Charlie Carter joined Newham College in 1972. Forty years on and he’s retiring (for the second time). Rebecca Cooney reports

An A-level maths tutor in East London has retired after 40 years in the same college.

Charlie Carter, 71, from Wanstead, said goodbye to staff and students at a special event at Newham College, where he has taught since 1972.

Mr Carter, who estimated that he must have tutored around 4,000 students during his career, said three things had helped to make his long service enjoyable.

“First, I like A-level maths — you have to like your subject — and I’ve been very lucky with my students and my immediate colleagues in the staffroom,” he said.

“Those things made the difference; that’s why I stayed so long: I really like the place.”

At the farewell event, his colleagues praised his ability to encourage students.

Campus executive director, Conchita Henry told him: “You’re someone who knows his craft. The result of your last year was wonderful with a 100 per cent pass rate. Students said they got through their A–levels because of you.”

She thanked him on behalf of all the students and tutors who had relied on him and said she was sorry the college would no longer have him.

“Tutors should have dedication and skills but what Charlie has is out of this world. No one can remember you having a day off since you started here.”

His dedication was so strong that staff recalled that he once turned up after a lorry had knocked him off his bike en route.

Mr Carter said: “I was a keen teacher – I enjoyed teaching, therefore I had a good attendance record.

“Whatever happened, I felt a responsibility to get there. The students were going to turn up and I felt bad if I didn’t.”

Staff also remembered three former studentsinspired by him who had nicknamed themselves ‘Charlie’s angels’.

Former student Lamon French, 20, wished Mr Carter a happy retirement and thanked him for helping him to go on to study economics at the University of East Anglia.

“I came to Newham with a C in maths but wanted to go to university. It was down to Charlie’s support that I got an A and did that,” said Mr French.

Mr Carter first ‘retired’ in 2008, aged 66, but continued to teach part-time, doing “0.6 of the same job”, as he put it, until this year.

He has seen a number of changes in teaching since arriving at what was then East Ham College of Technology.

He said: “We had no photocopiers then, so we had to handwrite handouts on a carbon backing and try to duplicate them. It was crude, slow and hard work – and it didn’t last long. You had to do it again the next year and the next.”

Although the internet and smartboards had made a difference, he said, teaching styles had also changed.

“There’s more of an interest in the individual rather than the whole class, so teaching techniques have changed a lot, They’re more effective now,” said Mr Carter.

“As an A-level teacher you’re given more information. At that time the marking schemes were all top secret; now they’re all public knowledge and there’s loads of past papers on the internet. There’s much more in the way of resources.”

He said that he planned to spend more time reading, gardening on his allotment and “taking it easy”.

“I have been blessed to have worked here for so long and I thank all my former students and colleagues for the support and friendship they have shown me,” added Mr Carter.

Featured image caption: From left: former student, Lamon French, 20, Charlie Parker and director Conchita Henry at the event to thank Charlie for his service

Young hairdressers in Somerset produced a hair-raising collection of styles for Norton Radstock College’s annual competition.

They took part in a variety of sections and chose themes ranging from ‘vintage burlesque’ to ‘tropical paradise’ in the creative avant-garde/fantasy section.

Chair of the judges and salon owner Scott Green said: “It has been very challenging for us as the standard has been exceptionally high.”

Siobhan Hillman, 23, from Midsomer Norton, was the unanimous choice as outstanding student of the year after she took first place for the total look colour enhancement section and the second slot in avant-garde/fantasy with a masquerade look inspired by her giant African snails.

Jayne Withers, senior curriculum leader for hair, beauty and photography, said: “I have been impressed by the quality of what has been created. It is a challenge for the students and it pushes them, but they have produced some stunning work.”

Featured image caption: Siobhan Hillman, 23, and her snail-inspired masquerade look modelled by former level three hairdressing student Sarah Moon, 24

Learners in London built up their skills by taking part in competitions and giving demonstrations to hundreds of visitors at their annual industry event.

More than 300 construction, engineering, and motor vehicles students at the College of North West London competed in 16 different challenges using skills such as carpentry, electronics, motor vehicle mechanics, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding and bricklaying.

Mina Salman, 17, from Kingsbury and studying a level two diploma in construction,  competed in the bricklaying challenge.

She said: “I’m taking this course because I want to become a civil engineer.

“I only started here in September and we’ve already learnt about how buildings work, how to choose materials and environmental impacts.”

Staff joined in too with principal Vicki Fagg trying her hand at making a piece of brakepipe.

Level two light vehicle maintenance student Jordan Halfhide, 17, from Kilburn, said she did “a pretty good job” but that she told him she wouldn’t like the responsibility of making the brake pipes for someone’s car!

