������������������ AnnualReport 2008/09 Annual Report 2008/09 Welcome
Ò ...the overall effectiveness of provision is outstandingÓ (Ofsted, June 2009)
Ò ...student recruitment, retention and achievement have continued to hit record levels.Ó
Welcome to our Annual Report for the academic year 2008/09
This has been an exceptional year for the College. In June 2009 we were visited by a team of Ofsted inspectors. After a rigorous examination of all aspects of our work, the College was found to be Ò OutstandingÓ across all of our provision.
We are naturally very proud of this achievement, which is a fitting tribute to the efforts made by our staff students and governors to make the College the best it can be. Student recruitment, retention and achievement have continued to hit record levels.
We intend to build on this success in the future, using our experience and expertise, not just for the benefit of our own students but for the community at large.
I am sure you will enjoy reading this Report. We are proud of our College and what we and our students have achieved in the last year.
Thank you for your support.
John Widdowson Principal and Chief Executive Annual Report 2008/09 An ‘outstanding’ place to learn
Ò ...this is a great accomplishment for the College Images supplied by: BlueMoth Photography and one of which we are extremely proud.Ó www.bluemothphotography.co.uk
The College was declared as Ô outstandingÕ by Ofsted in June 2009. John Widdowson, Ofsted reported that Ô the overall effectiveness of provision is outstandingÕ Principal and Chief Executive said, "This is a great accomplishment for the College and listed the CollegeÕ s key strengths as: and one of which we are extremely proud. To achieve outstanding grades is really exceptional; with significant elements of our work being exemplary. The inspection • Outstanding success rates on most programmes report represents a clear endorsement of our ability to offer the very best learning • Outstanding support for learners experiences. Staff and students at all levels have worked hard to ensure that our vision to provide first class learning and training for individuals, business and the • Excellent range of progression routes community is achieved. The Ofsted report just confirms our success and is a • Very strong strategic leadership fantastic reward for everyone." • Very effective improvement strategies • Significant contribution to social inclusion A summary of grades awarded by Ofsted: • Outstanding financial and curriculum planning • Wonderful accommodation and resources Effectiveness of Provision Outstanding: Grade 1 Capacity to Improve Outstanding: Grade 1 • Culture of mutual respect and support Achievement and Standards Outstanding: Grade 1 • High proportion of good teaching. Quality of Provision Outstanding: Grade 1 Leadership and Management Outstanding: Grade 1 The Ofsted report also commented that: Ò The CollegeÕ s approach to educational and social inclusion is outstanding. The range of provision is very wide and meets the needs of learners Ò Year after year we have consistently improved on our high academic standards, with well, including those at risk of becoming disengaged from education, employment or training. record levels of enrolments on full-time courses. Student achievement has also been The College is particularly successful in engaging hard to reach groups and works very well at a record high, with the CollegeÕ s academic performance and success rates in further education placing us in the top 10% of all colleges nationally. We are 10% with a wide range of partner organisations. The transition arrangements between school and above the national average for success rates and 8% above on our retention rates; college are strong. Opportunities for learners aged 14 to 16 are very good and a high with 9 out of 10 students completing their studies. Staff keep students motivated, proportion progress to full time courses.Ó inspired and focused on their goals. We look to exceed the expectations of our students and develop rounded and competent people, who are able to contribute to society and our regional economy.Ó
Ò We strive to develop and evolve the delivery of our curriculum in response to the changing needs of our learners, employers and the economy. We work in partnership across County Durham and further afield. This will continue as we aim to build on our current performance and achievement levels. A key factor for our continued success will be to build on our valued partnerships in schools, colleges and higher education where we are able to develop and share best practice.Ó Annual Report 2008/09 Business, Management and IT
Ò ...full-time IT courses continue their three year upward trend, with outstanding value-added data, putting this provision in the top performers nationallyÓ
Full-time Further Education The Level 3 National Certificate in IT achieved outstanding value added results; 141 points above the national average, which for the third year running put them in the highest category, from providers across the country. This group also piloted the Ò Extended ProjectÓ , giving an additional AS level; all learners achieved this qualification with 54% at A grade. The Level 3 learners on the National Certificate in Business also continued an upward trend with results above the national average.
The Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ Business Administration learners were commended by the external verifier for the high standard of portfolios; this included work based learning NVQ Business Administration where for the third year retention, achievement and success rates were 100%.
The comprehensive programme of enrichment activities has added value to all courses and helped to successfully embed the important elements of Every Child Matters into the curriculum.
Part-time Further Education
All part time Further Education programmes at New College Durham are supported and promoted by professional bodies and recognised as exemplar in the northern region.
The College is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute as the largest provider of their qualifications in the region. A member of staff achieved the Chartered Manager qualification, therefore the College has Chartered Manager status, with the teaching team also members of the Chartered Management Institute.
