College Times EDITION 7 Autumn 2020 brought to you by wigan & leigh college Record Digital For She’s a Breaking Exam Skills Jolly Good Results Academy Fellow See page 4 See page 4 See page 8 Student Care College expands Makers support to take over historic Covid patients Rushton building See page 10 Celebrity Support for Lockdown Learning

See page 10 MBE for former Governor

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01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times 3

A virtual awards event achievements subsequent learning Student of the Year The winners shared of Students of the Year replaced the College’s throughout the year. through lockdown, nominees were their celebration 2020 - an extra special annual ceremony handpicked by group of learners This year, despite many students went images online and when students and tutors, who had the received certificates who are going on to their guests have the extraordinary beyond their goals challenging task of achieve even more traditionally celebrated circumstances of the finding new resilience selecting the best of and prizes in the post. through work or further with tutors to recognise Covid pandemic and and determination. the best. Here are a selection study.

New technical qualifications are Covid safe set to launch next On track for September, with College reopens applications already coming in for those interested in following their GCSEs with a Those who succeed at While students took two-year programme a well-earned break at T Level. T Level will receive a from their lockdown The new qualifications nationally recognised learning this summer, have been designed staff were working with employers, qualification showing their hard to make the making them overall grade and details College Covid safe specifically relevant to for the new academic industry, with students of what they learned on the year. New seating spaces for breaks and learning the skills and course, so that employers As the College lunches mean that students can attributes in demand opened its doors in in the workplace. may easily assess their September students meet at a safe distance outdoors, Those who decide suitability for roles. found classrooms while reminders to wear face to study T Levels will Subject areas include in taking up higher rearranged to ensure spend a minimum coverings, sanitise hands and create Health, Digital, education options. social distancing of 45 days on work space are on display throughout all Construction and between work stations, placement, which is For more information new sanitising stations learning centres. about 20% of their Education. on our T Level offer installed, and a one- Students welcomed new normal as they time – with the rest UCAS tariff points visit: wigan-leigh. way system to avoid the return to College look forward to the of their time spent in will also be allocated ac.uk/16-18-full-time- crowding in corridors. and are used to the end of term. College. for those interested courses/t-level

wiganleighcollege wiganleighcol 4 College Times Digital Skills Academy launch at Leigh College

ROBOTICS & ROBOTICS & ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES & ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES & CYBER SECURITY CYBER SECURITY INTERNET OF THINGS & INTERNET OF THINGS & CONNECTED DEVICES CONNECTED DEVICES Leigh College’s new Head of Business and Computing, Nick Long, said: Digital Skills Academy opened its doors “The new state of the to students this ROBOTICS & ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES & CYBER SECURITY INTERNET OF THINGS & academic year with art facilities will provide CONNECTED DEVICES three state of the art learning laboratories, a unique learning each with equipment focusing on a specific experience to prepare our digital specialism. students for higher level The Academy was developed in study and progression to response to research that reveal skills employment.” shortages in the multi- According to software developers, discipline IT industry, North West labour information Student using virtual including cyber market analysis technology and reality headset in security, software (Emsi) employment telecommunications Robotics & Artifical Intelligence suite development and opportunities for professionals are on programming. programmers, the rise.

In a year when all-time high. The results Principal, Anna Dawe, said: “We are staff and students Despite all these learned new virtual topped the immensely proud challenges, 99 per of all our students Results ways to teach and cent of the College’s national average and staff. Grades learn, exams were vocational students and for many this cancelled and political are outstanding passed and every guaranteed first and based on two chaos followed with single A Level student years of hard work. questions around the choice university speak for did too, with 62 per The outcome is a assessment process, cent achieving A*-B or degree positive reflection of the usual excitement and an impressive the resilience and and anxiety around 92 per cent an A*-C apprenticeship dedication each themselves results day was at an grade. places. student has shown.” UK Construction role model Carpentry & Joinery unsung heroes and to the final in October to the next generation Lecturer, Barry help recruit a whole at UK Construction of carpenters will be Goodwin has been new generation Week’s annual helping to change the shortlisted as a UK of construction conference. future of construction.” Construction Week professionals. Barry said: “I take pride Role Model 2020. Awards were in recognising that The Role Model presented to those the knowledge and awards recognise who made it through skills I am passing on

