Issue 3 | 24 April 2019 Table tennis champions take three national titles

Grantham College Table Tennis Gavin Evans said of the triumph: “I can’t stress are overjoyed with the victory of becoming how massive this is for the college and the staff national champions in the ESTTA Schools team who have worked tirelessly to get the National Finals in Hinckley. players in shape.

The academy competed and successfully “The students conducted themselves impeccably. brought home trophies for the under-19 Girl’s I am very proud of them.” and Boy’s categories. Working alongside the , our partner school The achievement is even more special as the with the David Ross Education Trust enabled World Schools Championships are being held in us to successfully also win the under-16 Girl’s China in April 2020 and we now have the right to category. go and compete in this.

All the teams who competed were unbeaten This will be the first and only multi-sport event throughout the whole season. highlighting the World School Championships. China have agreed incredible strength and depth of the squad, as to pay 80% of our air fare and we will be looking well as marking a great victory for the Table for sponsors to pay for the remaining 20%. Tennis Academy. The next steps for the Table Tennis Academy For the winners, Sophie Barlow said: “It was a are individual National competitions this May. struggle at times, but we fought hard and had Congratulations to all that competed for us. a good rapport. If you would like to offer support to the academy, “When we lost the doubles, we forgot about please call the college’s reception on 01476 it and picked ourselves up for the remaining 400200. matches.” Media students jet off to Tenerife with Erasmus+

For two weeks in February, our Media students Magazine ‘Bara Bara Comuncacion’ where they embarked on a trip where they gained industry were tasked with taking imagery around the experience at a number of different places Island such as the art, graffiti and architecture such as a Magazine and a Television Studio. for the magazine. The students also had chance to explore the different culture and cuisines in Tenerife. During their free time, the students visited the little town of Garachico. Graphic Designer, Students started off their first day by attending Chelsea Toulson who accompanied the the Instituto La Guancha school to meet students said “Garachico is one of the most Arancha who organises the placements pristine landscapes with such a rustic feel. There for the students. Whilst at the school they are so many historical buildings, narrow streets learned about the history of the village and and it’s positioned amongst soaring volcanic school from the Headmaster and were took rocks and has naturally designed sea pools.” for a tour around the school. The students saw all the Sound proof rooms for music, the During the middle of the trip, the students photography suite, and watched projection also took a much deserved day off from their art for DJ sets. The students also enjoyed placements to visit the beach and meet up at some lunch with the school and played some the local salt pools in Puerto De La Crux to relax basketball. and enjoy the sun.

As they were given their placements, students working for the Village Hall were given their first brief and had to create an animation piece for the school’s local museum ‘Taller De Artesania La Guancha’. Students at the TV Studio placement were given a tour and got to experience a live TV show being filmed whilst the remaining students who were at the Joshua Oates takes Children of Courage prize The aim of the annual awards is to showcase in college and his local community. Josh never inspirational young people who have been complains or even mentions his disability, he is nominated by their school or college. a strong believer in trying everything and never giving up. This year’s awards were held at the Urban Hotel in on March 13, where the nominees “His English and Maths are progressing really and their families were all treated to a lunch well at college, where he’s also had new books and met by special guest Paralympic track and with magnified print ordered just for him. His field athlete Sam Ruddock. behaviour at the College is an example to us all. He has such a great sense of humour and is Joshua Oates, who is studying Skills for Work, hugely popular in his class. was nominated by learning support assistant Lisa Gerassimov, who said: “Joshua has been “Josh is also a valued member of the Grantham with for over 3 years now. Youth Bowling Club and the Lincoln Disability He is such a hardworking, polite and active Football Club, he never lets his impaired vision young man but he has always found education get the better of him. to be an uphill struggle. “He is such a keen sportsman and such an “Along with mild learning difficulties, he also enthusiastic cook - he is so at home with an registered blind as the birth marks behind his apron on and saucepan in his hand. eyes cause severe impairment so he now only has 5% sight. “Josh has been nominated not only be me but the whole of the Learning Development team “Josh often finds it quite tricky to keep up with for not ever allowing his lifelong progressive his peers, simple things like reading a book, condition to dominate his life and prove to us sitting an exam, writing and even getting all that whatever life throws at us not to moan around the college can be a challenge.” about it but make the best of it.

