Please take one & Penwith College Magazine Autumn 2019 ONCOURSE Celebrating our students and staff Adventures Results Success Students gain top results in A Levels, in canada IB and Vocational subjects Student field trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

multi-million pound technology On top of the institute investment College celebrates collaborative world in Nepal bid success for new Institute Bringing technology to Nepalese school

Truro & Penwith College Latest News

IB l STEM l Apprenticeships l Business l Sports & Public Services l Art & Design l Construction l Higher Education l Part-time courses l Restaurants l Performing arts Welcome to the Autumn 2019 edition of oncourse your Truro and Penwith College magazine

Open Events at Truro College 03 College news SatMeet 02 Nov the2019 Openstaff, Day tour 10am the - 3pm campus 06 STEM Thuand 05 Dec explore 2019 Open your Evening options 5pm - 8pm at our 07 IB news Thuopen 09 Jan events.2020 Open Evening 5pm - 8pm 08 Record Results Thu 16 Jan 2020 IB Diploma Info Evening at 7.30pm

09 Elevate Art & Design Exhibition Sat 07 Mar 2020 Open Morning 10am - 1pm

10 Languages Thu 07 May 2020 Open Evening 5pm - 8pm

11 Art & Design

12 Feature: Trip to Nepal Open Events at Penwith College

14 Restaurant News Thu 07 Nov 2019 Open Evening 5pm - 8pm

15 Performing Arts Sat 30 Nov 2019 Open Day 10am - 3pm

16 Feature: Apprenticeships Wed 15 Jan 2020 Open Evening 5pm - 8pm

19 College Sustainability Sat 25 Apr 2020 Open Morning 10am - 1pm

20 Foundation Studies

21 Access Success Open Events at

22 Gold-rated University courses Sat 16 Nov 2019 Open Day 10am - 3pm

25 Staff stories Thu 23 Jan 2020 Open Evening 5pm - 8pm

26 Feature: Student trips Sat 29 Feb 2020 Open Morning 10am - 1pm

CONTENTS 2020 5pm - 8pm

28 Sport & Public services COME AND SEE Thu 30 April Open Evening

Do you have any news or views you want to share with the College? Contact [email protected] or find us online on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. GET IN TOUCH Oncourse Autumn 2019 3 This will help address not only the College national and worldwide skills shortage, but also the fast growing tech industry locally in and Devon awarded Andy Stittle, Director of Teaching and Learning. Computer Hub status After a national competitive process, Truro and Penwith College has been chosen to become one of the first providers in to be awarded official Computer Hub status by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), in order to provide support for primary and secondary (11-19) computing teachers in schools in the area. Each school and college has been selected via a rigorous process that required them to demonstrate ‘expertise and commitment to computing education’.

Commenting on the news, Andy Stittle, Director of Teaching and Learning at the College, said: “We are delighted to be The Computer Hub status will off er a boost to computer education throughout Cornwall and Devon selected as one of the NCCE Computing Hubs, which follows on from the success of our Teaching School and Mathematics Hub. We look forward to supporting schools and colleges throughout the region in developing computer education while inspiring young people to consider one of the many exciting career opportunities in the field. This will help address not only the national and worldwide skills shortage, but also the fast growing tech industry locally in Cornwall and Devon.” The South of England Meeting of the NCCE Hubs included Truro and Penwith College’s Andy Stittle and Kevin McCoag Music and mud kicks off the year As the summer holidays came to a close, students across Cornwall prepared to start their College journey.

Starting the year in style, students new to the IB Diploma were given the chance to get to know one another through a series of fun and challenging activities such as three-legged river racing, blind-folded obstacle courses, bush crafts and puzzles that tested both logic and balance.

On to the first day of term, lecturers across the College worked hard to provide a great first day with fun activities that introduced students to their subjects and to each other.

Music students were treated to live performances by former students Bailey Tomkinson and Tom Holland. Bailey has spent the summer touring festivals and has recently celebrated being added to Spotify’s First year IB students spent the day getting Rising country star and former Truro College Very Nearly Nashville playlist and charting in involved in team-building activities so they music student Bailey Tomkinson performed to the top 10 on iTunes’ Country chart. could get to know their classmates the fi rst year students on their fi rst day 4 Autumn 2019 Oncourse supporting Induction day is cut mental health above the and wellbeing rest The Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Hospitality and Truro and Penwith College has reaffirmed its Catering department at commitment to staff and students by signing Truro College started the up to a brand new national mental health and academic year with a wellbeing charter. bang as students enjoyed a three-day industry The 11-point charter, created by the David Walrond, Principal at Truro and Association of Colleges in conjunction with Penwith College, said: “The College is wholly placement induction. mental health experts, includes commitments behind the aims of the Charter and very to; promote equality of opportunity and pleased to be a signatory to it. I would urge challenge mental health stigma; provide everyone to read this short but important appropriate mental health training for staff; document. We know that what changes provide targeted individual mental health things for the better in terms of mental health support where appropriate. and wellbeing is not the act of signing up, but daily commitment to the values and Colleges across England teach and train practices which the charter outlines. These 2.2 million people each year - including commitments capture what we are trying to 685,000 young people. Every year, 1 in 10 do here as a community and what colleges young people experience a mental health across the country have as their priorities.” problem and 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 experience a common mental illness such as Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at anxiety or depression at any one time. the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Truro and Penwith Add to these facts, 75% of adults with College provide a world class education and a diagnosable mental health problem transform the lives of millions of people. This experience their first symptoms before the includes providing support for both staff and age of 24 means Truro and Penwith College student wellbeing at the right time, in the right plays a vital role in supporting the mental place. This charter gives colleges the chance health and wellbeing of its 5,500 students to publicly state their commitment to the and 1,300 staff. mental health agenda.”

The Hair, Beauty, Hospitality and Catering students had a great time at the Induction Day at Tomperrow

The days included team-building activities at Tomperrow, employer chats, spa visits and lectures delivering employability and practical skills that could be implemented immediately within their placements, giving the students a taste of the variety their courses will cover.

Passing on their wisdom and experience, returning students visited classes to give top tips on how to be successful in their industry placements, progression and study guidance.

Programme Team Leader, Hayley McKinstry, said: “The induction has been introduced to boost employability as a whole, with the main focus on communication and team building. Truro and Penwith College makes Having employers visit at such an early stage further commitment to support provided students with the required industry students and staff with their expectations and standards.” mental health and wellbeing. Autumn 2019 Oncourse 5 South West Institute of Technology

New £7 million technology hub at Truro College is praised as “a tremendous achievement for our region”.

Truro and Penwith College’s partnership in the At Truro College, work on a new £7 million of-the-art new facility on our Truro campus South West Institute of Technology (SWIOT) building is due to start Spring 2020. The to provide a range of local progression will see a new £7 million specialist technology facilities will match the best available in the opportunities into higher education and facility built at Truro College. The SWIOT was UK and help put the South West region at the apprenticeship provision. The design, granted Government approval in April 2019 forefront of digital and engineering education. in partnership with the growing group as part of a national network of technology- of engineering and digital businesses in focussed teaching hubs. Specifically, the Truro College build will Cornwall, will help meet the local higher skills consist of electronic and digital laboratories, needs for these important industries, offering The Institute is a unique collaboration between engineering workshops, specialist welding well paid careers and making a valuable several partner organisations, including the facilities, a variety of industry standard, contribution to local economic growth.” , , computer controlled (CNC) machinery and Bridgwater & Taunton College, City College shared learning spaces. Mark Duddridge, Chair of the Cornwall & Plymouth, Exeter College, , and Local Enterprise Partnership, Truro and Penwith College. Each of these is Qualifications available to local learners will said: “This is a tremendous achievement investing in the development of state-of-the- include higher-level Certificates, Diplomas for our region. It will move technical skills art facilities for training in technical subjects and brand-new Higher-Level Apprenticeships, provision to a new level by forging even to create Britain’s next generation of highly all drawing on expertise from a group of closer relationships between education and skilled technicians and engineers. ‘anchor employers’ and key regional and business, giving our companies the skills they Cornwall-based businesses with investment need to compete and grow in a global market, The South West partners have this week from the Local Enterprise Partnerships and making our region more attractive to signed a partnership agreement signalling the (LEPs) for the Heart of the South West and inward investors.” multi-million-pound investment in the region. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The SWIOT will train thousands of students in College principal, David Walrond, said: “This technical subjects across the region, bringing final approval of the Institute of Technology unparalleled skills development and career by the Department for Education is excellent opportunities. news for Cornwall. It will help fund a state- 6 Budding young Chemistry students’ scientists test “Massive Achievement” their skills at Salters’ Festival