01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times 5 MBE for former satisfaction rates in Greater Manchester. Governor Mr Costello added: Recently retired Chair of the College for “I am absolutely of the Governing many years. His thrilled and humbled Board Frank Costello commitment to the to receive this was made a Member further education honour. I believe it of the Order of sector is significant also recognises the the British Empire and this honour excellence of the (MBE) in the Queen’s is a great tribute College, and those Birthday Honours List to him and his who work hard to 2020. achievements.” make it successful. Mr Costello During his period The College performs dedicated 20 years as Chair of the a vital role in to the role of College Governing Board making further and Governor, with the the College entered last three as Chair. higher education the top 13 per cent accessible to the Anna Dawe, Principal, of further education local community, colleges nationally said: “I am thrilled for and through it, for performance, Frank and his family transforming the lives and so proud that he was named Educate and dreams of so has been recognised North’s College of the many.” in this way. He has Year and achieved Frank Costello MBE launched the been a huge part the highest student University Centre Wigan & Leigh College World Skills Centre for Advanced Beauty student shortlist Technical Studies

toThe College’s launchAs part of the education and skills inleads to sustainable 2021 “This is an important success in the College estate and in partnership between employment. We and symbolic competitive bidding the town’s Education the College and already have a milestone for the process for the Quarter, the new Edge Hill University, strong higher borough and the Ten Beauty students lease of the Rushton Centre for Advanced Wigan Council and level engineering partnership. During made it through to building, located Technical Studies will Wrightington, Wigan specialism, based the latest Big the regional heats opposite its Parsons focus on providing and Leigh Teaching at our Pagefield Listening Project of the UK Skills Walk Centre, will lead a wider choice of Hospitals NHS Centre, but we want exercise with competition. to a new Centre for higher education in Foundation Trust to expand to health, young people, the Advanced Technical skill priority areas (WWL). education and majority of those Every student asked agreed that Studies. The for Wigan borough digital and this gives who entered the Principal of the College, us the ability to we should prioritise submission to take residents. competition, which Anna Dawe, said: make that a reality.” improving education over the building, Aspects of the was held remotely “Having this facility facilities, while formerly occupied by University Centre Courses in key skill during lockdown, means we can ensuring there are the UTC, was closely Wigan & Leigh areas such as health, made it through to extend the range of plenty of local job College will be based care and medical, aligned to objectives courses currently prospects. Together, the next round. in the building along education and digital in the Wigan offered in our we will work hard with the government’s will provide advanced Students submitted Employment and University Centre, to provide these new flag-ship T-level level studies and images of their work Skills Strategy. Within and with quality opportunities, qualifications. progression to higher to the World Skills the competitive partners such as ensuring that our education. website, following process the bid The Centre will also Edge Hill and WWL residents have a consultation with their secured approval provide facilities we can develop Leader of Wigan clear pathway to a tutors who offered from the Department for programmes accessible higher Council, Councillor meaningful career tips for improvement. for Education. developed by the level training that David Molyneux, added: and exciting future.”

wiganleighcollege wiganleighcol 6 A level life College Times With the College’s A Level results topping the national average this year many of the class of 2020 are settling in to their first year as undergraduates at some of the best universities in the country. Here are just some of our high-flying Professional Honours Programme successes.

