Welcome to your half termly newsletter

Issue 1 | 05 December 2018 Freshers’ Fair 2018

On Wednesday 5th Throughout the day, around September; our new students 1000 students enjoyed the were treated to a day of fun activities and started the new and activities with our annual academic year with a fun-filled Fresher’s Fair. day.

We had stalls from Recovery College, Sexual Health Service, Anytime Fitness plus many more. Fun activities included face painting, gladiator dual, a bungee run, pick ‘n’ mix, a freebie stall and a selfie booth with props.

New for 2018 was a competition for students to be in with a chance of winning either a FitBit or Love2Shop vouchers.

Grantham College partners up with Woodhead Construction

As part of its BIG (Building • Attending and supporting to Inspire a Generation) careers events partnership, Woodhead will be offering young people Woodhead Construction have at College the already hosted a number of opportunity to expand their construction students on work knowledge of the construction experience with a handful of industry and spend time on them wanting to return on a site, whilst developing their part time basis during their interview and CV writing skills. studies.

The BIG partnership will run for a minimum of two years and will offer a range of support options to students including:

• Employability skills, mock interviews, CV writing and mentoring • On site skills days • Site visits • Work experience opportunities 1. University Centre unveiling UNIVERSITY CENTRE Wednesday 26 September It boasts state of the art saw staff and governors facilities including a mac Media students filmed the of Grantham College and suite, a media studio with a opening and interviewed members of the public unveil fully equipped control room, staff and visitors to get the new University Centre. computer facilities, classrooms their throughts on the new Then Chair of Governors, and a large common area centre. They are creating a Mos Kalbassi cut the ribbon to dedicated to Higher Education promotional video which declare the building as open students. The space is fully will be used for marketing and ready to use. secure meaning only staff and purposes. Watch this space! the higher-level students can The bespoke University Centre access and use the facilities. is located in the College’s historic Elsham House Higher Education subjects building and has seen a large currently offered include transformation, designed Biology, Media, Engineering, to serve the needs of the Art & Design, Health & Social College’s HE university level Care, Computing, Performing students and further enhance Arts, Business, Sport, and the student experience. Professional Studies.

2. Colleges Week Week commencing 15 October saw Colleges Week take place. The ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign highlights the vital role that colleges play in local communities and the economy, as well as the need for proper investment in the sector and fairer pay for FE staff.

According to research by the Association of Colleges, college funding nationally has dropped by around 30%, which has impacted on learning opportunities for young people and adults. Colleges are crucial in providing education and skills to boost local and regional economies, whether it’s through top-class technical education, basic skills or lifelong learning.

The ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign is calling on the government to increase funding for 16-19-year-olds by 5% a year for the next five years. It is also asking the to provide exceptional funding, ring-fenced for teacher pay.

Join us in signing the petition by visiting: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/229744

Travel & Tourism students whizz off to Alton Towers

The students had the chance to ask questions and were then set a task to come up with ideas for Scarefest 2019. Danielle Gladston (Year 2 travel) won with her idea wearing Virtual Reality Headsets in one the Scarefest mazes, where the room layout would match the VR visual, and scary images would jump out. Her prize for winning was two fast track tickets for her and a friend.

Thursday 11th October saw Our students got to explore In the afternoon the students 6 Business studies students all the products and services were allowed to spend their and 20 Travel and tourism that Alton Towers provides as time exploring what the park students from Grantham well as gaining an insight into had to offer. The students College attend an ‘Exploring their target market and USP. loved the day and it was a Business’ seminar at the Students were also given a huge success with some prestigious Alton Towers. look at ‘Merlin Magic making’ great insights into the tourism There were approximately 150 and ‘Fantastical Escapism’ industry. students in total at the event. – two things that Merlin Alton Towers which is part Entertainment prides itself on. of the Merlin Entertainments The Head of Brand Marketing group who are 1st as an spoke to our students about Entertainment provider in UK her career path, how she and Europe and 2nd in the obtained her role as well as world behind Disney who is her responsibilities and daily number one. challenges that she faces.