College students win the regional Eight schools from across Cornwall battled round of the Chemistry Analyst their way through the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry, an initiative of the Salters’ Institute, Competition and go on to represent whose aim is to promote the appreciation of the South West in the national finals. chemistry among young people. Truro and Penwith College was once again Chemistry students from Truro College chosen to host the annual Salters’ Festival, have once again represented the region at a where pupils from , Exeter national chemistry competition after winning School, , their way through the local stages of the Tretherras, Richard Lander, Roseland competition. Academy, and taking part. Before they could head to the national championships, the students were tested Alongside a series of challenges, the on their chemistry skills and knowledge in eager scientists were given a spectacular the Chemistry Analyst Competition held at Wonderstruck science show involving rockets, the University of Plymouth. There, A Level a bed of nails, and gun powder. students Kirk, Grace and Jess were tested on their analytical skills in the lab against Roche Community Primary School schools and colleges from across Cornwall. commented on how brilliant the event was, saying: “We all really enjoyed it and “It was really interesting going to a university it was wonderful for the children to watch lab and getting to use all of the equipment experiments that we could never replicate they use at degree level,” said team member in class. They also came away with a better Grace Elliott Sherratt. understanding of forces and motions.”

Rosie Maguire, Chemistry lecturer and STEM Coordinator at the College, was absolutely thrilled with the students’ results, saying: “‘The students were chosen from the STEM club I run each week after doing a session for the Analyst competition and what it involves. I was really happy to see a large amount of interest in the event as it is an amazing opportunity for the students to get involved with. I see it as a really good way for students to put into practice what they have learnt in the lab.

“I can only teach them the analytical skills they need to use the equipment so it was down to them and their chemistry knowledge to complete the day to such a high standard to come in first place. It is really exciting to be going to the nationals again this year and I am very proud of what the students have achieved so far, I know they will do their best but it’s already a massive achievement to get this far.” Oncourse Autumn 2019 7 Chilly Charity Swim

Day swims for charity, which we have always thoroughly enjoyed and therefore wanted to organise our own, and the IB chilly swim has been a tradition too, in previous years. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma “We teamed up with our friend Maxim and decided to raise money for the Shewula students organised a Chilly Swim for charity Orphans charity as this is the charity of the College, and many of us on the IB are going that took place at Gyllyngvase beach on one to eSwatini to see directly where the money raised will go.” of the coldest days of the year. Students at the College visit the charity While some shiver at the prospect of Cornish every year during a trip to eSwatini and have waters in the winter, IB Diploma students supported the charity since 2001. from Truro College saw it as an opportunity to raise money for a deserving charity in The day, while beautiful, was exceptionally eSwatini. cold so lingering thoughts of the event shared a similar theme. The keen students organised the Chilly Swim for the day on which the sea was at “It was well cold,” said IB student Eloise. its coldest in the hopes that this brave deed would gain good sponsorship for the Shewula “They weren’t lying when they said it’d be Orphan’s charity. cold,” added Grace.

Katherine Lee, IB Diploma student and co- “Glad I went numb within a minute,” said organiser of the swim, said: “As part of the IB Milena, co-organiser of the event. diploma, we have to complete a CAS project. We chose to do a chilly swim for two reasons, “I knew it would be cold, I just didn’t expect it Milena and I have completed several Boxing to be that cold,” finished Katherine. Students vs staff was thrilled to have the opportunity to raise When IB students challenged College staff to a charity the money in such a fun way, saying: “We football match, the gloves came off and the football boots decided to organise this football match as it would be an entertaining and enjoyable way went on. to raise some money for an important cause.

The game itself was a very close contest with however, was the £54.05 that the students “It was a really fun event to take part in and both sides playing well. Of course, one side raised for the Shewula Orphans Charity. everyone playing and watching had a great had to walk away victorious and much to the afternoon.” students’ disappointment the staff won with George Middlewick, first-year IB student a score of 4-3. The real victory of the day, and organiser of the fundraising event, 8

8 Autumn 2019 Oncourse another record year of high achievement

A Level students at Truro and Penwith College have been awarded a record number of successful results, with a pass rate of over 99.5% across the College’s 750 strong A Level cohort.

Finty Trevethick will be The August 2019 exam results have seen For example, 186 (37 in Further Maths) continuing her studies some of the highest ever grades recorded by Mathematics students gained an A level pass, students at the College, with 88% achieving 117 passed Biology, 112 were successful at Truro and Penwith a grade A* - C, significantly higher than the in Chemistry, and 93 in Physics. These College with the Art national A* - C pass rate of 76%. successes followed earlier results in STEM Foundation at Tregye subjects at the college on the International The percentage of students securing Baccalaureate and in vocational Diplomas successful pass rates is a record for the such as Applied Science and Engineering. College. Indeed, 66% secured grades A*- B compared to the national A*- B grade pass Many traditional ‘facilitating’ subjects also rate of 51%. saw very high levels of entry, with 213 students gaining an English A level, 125 With nearly 5,000 individual A and AS passing Geography and 107 History. level entries this year, Truro and Penwith College is one of the largest providers of the Speaking as hundreds of students attended qualification nationally. This year’s results will both College campuses to collect their again see it confirmed as one of the best too. results, a delighted David Walrond, Principal, said: “This best-ever set of A Level results No fewer than 34 subjects achieved a 100% at Truro and Penwith College are rooted in pass rate, including Maths, English Literature a fantastic and hard-working partnership and Psychology. The College’s leading between students and staff. Lloyd Stein has local and national role in STEM (Science, decided to try for Technology, Maths, Engineering) was “Those moments of shared celebration by evidenced once more, both in the high quality learners and teachers when the envelopes Oxford University after of student outcomes, and in the large and finally get opened here are enduring achieving an A* in growing volumes of entries. memories for all involved.” Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry

Quyen Nguyen is heading off to Sheffield University to study Architecture after achieving two A*s Millie Sheen, Eddie Sioufi, George Sioufi, Liam Sandey and Anna Gilchrist and an A 9

Oncourse Autumn 2019 9 Lottie heads to Outstanding vocational Oxford after results achieving a Hundreds of students again excelled on perfect score vocational and skills-based courses. Lottie has become the second Truro College student in as Nearly 900 students successfully completed Matt Bray achieved a Triple Distinction star many years to achieve a perfect their two-year Level 3 vocational courses and has secured a place at Cardiff Met this summer with most students achieving studying Sports Coaching after his Extended score for her International very high grades. There is increasing Diploma In Sport. Matt Played Cricket for Baccalaureate Diploma. The recognition of the UK’s need for more Truro College, has represented the south people with higher level vocational skills and west at national finals and won gold two perfect score should put her because of the high grade profile achieved, years running as well as being student ‘flag our students are well placed to go onto very bearer’ at the national championships. in the top one percent of IB successful careers. Diploma students globally Netball academy player and first team On BTEC L3 Extended Diploma courses, Captain Jenna Rogers balanced her This year’s IB Diploma cohort performed well over four hundred students achieved at netball with her academic studies to gain across the board, with the students achieving least a triple Distinction (equivalent to three her qualification while also qualifying as a over five points higher than the national grade A’s at A Level). This equates to 64% netball umpire. Jenna is now at Gloucester average. of BTEC students compared to just over University studying a BSc Sport & Exercise a third of students achieving these higher Science. The result of 45 out of 45 points for Lottie grades nationally. Indeed, over two hundred Shipp should place her in the top 1% of students at the College achieved the very Maea Morgan has taken a place at the IB students globally. The perfect score is highest grade possible, the triple Distinction Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and equivalent to more than four A* grades or five star. There was similar high achievement Dance to study a BA Hons Contemporary A grades at A Level. for students following creative arts and Dance after her Extended Diploma in Dance, media-based courses with almost 100 of plus A Level Dance. During her studies, This top score has remained a rare the 250 students gaining Distinctions on Maea was selected to be part of Matthew achievement throughout the years of the IB. their University Arts for London Extended Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet and performed Indeed, in 2016 when fellow Truro College Diploma courses. alongside the professional company on its student Lowenna Ovens was awarded recent tour. 45, only 146 out of 150,000 IB students worldwide achieved a perfect score.