Cassia Pedro Polly Ball The former Dean Psychology at year before Wigan & The former Bedford The aspiring English day. I wanted to Trust Rose Bridge the University Leigh, but everything High School pupil teacher said: make sure that of St Andrews, I completed pupil, achieved was better here. achieved A, A, A “During lockdown top in the UK for everything so that outstanding Additional Learning grades in Sociology, I was able to stay student academic I was prepared A*, A, A grades Support was focused because experience, Psychology and for my university in Psychology, really outstanding I had timetabled according to the English Combined course”. Sociology and compared to what I lessons, so even English Combined. National Student and is reading have experienced in though I was at The aspiring clinical Survey 2020. English at the Red the past too.” home I felt like psychologist is Cassia said: “I was at Brick University of I was having a currently reading another college for a York. normal college

Katie Hadgraft Carla Booth The former Applied Medical “I’m so happy with The aspiring Combined and The University of Westhoughton Pathway. She my results! College journalist, formerly Business. Leeds forms part of High School pupil, was a remarkable the Russell Group has now taken of Dean Trust Wigan, Carla is at another performed well to experience for me. and is in the top up the MSCI in studied the Business of the UK’s leading achieve A, A, A, I met so many new 100 World University Pharmacology at and Finance pathway universities to grades in Biology, people who have Rankings 2021. Chemistry and the University of helped me through and achieved A* A B studying the BA Maths on the Manchester. some tough times.” in Sociology, English (Hons) Journalism.

01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times A level life 7 Laboratory work at a distance Extended A Level Biology students are working within social distancing guidelines TheC first cohorthoices of in laboratories as well as in the classroom. Extended Choices Leah Reid is part of the first students joined the Extended Choices group Separating pigments Professional Honours from leaves was Programme community one of their required this year. Extended practical assignments Choices was developed using thin layer for those who prefer chromatography. a combination of Carrying out these assignments and experiments is helping exams. to prepare students for university. Students may choose two A Levels and a Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate to prepare for health, business, law and computing Biology students perform related plant pigment experiments careers. distance Black Lives learning Matter As part of Black History Matter campaigns, month this October A recent protests and Leah Reid started the Leah is pleased with Level students heard structural racism, Extended Choices the way the College from guest speaker, including the programme in has responded to dismantling of statues Laila Hassan from September, choosing making it Covid safe. Free and monuments if you Stand Up To Racism. Media Studies and complete the thought to be “The College has course Students learned more celebrating slavery and Sociology A Levels been really good about Black Lives imperialism. alongside the Level about making things 3 BTEC Extended safe for us after • Courses in Health and Wellbeing, Business, Certificate in Digital lockdown. If we have Customer Service and Management Film and Video any concerns or are • Fully accredited Level 2 courses Production. struggling we can • Fits around work and home life “I considered taking always get help.” • Online and remote delivery three A Levels but She is also feeling • Available to start all year round after looking at the benefit of Extended Choices I • Approximately 12 weeks in duration studying in smaller thought it would be groups. • No exams, no fees (subject to eligibility) a better option. I am “Because we have • Ideal for employers looking to up skill their looking towards a staff or volunteers small class sizes career in journalism tutors notice • Ideal for individuals aiming to progress their but now that I have career prospects if we have any learned more about issues. I feel more the media I am now comfortable asking To apply visit: open to areas within questions in class wigan-leigh.ac.uk/adult-courses/distance-learning that industry too, and everyone is very such as editing or friendly too.” wiganleighcol wiganleighcollege wiganleighcollege film production.”