3. Mos steps down

After 26 years as a Governor at Finance and more recently as Grantham College, Chairman Corporation Chairman. Mos Kalbassi has retired, handing over the baton to At a recent Corporation Amanda Mosek. meeting, the governors endorsed the election of Mos, a Food Technologist Amanda as the new Chair of and Fellow of the Institute of the Corporation. Amanda lives Food Science and Technology, locally and has 30 years of joined the college Board in Further Education and Banking 1992 when he was a Director experience. She has previously of Padley’s Prepared Foods worked as Deputy Principal at and as a Rotary representative. Grantham College and in the In his time, he has worked last 5 years, held the post of with 4 Principals and Principal and CEO at Boston served the college in many College. capacities; notably as Chair of

Activ8+ secures more funding Grantham College have and Robert Arnold, HND Sport and overcoming barriers to successfully secured £1000 students to a training day held participation. funding through the Tennis at the Dan Maskell Tennis Foundation (#fetennis) to Centre at Loughborough This funding will support the give students the opportunity University. The day included Sport Activ8+ project to play tennis. Grantham on court practical sessions, and is a great opportunity College are one of 30 colleges providing the students with for the students to access successfully chosen to receive ideas for activities they can the excellent facilities funding through the Tennis run back in college along and coaching available at Foundation to support delivery with theory sessions including Grantham Tennis Club. of tennis within college. The looking at disability sessions aim is to increase the number of students and staff picking up a tennis racket, give groups the opportunity to take part in regular tennis sessions at Grantham Tennis Club and to give students opportunities to volunteer and coach.

Working with Grantham Tennis club, students will get the opportunity to visit the club to take part in coached sessions. Grantham College will deliver a Tennis Leaders course as well. As part of the funding, Lynsey Coy, Activity Development Officer went along with Kerry McCulley

4. Royal Marines give Public Services students a ‘look at life’

On the 8th Oct 18, 10 Public running back to camp, a somersault off a diving board Services students embarked further distance of 4 miles. or not in many cases. A busy on a week-long ‘Look at Life’ Luckily, they only had to take morning was followed by to see if the life and training of part in the obstacle course, another classic Royal Marines a Royal Marine was something which consisted of lots of test of speed and endurance that they wanted to pursue as crawling through tunnels, over and under different a future career. ditches and streams, all of obstacles. which were generally full of The students took part in water and mud. The famous On the final day the students a series of physical tests, ‘sheep dip’ where students had were tested by completing a information sessions and to work in groups of 3 to pass 3-mile run. The first mile and teambuilding activities. Each each other through a tunnel a half as a squad and then a activity highlighted the need completely full of very cold free run back as quick as they to demonstrate high levels water. A hard introduction, but could. Afterwards, they learnt of fitness, self-discipline and they all enjoyed it! Or so they about field craft and being a willingness to help and say. able to look after yourself in support others. An ethos arduous conditions. that is paramount in all of The students were tested on the Public Services. A lack of their endurance by performing “Looking back on the week it discipline was often swiftly as best they could in the was certainly an experience dealt with by more exercise! bleep test, press ups, sit ups that the students will not and chins and swimming test forget and it highlighted the The students experienced part followed as it is a requirement standards that the Royal of the infamous endurance to be able to swim a certain Marines and other Public test which requires Royal distance. They finished with Services expect of those Marines to take part in a fun and games in the pool, wishing to join,” commented 2-mile obstacle course before demonstrating their ability to Chris Williams.

5. ESFA Government Funding Audit For those of you that may not have been aware we were subject to a full ESFA government audit in September which had many of us rushing around to give swift responses and quickly collated files and lists at the request of the audit team. We have come out well overall with minimal funding impact but a few data management points to work mainly those listed below.