“However, despite his ongoing health “He is truly a shining example and a lesson for conditions, Josh continues to participate fully all of us.” Ex-student Joshua bags three national table tennis titles

Former Grantham College student and table Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games tennis ace Joshua Stacey has come home on the Gold Coast in Australia, securing the from the sport’s national championship with bronze medal in his division. three titles. Gavin Evans, who trained Joshua in his time Joshua, 19, took the prize in the class 9 at Grantham College, was delighted with his division, as well as the Open Standing singles former student’s progress. and doubles crowns, at the British Para Table Tennis nationals in Grantham. He said: “Joshua has faced adversity and fought through his disability, which has made him an Having left the college last year, Joshua has even stronger player.” spent his time since training full-time at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Joshua said of the tournament: “I played some of my best stuff throughout the weekend and just to have won my class singles would have been satisfying. I would have been content with the weekend.

“Then me and Billy Shilton managed to win the doubles against two pairings that were stronger on paper. I played my best table tennis.”

Joshua studied Sport at Grantham College for two years alongside his training. He represented Where to? Careers Fair Success Wednesday 6 March saw the bi-annual careers including promoting our own HE courses and fair at Grantham College titled Where to? in our University Centre. The event had a really partnership with LincHigher. vibrant atmosphere, and the students got a lot out of it.” For the morning more than 40 employers and Universities were invited into our sports hall to The day was also filmed by help guide our students towards their future local filming company Brightspark Studios to prospectus. In attendance, of course was showcase the different activities and different Grantham College’s Apprenticeship and Higher employers that attended the event. With lunch Education team along with the University of also provided by Grantham company the Lunch Lincoln, University Arts London, Salted Orange Box Company – all the employers and workshop Co., Woodhead Construction and Engineered leaders were also treated to a day where they in Grantham to name a few. could network and get to meet our students.

Students were also greeted with smoothie bikes Marketing Manager, Jaz Abeysekera who where they could make their own smoothie to organised the day alongside Advice and promote healthy eating throughout the college Guidance Coordinator Amy Goswell and and of course for a little indulgence we had a Marketing & Communications Assistant candy floss machine and chocolate fountain. Hannah Ryan said of the day; “We wanted to widen students’ knowledge on future careers Morning workshops were also organised for and opportunities, we achieved this by having students to take part in, where they could get over 40 employers exhibiting at our careers to grips on a range of different things including fair and we also held workshops by the likes of Interview Techniques run by the Rotary Club, Princes Trust, XMA, the Rotary Club and CVS Social Media and LinkedIn workshops run by Volunteering.” Ben Brown from XMA, setting up a business run by Princes Trust, Volunteering run by CVS, “Students and staff seemed to get a lot out of the Cover Letter writing run by internal staff member day, taking a lot of new information away from Carol Dyer and a Mental Health and Wellbeing it and hopefully lots of ideas about their future workshop run by internal staff member Lorna career paths too. We hope they’ve learnt about Hollands. careers that hadn’t heard of or thought about and that the day broadened their horizons” The aim of the day was to show our students the different opportunities that are out there for “We’d like to thanks all the employers that took them and also how they can take advantage of time of out of their busy schedules to provide these opportunities and be prepared for their our students with valuable information and their future. knowledge of the different sectors.”

“Employability is at the heart of everything we In the afternoon, students were invited to take do, and essential to the student experience at part in career related study as well as attend Grantham College. The Careers Fair is a fantastic workshops that focused on Apprenticeships way for us to celebrate our commitment to our and Higher Education apprenticeships. A huge students’ future directions.” Mentioned Assistant thank you to all the employers and workshop Principal to Higher Education, Dr Steven leaders who attended our careers fair as well as Peacock. a huge thank you to LincHigher for helping to make our careers fair what it was! “It was great to see so many local employers and educational institutions working together,

Footballer secures trial with League One side

Joe Down, from Grantham College’s Football Centre of excellence, has been invited to a trial with League One club Coventry City.

The player has spent four sessions with the club and has since had his trial extended after he impressed the League One club during his first sessions.

Head Coach at Football Centre of Excellence, Alex Cross said: “The college and Coventry City are working together to give Joe the best possible pathway for his development.

“He has tremendous amounts of ability with a couple of areas that we are working together to develop which will then give Joe the best possible chance in his quest to play at the highest level.

“It’s great to have Coventry City recognising our programme, they have really looked after Joe giving him kit, lunch and continuous feedback. This is evidence of the fantastic opportunities that we can give our footballers at Grantham College.”

Leah returns and gains qualification in quest for promotion

When Leah Krohn found herself in need of extra qualifications to achieve a promotion, she knew she could turn to “supportive” Grantham College for help.

Having previously attended the college in her younger years, Leah was required to pass Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths to advance in her career as a midwife.

Leah drew on her past experience at the college and decided to enrol on the part-time course to work around her everyday life.