wiganleighcollege wiganleighcol 8 University Centre College Times First class results for 2020 graduates Aaron Edwards was More than 73 per cent of University Centre David Latimer’s delighted to pick engineering career students achieved either a First Class Honours or up a first for the is taking off after BA (Hons) Creative achieving a First an Upper Second Class Honours this year, while Class Degree Practitioner Graphics 78 per cent of teacher trainees were awarded (Top-up) awarded with a grade 1 Outstanding. by the University of Central Lancashire Freelance designer Aaron Edwards (UCLan). achieves a First Class Degree A Top-up degree is a one year course which follows an HND or foundation degree. The Ashton-in- Makerfield freelance designer said: “I loved completing the degree which has set me up really David Latimer also of Engineering well for a future in the scooped a first for and Technology design industry. Now the BEng (Hons) (IET) and is now Electrical & Electronic I have a solid idea of planning his next where I want to take Engineering, steps to becoming a my career.” awarded by UCLan and accredited chartered engineer by the Institution and consultant. For she’s a jolly good Fellow “Passing the course has already opened doors to professional Course Leader for higher education. Lecturer Rebecca Turley engineering status and means achieves an Advanced Foundation Degree Rebecca, who HE Fellowship (FdSc) Sports is also a Sports I am now qualified to apply for Coaching, Rebecca Lecturer and Quality senior roles at the company I Turley, has been Coordinator, met all work for,” he added. awarded the status criteria in reflective of Advance HE This year the first Dr Janet Thompson, practice to enhance Fellow (FHEA). cohort of Higher Head of Higher her professional Apprentices sailed Education said: Recognised development. worldwide, the through their end “All our students’ “It’s important to me to hard work has been FHEA is evidence of point assessments for attainment against continually improve. worthwhile. There are the Nuclear Standard the UK Professional I would now like to lots of opportunities Standards Framework go on to achieve the having completed ahead for them and for teaching and Senior Fellowship,” HNDs at the University we are very proud of learning support in said Rebecca. Centre. their achievements.”

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The Wheel Restaurant is run by Wigan & Leigh College students in the heart of Wigan LUNCH 3 COURSES - £10.95 Lunch: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Dinner: Tuesday & Thursday DINNER 5 COURSES - £14.95 Themed events include monthly gourmet evenings

01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times 9 Talented trio scoop engineering scholarships Three talented University Centre students have been awarded coveted civil engineering scholarships by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE North West). Alexandra Pruden Chartered Engineer. said, “We are (19), Lisa Coffey The financial support very proud of their (22) and William will also help me to achievements and Sculthorpe (19) have fund other training believe they will each each received the ICE opportunities and go on to successful QUEST Technician potentially a research careers in the Scholarship, a sign trip to Chernobyl nuclear industry.” of excellence which to develop my All recipients are recognises the knowledge of the student members abilities and potential nuclear industry.” of ICE North West. of early-career civil Membership provides engineers and comes Scholarships support for future with a £1,000 funding are awarded civil engineers award. to ambitious including careers advice, networking The trio is currently engineering opportunities, online working towards learning and more HND qualifications in students who Construction & The demonstrate Emma Antrobus, Built Environment good regional director and are employed leadership and at ICE North West, as apprentices by added: engineering company team player “Quest Technician Sellafield Ltd. attributes, Scholarships are awarded to those Lisa Coffey, said: independence who demonstrate “I am excited and excellence, so this about the potential year’s recipients opportunities determination. should be extremely Engineer Lisa is planning a trip this will open up Phil Collier, Head of proud of their to Chernobyl with the proceeds for me as I work HE Engineering at of her ICE scholarship achievements.” towards becoming a the University Centre, Step up the career ladder for Leyland’s Lee Lee Caton has (Top-up) at the part-time over two “The course was worked for Leyland University Centre. years. He is now pitched at such a Trucks since 2007. studying a Masters high level that I’ve Lee joined the He has not only degree in Mechanical already covered University Centre moved from the Engineering at some of the having achieved the assembly line to UCLan content.” Production Support HND in Engineering, attracted by the “Completing the degree Lee is hoping to Engineer, but progress to senior University of Central at the University Centre achieved a First engineering roles. Lancashire (UCLan) was great preparation Class BEng (Hons) Lee Caton achieves a First Class Degree and Mechanical & accreditation, along for the Masters,” is heading towards a Masters qualification Manufacturing with flexible delivery said Lee.

wiganleighcollege wiganleighcol 10 College Times Student Care Makers Famous faces support join fight against Covid lockdown learning Students and staff home teaching and who reached out were thrilled to learning. Here are to students to help see messages of just a few of those keep up morale. support from soap stars, the sporting world, comedy and reality TV this spring, as they adapted to