• Apprenticeship Start and end dates fully matching in-learning dates • Apprenticeship Negotiated Price being fully evidenced on all paperwork • Withdrawals for both apprenticeships and classroom based learning not being actioned in a timely manner

Thank you to all who helped and supported with the audit. It is rare that there is no funding impact on a college during these audits. The good result is evidence that we are all working together in the best interest of our students and the college. Special thanks go to my team in Registry, Deb Norman, the Apprentice Advisors and their teams, Tina Pringle and Jo Bowman.

Tracey Hart, Director of Planning, Information & Marketing

Another successful year end audit for Finance I would like to say a huge thank you to Leigh, Layton & Simon for assisting me this year to ensure that Finance received yet another good financial year end audit. For over 6 years now the Finance department have received a ‘clean’ year end audit for the financial information for the whole college, which is down to the commitment and diligence of the whole team.

Receiving a ‘clean’ audit means that no adjustments were needed to the year end financial accounts, and shows that the information provided by Finance are a true & accurate record when submitting reports to budget holders, senior managers, governors and funding bodies.

Anita Harrison, Director of Finance

Media students enjoy film festival

The trip to the Aesthetica the use of VFX to redefine as Blade runner 2049 and Short Film Festival went cinema which explored the Avengers Infinity War. really well; all of the students role visual effects now plays seemed to get a lot out of the in the narrative process by We are hoping to run the trip trip. Some of our Level 3 year academy award winning VFX annually moving forward. 1 students have now been studio Framestore, who were inspired to start thinking of responsible for films such Dave Morris, Media Lecturer creating a film that they feel is good enough to enter into some short film festivals in the future.

The students all went to a variety of screenings including, thrillers, animations, dramas and comedys, as well as attending a Masterclass on Gravity Fields Festival; fun for all Gravity Fields Festival which festival. They created large is held every other year in costumes and structures Grantham gets bigger every which were used throughout time. the weekend and performing arts made their entrance in This year, our science the performance which took department ran two place in the market square. workshops: Fify Shades of Watch their performance Green and A Brief History of here: https://vimeo. Telecommunications which com/294334461/f930149847 were held by Guy Cowhig and Owen Brignall. Science students had a special visit from Sir Harry Cliff where he gave advice on their competition entry. Sir Harry has worked on the Large Hadron Collider research so it was excitement all round in the department. The team also held experiements in the Alive Church for the public to get involved in.

As usual, the art department had huge involvement in the Art students help Belton House get into the Christmas spirit reindeer sculptures that will be displayed in Belton House parkland during the winter season.

The design ideas communicated some of the history and present day events at Belton House/parkland and were chosen by Melissa Maynard; National Trust Learning and Community Officer at Belton House.

Our Art and Design students have been creating the sculptures for their work First Year BTEC Level 3 Art & experience during the Autumn Design students have had ten term and the full size reindeer of their design ideas chosen to sculptures were installed on be implemented onto full size November 24th.

Support staff de-stress Members of support staff have been carrying out monthly activities together in order to do some exercise, de-stress and have a bit of team bonding time. So far, the team have been hula hooping, golfing and have had a go at cardio tennis.

8. Fire & Rescue Team pay students a visit The Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service paid our Daybreak clients and Learning Development Students a visit to give them a chance to learn about fire safety and have a real hands-on experience of the fire engine, equipment and clothing. Everyone was impressed by how helpful and ready for action our firefighters are.

Employee of the Year Ruby Gallagher from Rocket Print Promotions won Employee of the Year at the Grantham Journal Business Awards.

She started employment with them four years ago as one of our Business Administration Apprentices and successfully completed the Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship.

Health & Safety king announces retirement Health & Safety Advisor, John McMath has announced his retirement after more than 13 years of service at the college.

John joined us after his long career in the RAF and made Health and Safety as fun as he possibly could.

From everyone at Grantham College, we wish him well and we hope he enjoys lots more hours of golf, dog walks and flying.