Lottie’s score secured her place at Oxford University to study Experimental Psychology.

On achieving the rare perfect score, a shocked Lottie “couldn’t believe it”.

On choosing the IB, Lottie said: “Truro College (in particular the IB) has amazing lecturers and so much support for students. It was a great cohort and the incredible results achieved by everyone was a combined effort from all the staff and Dance students performing at their Christmas show. students. I feel lucky to have been part of such a fantastic group. Public Services students enjoy many opportunities to gain experience from the services, including Royal Marine events on Moor.

Lottie Shipp achieved an amazing 45 out of 45 for her IB Diploma 10 Autumn 2019 Oncourse Collaborative creative writing Debate winner Keiran with judges group is novel idea Mr Len Shepherd and Dr Harry Bennett.

While rooms full of writers isn’t uncommon The students, who are a mix of first and on a TV show, writing a novel is usually second years from the College, have worked considered a one-person task. This might together over a few weeks both in person soon change, however, when some Truro and online to create a novel. The students College students helped answer the used a shared Facebook group to post ideas, question ‘How can the novel be a vehicle for excerpts and comment on one another’s community participation?’ work, creating the perfect place for shared creativity. PhD student Jane Moss from approached Truro College in the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied hopes of finding some students that would be Science and AS English Language and interested in joining a joint project to create Literature student, Lydia Haines, loved the Debating Victory a novel. Luckily, the College holds a creative experience, saying: “I really enjoyed this writing group called Zone, which was full of project. It is a really beneficial experience and for Keiran students eager to give the project a go. I think it is such a brilliant idea to write a novel together. Can’t wait to see the end result.” Students from Truro, Penwith and Callywith Colleges came together to compete in the Truro College lecturer Sian Gaston and Falmouth Cornwall heat of the Historical Association’s University PhD student Jane Moss with the Great Debate. College’s creative writing group The topic was ‘What was the greatest failure of the Age of Revolutions?’. The students spoke for five minutes about the political, social and economic upheavals of the time.

Keiran Eyre from Truro College emerged victorious with his speech on invasive species, a topic that judges were not expecting but found very interesting.

Dr Harry Bennett from University of Plymouth was delighted Keiran had chosen to explore Environmental History in his speech.

Keiran will represent Cornwall in the Grand Final at Windsor Castle in March 2020. international experience in Cornwall

Scheme pairs Cornish podcasts, which was a great way to round-off “I have gained a clear insight and the journalistic experience of the programme. understanding of what it means to be a students with international journalist. It has really impacted me in a Freya Cooper, who is currently studying A very positive way as I am really considering journalists Levels in English Literature and Language, a career in journalism or broadcasting, Environmental Science, Modern History and something I hadn’t thought seriously about The John Scofield Trust is dedicated to Philosophy of Religion and Ethics as well as before. Although I am still not very confident supporting new journalists by pairing students the Academic Academy, found the experience in myself, I now have faith that I have enough with mentors currently working in the media to be incredibly useful, saying: in me one day to be a good writer.” industry. Nine enthusiastic students from Truro College jumped at the chance to take part in the scheme.

Most of the students interacted with their mentors at least once a week, giving them the chance to engage with researchers, reporters, producers and documentary makers from around the world.

At the end of the programme, students were able to spend the day at Falmouth University in the department of Writing and Journalism. During the day they were given tours, talks The students were filmed by the John Schofield and even the chance to create their own Trust about their experience of the programme 11 The future of Cornwall’s creative industries is secured if the quality of work on display at the annual Truro College art exhibition is anything to go by.

The Elevate Art Exhibition, now in its 14th year, again saw thousands of visitors visit the marquee on Truro’s Lemon Quay earlier this summer.

A diverse range of around 200 art and design pieces was on display from Truro College Further Education, University level and Part- time Course students.

Mark Dunford, Programme Team Leader for Art & Design, said of the exhibition: “The aim of Elevate is to celebrate and share the Art Joanna Czlonkowska - Kim Gentle-Boom Famed Cornish artist Kate and Design work created at Truro College and Life Drawing (Part-time - Access to HE Art Walters opens the awards. to continue exhibiting the achievements of our courses). and Design. students in an accessible arena in the city of Truro.

“Visitors of all ages have been uplifted by the quality of ideas, invention, diversity and making. This exhibition flies the flag for diversity and innovation and every single piece of work has a unique story behind it. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this ambitious event. The energy in this marquee is thrilling and we wish our students all the very best for their creative futures.” Lola Osborne from Tilda Fuller - Art Award winner Felix The Elevate exhibition was opened in grand - Access to Art & Design Level 3 McCrossen-Sadler from style with a private view for the artists, their and Design. Extended Diploma. studied on the Art families, invited VIPs and local dignitaries. and Design Extended Diploma. Famed Cornish artist Kate Walters presented awards to winning students, who each received prizes donated by local galleries, attractions and businesses.

“The work here is exciting and very, very varied, which means your individual voices are speaking, so well done and congratulations to everyone,” she said.

Rachel Bishop from studied on Anna Thomason-Kenyon (left) Rachel Felix McCrossen-Sadler the BA (Hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery Bishop (right) - BA (Hons) Silversmithing receives his award. degree at Truro College and won the and Jewellery. Kernowcraft prize for her final project called ’Objectivity.’

She said: “I’ve developed a love of narrative jewellery, and what I want to do in my work is try and provoke a reaction. I’m going to continue as a self-employed designer-maker.” She recommended studying at Truro College to others: “Do it, especially as a mature student—it’s not too late to learn, don’t think you can’t do it, just do it.” Elevate Art Exhibition Elevate 12 Autumn 2019 Oncourse Making the most of their time off over the summer, Sandy and Jess two A Level students visited a school in Nepal to hand travel to Nepal over a variety of equipment that had been fundraised to teach school by Foundation Studies students at Truro College, children about IT which included a laptop, sports equipment and hygiene kits.

Sandy Adhikari and Jess Knight, who are raised by the students would go towards studying A Levels at Truro College, spent buying the children a laptop so that Sandy their summer volunteering with Education could teach them about IT during his visit. Not Earthquake Nepal, a trust in Nepal that helps only did this go down a treat with the children, children from disadvantaged backgrounds Sandy was able to design a new website who have suffered the loss of their schools for the charity and show charity-co-founder because of earthquakes to go to school and Juliette Cunliffe how to manage the page. get an education in safety. Jess, who plays for the county women’s The volunteering trip was instigated when hockey team, was similarly eager to share her Sandy heard about the fundraising efforts interests and skills with the children of Nepal. of the Foundation Studies students at the Over one-hundred new and used hockey College. As he has family just below the sticks, tennis rackets, cricket bats, hockey foothills of the Himalayas where the project balls, t-shirts and other sporting goods were takes place, he was eager to get involved donated by hockey clubs around Cornwall by travelling out to the trust to deliver the and the sports company Gryphon. This donations in person. meant Jess was able to teach the children of the charity how to play a completely new As Sandy wants to go on to university to sport. study Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, it was decided that the money

Jess was able to teach the children of the charity how to play a completely new sport. Trip Trip to Nepal Oncourse Autumn 2019 13 The students really embraced learning about the culture of Nepal and worked hard to raise money for the children who have been affected by earthquakes.