Madison Owen, Sophie Wareing and Elisse Whiteside are Health and Social Care student Care Makers Actor Ian Bartholomew aka Sarah Dunn from Hollyoaks Geoff from Coronation Street Health and Social the COVID-19 the Trust, helping Care students pandemic. to wash, feed and joined Wrightington, care for patients, Wigan and Leigh They were among alongside dedicated NHS Foundation the first recruits to nursing staff, playing Trust (WWL) as Care the paid role, having a vital role in helping Makers on the front already had some tackle the pandemic line to help combat experience with at it is peak. Jim Royal aka Ricky Tomlinson

Andy Whyment aka Kirk from Coronation Street Catherine Tyldsley from Crystal Chilton, and I’m a Celebrity Get Coronation Street and Me Out of Here finalist Strictly Come Dancing aged 17, from Leigh Before joining WWL a better team and I was quite scared College has been of going into certain amazing. I’ve gained situations. That was this experience while no different than my studying for my Level first day of going to 3 Health and Social work at Royal Albert Care course and Edward Infirmary hopefully it will lead during a pandemic. me to university. International long hair Real Housewife of However, I could not stylist Patrick Cameron Cheshire Tanya Bardsley have asked for better There’s no support and as a result my confidence denying that has been given a very there’s been welcome boost. some tough Being handed this opportunity by the and sad times, Trust and the College but the most has given me the chance to give rewarding Manchester United Manager England and Wigan Warrior Crystal Chilton at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary something back to the part has been Ole Gunnar Solskjær rugby player Danny Sculthorpe community during this challenging time. seeing patients come down I did not know what to Travel and Tourism students brushing expect when I started from ICU and up on customer service skills Travel & Tourism – but to be fair neither did the experienced then recover to students prepare staff because this be discharged period was new for and go home. for work everyone. First year Travel & telephone situations However, to the As a 17-year-old Tourism students on customer staff on Ince Ward – starting out my learned more about complaint handling. – from the nurses career and continuing how to handle to auxiliaries and my education – I’d disgruntled customers Following safe housekeepers to recommend any in role-play scenarios distancing measures ward clerks – I cannot young person to join to prepare for the they got an idea of thank you enough for the NHS, WWL and world of work. They what it’s like to work being there for me. support your local were assessed in within current Covid-19 I could not ask for community. face-to-face and guidelines.

01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times 11 Vocational students settle in to university life While some students who take up vocational With universities well as A Levels, progression for currently enjoying subjects have their sights set on entering the world accepting BTEC the transition from many high achieving undergraduate of work after College, many others are focussed and other vocational College to higher students. Here are studies. on progressing to higher education opportunities. qualifications as education is a natural just a few who are

Tyler Hardman Romina Buruiana Former school: Westhoughton High School Former school: Westleigh High School Course: Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Animal Management Course: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Business & Management Results: Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* Results: Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* University: University: BA (Hons) International Business Management BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology - University of Salford - Manchester Metropolitan University Tyler has an interest in large mammals, such as elephants and would like to Business & Management student, Romina has career ambitions to become work in animal management in zoos. a manager in digital marketing or the clothing industry. “I chose this course and career route because I want to make a difference. I am passionate about protecting animals to ensure their survival.”

Jacqueline Farr Former school: Albany Academy megan hardcastle Course: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Creative Design for Gaming Former school: Hawkley Hall High School Results: Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* Course: CACHE Level 3 Diploma Childcare & Education University: BA (Hons) Animation Production - Arts University Bournemouth Results: A* Jacqueline is keen to become an animator - working in advertising, TV University: BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS - Edge Hill University or video games. Megan is well on the way to becoming a primary school teacher. “I enjoy learning digital arts as well as traditional. We had great “I have always enjoyed working with children. I want to help them equipment and tech and the tutors’ knowledge and experience at improve their maths and English.” College was very up-to-date.”