9. Young Enterprise students find success as they launch business ventures

Level 3 Students show their methods including a SWOT insurance costs. Throughout business acumen as they analysis, focus group and the presentation evening, they successfully launch new questionnaire completed also sold a total of £183 worth personalised business: the by 157 people, uncovered a of shares and have currently Little Letter Shop. desire for unique and personal sold a total of 339 shares sold products that can adapt to the at just £1 a share. Our Young Enterprise Students market. successfully launched their The next step for the Young business venture on Thursday The group began fundraising Enterprise group is to begin 1st November with a business beforehand to launch their production for more products presentation. The Young products with a Tombola held as they look to sell products Enterprise students were at Matalan in Grantham where from the Little Letter shop in surprised by Steve Ascott, the they raised £54 and a cake a number of places; including regional manager for Young sale held at the College where Grantham College’s Little Enterprise who attended the they raised £47 – which will Gems, at Christmas Markets evening presentation. “It’s go towards manufacturing and and craft fairs. fantastic to see that Young Enterprise is embedded in their BTEC Qualification and to see all the skills demonstrated so confidently,” Steve Ascott quoted.

The evening was focused around the launch of their products which are created with scrabble tiles. Launching with keyrings and photo frames they hope to move onto personalised Christmas decorations as well.

The groups market research, which undertook various

10. Therapy pets Nicky Boyer who works not only as an LSA at the college but also volunteers at Therapy Pets brought in one of her furry friends to visit Daybreak and Learning Development. Fun was had by all and there were certainly a lot of smiles!

Design students on the right track

Art & design and graphic design students recently had an educational visit to the Railway Museum at York.

LNER funded the trip to aid the students research for their live brief. The group of students have been set the task of producing wall graphics and illustrations for the Grantham railway tunnel which has been run down for years and is now in need of sprucing up. The artwork is due to be completed in January 2019 so watch this space for more information.

On the right, students pose next to the famous Mallard Train located in the museum.

11. Open evening success

November 1st saw the second open evening of the academic year take place and what a success it was. With 34 applications and 82 prospective students through the doors, that’s a great conversion rate.

Visitors were from a range of schools across Lincolnshire.

We record what subjects visitors are interested in and from this, we are able track how many of these interested visitors turn into applications. Media converted the most which is no surprise with the interactive activities they had on offer and the array of information they were giving out to visitors.

The green screen was displayed which was surrounded by cameras and a screen which had a reel of students work. Mark and Lance discussed everything from course modules to Erasmus+ and other extra curricular aspects of the course. The combination of these things led to seven out of the eight people interested in media to apply on the night. Well done!

The next open evening is due to take place on Thursday 31 January at 5-8pm and again, will be an interactive event so please do advertise what great things you have on offer as part of your courses and have something interactive and interesting on show for visitors to peruse or take part in.

12. Institue of Technology The Department for Education has invited FE Colleges, HE Institutions and employers to submit collaborative bids for Institute of Technology (IoT) status and capital funding. Grantham College has progressed from Stage 1 of a collaborative Lincolnshire bid to the final submission, November 2018.

IoTs are described by the DfE as a new kind of institution, with a prestigious and distinct identity bringing together providers of FE, HE and employment to offer training and apprenticeships in higher-level technical skills with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The aim is for provision to be tailored to meet the specific skill requirements of regional areas, so they can help strengthen local economies by delivering the skills that local employers need. IoTs also aim to widen access to higher-level technical education for learners including those from under-represented groups.

The results will be released in March 2019.

Steven Peacock, Assistant Principal - Higher Education

Art students brighten up local hospice Level 2 Art & Design students were tasked with producing 2D images with the theme of nature.

The students produced some great work which has now been hung up in the communal area within the hospice.

Media team up with local dance school Media students recently dance school’s production of To view the video, please collaborated with Chantry Alic in Wonderland which will visit the Grantham College Dance School to create a be screened in theatres across YouTube page. promotional video for them as the UK as part of their spring/ part of their work experience. summer tour.

The level 2 students are extremely pleased with their efforts and the outcome of their two minute video.