Having since managed to pass the course, Leah said: “I didn’t think I would manage to study and pass the exam while being a single parent and working. But I was able to achieve this with the support of my tutor and working together with new friends.”

Paul Cartwright, Leah’s tutor, believes the college can positively impact the lives of everyone, even if they have finished school.

He said: “We want people to know that Grantham College makes a difference.” Students’ boccia tournament decided in final match

A thrilling tournament was decided in its final Lynsey Coy, activity development officer at match as students and day break attendees from Grantham College, was pleased with how well Grantham College and New College Stamford the tournament went down. faced off in a close-fought boccia competition. She said: “It was great to see students from both The team Grantham 1, which consisted of colleges enjoying themselves, with a healthy Matthew Wright, Andrew Higgins and William competitive spirit thrown into the mix.” Parke, secured first place out of six teams competing on the day. Gemma Cramp, who aided the visiting students from Stamford, added: “The students had a This was the second time Grantham College brilliant day. hosted a tournament for boccia, a target sport similar to bowls, following a similar event last “We would like to send our thanks to Grantham year. for organising and hosting the event.” Sally able to balance work, family and college education

In an effort to better herself and begin a new To complete her progression within the college, career, Sally Slater made the bold decision to she now has her sights set on securing a place return to education – while still providing for at university on a course related to healthcare. her family. Sally is keen to promote the message that it is Although she left school without the never too late to return to education. qualifications she desired, Sally enrolled at Grantham College while managing to juggle She explained: “Even though I have a family, the her working and home commitments. courses are manageable with determination. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” She initially managed to achieve her Functional Skills qualifications, then her GCSEs and Sally also paid tribute to the “fantastic” tutors eventually a spot on the Access to Higher who helped her as she has progressed through Education course. the courses. Top-marks Laina embarking on world tour before university Laina Langridge attained top grades at Grantham College but has big plans before university – including assisting in conservation in Zimbabwe.

Having achieved three starred distinctions in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, Laina opted for the Conservation Biology course at the University of Exeter.

Laina plans to start her course in September next year, but not before embarking on a tour of the world. She will be taking in exotic locations in Oceania, Asia and Africa, where she will undertake her volunteering.

Despite her ambitions, Laina was sure to acknowledge the tutors who helped her along the way. She said: “I am very thankful to the staff who taught me at college and helped me receive the mark I did.” Charity store recieves Easter makeover from crafty students

Colourful Easter displays made by Grantham A large rabbit was placed on a bed in the front College art and design students made a big window, a tree branch decorated the front impression at a charity shop in Grantham town entrance while rabbit ears were dotted around centre. the store.

The displays in the British Heart Foundation Everywhere you looked was a colourful creation furniture store, on High Street, were the creations from a student. of Level 2 students Ella Fisk, Gaile Gumbiene, Ronnie Merritt and Tomasz Stasiewski. Maria Wright, the store’s assistant manager, also said the displays impressed the British Heart The designs were made as part of the students’ Foundation’s area manager on a recent visit. work experience placement at the store, and have proved to be very effective in grabbing the She added: “The students were absolutely attention of potential shoppers who pass by the brilliant. They are welcome to do as much work store. as they like here.” Stonebridge House to be redeveloped from £2.7m funding

Grantham College is delighted to announce it is IoTs will be a new type of institution, tailored to to receive a £2.7m investment to expand facilities focus on the specific technical skills needs in and equipment for Higher Education and Skills in their area. They will be created through innovative Engineering and Digital as part of their successful collaborations between employers and FE and HE Institute of Technology bid. providers; harnessing the teaching expertise of HE and FE, research expertise of HE, and industry Grantham College is part of a collaboration of knowledge and expertise from employers. Lincolnshire Colleges and the working together to create They will specialise in technical disciplines, an Institute of Technology. particularly STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at Levels 3 (up to a This new facility will be focussed on delivering limit of 20% of overall provision) 4 and 5. higher level technical education with a clear route to high skilled employment. However, it will also extend to degree level and above (Level 6+) to strengthen routes into higher The overall investment from the DfE is likely to be levels of technical education, as well as directly approximately £15m. into employment.

The University of Lincoln’s bid was one of 12 The cohort of an IoT would include young people, successful applications to receive a sizeable but would also cater for older learners who may share of a £15m fund to improve the college’s be in employment already, with the possibility to HE facilities. work around these factors.

An Institute of Technology (IoT) is a prestigious Principal & chief executive Paul Deane was and high quality employer-led institution with delighted with the news.He said: “I am delighted the intention of delivering higher level technical with the success of this bid and would like to education with a clear route to high skilled congratulate everyone involved for their hard employment. work.” Media students unveil trailer for new Alice production

Our HNC Media students and staff have released their promotional trailer for Chantry Dance Company.