The Foundation Studies students raised the money through jumble sales, raffles and donation boxes

Alongside sports and IT, the Foundation Kathmandu. Overall, their incredible efforts Studies students also thought hygiene was combined with an anonymous donation an important topic to get involved with so raised enough money and they agreed part of the money raised was used to provide that it should be spent to provide the hostel hygiene kits for each child, which included with a new laptop and a health and hygiene toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitiser and package for each child. Sandy also designed a new website for the charity wet wipes as well as sanitary towels and and showed charity-co-founder Juliette Cunliffe black underwear for the girls to help with “As always, I am so incredibly proud of how to manage the page period discretion. the Foundation Studies Volunteers who embrace every project and task with genuine The fact that Sandy and Jess were able to compassion and enthusiasm. I feel they visit Nepal to hand over the donations meant have learnt so much along the way - about that the Foundation Studies students were a different culture and about how others able to see exactly where their hard work has struggle too - all helping them to put their gone. own lives in perspective. The impact on the children in Nepal has been wonderful as they “The students really embraced learning have learnt a new and exciting team sport, about the culture of Nepal and worked hard have a laptop to help them with their school to raise money for the children who have studies and homework and feel the support been affected by earthquakes,” said Karenza and love of other students around the world. Pariyar, Foundation Studies lecturer at the It is hoped that the students in Nepal will start College. “The students’ enthusiasm and to make pen-friends with our Volunteering compassion for the project shone through students, so they can learn more about each as they organised and managed a jumble other and their lives.” sale, a plant and cake sale and a competition to guess just how far it is from Truro to 14 Autumn 2019 Oncourse Senara and Spires Rick Stein Anniversary maintain ‘AA’ A decade-long partnership with one of the country’s most College Rosettes well respected chefs has helped 80 learners embark on careers in hospitality. Truro and Penwith College’s training restaurants, Senara and Spires, have once again been awarded a Highly Commended AA College Rosette, Gold Accreditation and Centre of Excellence status for multiple categories.

These prestigious awards, which came after a Senior members of staff from Truro and Apprenticeships and work with those who detailed visit by People 1st, show the College’s Penwith College and the Rick Stein Group are passionate about great food and making hospitality provision to be state-of-the-art as came together at Rick Stein’s Cookery people smile”. each award is the highest possible achievement School in Padstow to join the tenth group of in the category. Apprentices at a ‘Talk and Taste’ event. Martin Tucker, director of Truro and Penwith College Business, said: “The partnership This isn’t the first time the two training Rick Stein has always seen Apprenticeships with the Rick Stein Group is one that the restaurants have been highly commended by as a key way of sharing his knowledge and College is very proud of. Relationships with the international quality assurance expert. In passion for professional cookery and the high calibre employers who are committed 2016, Penwith College’s Senara restaurant people skills needed to be a success in an to providing quality experiences and received its first AA Rosette, which it has increasingly competitive industry. opportunities to our Apprenticeship learners continued to hold ever since, while Truro underpins everything our Apprenticeship College’s restaurant Spires has held its AA “There is no substitute for learning while provision is about. We look forward to Rosette since 2017. working as you quickly develop the skills working with the team for many years to you need to progress in this fast-paced come”. It’s also the second time the College’s industry,” Rick said. “We’re proud to support restaurants have earned a Gold Award and Centre of Excellence for their outstanding provision. This year’s Centre of Excellence is for Food and Beverage Service, Fish and Shellfish and Patisserie and Confectionary.

Award criteria requires that the restaurant serves food prepared with care, uses good quality ingredients, the learning environment and restaurant are of the best quality and that it can compete well within a true restaurant environment including highly polished service levels and clear support from lecturers. The Gold Accreditation on the other hand is given to ‘colleges that achieve the best in their class and demonstrate a progressive and sustainable commitment to matching learners’ skills with employers’ needs’.

Graham Oxley, Programme Team Leader for Vocation and Commercial Skills at Penwith College, said: “The College is delighted that the dedication, hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm of our staff, students and the businesses we work closely with, has been Truro and Penwith College Principal David Walrond with Rick and Jack Stein again recognised.” at the Launch of the Rick Stein Academy in 2015.

Enjoy affordable fi ne dining at Truro & Penwith College’s award- winning restaurants in Truro and . Booking advised. Truro & Penwith College 01872 267621 01736 335215 [email protected] [email protected] /SpiresRestaurant /SenaraRestaurant @SpiresDining @PenwithSenara Oncourse Autumn 2019 15 Adrian Mole comes to life in 80s extravaganza Two years of dedication, developing acting skills and exploring diff erent styles of theatre has culminated in a time-travelling interpretation of Sue Townsend’s ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole’.

The Performing Arts students performed at Truro College and at Chacewater Village Hall, with members of the public praising the students for their confidence and comic characters.

Student Anna Gvaldo loved the opportunity, saying: “I really enjoyed doing this show. It gave me a chance to play two very different characters; Grandma and the slimy Mr Lucas. Doing it in a Brechtian style helped with multi- rolling, I got to wear a fake moustache - it was fun!”

“I have loved every minute of this course”, added Performing Arts student Lauren Beckerleg. “We have learnt so much about acting and the theatre. Although I am sad to be leaving College, I am excited about going to university.” Events Truro College The very best in live events brought directly to your College.

Truro College has two on-campus theatre venues as well as various smaller lecture theatres that offer a variety of professional Coming up next performances and events open to students Fri 29 Nov, 7pm and the public. Ha-Hum-Ah Theatre - Oh No It Isn’t! The best way to find out about upcoming Mylor Theatre events is to follow the Facebook page EVENTS TRURO COLLEGE. Tues 10 Dec, 6:30pm Greenham Women Everywhere - A Talk The shows are also listed on the college Kenwyn Lecture Theatre website and via our box office partners the Cornish Riviera Box Office, where tickets For further info email Arts Events can be purchased online: www.crbo.co.uk Coordinator - Tanja Durrant or by phone: [email protected] 01726 879500

Part of Truro & Penwith Autumn & Winter 2019/20 College 16 Apprenticeships National First Innovative apprenticeship will see cornwall get new Tri-Service Safety Officers

“Fantastic news for students as we continue to work with the emergency services to develop our training and student experiences”

The Level 3 Community Safety Advisor Apprenticeship is the first training course of its kind in the country and is being offered through a unique partnership between Truro and Penwith College and the Tri-Service Safety collaboration.

All 10 of Cornwall’s new Tri-Service Safety Officers (TSSOs) will now undertake the additional training to support them with the role’s unique challenges.

The new Apprenticeship, developed with Fire Services across the UK, was approved for delivery by the National Apprenticeship Service and will form the basis of the 15-month programme.

Lecturers have worked with the TSSOs to adapt taught units to focus on challenges and scenarios that they will face, including communication with other emergency services, equality and diversity, and health, safety and security.

In addition to taught units, field training is also being developed including mock search and rescue missions and managing training days that will see the TSSOs deliver basic training TSSOs support emergency 999 calls in their to public services students at the College. area, and are likely to be the first to arrive at a range of emergency scenarios. They Louise Coley, Sport and Public Services also form relationships with businesses and Deputy Team Leader at Truro College, said: community groups in an effort to reduce 999 “The College’s Public Services team is thrilled calls, offering help and advice in relation to to be building on the success of our Fire fire safety and security, and are asked to Fighting Apprenticeship and continuing to attend non-emergency 101 calls on behalf of support Cornwall’s emergency services with all three emergency services. the new Tri-Service Apprenticeship. Mark Hewitt, Assistant Chief Fire Officer “This is not only fantastic news for the TSSOs at Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, said: and the communities they serve but also all “The Level 3 Community Safety Advisor Public Services students at the College who Apprenticeship will add tremendous value will benefit as we continue to work with the to their personal development and we are emergency services to develop our training delighted to be working with Truro & Penwith Fantastic news for the College’s and student experiences.” College to deliver this.” Public Services students Apprenticeships National First 17 Science and Museum careers are added to New apprentice routes

Truro and Penwith College has unveiled plans to off er the South West’s fi rst Apprenticeship for Museum and Gallery Technicians alongside its fi rst ever science Apprenticeship for Laboratory Technicians.