As a result of this collaboration, the HNC students are now producing a promotional trailer for the 13. Learning Development students thrive at work experience placement Two of our Learning Development students have shown great initiative for their work experience placements. Adam Walker and Liam Atkinson are both enrolled onto our Skills for Work course for which they are completing placements at the local Asda Store on Wednesday mornings.

This is particularly special for Adam Walker who was at the opening of the refurbished Asda store back in 2004 at just 6 years old. He officially opened the mezzanine for the George Department as part of the store’s collaboration with the Wish Upon A Star charity who also sent him to Lapland that year.

Now, Adam has found himself undertaking work experience at the store where he announces the different deals and rollback offers in the store for that day. Adam quoted “I get to meet lots of different people working there, every day and every shift is different I really like the customer interaction. I was apprehensive at first but the staff have been very welcoming.”

Customers and staff alike love interacting with Adam as he is really proactive and always a friendly face to see around the store. Hannah Winter who accompanies Adam to the store from College said “Adam loves his experience but sometimes doesn’t realise just how well he can do. He is so witty and a real joy to be around!”

Liam Atkinson also has found himself taking on work experience at Asda where he works in the George department, loading up the rail, finding where the clothes are located and putting them into size order. Liam, confidently and proactively handles his tasks with ease at the store. Liam stated “I really like meeting new people and getting to work in a new environment!”

Having use of the staff facilities as well as being given the whole store uniform, Liam seems to have taken well to his placement. Hannah Winter quoted “he is very supported by the ladies up on the George department and it’s a very positive place for him.”

The staff think they are both doing an absolutely great job. Karen Morrell, Community Champion at Asda Grantham said “they both are great and have such a great work ethic. They really seem to enjoy their experience here, they both get on with the job. Customers love going up to Adam and tell him that he is doing such a great job!”

Whilst Kelsey, Section Leader in George said “Liam is such a hard worker and just gets on with the job, he comes in independently to each shift and knows exactly what is expected.”

After completing their Skills for Work Programme Liam would like to continue a career within the retail industry and Adam is interested in possibly moving into radio as he has a passion for music and pop culture. Well done to them both, we’re extremely proud of how well they are doing!

14. Students and staff pull together to raise money for worthy charities The past few months have R&R Salons got involved by been a busy few months in offering Pink Fridays. Clients terms of charity events. There were offered a pink manicure has been a charity event every and pedicure on Friday month since September. mornings with all the proceeds With a whole plethora of going towards Breast Cancer International and Charity days Awareness. Throughout the happening it was hard to pick month R&R Salons also kindly just one charity to support. donated a portion of their takings towards the cause.

On 12 October, the spotlight November was no different was on Level 3 Beauty with another charity day on Student; Danielle as she held our agenda. This time Children her pamper day offering all her in Need was the centre of clients an entry into her raffle our attention; with the appeal and a pink cupcake. Towards week being held from 12th- the end of the month we held 16th November. Students were a Pink Party during half term encouraged throughout the where staff were encouraged week to do their bit to raise to wear pink, come to money for Children in Need! September 21st saw the first of Reception for a cake and play the Charity events with Jeans a few pink themed games. A Many areas of the College for Genes Day. The College raffle was also held with prizes were more than happy to get successfully raised over £100 kindly donated by Oldrids involved with the fundraising with activities such as the blue and Downtown, Rand Farm activities. The Refectory sold photo competition, the blue Park, Asda Grantham, Argos Pudsey biscuits all week long, cake sale and of course by plus many more. Marketing whilst R&R Salons took part wearing jeans. Manager, Jaz won our top in the annual duck race and prize of a hamper from Oldrids held a tombola. R&R Salons It was only a week later and and Downtown! Collectively also very kindly donated a we were in charge of yet as a College we raised £284.71 percentage of their takings another bake sale to help for Breast Cancer Care. from that week too! raise money for Macmillan by hosting the annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. This followed on from an important presentation from Macmillan to some of our students who have been tasked throughout the year to help raise even more money for Macmillan – so stay tuned to see what the students get up to. As a result of our Macmillan Coffee Morning we raised a total of £90.

