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Issue 3 July 2015

Stockport College Superstar Awards Staff and students celebrated their achievements with friends, families and employers at the Stockport College Superstar awards at the end of term. The event, organised by Stockport College Student Council, reflected the success of individuals and teams during the 2014/15 academic year. The awards, presented by the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, included: FE

and HE students of the year; teacher of the year; and apprentice of the year. Simon Andrews, Principal, Stockport College, said: ‘This is a wonderful way to celebrate all the best things about Stockport College. What makes the event extra special is that it has been organised by students. It reflects their pride in Stockport College and confirms that we have created an environment where individuals achieve. I am particularly proud of our dedicated teams of teachers and support staff who make it all possible’.

Louise Richardson, chair of governors, Stockport College, said: ‘It has been an amazing evening. As chair of governors at Stockport College it fills me with pride to share this evening with you. We are delighted that Stockport College has played and is playing a critical role in the development of everyone here tonight. By producing capable and confident students and trainees we will continue to forge a reputation as the leading education and training provider in the region. Roll on to next year’s event. We have a lot to look forward to’. The complete list of Stockport College Superstar Award winners is listed inside this issue complete with an edited version of each citation. Visit our Facebook page for the complete citations with photographs.

#MyCareerStockport Stockport College, Wellington Road South, Stockport. SK1 3UQ

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Stockport College

calling Celebrating success This edition of Stockport College Calling is dedicated to the success of students and staff across the college. The first Stockport College Superstars awards evening reflected on individual and team achievements from the academic year 2014/15. We have shared all the award winners in this issue. For photographs from the evening like our Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who organised and took part in this fantastic evening. We look forward to next year’s event. The school liaison team has also been very busy during the summer term. Working with curriculum teams a number of successful taster days have been enjoyed by secondary schools from the local area. We have also been working with primary schools with the innovative ‘High Fliers’ event at Manchester Airport to raise awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Thank you to out partners: Manchester Airport Group; Manchester Metropolitan University, and Bloodhound Supersonic car. We were also delighted to receive visits from a couple of well known people. Adrian Lewis, two-time World darts champion, demonstrated his skills at the darts academy and Dean Fagan, former performing arts student, shared his experience with students as a Coronation Street star. Their visits created a buzz around college as they inspired the students around them. Finally we have announced our Open event dates for 2015/16 and we prepare for the important results season. Look out for Enrol 2015 campaign as we look forward to greeting and supporting new applicants and starters at Stockport College. Best of luck if you are expecting exam results.

Stockport College Wellington Road South Stockport. SK1 3UQ 0300 300 0090 www.stockport.ac.uk [email protected]

Local Stockport charities to benefit from College fundraising Students and staff at Stockport College have raised a staggering £4,962 over the last year for local Stockport charities through hosting a number of fundraising events. This year’s college charities were elected by student representatives and staff members early in September 2014. Stockport College elected to fundraise for the following six charities this academic year; Genesis UK, Help for Heroes, Independent Options, Save the Children, The Salvation Army and When you wish upon a Star. As a result of our students and colleagues hard work, Stockport College recently welcomed representatives from our various college charities to its campus on Wellington Road South for the college’s annual ‘Charity giving’ event. Students from the college’s Foundation Learner Inclusion and Level 3 Business Studies hosted the event and provided afternoon tea for all attending in Stockport College’s Diversity Diner. Charity

representatives informed all attending how the money would be spent and the impact it will have on people from the local Stockport community. Angela Wrobel from Genesis UK and Ruth Jagger from Wish upon a Star, both expressed their delight at receiving large donations from Stockport College, said “We are thrilled to have been adopted as two of the chosen charities for such a fantastic local college. We are both really looking forward to continuing our partnerships with students and staff at Stockport College, and supporting all of their wonderful ideas for fundraising activities in the future. This money will make such a difference to both of our charities. Thank you so much”.

