St Vincent Life College Magazine • Autumn 2019

College launches iPad Digital Learning Scheme See Page 4 Useful Information

Contents Upcoming Upcoming Open Evenings...... 2 A Bit of Fun...... 2 Open Evenings Wednesday 23rd October 2019 Welcome...... 3 from 5.00 – 7.30 pm iPad Digital Learning coming 2020!...... 4 Thursday 21st November 2019 College Hits Top 10% – Again!...... 5 from 5.00 – 7.30 pm Hooray For Hollywood – Wednesday 5th February 2020 Student Film to be Screened at Film Festival...... 6 from 5.00 – 7.30 pm Music Students Spotify Success...... 6 Wednesday 6th May 2020 Staff Shortlisted for from 5.00 – 7.30 pm Prestigious Education Awards...... 7 Former Student Inspires Head of College...... 7 Final Moments at St Vincent...... 8 All the Fun of the Fair!...... 9 ‘Grease’ is the Word...... 10 Charity Starts at Home...... 12 St Vincent Student Wins Top Prize at University of ...... 12 A Bit of Fun... Welcome to our New Head of School for Sixth Form Studies ...... 12 28 73 The St Vincent College Governing Body...... 13 48 Meet the Chair of Governors...... 13 Busy Year for Students on Trips 796 with the Sun Project...... 14 65 Students Gain Places at Top Universities...... 14 31 65 Launch of Exciting New Project in the Community...... 15 296 7 Skills Tree Ambassador...... 15 69 21 Grand Opening of our New Medical Facilities ...... 19 Student Song inspires NHS Foundation Trust...... 19 51 6

2 Welcome to St Vincent Life

Welcome to the second edition of St Vincent Life, our termly newsletter which provides the College with the opportunity to share with our students, staff, parents and stakeholders all that is going on in the vibrant day-to-day life.

The start of the new academic year brings with it exciting new opportunities. It has been wonderful to watch our new students enrol with us from our local schools following their GCSEs. Having the opportunity to meet them and share our expectations has been a great way to get to know our new student cohort and it is great to see them settling in to their new learning environment. Likewise, it is has been really nice catching up with returning students, finding out about their summer and watching them progress to higher levels of study. We have also seen our students who completed their studies with us last year progress on to exciting pathways and opportunities, some case studies of which you will find later in this publication. In mid-August our students received their results. Following all of their hard work it was great to see their faces as they saw their grades and realised the success they had achieved after all of their hard work. It was a particularly successful year for our vocational Level 3 subjects. For the fourth year in a row the outstanding results seen across this aspect of our provision ranks in the Top 10% of Colleges in the country for student progress and results which is a fantastic achievement and one we are very proud of. You will find out more about this and some of our other recent successes in this publication. Thank you for taking the time to see all the great things your local College are doing and my very best wishes.

Andy Grant, Head of College

3 Digital Technology Update Digital Learning coming 2020! Students enrolling on to Level 3 programmes in September 2020 will be the first to benefit from our new Digital Learning Scheme. This exciting development in our curriculum delivery model will see students studying at Level 3 provided with iPads for the duration of their studies at the College following enrolment. These innovative technology devices can be used for a wide array of education and learning activities and will be used by students to supplement the teaching and learning taking place in the classroom. Following successful pilots of such devices teaching staff will spend part of this year learning how best to use iPad technology to enhance our students learning experiences. Subjects such as Health and Social Care and Sport have been already been using such devices Students already have access to a wide range of IT to support performance improvement, complete health technologies including iMacs, PCs and laptops as well checks and tests as well as complete online work. as being able use their own devices via the College The devices will be allocated to students studying WiFi system. In addition to this the College will also relevant Level 3 subjects and can also be taken home be implementing an iPad purchase scheme which will to support independent study and research. Head of enable students and their families to buy a personal College, Andy Grant said ‘we recognise the value in iPad but pay for it over a two year period. This using mobile technologies to support student learning. subsidised scheme will be open to all learners and Having seen students use these devices inside and would cost potentially as little as £10 a month to own outside of the classroom I can see the huge benefits an iPad. Further details regarding these schemes will they can bring to our learners’. be sent to all applicants in 2020.