The Certificate in Personnel Practice had 100% achievement with an increased number of learners and is promoted by the professional body, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
The Association of Accountancy Technicians has worked with the College for 30 years and delivery of their programmes at level 2, level 3, and level 4 continues to be popular. We are recognised by employers as one of the most well established providers of accountancy qualifications in the region.
The Chartered Institute of Housing qualifications are delivered by the Housing team, with successful level 2 programmes delivered on employersÕ premises and progression opportunities provided from level 2 to foundation degree and top-up BSc (Hons) in Housing. Annual Report 2008/09 Business, Management and IT
Ò ...the very successful Sunderland Leadership Programme continues in its fourth year with Sunderland City Council engaging with a record number of learnersÓ
Higher Education Part-time Higher Education programmes in Business continue to be popular, with both students and employers. They include HNC, HND and foundation degrees with excellent progression to the part time BA (Hons) Management, Business and Administration. The full time Foundation Degree in Business continues to grow with improved employer links and valuable work placement opportunities for learners. The internal progression onto the full time BA (Hons) Management, Business and Administration is supported by a strong contingent of students from across Europe. Both of these full time programmes are now involved with the newly formed Business Society at New College Durham, which arranges seminars from local and national businesses and had a very successful educational trip to London to visit the Bank of England and corporate events at Chelsea Football Club.
Full Cost Provision
The School of Business, Management and IT continues to develop their reputation as providers of leadership and management training. The very successful Sunderland Leadership Programme continues in its fourth year with Sunderland City Council engaging with a record number of learners, exceeding 150, which meant that the awards ceremony was held in the Marriott Hotel in Sunderland. The College also continues to be the only provider regionally of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) post graduate qualifications in Accountancy with flexible delivery leading to very good success rates for the programme. Annual Report 2008/09 Art, Design and Media
Ò ...Media students produced an excellent set of promotional films for the CollegeÕ s Entry to Employment (E2E) programmeÓ
Further Education
Over 100 Art, Design and Media students exhibited work in the New Talent show which took place at the end of June. Students displayed a large selection of artwork including fine art, animation, illustration, surface pattern, textiles, fashion, corporate ID, ceramics and much more. The highlight of the show was a Ô Reveal and ConcealÕ themed fashion show. The aim of the show was to promote the work of our talented students on the National Diploma, First Diploma in Art and Design and National Diploma in Media. Many of the students whose work was featured have progressed onto Further or Higher Education or have already secured employment in the creative industry
Work by first and second year National Diploma Art and Design students was showcased at the Empty Shop gallery in Durham City. The exhibition included illustrations, 3D projects, ceramics and fashion. Students used a city centre venue in order to bring their artwork to the public eye and show the general public what new talent there is from the College.
The Media students produced an excellent set of promotional films for the CollegeÕ s Entry to Employment (E2E) programme. The evaluation of these productions was a ‘client presentation’ and a final DVD was produced to be used for promoting the E2E vision. It will also be taken into the community and local schools not only promoting the effectiveness of the course but showcasing the very high standard of work produced by the Media Production students. Annual Report 2008/09 Hair and Beauty Therapy
Ò ...there was 100% achievement for all full-time Hair and Beauty courses”
Further Education
We continued to achieve high results with 100% achievement for all full-time Hair and Beauty courses.
Forty students from New College Durham competed in the regionÕ s biggest hairdressing competition at the Federation Brewery in Gateshead in February. The students competed against nine other colleges at the regional heat of the competition. The main attraction was the themed dance routine; this allowed teams to demonstrate a range of skills. Dancers from each team had their hair, make-up and costumes styled by their team mates before performing a choreographed dance routine. The teams were scored by a panel of prestigious judges from the hair and beauty industry including Graeme Smith from the Hair Olympics and Lorraine Nordmann, beauty author. All the hard work by both the staff and students was rewarded with a second place.
The hair students worked with the international hair company Wella and have received first class training from the Wella team.
For the third year running the hair and beauty students enjoyed a team building day at Catterick Garrison Army base where they took part in a variety of activities, which included mountain biking, tunnelled house and an assault course.
Key Stage 4 Year 11 students from Durham Johnston, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College, Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre, Fyndoune Community College, Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise and Belmont School Community Arts College achieved a Level 1 Diploma in Salon Services. Annual Report 2008/09 Performing Arts - Drama
Ò ...over half the Performing Arts students achieved triple distinctionsÓ
Further Education
Ninety five percent of students exceeded their entry targets with over half of the Performing Arts students achieving triple Distinctions.
The Drama Studio at the College was the venue for the end of year performances. The First Year National Diploma Performing Arts students performed Ô The Permanent Way’ by David Hare and the Year 2 National Diploma’s show was ‘Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens’ by Janet Hood and Bill Russell. Both of these shows were difficult and demanding pieces but the Performing Arts students rose to the challenge and performed with professionalism and style.
The National Diploma in Performing Arts students studying in Year 1 performed an Ô On TourÕ programme travelling round local junior schools in December. The production of Grimm Tales was also performed in the New College Durham Drama Studio.
