Latest news from FE Week

Farewell, you won’t be forgotten

As I write these words, I’m hurtling through the countryside on a train heading back to Peterborough, having left FE Week for the final time after possibly the busiest and most exciting eight months of my five-year working life.

So why leave? Well, the aforementioned location for writing this piece, as well as the small digitals shining ‘9.25pm’ in the bottom corner of my laptop screen, give you an insight into the decision.

But as the cliché goes, and I love a good cliché, sometimes you get an opportunity you can’t let pass you by – and it is this situation I have found myself in these past few weeks.
But is it goodbye to FE forever? I honestly hope not. These eight months opened my eyes to a vibrant, exciting, and somewhat misunderstood sector.

There is so much good going on in FE and it’s a pleasure to say since the very first edition of FE Week in September of last year, I have been near the forefront of some of its biggest successes.

It was in those first few days that I first heard of what of was to be my favourite part of working at FE Week; WorldSkills London 2011, which took place just two months later in November.
Over four days, the ExCel was my home – reporting live and filing copy from this huge international event. It allowed me to meet many famous faces, from fine dining with Eddy the Eagle, to a very brief “Q&A” with Boris Johnson (well, one question).

But, the more lasting memory is that it also allowed me to see exactly what FE is all about; thousands of students and teachers showcasing their skills, surrounded by proud parents, friends and supporters. And how great was it to see Team UK come away with a record showing?

The same month also saw another major highlight of my time at FE Week, which was the Association of Colleges’ Annual Conference and Exhibition in Birmingham.

Three days of policy and debate – not only busy schedule-wise, but also a steep learning curve for me – still only new in the sector at the time.

You have all contributed to what has been a thoroughly enjoyable part of my career

I doubt I’ll help move a whole newspaper office, computers and all, to set up camp in a hotel for a half-a-week to cover an event ever again!

The conference also introduced me to the sociable side of FE at the FE Week charity auction. Not only was it a really fun night, but to be part of something that raised so much money for a worthy cause, the Helena Kennedy Foundation, is something that will stay with me for a long time.

So, what about the future and FE Week? Well, a new education journalist will arrive next week and she will be a valuable addition to the team. In fact, it may even be easier with one less Nick in the office!

Joking aside, FE Week has grown significantly since launching eight months ago – to be honest, probably more than I expected prior to my arrival! Its impact on the FE sector is clear for all to see and plans for the future are progressing very well.

It has a hugely talented team, especially on the editorial side with Nick Summers and Dan Duke, and great background staff. It goes without saying that I wish them well for the future.

I think that’s everything, other than to say that it has been a pleasure to work with every one of you. You have all contributed to what has been a thoroughly enjoyable part of my career. Thank you and good luck!

Nick Reinis,
former deputy editor of FE Week

FE Week proudly presents FE Weekend

FE Weekend is an inaugural summer conference organised by FE Week, which will provide an opportunity for attendees, from across the sector and at all levels, to receive business critical updates on policy developments and to discuss future changes to further education.

To find out more and register click here.

West Thames College students on ITV show

Students from West Thames College were featured in a health item for ITV’s award-winning This Morning programme.

The students asked questions to camera as part of a Medical Myth Busting item on health, contraception and sexual awareness.

The filming and questions were led by ITV’s Laura Sommerville and Sam Palmano, who praised the students for their professionalism and confidence throughout the filming session.

Performing Arts student John Roberts (18) said: “The filming experience was fantastic as we got to take direction from two television industry professionals who made it both fun and unique. It’s a great thing to have on my CV.”

The students’ questions will air on May 15 and will be answered in the studio by the show’s resident GP, Dr Chris Steele.

Leyton Sixth Form College hits the slopes

Leyton Sixth Form College had its first ever skiing expedition as students tackled the beautiful Italian Alps for a week of physical exertion and sensational skiing.

Kumba Hutt, English teacher and organiser, said: “None of the students had ever skied before, but within the week all had skilfully mastered the sport and the slopes.”

Chris Price, vice-principal, said: “The trip was a fantastic success.