The eighteen-month Museum and Gallery College one day per week for the duration of Technician Apprenticeship was approved the twenty-four month programme. by the National Apprenticeship Service in April 2019 and will be delivered by Truro and Testing carried out by laboratory technicians Penwith College’s art and design department is in demand from a range of sectors and from its White building, a purpose built art apprentices can expect the results of and design facility at Truro College. their laboratory tests to be used to assess soil suitability for agriculture, mining and The first group of learners will work for construction or in medical fields to name a employers across Cornwall and attend Truro few examples. College once a week from November 2019. Andy Stittle, Director of Teaching and Apprentices will learn to design and build Learning at Truro and Penwith College said: solutions for the work of artists, makers “Increasingly we are finding students wishing and jewellers that could range from display to continue study through the apprenticeship and transportation cases to bespoke route, which now runs to degree level. We environments that immerse visitors in an are a delighted to support employers by experience associated with a piece in a extending our range of programmes on gallery or museum. offer which respond to both student career aspirations and the local employment The Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship opportunities such as in these key areas”. will be delivered by the College’s award winning science team, who were awarded Anyone interested in studying one of the the coveted Platinum Science Mark by STEM new Apprenticeships is advised to register Learning in 2018. their interest on the College’s website; www. The Science Department at Truro truro-penwith.ac.uk/registeryourinterest or and Penwith College receiving the Apprentices will have the same tutors and to contact the apprenticeship team on 01872 Platinum Science Mark. use the same laboratory facilities as full-time 242711. Employers who would like to consider science students, and alongside working in offering apprenticeships can contact the team a laboratory technician role, will attend the on the same number.

• Learn from industry leaders Apprenticeships • Train at our Outstanding College Quality Careers • Earn while you learn with Cornwall’s

top employers truro-penwith.ac.uk/apprenticeships @TruroApprentice TruroApprentice #GetInGoFar 18 Autumn 2019 Oncourse Cornish Pirates plan for life after rugby

I loved the session and the boys really enjoyed it too. It’s so important for us to prepare for life after rugby, I wish I did this years ago!” Jean Baptiste Bruzulier, Cornish Pirates’ Scrum Half

Players and staff from the Cornish Pirates Rupert commented: “It takes a lot of work will gain qualifications to support their career to make it as a professional rugby player, after rugby, thanks to a new Education and once players get there they can have Development Programme in partnership with tunnel vision, focusing only on rugby, Rupert Cooper serving lunch Truro and Penwith College that is the first of not considering different career paths. at the recent Launch Day. its kind. Introducing the Education Development Programme is a great way to get players The programme will encourage players thinking about their next steps and it’s brilliant and staff to consider their career ambitions they have an opportunity to gain qualifications and provides them with an opportunity to along the way”. gain professional qualifications alongside their rugby career in a range of fields from; Having been introduced to the programmes hospitality, engineering and construction; to available, the players and staff are now business, management and accounting to mauling over their options ahead of signing name a few. up for their chosen courses and attending College inductions. The Pirates were introduced to the new programme at a recent launch day at the Robin James, Chief Operating Officer, Mennaye Field, where former Cornish Pirates Cornish Pirates said: “We are excited about and Nottingham player Rupert Cooper the Education Development Programme, attended as guest speaker to describe his which is designed to further our players journey from professional player to hospitality education. There has been significant interest professional. in a number of courses, most notably; starting your own business, coaching & personal With a career spanning nearly 10 years, training and hospitality. A rugby player’s Rupert retired from rugby at the end of the career is short and it’s vitally important for 2018/19 season. Having founded the Borgia them to have something to fall back on.” Bull with his wife Sarah at their home near Hayle during Rupert’s playing career, the Martin Tucker, Director of Truro and Penwith pair acquired Philleigh Way in Truro on his College Business commented: The College retirement. is committed to working with partnership with Cornish employers to develop programmes Rupert Cooper describes his journey from Set just off the coast of the Fal River, Philleigh that deliver results in the workplace. The player to hospitality professional. Way is a cookery school that offers unique Education Development Programme with the dining experiences including the hugely Cornish Pirates is a unique project that we popular Woodfired Feast Nights. are thrilled to be part of. We look forward to welcoming the players to the College and are Rupert has been working with the College’s excited to see where the training takes them”. Hospitality Table Cornwall Project and prepared lunch as part of the event to give the Pirates a taste of his food. Autumn 2019 Oncourse 19 New student-led group tackles sustainability With sustainability and climate change a global issue, one student has decided to take matters into her own hands by starting up a student group to help focus on sustainability around the College.

As part of the College extra-curricular StudyPlus programme, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma student Bella Roberts took it upon herself to start an EcoGroup, which will meet once a week to help improve the College’s sustainability.

Having already joined the College’s Sustainability Group, which is attended by staff and students alike, Bella wanted to further pursue the topic of sustainability.

“I’d been wanting to set up a sustainability club at College for a while, then Elly Sheard told me about the EcoSchools scheme and thought it might be something the College could get behind and would be a great structure for us to work from. I discussed the group on the student council and with my friends and had a lot of positive responses!” The new EcoGroup at Truro College is all thanks to IB student Bella (bottom left).

The group got off to a great start with eight students joining. Every week, the group “It’s crucial that students have somewhere The group will be holding a second-hand will get together to tackle issues such as they can not only learn about the issues like clothing swap soon and are welcoming any reducing plastic waste in the cafeterias, the climate crisis and plastic pollution but and all donations of clothes for the sale. All cultivating a College allotment, organising as implement projects around College and money raised will go to the Boom Shewula College beach cleans and holding second- in their community so that they can see a project in eSwatini, which puts children through hand clothes sales to raise awareness of the positive, sustainable change,” said Bella. school and helps support other projects in the polluting fast fashion industry. local area such as sustainable agriculture. Ethical & Sustainable Living Are you interested in living more sustainably? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Do you care about protecting our planet and working together to ensure that future generations can enjoy this beautiful earth we live on? Are you confused and overwhelmed about what being sustainable means and how you can make a difference by the small every day choices you make in your life? This course will look at how each of the decisions we make in our life, however small, will help us work together to protect the finite resources of our planet. Course starts Monday 24 February 2020, for 5 weeks at Truro College. 6pm to 8pm. £46. 2019/2020 Part-time Courses Learn a new skill, gain a qualification, have fun Visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk and enhance your career or call 01872 265800 20 plastic Wotsit waste all or new Crisp packet wardrobe? about? recycling scheme proves popular at Students and staff are looking crisp at Truro College, or at least, are looking for crisp Truro College packets. The Walkers Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme has inspired staff and students to Foundation Studies collect all the crisp packets they can, then sort them and take them to a collection centre students from Truro College to be sent to be recycled into new things, have been continuing the while also raising money for charity. fight against plastic in a As of June 2019, 4,200 crisp packets have been collected at Truro College and sent new Recycle Reuse course for recycling since March, which is about where they turn rubbish 10.5kg in crisp packet weight. Another 4.6kg of sorted packets are now ready to be sent in into finery. addition to that.