Performing art students performed the STRUTS show for the second year running at the Gala Theatre. The show had a variety of song styles with a combination of comic and tragic songs from both the world of music theatre and pop. The second year students led the singing and the development of their voices from previous performances was evident. Annual Report 2008/09 Performing Arts - Music
Ò ...the newly formed College function band has received high praise for the excellent professional standard of performancesÓ
Further Education
One hundred percent of teaching observations were graded good or better, with 66% graded as outstanding.
The College had another successful year of performances from the music students. Year 2 National Diploma Music students performed a Blues and Soul show for two nights in the Cafe Studio at the Gala Theatre in June. The show included hits by Otis Reading "Hard to Handle" and Dusty Springfield "Son of a Preacher Man". The first year First Diploma students put on a rock concert in the GalaÕ s main auditorium featuring music from the 1980s. The performances included hits from Don Henley "Boys of Summer" and B52's "Love Shack". As always, the concerts were of a very high standard and the audiences were very impressed.
The National Diploma Year 1 and First Diploma students performed their first live concert at the CollegeÕ s Drama Studio, showcasing songs with place names in their titles, such as Rotterdam and Englishman in New York.
Ô UnpluggedÕ was performed at the Sage Gateshead in December and the National Diploma second year students gave a high quality performance to a rapturous reception from the crowd of around 300. They performed a huge variety of classic songs from Sigur Ros to Martha and The Vandellas. The students managed to cope with the difficulties of performing ‘in the round’ superbly and presented clever, acoustic re-workings.
The newly formed College function band has received high praise for the excellent professional standard of performances to date. The students were well received at the following performances: New College Durham Staff Conference, Creative IndustriesÕ Prospective Employers event and the CollegeÕ s prestigious Graduation Ceremony. Annual Report 2008/09 Graphic Design
“...one of our students won the Highly Commended award in the UK category for the International Design Against Fur competitionÓ
Further Education
A first year National Diploma student was successful in the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Colleges on Camera competition. The competition was extremely popular and attracted over 150 submissions. The judges commented very positively on our studentÕ s outstanding entry and believed that Ò the photograph really did capture the vibrancy of college life as well as expressing the link between the physical building and the real impact further education has on people livesÓ .
In 2009 the Graphic Design students completed a range of live projects for the Fire Service, Durham Beer Festival, Penguin Book Design Awards, New College Durham Student Union re-brand, St. Cuthbert's Hospice Promotion and the New College Durham School Leaver's Magazine collectively, representing a very credible portfolio of Ô clientsÕ .
Higher Education
Each year the Foundation Degree Graphic Design first year students enter the prestigious international Design Against Fur competition. This year, one of our students won the Highly Commended award in the UK category for his promotional poster. The competition is open to all UK colleges, sixth form centres and universities. The student was invited to a ceremony held in Mayfair, London to receive his award. Annual Report 2008/09 Entry to Employment
Ò ...87% of students participating in the Step Up Move On (SUMO) programme progressed into further education, employment or an ApprenticeshipÓ
Further Education
We engaged with 167 learners in 2008/09, which is a 300% increase over the last three years. Students gained qualifications in basic skills, Key Skills, Drugs Awareness, NOCN Progression Award and First Aid.
Students from the E2E programme have worked alongside the Countryside Rangers in maintaining and improving the Cater House Colliery Site in Durham. For the second year running we have had 100% success on the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
Students have worked with Age Concern on the Intergenerational Project. They received an Entrepreneurial Award for their work which culminated in them selling plants they had cultivated. Students also worked in partnership with Ellemore School and helped to maintain a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
In January we ran a highly successful Step Up Move On (SUMO) project at Durham Community Business College. We engaged with 18 young people from the Deerness Valley Area. The project was to engage with learners who were not in education, employment or training and prepare them for progression. The programme involved a range of taster sessions including Construction, Engineering, Sport, Catering and Information Technology. Students also participated in a placement at Fyndoune Urban Farm. The programme gave students an opportunity to develop their personal and social skills. Eighty seven percent of students participating in the programme progressed into Further Education, employment or an Apprenticeship.
Thirty percent of students had an identifiable specific learning difficulty, while 99% of learners agreed sessions were well organised, structured and clearly identified what they needed to achieve. Annual Report 2008/09 Early Years, Health and Social Care
Ò ...there was 100% achievement on full-time National Diploma in Health and Social Care”
Further Education
Achievements were outstanding on full time programmes and feedback from learners was excellent on all aspects of programmes of study e.g. there was 98% agreement that learning materials were clear, useful and helped study.
There was 100% achievement on full time National Diploma in Health and Social Care, 100% achievement on full time level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education and 100% achievement on part time level 4 NVQ in ChildrenÕ s Care, Learning and Development.
We had excellent results from Child Care Key Stage 4 pupils, with 100% achievement and 100% progression to full time programmes within the College.