wiganleighcollege wiganleighcol 12 Return to Learn College Times support their children and also gain the skills Cyber security Maths mum shares needed to get ahead. Anne added: calling for study tips with sons “Lockdown was a Former English and are studying we can real eye-opener for English student Maths GCSE student help each other,” said “Research parents in terms of Tino Mendes Adatum Shelley Darbyshire Shelley. The College suggests home schooling. Many supported her three adds English to his is launching new that learning struggled, so we are five other languages sons through their courses for adults in offering these courses studies after taking up January. Head of Adult something to help parents help courses at the College. programme, Anne new their kids. And you Shelley, 38, from Frear, is encouraging may even be inspired Ashton, took up people to sign up. improves to sign up for another learning to encourage “Getting back to mental course, once you get sons Tom, Aaron learning is high on back into learning.” and Frankie with the government’s health and Those who don’t their homework and agenda to make sure already have Maths it certainly paid off, wellbeing, that adults have the or English GCSE can especially during skills they need in the develops study for free, even if lockdown. changing pandemic confidence they have qualifications “Now that I have an jobs landscape,” in other subjects. You idea of what they said Anne. and a new will be assessed to find Pemberton student well as developing lease of life the level of English and Tino Mendes Adatum my employment maths courses suitable is developing his skills,” said Tino, for many.” for you. To book an English skills to study who speaks five The College is offering assessment call IT and follow a career languages including courses for adults to 01942 761 111. in cyber security. Creole, Portuguese gain English, maths Visit wigan-leigh.ac.uk The 33-year-old from and French. and digital skills which for the full and up-to- Guinea Bissau in Those interested in can help parents to date course guide. West Africa has been learning English as studying English for a second language Leigh mum of two, Mandy progressed Speakers of other should call Mandy Ward, returned from Level 2 to Level Languages (ESOL) at 01942 590 045 to to education after a 3 and works at her the College for two book an assessment ten-year break to study children’s school, St years. and enrolment for a new career as a Thomas Primary in Teaching Assistant. “Through the course I appointment. Leigh. have met people from Applications are For many years Mandy “Getting to know what other countries and welcome throughout worked with adults makes children tick made new friends, as the academic year. with learning and and finding ways Shelley Darbyshire got a physical difficulties for them to learn is taste for learning in a bid to in the community help sons with school work brilliant,” added Mandy. helping them to gain Counting on independence. The College is offering However, she enjoyed a range of study a promotion Teaching Assistant helping her own options for Teaching children at school Assistants at levels career calling so much she opted 2 through to 4, with to change focus to courses held at various for second become a Teaching times on different days Assistant. of the week at Leigh chance student “I loved the course at Adult Learning Centre, Leigh College,” to fit in with childcare said Mandy. or working patterns. “Coming back Faye Rosbotham to College was is studying the Association a bit daunting of Accounting at first, but Technicians (AAT) learning as an Level 4 qualification one day a week, while adult is easier Accountant Faye Rosbotham working for Fairhurst is aiming for chartered status than when you Accountancy Practice while learning part-time are younger in Wigan. because you The 25-year-old hopes Level 4 and has Faye started her are more to become a chartered supported me, paying accountancy studies accountant once she my course fees and at Level 2 and has Mandy Ward swapped careers motivated, so after taking up Teaching has completed. releasing me one progressed through Assistant course at College you do things “My employer wanted day a week to attend level 3 to 4. differently.” me to progress to College,” said Faye.

01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times university 13 BTEC Award winners The tenth annual BTEC Awards ceremony He is a mentor and took place in June, celebrating the hard inspiration to many others. work and commitment of teachers, tutors, schools, colleges, training Aaron said: “I have loved the providers and learners across the globe. past three years at College. I now have Level 3 Games Design new perspectives student, Aaron Wilson was and expanded my interests. I am looking one of only 17 Gold award forward to continuing to explore the creative Bronze award winner winners nationwide. world and I hope this Nathan Dodgson His final project Mystic Described as a student award will inspire my Stone was a fantastic who never settles for classmates and others Gold award winner achievement and really the easy option and to aim high.” Aaron Wilson is out of this world. always challenges The talented student himself, Aaron has has gone on to the His futuristic video taken a childhood Nathan Dodgson also University of Central game helped him love for video games picked up a BTEC Lancashire to take up scoop the BTEC Gold and, through sheer Award this year. The the Games Design BA Award Art and Design determination and former Shevington High (Hons). Learner of the Year talent, turned that School pupil achieved Award, as well as a passion into a Meanwhile Sport Bronze Sport Learner triple Distinction* result. promising career. Science student, of the Year 2020.