Ryan Doncaster and Alexander Ansell worked alongside Neil Riley and Mark Fowler to create a trailer for their upcoming UK ballet tour of Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Assistant principal for Higher Education, Dr Steven Peacock said: “It is fantastic to see Media students collaborating with local partners on such an innovative project”.

The trailer can be viewed on Chantry Dance Company’s website.

Access to HE course with 100 per cent university offer rate

Course leaders have expressed their delight as said: “Returning to education is never easy. all current Access to Higher Education students Each of these students has now successfully have been offered university places. demonstrated to their chosen universities that they are capable and committed to studying at Providing they meet their requirements, 18 degree level. Grantham College students will advance onto courses in September at universities such as “We’re very proud of them all.” York, Bristol and Bishop Grosseteste. Aaron Foster, who hopes to attend the University Judi Fisher, course leader of the programme, of Lincoln, added: “It’s amazing to be doing is extremely satisfied for the students. She something I never thought I’d be doing.” Students try new sports activities In January an activity day took place for Sport, Travel, Public Services and Business students to get involved in.

A range of activities were on offer for groups to attend, giving some students the opportunity to have a go at activities they had never tried before.

The morning activities of kickboxing, pilates and aerobics where delivered by external instructors. Academy coaches Gavin Evans and Natalie Green delivered two table tennis sessions and HND students Kerry McCulley and Robert Arnold delivered two boxercise sessions. Students from a range of courses from the college were all getting involved in activities together and In the afternoon, ex-professional tennis having fun. player Jade Windley came in to deliver two tennis sessions, including skills and games Lecturers and students alike both enjoyed a day that involved all students playing on one full of variety, with the oppotunitities to experience giant court at the same time. something new a key part.

Real-life travel experience delivered to young children

Travel & Tourism students have been busy putting on activities for children as part of their Children’s Representative assignment for their Travel qualification. The first group organised an activity for children at Grantham Museum during half term. The students ran two sessions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - which included a range of activities for the 28 children that signed up. These included Flight School where the children made and decorated paper aeroplanes and had to fly them through a target. The second task was to create Isaac Newton heads using paper plates. Linking to Isaac Newtown and his law of Gravity, apple decorating was another task which participants then hung on tickets and then taken down to check in to Isaac Newton’s tree. Finally, children also made a Grantham Air. The Rainbows had made their Thaumotrope; a Victorian toy, played hopscotch own passports prior to coming which aided and had the chance to learn sign language. their check in process. Children boarded the plane, listened to the safety demonstration and Another group of Travel & Tourism students were served drinks & biscuits. They even had the organised an activity on Grantham College’s change to try on a lifejacket. This was all followed ‘Grantham Air’ which is a life-size replica plane. by a design session where they had to draw their Monday 11 March saw 9 Barkston Rainbows and own idea of Cabin Crew uniform which involved 1 Brownie taking part in the experience. The a lot of glitter! The college students finished the Rainbows and Brownies were met at Grantham session by presenting the Rainbows and Brownie College reception where they were given their with a medal and certificate for taking part. Carpenters and bricklayers secure prizes in competition

Carpentry and Bricklaying tutors are delighted Joseph Barr-Watson placed second and third for their Grantham College students following respectively in the Level 2 event. Norbert Wojcik their results in the Inter-College Competition impressed with a second-place finish in the for Construction. bricklaying competition.

Hosted by Stamford College, the event also Richard Parkhill, carpentry and joinery lecturer saw entrants from Boston and Peterborough at Grantham College, said he was “extremely colleges, as well as a group from Grantham. proud” of everyone who participated.

In a series of close competitions where the He added: “The students are a credit to the practical skills were of a high standard, there Construction department and show our were some impressive performances from consistency in maintaining the highest quality numerous Grantham students. of standards.”

In carpentry, Jared Hackney achieved first place Mr Parkhill also wished to thank all the staff in the Level 1 competition, while Leon Barr and involved in the organisation of the event. Public Services share first place in series of practical tests

Grantham College played host the Public Services Inter-College Skills Competition with and New College Stamford, sharing first place with Boston.

Students took part in a number of competition activities including press up challenges, sit ups, log run and team building challenges set by the RAF, Army and the Police. Funding extended for Activ8+ project The college have been awarded a funding extension from Sport to continue with the delivery of the Activ8+ project through until August 2020.

The funding will see the college receive a further £28,198 to provide inactive students with physical activity opportunities. The project is currently on track to have given 250 students the opportunity to take part in a range of physical activities.