A very high percentage of high grades were achieved by full time students e.g. 100% of level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care achieved overall Merit or Distinction grades and 65.5% level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education achieved overall A/B grades with 31 straight A grades.
Attendance was outstanding across the School with an overall percentage of 95%, including 97% for level 3 Child Care, 100% for level 4 NVQ and 97% for level 2 Child Care.
A level 2 Health and Social Care student received a National Award for excellence in student volunteering.
Key Stage 4 Year 11 students from Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise, Framwellgate School and Fyndoune Community College achieved a qualification in Child Care. Annual Report 2008/09 Early Years, Health and Social Care
Ò ...all Community Nursing students successfully gained jobs relevant to their qualificationÓ
Higher Education
Achievements were excellent and all external reviews of quality of all aspects of provision reflected outstanding student support and exemplary employer involvement in curriculum design, delivery and assessments.
All Community Nursing students successfully gained jobs relevant to their qualification. In addition, external reviews by Nursing & Midwifery College (NMC), of Specialist Community Nursing and Specialist Public Health Nursing, highlighted significant areas of good practice and reported on absolute confidence in practices and the quality of the programmes and links with Ô practiceÕ .
The development of full cost/employer responsive work has resulted in the training of over 200 qualified nurses in the Tees area, working with immunisation and vaccination updating and also Continuing Professional Development (CPD) work with podiatry clinical educators.
We had excellent results in the Durham School of Podiatry with 57% of students graduating from the BSc (Hons) Podiatry with first class Honours or 2:1 classification.
We gained excellent results for the Foundation Degree in Complementary Health with 93% achievement. Nine students, who had graduated from the Foundation Degree Complementary Health programme, successfully completed the BSc (Hons) Health and Well-being degree.
The new Foundation Degree for Assistant Practitioners (Podiatry) has been developed with Strategic Health Authority (SHA) podiatry managers and sector skills support. The programme co-ordinator is now working with the Society for Chiropodists and Podiatrists to develop standards to be used nationally. Annual Report 2008/09 Education, Professional Development and Social Studies
Ò ...100% of our students reported that teaching and learning is excellentÓ
Further Education
There was 100% achievement again for the Teaching Assistants programme, with high employment rates, while retention and achievement rates for level 3 Counselling were significantly above the national benchmark.
One hundred percent of our students reported that teaching and learning is excellent and there was excellent progression take up from level 2 to level 3, and from level 3 onto Higher Education foundation degrees.
Higher Education
We successfully achieved validation for a range of Higher Education programmes over the year: With Leeds Metropolitan University this included the BA (Hons) Social Work, the Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) Counselling, and the Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) Supporting Learning in Education. With Teesside University this involved the Certificate and Post-Graduate Certificate in Education for teacher educators.
We had lots of involvement with employers, external subject specialists, user/carers who are active partners in the development of our programmes.
Forty one college staff achieved awards with us this year, undertaking programmes to gain either teacher training qualifications or a BA (Hons) in Education and Training, while two Professional Development staff became Chartered Educational Assessors.
A Professional Development staff member undertook a working placement as a teacher educator in Finland. Annual Report 2008/09 Jobcentre Plus and Community Provision
Ò ...all Job Centre Plus participants that completed the programme progressed to either employment or further trainingÓ
Job Centre Plus New College Durham continued to work in conjunction with Jobcentre Plus to offer employability programmes to Jobcentre Plus clients who were looking to improve their basic skills in preparation for employment. Students that attended the programme throughout the year achieved either a literacy or numeracy qualification in addition to an Award Schemes Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) Employability Award to support them into employment or progression into further learning.
During the year we worked in association with Tesco to offer a bespoke training programme for Jobcentre Plus clients that were applying for positions within Tesco. This proved extremely successful with all participants that completed the programme, progressing to either employment or further training. This programme has been recognised as a model of good practice and has now been replicated in similar employability programmes in which the College is involved. Further opportunities of a similar nature are anticipated for the forthcoming year.
Community Provision
Our comprehensive programme of Community based recreational classes was further extended during 2008/09 with additional courses being offered. They were more aligned to the College Adult Curriculum and therefore offered more opportunities for progression to further structured learning where appropriate. In order to reach more participants and in response to customer demand, additional outreach locations were identified and will be fully operational for 2009/10. This will help to ensure our opportunities are more accessible to a greater proportion of the local community. Annual Report 2008/09 Learning Support and Skills for Life
Ò ...many learners needed Skills for Life qualifications in order to be awarded their teaching qualification, to move on to another course such as Access to Higher Education, or to progress at work”
Skills for Life
Success, retention and achievement rates for Skills for Life learners were all excellent and above national benchmarks. Recruitment was buoyant throughout the year, with several new enquiries each week. There were 401 enrolments and 145 City and Guilds Certificates in Adult Literacy or Numeracy were awarded. Many learners needed these Skills for Life qualifications in order to be awarded their teaching qualification, to move on to another course such as Access, or to progress at work.