Photography student, at the Halton base, Photography Jade Shaw secured Buckinghamshire. Former student Danielle Lawson an apprenticeship in student’s career the Royal Air Force at “I am extremely Cosford and has her excited and I takes off sights set on following am just so glad and documenting the Red Arrows across I got my exams America. out of the way. The talented Wigan It’s going to be student is set to follow in her father’s a completely footsteps - an different way engineer Chief Tech at the Wittering base in of life and L-R Former students Carole Ann Cooper, Peterborough. an exciting Keren Lawton and Danielle Lawson Having passed her adventure,” English, maths and science exams along said Jade. with fitness and Jade is looking medical tests, she flew forward to traveling through her interview and working on Jade Shaw is set for in the spring and has documentary RAF apprenticeship now completed the 12 photography as an week training phase apprentice for the RAF.

scrub suits, hats and Head of Fashion Lesley Whittle and Head of Estates Ian Softly bags as well as theatre Fashion gowns to help protect Wrightington, Wigan & They raised more than £6,900 team scrubs Leigh NHS Trust staff. with 1,600 items created for The Wigan Scrub Hub up well is a public Facebook NHS frontline staff. group set up by former The College’s Higher College for such a The College’s fashion at the peak of the Wigan & Leigh College Education Fashion great cause. I am truly department teamed COVID-19 pandemic. fashion student, Course Leader, Lesley proud of each and up with former The team collaborated Charlotte Mack, with a Whittle, said: every one of them students and local with former staff and GoFundMe page for “It’s amazing to see for their dedication businesses to supply student professionals donations to buy the former students using and energy. Their vital equipment to from local clothing fabrics to make the Former student Corey Heaton skills taught by the enthusiasm is support the NHS businesses to create scrubs. team here at the wonderful to see.”

wiganleighcollege wiganleighcol 14 College Times Covid accelerates change to virtual events and tours Traditional methods with restrictions still Virtual tours This year young people of teaching and in place on public and their families can 3D Print Lab - Pagefield learning were rapidly events, the College now provide visit virtual Open Events replaced by online has quickly adapted an online look to not only get a sneak alternatives for to virtual ways of peek at learning centres, but also hear more from current students opening their doors at classrooms, tutors about the courses during lockdown. And to future learners. laboratories, on offer for school theatres and leavers. Live question and answer sessions workshops, are also streamed for replacing the students and their parents to find out more Science Lab - Leigh College traditional about subject areas, open events finance and welfare issues. held annually Kathryn added: in the autumn “We hope that we Doll House of Parsons Walk will be able to open term. our doors again to Kathryn O’Neil is Head welcome visitors in of Marketing and person, but in the Animal Management - Parsons Walk Admissions at the meantime our virtual College. events are a great way Sewing room - School for the Arts “We have had to change for you to explore what quite rapidly this year to we have to offer from invest in new systems the comfort of your own to hold virtual events couch.” and tours, as well as Book a place at our embracing flexible ways next Open Event of working,” here wiganleigh. said Kathryn. onlineopendays.com/