The Foundation Studies Volunteering Group including students Jess Escott, Nikita Proving one person’s plastic waste is another Singleton, Angelina Nayler, Kieron Griffon, person’s ball gown, the students get together Sarah Edgcumbe and Lynn Crocker helped every week to find ways that they can recycle Foundation Studies students collected crisp packets collect the impressive haul. and reuse the plastic and cardboard waste for recycling at Truro College. they collect throughout the year. There are eleven crisp packet collection bins around the Truro College campus. The TerraCycle recycling company gives The creativity of the students has been points according to the weight of packets endless as the group has made everything received, which can then be turned into a from accessories to clothes, including a monetary charitable donation. The College range of embellishments for their designs. Sustainability Group will pick a charity for the donation to go to. Charlotte Edwards, one of the Foundation Studies lecturers, was thrilled with what The Truro College Nursery are now also they’ve achieved, saying: “The students have collecting packets for the scheme and will be had full creative control over the course and encouraging the families of the young people have designed things from gowns to movie who attend to join in. costumes and armour. It’s been awesome!”

More than 500,000 packets have been collected across the country since its launch in December 2018. However, this only a Crisp packets collected and carefully stored. tiny fraction of the amount out there -- as 11 million bags of crisps are made daily in the UK.

So it’s 4,200 down, 10,995,800 to go for the Foundation Studies students it seems! But luckily the students seem to have got a taste for it now. Oncourse Autumn 2019 21

at Access Awards Close to 200 people attended the annual Access to Higher Education There was a sense of pride in the air as the students were called forward to accept their awards to celebrate the achievement certificates of achievement. A broad range of Access students were in attendance, of over 120 students who successfully reflecting the diversity of Access to HE provision at the College. completed their Access to HE Diploma.

Having completed their Access to HE courses, these students will now progress to a wide range of degree courses and universities across the South West and beyond.

Now in its second year, the Access course Creative Media & Photography saw half of its students progress onto the College’s own foundation degree in Film, Media and Photography, which was new to the College for September 2018 and achieved a highly successful first year.

The College also saw its inaugural year of delivering the Access to Medicine, which runs alongside Access to Science with additional modules in Introduction to Biology, Chemistry and Physics to give students a solid foundation in the sciences to take on to university. The course had a 100% success rate with students heading on to university. Access to Science and Medicine. Success was indeed the theme of the afternoon, as every student from the Access to Art and Design passed the course and are moving on to higher education options.

Mother of two, Sophie Williams, Access to His tutor summed up the achievement: Higher Education in Nursing and Human “Anthony has been a simply excellent student Sciences student, was thrilled with her from the very first day. His dedication and course, saying: “I’d recently been made commitment have been second to none. I’m redundant. I’d always wanted to be a nurse incredibly proud of his achievements, and all since I was younger, I just never had the the students who completed their Diplomas opportunity. I saw an advert for the Access with us.” courses and thought, right, if I don’t do this now, I’ll never have the opportunity again. Over 1,000 students have studied Access From what I’ve been told, the first year of uni courses at the College, using them to get is nothing compared to the Access course back into education. 2019/20 sees more so I’m hoping that I’m over prepared now. courses added to the roster including Access The course has helped me to become more to Sport Science for those interested in going organised both in my home life as well as into a sports career. education.”

Each year the Duchy Health Charity awards a student who has displayed academic excellence throughout their course. This year, it was awarded to Anthony Ewart who, having been out of education for a number of years, Anthony Ewart, receiving his award achieved his Access to Higher Education Diploma with high grades while raising a family of six. 22 Autumn 2019 Oncourse National Student Survey and Degree results a huge success

Truro and Penwith College University level students have ranked the College the highest in Cornwall and Devon for overall course satisfaction for the second year running.

The College, which holds a Gold Teaching, Learning and Employability Framework (TEF) standard had a course quality satisfaction BA (Hons) Education and Training. of 92%, an increase on last year, and the highest among all university and college providers across the two counties.

The National Student Survey (NSS) results, published annually across the UK, have been released as 600 students at Truro and Penwith College received their University level results this week.

This year, 95% of enrolled students completed their university course at the College. Among those collecting their results on Friday was 59-year-old Donna James from Newquay, who received a 2:1 on the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science.

“The course changed me so much as a person,” she said. “When you’re older, my problem is retaining everything, but I will remember this though.” Donna is now Both the Foundation (FdA) and Top-up (BA) many of whom are studying at later stages of enrolled on to the College’s PGCE course at Business courses achieved 100% success their adult life. We know changes in Higher Penwith College, with plans to teach sports with two students obtaining First Class Education nationally are under consideration. massage to adult learners. Honours. The FdSc Computer Technology A high-quality, local and supportive degree course also had 100% success. With the offer, one which is work-facing, with strong Melissa Kemp received a First Class Honours new ‘Cyber Security’ Foundation Degree employer links and employment prospects, degree in BSc (Hons) Archaeology. now ready to take applicants for September looks an increasingly attractive model. Our 2019, University Level digital training courses HE offer fits this description well.“ On receiving her results, Melissa said: “I’m continue to develop. very, very happy about my results today. One of the strengths of Truro and Penwith I chose to study at Truro because it was Truro and Penwith College Principal David College is the number of students on affordable and I could follow my interest. The Walrond said: “We are very pleased that education, community and social science smaller class sizes and condensed timetable the independent feedback from the National courses. Of the 265 students enrolled on definitely helped in achieving my results and Student Survey has demonstrated such a courses in this area, 82 were studying on you get to know staff personally.” high level of student satisfaction. To be in this their final degree year and 49% obtained high position for two years in a row in an indication grades of which 18 were First Class Honours. Continuing her archaeological studies at of the strength of our University courses. The The students will graduate in October for the Master’s level, Melissa is heading to the Higher Education team and lecturers continue Colleges University Awards Ceremony at University of Liverpool where she is enrolled to review and develop our provision to do Truro Cathedral. in the MSc Palaeoanthropology everything they can to support our learners, Oncourse Autumn 2019 23 Four silversmithing students scoop awards at Pewter Live

Talented Silversmithing and Jewellery students scooped an assortment of prestigious awards at this year’s national Pewter Live competition in London, showcasing their technical ability and creativity with working with pewter. Aspiring designers and FdA Silversmithing and Jewellery students from Truro and Penwith College were briefed with the idea of creating a celebratory item using pewter, with a modern slant to stand out from the crowd whilst meeting the briefed theme of ‘Peace’. competition this year: “Making work to this Awarded third prize for the student Jewellery high level is challenging but to be awarded category, Debbie Allen presented her ‘Peace, such clear recognition in a national open Love and Partnership’ necklace inspired the student competition in London is absolutely Doves at the Lost Gardens of Heligan whilst fantastic news. This fine achievement is visiting for inspiration for another module. a tribute to this ancient craft and to the students and their lecturers.” She said: I’m absolutely thrilled to have won. This is my first award and actually was really If you’re interested in studying silversmithing unexpected. I have a lot more knowledge and jewellery courses at Truro and Penwith which in turn gives me more confidence to College, please visit the website for details: believe in myself. At 37 I have finally found www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/uni what I want to do with my life and now I have the skills to make a career out of it”

Siobhan Boyle received joint 3rd prize in the Student Open Category and joint first prize in the Greatest Commercial Potential Category, showing her ‘Ivy Bowl’ piece: “This particular Rebecca Walklett, Programme Leader for project was influenced by my love of nature the Foundation Degree in Silversmithing and through plants and trees. I’m fascinated by Jewellery was delighted to see five of her the form and texture of nature and how I can students receive awards at the competition recreate this in my designs”. this year: “I’m so proud of my second year FdA Silversmithing and Jewellery students for “The manufacture of my Ivy Bowl was the all their hard work. It’s paid as demonstrated biggest design and most technical challenge by all these awards.” that I have had so far. When I learned that I had won third prize in a national competition, Art and Design Programme Team Leader, I couldn’t contain my excitement for two days. Mark Dunford was proud to see five of the Additionally, I was delighted and honoured degree students receive an award at the to also win joint first prize for my Ivy Bowl from the Association of British Craftsmen for ‘Greatest Commercial Potential” she added.