Adrian Lewis, a two time World Darts Champion Adrian Lewis dropped into Stockport College’s Darts Academy this afternoon.

Adrian, who is sponsored by Target Sports, was on hand to share his experience with the players at the Academy. His appearance is part of the agreement between the Darts Academy and Target Sports to promote the development of darts in the UK. Paul McDonagh, Stockport College Darts Academy, said: “It’s a privilege to have a player of Adrian’s stature visit our Darts Academy. He is an inspiration to our young players and he has encouragement boosts their confidence. The place is buzzing because everyone was thrilled to see him here“.

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Meet the Stockport College Superstars

At the end of term staff, students and employers celebrated individual and team achievements at the Stockport College Superstar of the Year awards. Hosted by the incomparable Luke Leavey, Performing Arts level 3 student, the audience was treated to a range of fantastic performances and citations about winners and nominees.

Employability Student of the Year Emma Henstock, Health and Social Care

Every Wednesday afternoon Emma has offered her services to the Cale Green Nursing Home. For a couple of hours a week she has worked with the residents to keep them company by organising different activities

Everyone who was recognised at the evening is listed below with a short citation. For photographs of everyone involved and their citations visit the Stockport College Facebook page (leave a comment too!) Thank you to our dedicated Student Council executive who encouraged staff and students to make a nomination and delivered such a wonderful event.

Adult Learner of the Year (Commended) Katherine Burrows, GCSE English

After a long absence from education this student returned to study GCSE English. She has regained her confidence and expresses herself through her creative writing. Katherine has now joined a creative writing group and is hoping to publish a series of short stories. Studying English at Stockport College has changed the direction of her life.

Former Student of the Year Mark Beese, Access to HE

Adult Learner of the Year Michelle Robertson, Access to HE

Michelle is described as amazing, and wonderful, who is very supportive of other students in the group. After 33 years away from academic study she returned to education to claim distinctions and has gained a place at University of Manchester in Nursing in September.

Adult Learner of the Year (Commended) Sharon Winterbottom, Foundation Art and Design

Sharon has maintained a very positive attitude. Sharon is always cheerful and hardworking. She is determined to achieve. This public acknowledgement of her progress will mean a lot to her.

Adult Learner of the Year (Commended) Lorraine Humphreys , Access to HE

Lorraine is approachable, helpful, and a supportive student. Returning to education, after an 11 year gap, she has made remarkable progress. Working part-time as a youth worker with people with learning difficulties Lorraine has applied her experience to the Access to HE course. She will start a degree in Social Work at University of Salford in September. Stockport College, Wellington Road South, Stockport. SK1 3UQ

Mark is now studying a degree in Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University which he started in 2014. Following medical retirement from the police, in the middle of his career he needed to change direction. He achieved an overall distinction on his Access to HE programme and continues to make great progress at University.

Employer of the Year North Cheshire Jewish Nursery

This setting has been a regular supporter of the Foundation Degree in early years practice. The employer has a strong commitment to staff development and training. Carole, the manger is a big supporter of University Centre Stockport College with 5 current members of staff studying the FD in early years.

Volunteer of the Year Ashley Fairweather, ICT

Ashley has completed over 250 hours volunteering with a local charity. He has received an outstanding review from his work experience employer. He is a perfect example of a young person who engages fully with the study programme.

Higher Education Student of the Year Joanna Kolodziejska, Foundation Degree Interior Design (Joint winner)

Joanna is from Poland and English is her second language. She has overcome many challenges inside and outside of college. Her work is the most improved on the course and is on line to achieve a distinction. 0300 300 0090

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Higher Education Student of the Year Owen Hirst, Foundation Degree Enterprise Computing Owen has consistently produced work of the highest quality across the units. His commitment, motivation, and work ethic have helped teaching him make the experience an absolute pleasure.