Lynsey Coy, the activity development officer at the college, was delighted with the news.

She said: “This will continue to give students the opportunity to get active, in some cases having a go at activities they have never tried before. It is great to see the enjoyment that the students get from the sessions, helping to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Business students enjoy industry specialist visit

Level 3 Business students at Grantham College While at the Tennis Club the students learned recently visited Grantham Tennis Club as part about the different business issues that they of the Specialist Industry Educator Programme face. with Bishop Grosseteste University. Lisa Silvester said of the visit: “The students The ethos behind the project was to engage really seemed to enjoy their time at the blub with businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, and definitely benefitted from the visit. with the eventual aim being to improve the curriculum delivery by exposing students to “They definitely want to return so we are industry specialists. hoping to organise another visit before the end of the year.” College and LNER collaborate to cover up graffiti

Art and design students have brightened up a Ali Hinton-Shereston, 17, is in her first year and notorious ‘graffiti black spot’ at Grantham train used Isaac Newton’s world famous apple tree station in a bid to try and stop people spraying as her inspiration. She said: “It is the first public graffiti and vandalising the area. project that I have been involved in. It was a privilege to be asked.” The students were invited to create a series of pictures to display in the tunnel between Rachael Wilson, station partnership project Huntingtower Road and Station Road, as part manager, was thrilled with the result. of a joint initiative between Grantham College, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and She said: “The subway was in a bad way so we South District Council. wanted to carry out works to improve it for the local community. Lecturer Simon Morris said: “By basing the illustrations on Grantham, it is hoped that “We were really pleased that Grantham College people will feel some sense of pride. It will also agreed to join us and we could not be happier help people to learn more about the history of with the finished works produced by their Grantham.” students.” Grantham and Stamford face off in multi-sport tournament

Students from Grantham College and New Multi-talented Katie also won the female College Stamford competed in a range of sports badminton competition, defeating her opponent and close-fought competitions, with some from Stamford in a best-of-five match to secure participants taking multiple trophies home. another trophy.

In basketball, Grantham’s teams finished third In the male’s badminton, Grantham students and fourth despite making a good account of finished third and fifth. themselves. In football, teams from Grantham finished third and second – missing out on top Tom Clayton, sports lecturer at Grantham spot after a penalty shoot-out. College, said: “The day was well organised and a good way for both Colleges to interact and Table tennis, one of Grantham’s specialist fields, share good ideas between each other. was dominated by the college. Trafford Mason dominated the male tournament by winning “Lecturers from both colleges have a good every game, while Katie Hitchcock took the relationship and are keen to make this female prize after a best-of-three final match. tournament a regular occurrence.” Automotive students compete to discover and fix faults

Grantham College’s Automotive students achieved some stellar results in their recent competition at Boston College.

Level 3 students Becky Harmston and Joshua Young took first place in their division, managing to diagnose and repair various faults in different engines.

The Level 2 team, consisting of Michael Duncan, Brandon Fendley, Daniel Robinson and Joshua Townsend, finished third after completing their set of tasks.

The Level 1 group, of Samantha Kelly, Charli Collins, Daniel Thompson and William Mawby, knowledge and experience gained by each and similarly took third place. every student that took part.

Darren Beasor, Grantham’s Automotive course “It was another good competition organised and leader, said: “A great day was had by all with run by the Automotive department at Boston.” Special Constable Stuart seeks to combine two commitments

A member of staff at Grantham College wants to “give something back to the community” after passing out as a Special Constable.

Following months of training, Stuart McLean, the college’s work placement co-ordinator, has passed his exams to qualify to work with Lincolnshire Police.

Stuart, who works in the Learning Development Centre, will begin his role at the end of April alongside his regular commitments at the college.

His current role involves building relationships with employers such as Asda, Co-op and position in the police to learn new skills and Peterborough United for students to gain support the community, as well as develop an valuable experience. He also has qualifications understanding of the force. in Teaching Systematic Instruction (TSI) and the British Association in a Supported Employment He added: “I would like to support the students (BASE). at Grantham College, and help build into the education system with educating young people Stuart, who began working at Grantham College about crime reduction and community safety in in January, said he wanted to take up his new their area.”

Calendar of Events

MAY JUNE & JULY

2nd Open evening & Parents 27th June Awards night evening at St Hugh’s 7th July Dysart Park Family Fun Day

GC Success is released on a bi-monthly basis. The next issue is due to be sent out on Wednesday 19 June 2019.

Please send any articles to be included by Tuesday 11 June to the marketing helpdesk: [email protected]