“The college provides many opportunities for student travel and this year our young people have also been on a visit to New York.

“We aim to give students the widest possible opportunities to broaden their horizons.”

Blackburn College tells students to belt up

Blackburn College has joined forces with the council to highlight dangers of not wearing a seatbelt after a shocking new survey revealed 50 per cent of young people in the Borough admitted to not wearing one.

According to a road safety survey, more than half of the young people in Blackburn with Darwen admit to not wearing a seat belt when travelling in the car, with females admitting they wear one occasionally when travelling in the front seat or on a motorway.

As part of the Your Life Your Call initiative, an innovative campaign highlighting the consequences of not wearing a seat belt, Blackburn College students had the opportunity to witness a car that had been in a crash supported by young actors, complete with realistic injuries, who were travelling in the car.

Barry Griffiths, head of learner services at Blackburn College, said: “It’s really important we educate our students about the dangers of driving and not wearing a seatbelt.”

South Cheshire College is STEM assured

South Cheshire College has won a prestigious national standard.

The Crewe College has been awarded the New Engineering Foundation’s (NEF) STEM Assured status, which recognises excellence in the quality of scientific, technical mathematical and engineering delivery in education and training.

The standard places a particular emphasis on industry relevance and embedding STEM skills across a range of learning areas.

The award reflects the college’s determination to be at the forefront of the technical and scientific curriculum and desire to meet the needs of local and national employers. The NEF’s Dr Sarah Peers, who led the STEM Assured process, said: “This was a strong application showing evidence of good practice embedded at both lecturer and management levels of the college, with follow through in ensuring that provision meets the needs of employers and students.

South Cheshire College is only the fifth college in the country to be awarded STEM Assured status.

Havering College students to host BBC show

Media students at Havering College of Further and Higher Education are to host a BBC Question Time-style politics show after winning a national competition.

The college will be hosting a live webcast debate with politicians and celebrities on June 1. The programme will also be broadcast on the BBC Parliament channel.

The prize is the result of the college’s curriculum manager for Media, Andy Popperwell, entering a five minute edited clip of Havering Asks in the BBC’s annual Schools Questions and Answers competition.

The Havering Asks event was organised by the college and Havering Council during Local Democracy Week last September and involved a filmed debate with an audience of 150 young people and a panel of politicians and celebrities.

Mr Popperwell said: “This is an excellent achievement for the college. Our students and staff are excited to be working with the BBC on a live broadcast. Young people will be able to question politicians and celebrities on the issues which matter to them. It will be a fantastic insight into the industry for our media students.”

Central Sussex College cleans up at awards

Outstanding students from Central Sussex College were recognised by FE Sussex, at a prestigious ceremony to celebrate the 2012 Spring Awards at the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

The college celebrated a record-breaking four winners and three runners-up – more than any other college in Sussex.

With a winner or runner-up in seven out of twelve categories, students from the Crawley and Haywards Heath campuses took centre stage throughout the evening, which is an annual celebration of achievement in academic and vocational education and training in Sussex.

As lead college at the event, Central Sussex College students also took part in the running of the evening.

Hospitality students served welcome drinks and the three course meal enjoyed by guests, AS Level Art students worked on sketches and paintings as guests looked-on during the drinks reception and AS Level Music students performed in the interval.

CHENEL student wins chance to work at the Olympic Salon

Charlene Stoute, a hairdressing student at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, has won a once in a lifetime opportunity, beating off stiff competition to work at the Olympic salon during the 2012 Games.

A competition, launched by Podium – the Further and Higher Education Unit for the 2012 Games – and London 2012 partner Procter & Gamble, appealed for eight Health and Beauty students to take on paid employment working as a Salon Junior in the Olympic Park during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Charlene won one of the highly sought after roles after writing a submission that explained why she wanted to be a Salon Junior at the Games.

She said: “Since starting out in hairdressing, I’ve always visualised working with celebrities and the best stylists, and now that dream has come true. I’m totally overwhelmed with this opportunity and want to thank all my tutors and the College for providing this opportunity.”