When an enquiry is received, arrangements are made for the person to come into college on an individual basis for an initial assessment and discussion of their aims, and then an appropriate session is identified for them to attend. Learners attend for as long as it takes them to achieve their goals.
For students on other courses in the College the take-up of literacy and numeracy support rose once again, to 87%. Students who took up support fared better than those who did not. There was a very good level of achievement on their main course (94%) by those students who accessed literacy or numeracy support, having been identified by their tutor as needing this support.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
An increasing number of overseas students applied to study English at the College. The ESOL department welcomed 155 students from all over the world, including a growing number from the Middle-East. Many students in the 'home' category return year on year to progress through the levels and onto other courses in College, including higher education, or into employment. Part-time ESOL students progressed onto a range of courses, including IT, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Accounting and Childcare. ESOL provision at St NicholasÕ Church in Durham City continued to cater for the specific needs of women who find it difficult to attend college classes for religious reasons.
ESOL students developed a series of cultural exchange sessions focussing on Iran, Turkey, Spain, Poland, Indonesia and Pakistan. Full-time students delivered cultural awareness sessions both within their own programme and to mainstream courses to foster greater understanding between learners. ESOL students contributed to a cross cultural festival in College including traditions from the Middle East, Thailand, China, Japan and Korea. Annual Report 2008/09 Learning Support and Skills for Life
Ò ...a key feature of the Pathways programme is the development of personal skills including employabilityÓ
Pathways and Living in the Community
There were 32 full time 16 to 18 year old students on the Pathways programme and 48 adult students on Living in the Community. All students had a learning difficulty and/or disability, including students with mental health issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autistic spectrum conditions, medical/mobility issues, general learning disabilities, emotional, behavioural issues and sensory impairments.
A key feature of the Pathways programme is the development of personal skills including employability. This has become further embedded since January 2009 with the appointment of a dedicated Pathways to Work tutor. Students had the opportunity of benefiting from work experience with local employers in a range of vocational areas including retail, horticulture, sport and leisure and support services.
Achievement continued to be good with all students achieving qualifications at entry level or level 1 in literacy, numeracy, IT and/or work skills in summer 2009. Students also made good progress towards indi- vidual targets related to personal and social development.
Eighteen students who finished Pathways in summer 2009 progressed onto mainstream courses at the College. The courses covered a wide variety of subjects including Art and Design, NVQ Painting and Decorating, NVQ Bricklaying, BTEC Introductory Diploma in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, NCFE Uniformed Services, BTEC First Diploma in ICT and First Diploma in Health and Social Care.
A group of students on the Living in the Community programme focused on developing enterprise skills. They named themselves Ô LinC EnterpriseÕ and produced a range of handcrafted products including greetings cards, gift boxes, bookmarks and Christmas crafts. The money raised was donated to charity and resulted in £250 being given to the Downs Association and £200 to Cancer Research. Annual Report 2008/09 Sixth Form Centre
Ò ... excellent results were recorded for summer 2009 with 99.5% overall pass rate for A Levels.Ó
A Levels
Excellent results were recorded for summer 2009 with an overall achievement rate on A Levels of 99.5%, 4% above the national average.
Overall high grade pass rates A-B for A2 levels are 39.4%, 3% above the national benchmark. Although no benchmark is given for grades A-C, 77.8% of our students achieved these grades. The following GCE A2 Level subjects were significantly above the high grade A-B benchmark: English Language, History, Law, and Sociology.
All subjects, with the exception of one, achieved 100% pass rates and were at or above achievement benchmarks for all subjects. A significant number of courses had 100% success rates and were significantly above their respective national benchmarks, for example, Psychology, Art and Design, and Religious Studies.
Performance on AS level provision is in line with the national average, with some courses performing significantly above the national average. The overall retention rates on AS provision improved significantly and is now 6% above the national average.
Performance on a number of AS levels was excellent and significantly higher than their respective subject national benchmarks, for example, GCE AS subjects in Applied Science, Biology, Critical Thinking, Film Studies, Law, and Science in Society had success rates more than 10% above the national benchmark.
The overall GCSE success rate was a very good 84%, residing 9% above the national average. The pass rate for GCSEs was 92%.
The A*-C pass rate was particularly high in GCSE Science and GCSE Religious Studies for the second consecutive year at 63% (+5% on the national benchmark) and 66% (+2% on the national benchmark), respectively. Annual Report 2008/09 Sixth Form Centre
Ò ...we are the only regional College to offer a Science Pathway as a component of the Access to Higher Education provision”
Access to Higher Education
Eighty seven percent of the full time students completing their studies achieved a Certificate, 84% of whom progressed to 12 universities including all five local universities plus Leeds, Salford, Sheffield, York St John, Bournemouth and Cornwall. We are the only regional college to offer a Science Pathway as a component of its Access to HE provision.