Further Education Student of the Year Hina Asif, Media Makeup (joint winner)

Hina came to Stockport College 4 years as a very timid, shy, young girl. Her main barrier to learning is a hearing impairment. Hina uses British Sign Language as her preferred language. Hina has grown into a star student on the media make up level 3 course. She is now more confident in communicating with her tutors and peers. She is very determined and has an ambition to become a high achiever. She is a role model for other deaf learners.

Further Education Student of the Year Rachel Kurnaz, Access to HE (joint winner)

Rachel has worked ferociously hard, both at home and in lessons, whilst enduring much turmoil, She has easily achieved excellence on the course and is set to start university in September.

Further Education Student of the Year Aisling Lynch, Performing Arts, (joint winner)

As a performer Aisling always delivers performances of distinction. She is an extremely generous team member. She is a great role model that is reflected in her attitude and work ethic.

Stockport College Apprentice of the Year Joanne Renshaw, Business Administration Apprentice (joint winner)

Joanne is one of the business administrators employed at Stockport College. She works in the Work Based Learning Team and goes above and beyond to help others. She is a great ambassador for the college who always has a smile on her face at college based events and when we visit schools.

Stockport College Apprentice of the Year Jake Howard, Business Administration Apprentice (Joint winner)

Jake always exceeds expectation and demonstrates high levels of professionalism. He shows a genuine respect to staff and learners alike. He is prepared to tackle any challenge that is put in front of him with a smile. Jake is a brilliant apprentice.

Student Ambassador of the Year Uday Choudhury, English for Speakers of other Languages

Uday acts with maturity and respect to everyone he meets in college. He goes beyond what is asked of him. He always has a smile on his face when representing the college as an ambassador. He is popular within the ambassador team and the general public alike.

Student Representative of the Year Daniel Loftus, Plastering

Dan is an outgoing, approachable and hardworking leader of the student council. He engages with staff and students across all levels of the college. Over the years the student council has been led by staff. This year with Dan’s enthusiasm it has worked better under greater student leadership.

Special Award Nathaniel Yates, Business Studies

Apprentice of the Year Jack Walmsley, Engineering Apprentice

Jack has become a valuable asset to his company, W. Rigby and sons , by demonstrating an excellent attitude; work ethic; attendance; and a desire to continually improve. He has contributed to the efficiency of the farm by supporting design and implementation systems by using his engineering skills. Jack has also taken the initiative by working closely with the owner by overseeing the workshop during the absence of his manager through bereavement.

Stockport College, Wellington Road South, Stockport. SK1 3UQ

Nathaniel is a pleasure to work with and a fantastic role model to others. He is proactive with a fantastic attendance record. Despite having cerebral palsy he never uses his disability as an excuse to hold him back. He always tries his best. He will progress on to level 2 in IT this September.

Special Award Tracey Mills, Functional Skills

Tracey has become something of a celebrity around Stockport. She reached the Grand Final of Channel 4’s Countdown after stringing eight wins together. She featured on the front page of the Stockport Express recently and is now stopped in the streets. Tracey is a great ambassador for Stockport College. 0300 300 0090

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Reading Journey Award Debra Maskrey

The reading Journey is an initiative to read 6 books to enter a prize draw. Reading for pleasure is a really important part of developing communication, listening and empathy skills. Debra is the prize winner.

Teacher of the Year Emma Nixon (Hospitality and catering) Commended

The hardest working and most caring teacher I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Emma has so much passion and empathy: she wants nothing more than for the students to succeed.

Teacher of the Year Mandy Pierlejewski (Access to HE : Education) - Commended

Mandy gives extra help. She is happy to stay behind to recap in case anything was missed. She is supportive and a great motivator. No two lessons are the same, her lessons are well structured and Mandy gives really useful feedback.

Teacher of the Year Belinda Hulley (Health and Social care)

These are assorted quotes from different students: She’s great. She’s always happy, fun, kind and loving. She’s there for work needs and emotional needs. You can trust her; she’s like the mother of the group. If my Mum disowned me I would want Belinda to adopt me, because she’s the best. There is no way we can fail with Belinda. She makes everyone feel comfortable. We can go to her for help or even a chat.