In October it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so

15. Students got involved on the Wednesday and Friday with PJ and non-uniform days. A special thanks to the Animal Care students who wore Pudsey socks, ears and non- uniform, Level 2 Childcare students who held a PJ and movie “sleepover” day and our Learning Development students who wore PJs and onesies. Staff also got involved with our HR team sporting Pudsey t-shirts and ears on Friday.

Grantham College Bake Off” December is no different where Graphic Designer, though as Friday 14th is Chelsea blind tasted a number Save the Children’s annual of different bakes before Christmas Jumper Day – so delivering her verdict. A well please save the date and put worthy winner was Jaz’s on your most festive, loud, Pudsey’s Coat cake complete sparkly jumper that you can with yellow butter cream and find and donate £1 to another coloured spots. A massive great charity. Advice and Guidance thank you to everyone who Coordinator, Amy also held got involved with Children a baby photo contest in in Need as we raised a huge Reception where staff had to £310.05 collectively. guess a number of staff from their baby photos. Well done Before the Autumn term has to Jade for guessing all but even finished, as a College, two right! Science also held we have raised over £700 for a guess the number of ‘Molly various charities – so thank Mods’ in the Jar contest. you to everyone who has got involved or donated to some Wednesday was a busy great causes! one as it saw “The Great

16. Accounts apprentice success Nichola Keetley, Professional Accounts Technician Apprentice, was successful in being selected as one of three finalists in the Great Lincolnshire Public Service Apprentice of the Year Awards. This was a joint nomination between her employer, North District Council and Grantham College.

Nichola was presented with her Certificate of Achievement at an Awards Ceremony in Lincoln on Friday 30th November by Karen Lee, MP for Lincoln and Paul Collins, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Public Service Compact. The event was attended by Public Service Employers and Training Providers from throughout the region.

Pauline Mould, Business Development Manager Graphics students work with museum Graphic Design students have once again completed the artwork for the latest exhibition at Grantham Museum.

‘Going to the Pictures’ explains the history of film and cinema in Grantham and talks about the future plans for Grantham’s new cinema which is due to be completed in 2019.

The exhibition is now open for public viewing.

17. Waving goodbye to a ‘Little Gem’ Manager of Little Gems, Helen Bowers will be leaving the college after eight years of service.

Helen has worked tirelessly within the Learning Development department and has kept the commercial enterprise going.

From everyone at Grantham College, we wish you the best of luck on your next adventure.

Public Services climb the equivalent of Everest... TWICE! On Wednesday 28 November, Public Services students took on the challenge to climb 4 flights of stairs 35 times each which is the equivalent of double the size of Everest.

The students successfully completed their climb having raised money to pay for the Veterans Christmas lunch. What a great gesture!

18. Collaboration with Woodhead in full swing

The partnership between Grantham College and Woodhead Construction has been taken advantage of already with Construction students having had two site visits.

Students visited Rufford Pastures and Southwell Workshouse sites, both of which are based in Nottinghamshire and had the chance to experience ‘site life’ in action. Site Managers Andy Stamford and Chris Barker showed them the ropes. Calendar of Events

Three months of events DECEMBER at Grantham College, at 7th Student Conference local schools and within 9th Christmas in the Park - Wyndham Park the community. 10th NHS Health & Care fair Please email Jaz Abeysekera if you 14th Christmas Jumper Day wish to take part in any of the following 18th All staff Christmas lunch events. 20th Last day of term

JANUARY MARCH

2nd Staff return 4-8th Careers week 7th Students return 6th Where To? careers day 10th Careers fair - Toot Hill 7th Parents evening - St Hugh’s 21st Progression review evening 13th Careers fair - Hill Holt Wood 31st Open evening 15th Red Nose Day 19th Open evening (No events to report in February) 20th Recruitment event - St George’s Academy

GC Success will be released on a bi-monthly basis. The next issue is due to be sent out on Wednesday 13 February 2019.

Please send any articles to be included by Wednesday 6 February to Jaz Abeysekera: [email protected]

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