Undergraduate studies being undertaken include: Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Primary Education, and Psychology.
Enrichment
One of a number of notable activities led to a group of GCE AS Environmental Studies students winning first prize (£1,500 and a trophy) in a regional competition organised by the University of Northumbria (UoN) at the Science Learning Centre in Newcastle. The students were partnered with a scientist from UoN and the activities comprised: fieldwork, laboratory analysis, the production of a scientific report, a poster and a formal presentation to approximately 100 people.
All Sixth Form Centre students participated in a range of activities to enhance their practical skills and to physically see subjects in action. These included visits to universities, art galleries, nature reserves, breweries, newspaper offices etc. For example, English students enjoyed performances at the Theatre Royal and attended a Poetry Live event at the City Hall in Newcastle, while Geography and Environmental Science students investigated biodiversity to gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems.
Full-time students got to know each other and the College better via a Treasure Hunt and also went on a Flamingo Land trip.
The Wednesday afternoon enrichment carousel included popular activities from previous years such as Forensic Science, Sport, Creative Writing, Charity Work, Arrive Alive Driving, Drama and Board Games.
Full-time AS and GCSE students participated in a work experience week during the summer term. They attended a wide range of placements and found the experience helpful in giving them a taste of potential careers and contributing to a Wider Key Skills qualification.
Success rates in Key Skills were excellent at 87% overall. Performance at both level 3 and level 2 Key Skills was high at 100% and 80%, respectively.
Throughout the year, students took part in a number of charity events and entered Equality and Diversity and Every Child Matters competitions. Annual Report 2008/09 Sports, Tourism and Public Services
Ò ...five full-time programmes in the school had 100% Retention and AchievementÓ
Further Education
There was an outstanding success rate across the school of 94%, which is a 35% increase in success since 2003/2004. We also recorded 97% retention rate across the school and an 89% success rate in Key Skills.
Sixty three percent of lesson observations were at Grade 1 (44% above the National Bench Mark) and 32% of lesson observations were at Grade 2.
Ninety seven percent of students said that teachers used technology effectively to help them learn, while 98% of students stated that the teaching on course helped them learn.
There were five courses with 100% success, which were Level 1 Uniformed Services, Travel Industry Skills, National Award Travel and Tourism, National Award Sport and City and Guilds Level 3 Professional Cookery.
The annual Hell’s Kitchen event took place in Le Nouveau Restaurant with Senior Management showing off their culinary skills and preparing a three course meal for sixty paying customers, while Public Services students attended several very successful Ô Look at LifeÕ courses with the Army.
The Football Development Centre students participated in a residential to Scotland, where they played other teams, visited Hampden Park and had a tour of the Hibernian Ground.
Key Stage 4 Year 11 students achieved a Level 1 qualification in Hospitality and Catering Skills. Students came from DCBC - Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise, Framwellgate School, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College and Fyndoune Community College.
Key Stage 4 Year 11 students from Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise, Framwellgate School and Fyndoune Community College achieved a Level 1 qualification in Sport & Leisure and in Public Services Annual Report 2008/09 Sports, Tourism and Public Services
Ò É employer engagement is high on all higher education programmes, with all students undertaking a substantial period of work placement, in a relevant vocational settingÓ
Higher Education
Progression to our own Higher Education courses is high across all areas of the school. There was 100% achievement on the Foundation Degree in Public Services. The Foundation Degree Sport and Exercise students participated in a highly successfully fact finding, educational visit to Barcelona.
Employer engagement is high on all Higher Education programmes, with all students undertaking a substantial period of work placement in a relevant vocational setting. Employers support our programmes and attended the SchoolÕ s Annual Celebration of Learning Evening.
Foundation Degree Travel and Tourism students worked on a project (Team Kenya) to raise money and provide support for disadvantaged children in Kenya. This project was integrated into their programme of study. Annual Report 2008/09 Technology
Ò ...a plumbing apprentice won the Wilkinson Shield and his portfolio of work was judged to be the best in the North EastÓ
Apprenticeships
Over 400 learners undertook Apprenticeship programmes within the School of Technology. Overall achievement rates of Construction Apprenticeships were 78% and Advanced Construction Apprenticeships were outstanding at 81%. A Plumbing Apprentice won the Wilkinson Shield and his portfolio of work was judged to be the best in the North East.
The management and delivery of Key Skills is excellent and has had a positive impact on achievement rates in Work Based Learning. Success rates are outstanding at 91%. Almost every Apprentice completed their programme in a timely manner.
Due to the economic climate, Apprenticeship provision in Plumbing and Electrical Installation was hit hard which resulted in redundancies for Apprentices within this provision. The Apprenticeship team worked hard with existing employers to ensure that these Apprentices were placed with various employers to achieve their frameworks where possible.
A plumbing Apprentice represented the UK in Canada at the World Skills Competition. He came seventh overall and won a World Medal of Excellence for producing a high standard of work.