The Decorative Arts category then challenged students to design and make a pewter item for the gift market, considering practicality, lifestyle and innovation, with the possibility to be produced in large-scale production. 24 Autumn 2019 Oncourse

Jody Mills is currently in her second year studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care at Truro College and recently took it upon herself to complete a Level 3 qualification in First Response Emergency Care (FREC).

Seventeen-year-old Jody hopes to complete Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the FREC training when she turns 18, which will give her the qualifications she needs to become a paramedic. Jody said: “I’ve wanted to be a paramedic since I was really young, but I find the theory side of things a bit more difficult. The training was really good because it’s more practical based and the written jody amongst assessments were multiple choice, which for me was amazing. I learnt how to insert airways, control catastrophic bleeding and youngest to complete CPR, all the usual first aid.” Although Jody was the youngest on the care qualification course by at least 10 years, she didn’t feel overwhelmed thanks to the subjects covered Jody has become one of the on her course at Truro College. “They hadn’t seen someone of my age youngest people to complete a before. It was a little daunting at first, but I First Response Emergency Care felt quite proud because I’d gone and done something by myself and just got it done. The qualification in Cornwall as she course at the College really prepared me. All of the first aid we’ve done and safeguarding pursues her lifelong dream of all fitted in really well.

becoming a paramedic. “Health and Social Care at the College is really good, I would definitely recommend it.” INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS module she designed was also delivered in CONSULTANT AND TUTOR Copenhagen. Specialising in Leadership and Management, Alison has already been working with JOINS TEAM the College’s European funded project; Hospitality Table Cornwall to develop a programme for team leaders and supervisors Alison Bragg, Associate in some of Cornwall’s top hotels. Professor in Corporate Tom Moran, Customer Development Manager at Truro and Penwith College Business Development at De commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Alison to the team and her exceptional level Montfort University, has of expertise will really enhance the service we are able to offer our partners across taken a key role with Cornwall’s business community.

Truro and Penwith “Alison’s expertise will ensure the College continues to be a leading provider of College Business. leadership and management training, constantly developing programmes at all levels to reflect the needs of the workplace, Alison Bragg outside the College’s Fal building. she is already supporting curriculum development in many areas including the Having developed management training and Alison’s expertise in management training South West Institute of Technology. Apprenticeships for brands such as KFC, is by no means limited to consultation and Vauxhall, Pets at Home and Leicester City course design. A highly accomplished tutor, “We can’t wait to see where the role takes FC, and delivered training in China, India Alison led a team of 11 staff at De Montfort, Alison.” If your business could benefit from and Vietnam, Truro and Penwith College delivering a Business Communications advice and guidance from Alison and the Business welcomes international business module to over 1000 students across multiple team at Truro and Penwith College Business, consultant and tutor Alison Bragg to the team campuses. Alison personally spent eight contact the team on 01872 265802 or from De Montfort University. years teaching the Business Communications [email protected]. module in China, India and Vietnam, while a Oncourse Autumn 2019 25 lecturer to

Often training three times a day, six days represent GB a week alongside his full-time role as Deputy Team Leader of Performing Arts, Dan has worked very hard to become one in Triathlon of the 20 athletes in his age category to be representing Great Britain at the world championships. Going from music lecturer “It was absolutely amazing,” said Dan, to Cornish Triathlon describing what it was like when he read the email from British Triathlon. “I just couldn’t Champion last year, Dan believe it, I was so excited. I didn’t think I had qualified as both qualification races Solly from has were exceptionally hard, competing against Olympians of old. After all that hard work and continued to excel in his all that training to realise I’d finally achieved this. For where I am, being an amateur, it’s as races, which culminated far as it goes so, I’m over the moon.” in his selection for the Dan manages his extensive training programme in part thanks to the support of GB Team at the Triathlon the Health, Wellbeing and Sport programme World Championships in that is available at the College. Switzerland.

Local Business Development Advisor Tony Wright has been selected for the England Masters 10k road running team after International call up finishing first in his category at a for St Agnes runner qualifying race. Tony Wright from St Agnes Tony, Business Development Advisor at Truro sport in 2007, Tony joined the Vets team at and Penwith College, has been selected for Cornwall Athletic Club (AC) in 2016 and is no the England Masters 10k road running team stranger to international competition having after finishing first in his category at an open previously won gold in the Vet50 category qualifying event in Chichester with a personal for England at the British and Irish Masters best time of 32:46 Cross Country International in 2017.

The results show that the Chichester 10k As part of his training routine, Tony regularly provided particularly high-quality competition takes part in Truro and Penwith College’s this year with hundreds of runners trying Health, Wellbeing and Sport (HWS) sessions for places on the team, and the fastest 100 and has credited much of his success to the completing the race two minutes faster than award-winning programme. the previous year. “The HWS sessions at the College have “I’m really proud of my achievement in the been really beneficial to me as they enable qualifying race,” began Tony. “As well as me to train within my working day,” said Tony. finishing first in the Vet50 category, I also “I attend the circuit sessions during Monday reached an all-time personal best which is lunch time and have occasionally joined the quite amazing at my age. Being selected to lunch time run on a Thursday. I’ve also found represent my country is such an honour and it very useful having access to the College is something I never thought I would achieve.” gym before work as well as the sports massage facilities. As an organisation, the Tony started competing with Newquay Road promotion of health is really encouraging.” Runners in his thirties, representing Cornwall in cross country. After taking a break from the 26 Oncourse Autumn 2019

Maths and Computing students took the long drive north in order to visit Bletchley Park, the home of British codebreaking and the birthplace of modern information technology.

The men and women who worked within that stands there today. The students were the Buckinghamshire-based facility played thrilled to be able to experience a site of such a crucial role during the Second World importance to their respective fields and were War as they were the people responsible taken back by the dedication of the Bletchley for providing the British with top secret Park Trust, whose work ensures that the intelligence. legacy of these remarkable people doesn’t fade away. Inside the museum, our students explored Bletchley Park’s fascinating history from Elliot Howe, Level 3 Extended Diploma in its humble beginnings as a cottage Information Technology student, was thrilled codebreaking facility to the place where work to have the chance to compare the cyber was undertaken to crack the famous enigma security of today with that of the war, saying: code. The museum also plays homage to “I thought it would be a great opportunity to the lifestyle that grew from the unique social come here to educate myself about how they setting of a site overcast by such a high would have approached security threats in level of secrecy. The students learnt how the past.”

the enigma of Bletchley Park the codebreakers would play cricket on the green and swim in the lake to unwind, and FdSc Computer technology student Sophie how parties in the grand hall of the mansion Tucker was excited to explore the park as a weren’t uncommon to relieve the stress. point in history for women, saying: “Going to Bletchley Park was great, especially as The site was nearly demolished in the 90s a woman. Over 75% of the population here to make way for a housing development, were women so it’s important to rediscover however, through hard work and dedication, our roots.” it was saved and turned into the museum Oncourse Autumn 2019 27 students have ice time in canada The once in a lifetime trip took 46 A Level Geography and IB Geography students to Toronto, the largest city in Canada, where they got a taste of life in the dynamic city at a very cold minus ten degrees outside. Walking tours of Downtown Toronto revealed Students from Callywith College and a new world to the Cornish students as they explored the wonderful streets of Toronto, Truro and Penwith College got a unique visiting Chinatown, the Financial District, Kensington Market, Sugar Beach, as well insight into their studies during a field as The Path; Toronto’s 27km long unique subterranean walkway. trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

Students had the chance to take part in some amazing activities; cheering on Belleville Senators and Toronto Marlies in an AHL Ice Hockey game, grabbing their skates and hitting the ice-skating rink on the shore of Lake Ontario and a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium.

The trip was rounded off with a full day excursion to the famous Niagara Falls. Students enjoyed breath-taking views over the Falls and Niagara Gorge from the Skylon Observation Tower.

The five-day annual trip, now in its 18th year, remains as popular as ever with the students.