Teacher of the Year Caroline Hewitt (Visual arts and textiles) Commended

A fantastic and inspirational teacher. Caroline is always ready to help, support and advise students. She never turns anyone away. Supportive to everyone and an all-round lovely person

Teacher of the Year Saima Latif (maths): commended

I’ll nominate Saima for excellent teaching and great dedication to the subject and the students. Her lessons are of a very high standard. She is always there to support me whenever I am struggling.

Teacher of the Year Annette Sibson (Information Technology) – Commended Annette is a very sweet and helpful teacher who helps all her students. She is easy to communicate with and thinks the best for her students.

Stockport College, Wellington Road South, Stockport. SK1 3UQ

Non-Teaching / Support Staff of the Year Louise Knagg (support worker)

Louise has lots of patience, she makes me feel like I can achieve anything. She really helps all the class and has helped my sister pass her exams for reading and taking the team to help her understand

Non-Teaching / Support Staff of the Year Matt Bowden (Enrichment officer)

Matt has let me support him when he has been busy and always credits my hard work. He is a great guy to work with in a professional environment.

Non-Teaching / Support Staff of the Year Gina Lewis Gina has really helped me evolve and give me the opportunity to explore Europe.

Non-Teaching / Support Staff of the Year Jackie Bryan-Harris (Wellbeing) Jackie in wellbeing helped me all year. She has stuck by me through everything and helped me stick with my course. Jackie has helped me have a positive attitude. She is very supportive and trustworthy.

Department of the Year Hair, beauty and media makeup

All the tutors, teachers and support staff are extremely helpful, supportive and are very thorough at what they do. I have learnt so much since I started in September 2014. They are firm but fair. It’s a pleasure to come to college.

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Corrie star returns to Stockport College

Coronation Street star Dean Fagan recently returned to Stockport College, ten years after leaving for university, to work with the Performing Arts students and staff. Dean, 26, who plays the role of car mechanic Luke Britton on the famous cobbles, gave a masterclass to students on how to pursue a career in acting. Dean, originally from Withington, had an unconventional start to his acting career. He had initially planned to become a bricklayer when leaving Parrs Wood High School – but when applying for a course at Stockport College happened to see a sign for Performing Arts instead. Dean says: “When I was at school I just followed what my mates were all doing so I was applying to be a bricklayer. But when I got to college the lecturer I was supposed to see was on his lunch, so I had an hour to spare and happened to see the sign for performing arts, saw what they were doing, and that was that!” “You don’t really know what you want at the age of 16, but you soon find what your passions are in life, and my passion is to create things, and try and get people to see something they’ve never seen before. Stockport College helped me to achieve my

ambitions; the college prepared me fully for university. I was able to develop my skills in Performing Arts having not studied drama at school.” During the masterclass Dean gave advice to Stockport College’s Performing Arts students. He spoke of the importance of ‘finding you talent’ whether it’s acting, singing or dancing, realising your niche and pursuing it all the way. Dean believes that TV was more suited to his talents. Dean gave plenty of advice and guidance to Stockport College’s budding actors and actresses, he said “The more experience you can get professionally the better. I didn’t get my first role in Corrie but 5 years later I tried again and was successful. It’s important to listen to feedback, keep