Further Education
There was 100% pass rate on the National Certificate in Engineering and 100% retention on the National Certificate in Construction. We achieved 100% retention on level 2 and level 3 Brickwork and 100% achievement on the Intermediate Construction Award.
Ninety one percent of teaching and learning across the school was judged to be good or better and 99% of students said the teaching on their course helped them to learn. The CollegeÕ s Personal Learning Coaches and Personal Tutors provided appropriate support to help our students achieve their goals. Staff/student forums were held regularly which helped the school to respond positively to meet studentÕ s needs.
A CITB level 3 Carpentry student won the regional heat of Skillbuild, which was held in Newcastle in July 2009. A student employed by Durham County Council Service Direct, who gained Distinctions in every exam (Electro Technology level 3), received the LSC North East Regional Apprenticeship award and was a finalist for the National Local Authority Apprentice and Trainee Awards 2009.
Additional qualifications such as drug awareness and personal money management were delivered to increase studentsÕ awareness of real life issues. Over 40 students were rewarded at the schoolÕ s annual celebration of achievement event.
All full and part time students were offered the opportunity to participate in a wide and varied programme of enrichment activities including go-karting, paintballing, vocational visits, in addition to a wide range of sporting activities.
Key Stage 4 Year 11 students from Durham Johnston School, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College, Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre and Harelaw School gained qualifications in Motor Vehicle and Construction. Year 11 students on the Young Apprenticeship Engineering Programme from St Roberts of Newminster School gained a Level 2 qualification in engineering. Annual Report 2008/09 Technology
“...enrolment onto our Higher Education programmes has not been affected by the recession and we see this as a sign of confidence from companies who appreciate our good success rates and reputationÓ
Higher Education
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) students participated in a number of activities. First year HNC Construction students visited Beamish for Design Principles viewing the Lamp Cabin. First year HNC Civil Engineering students had guest speakers from surveying suppliers for their Surveying Processes unit. Both groups also visited a live construction site in Durham City for a health and safety induction visit.
Second year HNC Construction students visited Belsay Hall to view the various styles in architecture and maintenance of buildings. Second year HNC Civil Engineer students visited a bridge and road construction site in Bowburn.
Eleven HNC Civil Engineer year 2 students enrolled for the Higher National Diploma (HND) top-up course.
There was 100% achievement on the HNC courses in Engineering, Construction and Civil Engineering.
Two part time, day release students who graduated from the College’s HND Manufacturing Engineering course have gained 2:1 (Hons) degrees from University of Northumbria and have both been promoted within their respective companies as a result. They both cited the HND course at the College as having prepared them more than adequately for the degree course.
Enrolment onto our Higher Education programmes has not been affected by the recession and we see this as a sign of confidence from companies who appreciate our good success rates and reputation.
Employer Responsive Provision
A number of bespoke courses were delivered for local and regional employers to meet their business needs, for example, motor vehicle courses working with Durham and Cleveland Police Road Traffic/Accident Investigation. All courses had a 100% achievement rate. Annual Report 2008/09 Student Achievements Financial Performance
Overall achievement rates at the College are consistently high with 93% of students who completed their programme in In the 2008/09 financial year the College generated an operating surplus of £1,341,000 (2007/08 - surplus of £2,060,000). 2008/09 achieving the qualification aim. This places New College Durham in the top 10% of colleges in England and Wales in terms of results. Achievement rates for under 19 year old learners, the majority studying long qualifications, are The College has significant reliance on the LSC for its principal funding source, largely from recurrent grants. In 2008/09 the LSC provided 63.93% of the CollegeÕ s total income (2007Õ 08 Ð 63.13%) high at 93%. The grades achieved by this group are often higher than predicted, based on their GCSE performances at school. Achievement rates for 19+ learners, mostly studying on a part-time basis, are very good at 92%. During the accounting period, the College paid 95.7% (2007/08 Ð 94.9%) of its invoices within 30 days and incurred no interest charges in respect of late payment. Effective cash flow management during the year allowed the College to repay an additional £2 million off the principal loan amount which will reduce interest costs in future years.