A Level student Jack Pompa enjoyed the trip saying:

“The trip as a whole was fun and an exciting change of pace from country living. The highlight of the trip for me was definitely the ice hockey!”

Truro and Penwith College Deputy Team Leader for Humanities and Social Sciences, Ian Hyland, who joined the students on the trip, said:

“The trip gives the students the chance to see, first-hand, the diversity and the regeneration in Toronto. They have learnt about this in classroom and will be able to use it in their exam.

“It gives them the chance to immerse themselves in the world’s most diverse city and to gain new life experiences. For a few students it was also their first time travelling abroad, and what a great place to go for it!” 28 Oncourse Autumn 2019 age is no barrier College’s Elite athletes in alexis’ prison Truro and Penwith College supports a wide warden dream range of sports with its academies, encouraging students to compete at county and regional levels.

Over the past few months the all-encompassing Elite Academy students have been competing in various national competitions and events. From rugby to running, the Elite Academy students have done Cornwall very proud.

Alexis Tonkin was the youngest Prison Warden in the UK when she got the job.

Former L3 Public Services student Alexis Tonkin became the youngest Prison Warden in the UK when she got the job. Elite Academy Students.

Now deployed at HMP Channings Wood, a male category C prison in Newton Abbott, Alexis returned to Truro College to offer ethan swaps berets for caps words of wisdom to current students.

She said: “This course has done a lot for me in England v Ireland tour and set me up for my future. While I was here, I learnt a lot about different services. We Playing in the Rugby The call up to represent England in the learnt a lot about the ins and outs of the role two-match Ireland Tour was a complete and visited Dartmoor Prison and that was the Academy at Truro College shock to Ethan, who said: “Being selected moment I realised this was what I wanted to was amazing. It’s the top of what you aim do with my career. alongside his Public for and it finally came true. I had no idea if I would make it, you just never know what “As soon as I left College I had to wait until I Services Diploma, Ethan the coaches are looking for.” was 18 years old and on my 18th birthday I Pearce-Cowley has been applied to be a prison officer. The application The tour itself was an amazing experience process was fairly lengthy, but it was worth working towards playing for for Ethan, who helped his squad secure the wait. There were several assessments a victory after they lost their first game along the way, but Truro College had set me England from the get-go. against the Irish players. up for that. It ensured that my fitness was up to scratch and my maths and English helped “It was a great experience. When you’re me along the way with assessments. over there, for a whole week all you think about is rugby. In training you focus on “After the selection process I was successful what we can do better, what we did today in completing the assessments and at that and what we can do tomorrow to make sure time I became the youngest prison officer in this doesn’t happen in the game. It’s all one the UK. I’m now a year into the role and it’s big learning curve from the first training best job I could have chosen.” session to the minute you step onto the pitch for a match.” Oncourse Autumn 2019 29 College’s Elite athletes compete on national scale National Paralympics Athletes bring home Academy call-up medals from National Inspiring others to pursue their championships favourite sport, Access Inclusive A group of athletes from Truro Learning student Sam Jose has College recently took part two been off ered a place by British national AOC competitions, the Athletics on The Paralympic AOC National Championships Development Academy, which and the AOC Athletics Nationals. includes travelling to London for

training sessions with his coach. Sam Goodchild and Matt Railton competed in the national cross country event at the AOC National Championships, coming second This incredible offer came after Sam displayed early potential in and 24th respectively. They also attended the AOC National Athletic events such as high jump, 400m and 200m. Sam is now receiving Championships in Bristol with Sam placing second in the 1500m. technical training in London for Paralympic event long jump, for which Matthew was on form securing first in 1500m, 2nd in 800m and 3rd he is currently ranked first U18 in the UK and fifth overall for long jump in 400m. Sam Owen was the only female competitor for the college as a T/F20 athlete. with a fourth place in 100m.

Sam competes as a T/F20 athlete (intellectual impairment) and is up Abu Gupta claimed fourth place at the AOC Athletics Nationals against athletes within the same classification across the UK. in Bristol while Ritchie Bayne achieved second and third place in shotput and javelin. Sam is currently enrolled in the Elite Academy at Truro College, where he receives tailored training to help with his events. “It was really good getting your name out there a little bit. It was a great experience going up there and seeing what all the other sports Sam’s mum Helen is thrilled with the Academy offer, saying: “We are like in comparison to our own. You feel really proud representing are thrilled he has been selected as places are limited. We hope this the College,” said Sam. inspires others to have a go!” Sam also travelled to Italy to represent England in the European “Sam spent years watching his older brother and sister train and Road Race. compete in athletics and only after much persuasion did he try The Saturday Athletic Club in 2015. He soon found friends, confidence and “I finished in 15th place, which I was really happy with. Our team a smile and also found he could run...fast! 2017 was his first athletic came third overall and it was a great experience out there. It was my season and he was very successful, gaining gold medals at National first time representing England and hopefully not the last,” said Sam. events. He continued to improve his performances in 2018, achieving personal bests in all his events.”

Badminton | Basketball Cricket | Elite | Football SPORT ACADEMIES Golf | High Performance Hockey | Netball Rugby | Surf PARTICIPATE COMPETE EXCEL Swimming | Tennis Academies are open to all students. They are taken alongside a full-time programme of study such as Diplomas or A Levels. Whether your interest is sporting, academic or artistic we have academies to help you excel.

Check our website for details: truro-penwith.ac.uk 30 Autumn 2019 Oncourse Rugby Academy scores second place at Truro College’s Rugby Academy squad went international up against teams from around the world at a tournament Rugby Youth Festival in Portugal over Easter

The Truro College Rugby Academy team during the 2019 Portugal International Youth Rugby Festival.

The team won six out of seven of their games, The tournament just outside of Lisbon started an Under 17s team against an Under 19s unfortunately losing out on first place in the well for the team with a comprehensive win team of Sale Sharks. This proved to be the finals over the Iron Armour Academy based in case with Sale beating a very battered Truro Australia and New Zealand. Iron Armour College team. The team, which consisted of U17s, were treated the Cornish lads to an extremely going up against teams as much as two years intense and confrontational Haka, which was Despite the trophy being snatched away at their seniors, making their appearance in the filmed and has since had over 20K views. the last hurdle, Steve was incredibly proud final all the more impressive of the students, saying: “The team were This was followed up by two wins against excellent both on and off the field and were Over the Easter holidays, Truro College tough Portuguese Opposition in Kituro RC definitely the crowds favourite, with games Rugby Academy students travelled to Lisbon and Belenenses, who threw everything at played in front of 2000 to 3000 spectators. for the prestigious Portugal Youth Rugby the Truro squad but the young Truro College The organisers were so impressed they have Invitational Tournament. players weathered the storm and came already invited us back for 2020. through to top the group and progress into the The trip started on a high for the Truro team quarterfinals. “It was an unbelievable experience for all with a dominant win over Windhoek HS from involved and to finish the trip with six out of Namibia who were very physical in all areas. The quarters saw students produce a mature seven wins was the icing on the cake. Trips This first ‘friendly’ set the tone for the rest of and polished display to see off CDUL from such as this place Truro College firmly on the the trip with some high-quality rugby. Portugal. This set up a semi-final against The international Rugby map. This was the Rugby Wasps Academy based at Coventry College. Academy’s 15th overseas trip and will be Steve Larkins, the Rugby Academy The last play of the game saw the team considered one of the best. Thanks to Truro Coordinator at the College, thought the produce some awesome rugby to score and College for supporting the trip and giving the location of the tournament was ideal, saying: covert to beat them and progress into the final players memories which will last a lifetime.” “We were based near one of the biggest at the first attempt. surfing beaches in Portugal, which allowed us The team’s time in Portugal finished with a to train and prepare in excellent conditions.” The final was always going to be tough as the cultural visit to Lisbon where the squad was team from Truro College were predominantly able to see the many wonderful buildings and landmarks of the old city. Gold-rated University courses

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