Almost 300 second was important for Pagefield PPE year Level 3 students the future, especially found out more about since I was stuck on boosts NHS stocks Careers life after College at what to do. It’s fun to a series of online talk to people who workshops to prepare understand and make Ready Week for their next steps me feel motivated.” into employment, “I could take away the apprenticeships or sheet to look over higher education. again so I can recap Head of Construction Neil Campbell packs PPE to support Greater Manchester the ways to go over frontline NHS staff fighting Covid at the peak of the pandemic Higher colleagues my application and based at the College, which college I want to delivered webinars attend.” Jen Morgan and to help students “They covered the most Linzi Napoli from Greater Manchester Higher understand more important aspects of about the benefits of the subject and even higher education, how gave us tips and tricks apprenticeships work, of how they would Summer festival interview preparation handle it.” Staff busy creating visors and budgeting skills. lockdown looks “This session has The sessions were helped me with the In a bid to support Meanwhile engineering really well received dos and don’ts for local NHS key workers staff got busy producing by students who an interview and how when their stocks were new PPE using 3D commented: running short, staff at printers recently to make the best the Pagefield Centre installed at Pagefield. “I enjoyed talking impression.” donated a range of The life-saving visors about something that personal protective helped boost depleted Student makeup artists create their own sparkling festival looks equipment (PPE) which PPE stock for NHS Student makeup artists the online community was no longer needed staff at a crucial time who were missing up, creating stunning for staff and student use, for those fighting the the annual summer festival looks for such as masks, gloves pandemic. festival season this year lockdown. and visors. cheered themselves and

01942 761111 wigan-leigh.ac.uk College Times Sport 15 England beckons for Talented Athlete Leigh College students Scholarship Scheme The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme means that young athletes can reach their potential in education alongside achieving success in their sport. The College’s work in supporting talented Tanni Grey-Thompson athletes in education has been officially recognised with accreditation from the Talented Athlete Sport Science students Maria Edwards and Sophie Hillyerd from Manchester United Women’s Academy Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Two Leigh College Leigh College’s latest Situated on the The Sport England- students have been academy player Leigh Sports backed programme called up to England recruits are all eager supports young Women’s U18s training Village complex, to forge a professional people to gain camp at St George’s the College football career. Tanni Grey-Thompson, are needed to help qualifications Park - the English However, they still who is backing the them find alternative has welcomed alongside their FA’s National Training want to make sure that scheme, said: careers, either a host of sporting careers, Centre. education remains an alongside their follow other interests, “For the vast majority Manchester important aspect of sporting activities or Level 3 Sport Science as well as further their of athletes, skills and once their sporting United Women’s their lives. students, Maria personal development. formal qualifications days are over.” Edwards and Sophie Academy Assistant Principal, Hillyerd play for players over the Paul Heald, said: Manchester United last two years “We understand that Women’s Academy playing for the first Leigh Centurions and have both enjoyed to form a strong team is priority for recent call ups to the partnership with the girls, but our staff national side. the club. are very supportive. partner with College “Every time I represent Maria added: They get the best my country, I feel “My tutors provide lots advice and guidance so proud. Women’s of support. If I need to supplement their football is going help with work I can learning and how places at the moment always contact them, best to balance it and it’s great to be a even when I am away with being away on part of it,” said Sophie. on football duty.” football duty.” Rugby Team takes

The College is an official training kit sponsor for Leigh the 26 Challenge Centurions in the 2020 Betfred Championship season Students and staff from the College’s Rugby Development Programme raised a whopping £1,715.00 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice in a sponsored Leigh College’s logo Leigh Centurions Head and am excited to sports challenge which ran throughout the first 26 days of June. is being displayed Coach, John Duffy, see how we can work Members of the marathon fund raising mission on Leigh Centurions said: “I am pleased together during the training and match day to welcome Leigh coming season.” clothing throughout College on board as - 26 Challenge - pledged to cycle, squat, run, The sponsorship the 2020 season. one of our sponsors walk and perform crunches, pullups and press arrangement ups, as well as lots of other activities in support complements the existing ties between of the charity. the College and Leigh The number 26 was the Challenge. We all upped our Centurions - our rugby selected to mark the He said: “It was great activity during league academy historic cancellation of to see so many staff lockdown, so it was players already the London marathon and students get a great way bring benefit from working with its 26.2 mile route. alongside coaches involved to raise much together our increased Rugby Development Programme players Sport Lecturer, Warren needed cash for the efforts to benefit a swapped scrums for sponsored sports and players at the Turley, spearheaded hospice. very worthy cause.” club.

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