Grades At 31st July 2009 the College had accumulated reserves of £19,789,000 excluding pension reserve (2007/08 - £18,171,000), cash balances of £3,914,000 (2007/08 - £3,051,000) and net debt of £1,253,000 (2007/08 - £4,659,000). Fixed Assets (which include the GCSE Results NVQs main campus, the Bishop Auckland Podiatry Clinic and the leased construction facility at Belmont Business Park) had a carrying value Achieving A*-C 49% Level 1 99% of £42.8 million and the College also had net current assets of £2.1 million. Achieving A-G 92% Level 2 94% Level 3 95% The College will continue to accumulate reserves and cash balances in order to further strengthen its financial position in order to AS Level Results deliver its strategic plan. Achieving A-E 77% Higher National Certificates/Diplomas Technology 98% The College has a subsidiary company, Westfirst Limited. The principal business activities are boiler house management, the supply A2 Level Results Business, Management and IT 100% of heat, gas and electricity and lettings of College premises. After gift aid transfers the surplus generated by the subsidiary company Achieving A-E 99.5% was £4,970. The financial results of the subsidiary company are consolidated in the results below. Foundation Degrees First Diplomas Technology 100% Business 100% Business, Management and IT 94% Consolidated Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 July 2009 Art and Design 100% Sport, Tourism and Public Services 87% Performing Arts 100% Health and Early Years 93% Income £,000 Public Services 98% Education and Travel and Tourism 100% Professional Development 93% Funding Council Income 23,890 Sport 97% Creative Industries 94% Tuition fees and education contracts 5,022 Health and Social Care 96% Research Grants and Contracts 24 Other income 1,453 ICT 100% Honours Degrees Endowment and Investment income 143 Business, Management and IT 93% National Awards/Certificates/Diplomas Education and Total Income 30,532 Business and IT 94% Professional Development 84% Health and Social Care 91% Health and Early Years 98% Expenditure £,000 Art, Design and Media 99% Staff costs 17,162 Music and Performing Arts 100% Other operating expenses 9,743 Sport and Exercise 95% Depreciation 1,581 Public Services 97% Interest payable 705 Travel and Tourism 100% Total Expenditure 29,191 Construction/Engineering 93% Surplus on continuing operations after depreciation of assets at valuation, disposal of assets and tax 1,341
The income and expenditure account is in respect of continuing activities. Annual Report 2008/09 Facts and Figures
All learner responsive enrolments, excluding Key Skills
Students by School/Department - Full-time Total number
Adult Learning 80 Male Part-time Business, Management and IT 415 19+ 16-18 42% 40% 46% Creative Industries 632 54% Female Full-time 58% 60% Learning Support and Skills for Life 60 Education, Professional Development and Social Studies 147 Health, Social Studies and Early Years 528 Sixth Form Centre 337 Sport, Tourism and Public Services 641 Percentage enrolments Percentage enrolments Percentage enrolments Technology 437 by age by gender by mode of attendance Franchise/Other 51 3,328
Students by School/Department - Part-time Total number Part-time Full-time HE 6% HE 4% Adult Learning 574 Business, Management and IT 1388 Creative Industries 179 Entry Level Level 1 Learning Support and Skills for Life 336 27% 25% Education, Professional Development and Social Studies 542 Part-time FE Full-time FE Health, Social Studies and Early Years 265 34% 56% Level 4+ Level 2 Sixth Form Centre 240 12% 18% Sport, Tourism and Public Services 311 Level 3 18% Technology 557 FE - Further Education Apprentices 394 HE - Higher Education Franchise/Other 990 Train to Gain 2615 Percentage enrolments Mode of attendance by level of study 8391 Annual Report 2008/09 The College Corporation
Name Date first Date last Term of Date of Category of Committees Served appointed reappointed office Resignation Member During 2008/09
Sheila Bamber 2.3.05 10.12.08 4 years Member Strategy & Resources
Hugh Becker 1.6.05 20.5.09 4 years Member Strategy & Resources Vice Chair Remuneration Search
Bernie Callaghan 1.11.02 24.5.06 4 years Business Strategy & Resources Chair Remuneration Search
John Jennings 13.7.05 4 years 30.6.09 Co-opted Strategy & Resources
Andrew Harrison 1.7.09 1 year Student
Mike Kirby 7.10.04 6.10.07 3 years Business Strategy & Resources
Sheila Knowles 1.9.09 2 years Staff
Anne Lakey 6.10.04 10.12.08 28 months Member Quality, Curriculum & Students
Ian Lambert 1.11.02 20.5.09 3 years Member
Malcolm Macourt 1.11.02 20.5.09 3 years Member Audit Quality, Curriculum & Students
Clare Manser 1.9.09 10 months Student
Helen Pace 1.8.08 11 months 30.6.09 Student Quality, Curriculum & Students
Michael Pennington 1.11.08 3 years Member
Chris Phillips 1.7.08 1 year 30.6.09 Student Quality, Curriculum & Students
Raymond Pye 6.10.04 20.5.09 2 years Member Audit
Terry Roberts 13.12.00 22.10.08 2 years Member Audit
Ian Robertson 1.9.08 1 year 31.8.09 Member Audit
Emma Shipley 11.7.07 29 months 9.12.09 Business Audit
Eunice Sneddon 1.6.06 4 years Community Quality, Curriculum & Students Strategy & Resources Remuneration Search
Gillian Westrip 1.9.04 1.9.08 2 years Staff Quality, Curriculum & Students
Rob Wilson 1.9.07 2 years 31.8.09 Staff Strategy & Resources
John Widdowson 1.8.98 Principal and All Committees except Principal Chief Executive Audit and Remuneration
Susan Dring acts as Clerk to the Corporation