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developing and never give up on your dream!” After leaving Stockport College, Dean progressed on to a BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Practice course at the University of Salford. He has worked in amateur dramatics after graduating in 2011 with a 2:1 degree, until he got his big chance on Corrie in March 2014. When finding out he was successful at audition and was going to be a part of such a renowned British soap he explained “My parents were more excited than me at first. I grew up with them watching the street, they couldn’t believe that I was going to be starring in it!” Dean and his University of Salford friends have recently set up a new theatre company, Perfectly Flawed, and showcased his first production last April at the Salford Arts Theatre. It was a theatre adaptation of the brooding John Fowles’ novel ‘The Collector’. Dean has been seen on screen as mechanic Luke in Corrie since March 2014. He has recently signed a one year contract extension. He recalls is first day on set at Coronation Street “It was a bit embarrassing because on my first day playing a mechanic I managed to stall a Ford Capri, right when everyone was on set watching and laughing! They ended up having to push me into the shot, so that must have been a great first impression!” Dean ended his masterclass session with the college’s Performing Arts students by adding “Everyone can make it! No matter what your chosen career is. Life does sometimes get in the way, if you remain focused and seek the right opportunities you will be successful.”

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Local schools ‘fly high’ at STEM Careers Challenge events

In early July, over 650 primary and secondary school students, from 20 different schools across Greater Manchester were welcomed to Stockport College’s ‘High Flyers’ STEM Careers Challenge events, at Manchester Airport. This year Stockport College partnered with Manchester Airport, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Bloodhound SSC project and U-explore to offer local school students the opportunity to embed their curriculum knowledge of STEM subjects. During the four day event local school students developed their employability skills and were introduced to a range of future courses at Further and Higher Education and career pathways in

Science, Technology, Engineering and maths at Manchester Airport. Nik Walker, Director of Corporate Development and Work Based Learning, said “Our High Fliers events have enabled us to inspire our local school students to pursue careers in STEM. They have been able to engage in a vast array of activities, learn about opportunities in further and higher education, whilst gaining an insight into job opportunities at Manchester Airport. By collaborating with various partners we have been able to promote STEM subjects, and help to develop the knowledge and aspirations of the participants.“ The Bloodhound SSC Project is a global engineering adventure, using a 1000 mph World Land Speed Record attempt to inspire the next generation about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The workshops provided by Bloodhound SSC over the four day event included

GCSE results day service

Dates for your diary We are pleased to announce key dates for school leavers and applicants for starting Stockport College in 2016

Title

Date

Times

Stockport College Community Fun Day

Saturday 22 August 2015

11am - 3pm

Stockport College Open Evening

Thursday 15th October 2015

5pm - 8pm

Stockport College Open Evening

Tuesday 17th November 2015

5pm - 8pm

Stockport College Open Day

Saturday 6th February 2016

11am - 1pm

Stockport College Open Evening

Tuesday 22nd March 2016

5pm - 8pm

Stockport College Open Evening

Thursday 9th June 2016

5pm - 8pm

nd

Stockport College, Wellington Road South, Stockport. SK1 3UQ

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an interactive life sized display of Bloodhound SSC as well as sessions to build model cars based on a jet propelled design. The Bloodhound SSC has been designed to beat the World Land Speed record on the Hakskeen Pan, South Africa, in late 2017. The team is also currently testing the jet engine this summer in an attempt to break the 1000mph barrier. Stockport College is set to become the UK’s first strategic hub for the Bloodhound Supersonic Car, representing the Greater Manchester area. Stockport College will commit to three years of engagement promoting STEM to up to 10,000 local school children and will host Bloodhound SSC education experiences and distribute resources to local schools from September 2016.

Staff from Stockport College students will be out and about at schools across the borough of Stockport on GCSE results day. We will be available to support school leavers and their families with any enquiries they may have about starting college. Email: [email protected]

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Enrolment Dates Thursday 13th August - Friday 14th August 9am - 4.30pm (9am - 4pm on Friday) Monday 17th August - Wednesday 19th August 9am - 4.30pm Thursday 20th August (GCSE results day) 9am-7pm Friday 21st August 9am-4pm Monday 24th August - Friday 28th August 9am – 7pm (9am - 4pm on Friday) Tuesday 1st September - Friday 4th September 9am – 7pm (9am - 4pm on Friday) Saturday 5th September 11am - 3pm

11am - 3pm

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