Featured image caption: Mina Salman laying down her skills in the bricklaying competition

Rising motor racing star Alice Powell opened new automotive training workshops at Macclesfield College by cutting a ribbon held between two engines.

In a converted light industry unit, the new facilities include four ramps, new engines, classrooms and industry standard tools and equipment.

Alice Powell said: “This is fantastic — if I had had facilities like this when I was younger, I would’ve been over the moon.”

She said that motorsport in future would look to students and apprentices trained “in workshops like this”.

“It is so important to have the support of good engineers and mechanics. Everything you see in the industry, it all started here in workshops,” she said.

Featured image caption: Alice Powell cuts the ribbon with students Callum Benson, 18, principal Simon Andrews and Adam Swindells-Wright, 18

An apprentice plumber proved his ambition to be ‘Plumber of the Year’ was no pipe dream when he won the South West regional heat.

Dean Stratford, 21, who is studying a level two apprenticeship at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College while working for DW Dunn Ltd, beat 11 other hopefuls to compete in the national finals next month.

Dean, who is from South Cerney, said: “I found the skills I have learnt both on the job and at college meant the task in the competition was second nature to me. I can’t wait for the next round.”

He hopes to go on to complete a level three apprenticeship.

Tutor Tony Rainford said: “Dean has a natural ability for all things mechanical,…and he approached the competition with such a good attitude. Excellent work Dean.”

Featured image caption: Dean Stratford, 21, who could be on his way to becoming plumber of the year

Learners in south east Wales produced out of this world designs inspired by space and films for a spectacular live hair and make-up show.

Hairdressing students at Coleg Gwent let their imagination run wild with styles inspired by the silver screen, while theatrical make-up students took their designs from outer space.

Level three hairdressing student Sophie Gill, 18, won first place with zebra themed hair and make-up inspired by the film Madagascar, with Claire Hulett, 31, coming second with her Willy Wonka look, complete with pic‘n’mix laden hair.

First place in the theatrical make-up category was won by 19–year–old Jody Amner’s intergalactic angel with silver body paint that took seven hours to apply.

Coleg Gwent’s head of school for services to people, Helen Lawless, said: “This was a fantastic creative effort from a whole range of students.

“Everyone can be really proud of what they’ve achieved; it was a great event that enabled students to demonstrate their skill and talent.”

Comedian Matt Parker recently popped into Weston College to show around 90 A-level students that maths doesn’t always have to be serious.

The number-crunching  funnyman demonstrated how numbers were used in a typical episode of The Simpsons, and explained how maths was used in data encryption on websites such as Facebook.

Australian-born Matt, who has made a name for himself through YouTube videos and radio appearances, is a qualified teacher working in London.

Weston maths lecturer Ryan Aves, who organised the event, said: “Matt is very popular on the comedy circuit so it was great to have him along to show off his skills.

“His material is funny and thought-provoking, and he was a big hit with the students.”

Featured image caption: Matt Parker entertaining students at Weston College

An 18-year-old Cheshire student is hoping to represent the UK in the world water polo championships later this year.

Courtney Dean, an A2 PE student at Priestley College, is working with national coaches towards her goal of making the under-20s squad in the international competition in August.

She started playing as an eight-year-old after her brother asked her to fill in for his team.

“I enjoyed swimming, but I am more of a team player so it really suited me,” she said.

She has already competed in championships across Europe, including Russia where she had a taste of the celebrity life.

“It is one of their main sports — everybody was asking for our autographs,” she said.

Nigel Howells, Priestley’s head of sport, said: “It is great to hear about Courtney’s success, which is well deserved given her dedication to the sport.”

Caption for featured image: Courtney Dean, 18, hopes to represent the UK in the water polo world championships

London hairstylist Vas Karpetas has worked with celebrities such as Kiera Knightley, Jude Law — and The Sheffield College students.

He used the students as models when he was invited in to demonstrate the latest on-trend styles.

Vas said: “There are so many different career options within hairdressing, including editorial work, fashion, film and television and the theatre as well as working in salons.

“I explained that the most important thing is to have a go at new ideas, and that it’s OK to make mistakes because you learn from them.”

The event was held as part of the college’s Industry Week, which offered specialists the chance to showcase their skills in barbering, hairdressing, bamboo massage, eyebrow threading, hair extensions, make-up and Afro-Caribbean hairdressing.

Principal Julie Byrne said the college was “delighted” by Vas’s “inspirational” visit.

Featured image caption: Celebrity hairstylist Vas Karpetas with Sheffield College A–level student Alicia Irvine, 17, and aviation student Elize Miezane, 16, who were models for his demonstration