This report is
said: “This was a great team effort and the VLE has had a fantastic
the residents to participate in. a significant step forward. However, we
impact on ensuring students remain supported throughout a very
realise there is more work to do and we will
Hushna said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our difficult time, with very high levels of attendance and engagement work to close the pay gap further.”
wonderful cohort of students to learn on-the-job skills!” despite being in lockdown.”24 CROYDON Education Matters
EVENT DATE
DIARY Applicants invited for an interview January - August 2021
Monday 22 March – Friday 26 March 2021
DATES
Construction Virtual Work Experience
Creative Arts Virtual Work Experience Monday 22 March – Friday 26 March 2021
Easter Holidays Monday 6 April - Friday 16 April
2021 Engineering & Science Virtual Work Experience Monday 19 April – Friday 23 April 2021
Business, IT, Travel & Tourism Virtual Work Experience Monday 26 April – Friday 30 April 2021
Half Term Monday 31 May - Friday 4 June 2021
Welcome Day Tuesday 29 June 2021
Last Day of Term Friday 2 July 2021
Early Enrolment (ESOL ONLY) Monday 9 - Friday 13 August 2021
Main Enrolment W/C Monday 25 August 2021
GCSE Results Day Friday 27 August 2021
Open Enrolment Thursday 2 - Friday 3 September 2021
*Late Enrolment Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2021
Autumn Term Monday 6 September – Friday 17 December 2021
Autumn Half Term Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2021
Applicants invited for an interview January-August 2021
Easter Holidays Monday 6 April-Friday 16 April 2021
HE Taster Week Monday 10-Thursday 13 May 2021
Half Term Monday 31 May-Friday 4 June 2021
HE Open Event Wednesday 30 June 2021
Last Day of Term Friday 2 July 2021
A Level Results Day Tuesday 24 August 2021
GCSE Results Day Friday 27 August 2021
Semester 1 Monday 13 September 2021 – Friday 14 January 2022
Study Week Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2021
Christmas Holidays Monday 20 December 2021 – Tuesday 4 January 2022
Applicants invited for an interview January - August 2021
Easter Holidays Monday 6 April - Friday 16 April 2021
Half Term Monday 31 May - Friday 4 June 2021
Welcome Day Wednesday 30 June 2021
Last Day of Term Friday 2 July 2021
A Level Results Day Tuesday 24 August 2021
GCSE Results Day Friday 27 August 2021
Main Enrolment Friday 27 August - Tuesday 1 September 2021
Bank Holiday Monday 30 August 2021
Open Enrolment Thursday 2 - Friday 3 September 2021
*LATE ENROLMENT
DATES ARE SUBJECT TO
*Late Enrolment Monday 6 - Friday 10 September 2021
CHANGE AND MAY BE
EXTENDED DEPENDING
Autumn Term Monday 6 September – Friday 17 December 2021
ON ENROLMENT
NUMBERS
Autumn Half Term Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2021You can also read