4 Outstanding Success Continues College Hits Top 10% – Again!

This summer saw St Vincent College once again ranked in the Top 10% of college in the country for our Level 3 vocational provision. With vocational courses now making up the majority of our Level 3 offer the success our students have had on these programmes has enabled our learners to move on to University, employment and further study opportunities. In addition to the fantastic news about our ranking, we also recorded 5% increase in high grades in these subject with 90% of all Level 3 vocational learners achieving Distinction* or Distinction grades – the equivalent of A*-B grades at A-Level. Students studying Criminology, Law, Health and Social Care, Public Service, ICT, Sport and Music have all seen record achievements with these recent successes leading to St Vincent College developing additional provision for vocational pathways and from 2020/21 this offer will increase.

Head of College, Andy Grant said ‘these results not only reflect the level of specialism our staff have in teaching these rigorous subjects, but also demonstrates the hard work and commitment of our students who have worked so hard to succeed. We a thrilled by these results and the positive implications they have for our students as they move forward in to the next stage of their studies and careers’.

5 Success Stories Hooray For Hollywood – Student Film to be Screened at Film Festival When former Brune Park pupil Corey Kitchen joined St Vincent College he had a dream of joining the likes of Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino in the Hollywood Film Making elite. One year later and that dream is becoming a reality after his college produced short film ‘Knock Knock’ which was screened at a movie theatre in Cumbria this summer. Following work with the British Film Institute Corey was asked to submit his film for consideration at an introductory screening before the showcase of a major motion picture. Such was the buzz generated by this that the film will now receive a formal screening at the Creative Alliance Independent Film Fete in London in October. Not only will Corey’s film be screened to a wide selection of film and industry executives he and his fellow student collaborators will then take part in an audience question and answer session. Corey attributes his love of film to his time at Brune Park where he initially studied film before progressing to St Vincent. The film, Knock Knock, is the story of a hitman and was inspired by Pulp Fiction, one of Corey’s favourite films and stars fellows students Tobias Husmann, Samuel Murphy and Phoebe Wellsted. When asked if he wanted to have a quote in this article Corey said ‘ I only have one piece of advice. If anyone ever wants to make film just go for it’. Music Students Success

When Music teacher Chris Harris went to collect his work mail he expected the usual array of promotions and training offers. One envelope however, held something far more interesting – a cheque from music streaming service Spotify. Since joining the College in 2016 Chris has revolutionised the teaching, learning and industry payment. The initial cheque for the grand sum of 69p, experience afforded to our music students. The whilst small, meant more to the students than money. College is now recognised as one of the top providers For them it has enabled them to say that they are for music education and development, not only professional musicians whose songs are reaching a because of our fantastic facilities and high level wide audience. teaching, but because of the practical experience and development afforded to our learners by actively Subsequently the College have received further performing in a range of music events. cheques each month for minor but increasing amounts of money showing that their music is being listened to St Vincent Music students frequently perform at local by more and more people around the world. Not bad gigs and events, including the Wickham Festival and for a group of aspirational students developing their Victorious. Such is the extent of the personal music love for their subject in heart of . catalogue of our students that they created their own Spotify profile in which they upload their music for the To share this news with the wider staff team, Head world to hear. At the time of creating the profile the of College, Andy Grant presented Chris with a mock intention was simply for the students to share their cheque at an all staff briefing. It is a wonderful feel music and have it heard. What they never expected good story that has everyone at the College very was their music would be streamed so many times proud of the staff and students for their achievement. that they hit the threshold for receiving a royalty 6 Success Stories Staff Shortlisted for Prestigious Education Awards Two members of staff from St Vincent College have The Education Awards were established recently been shortlisted in the Hampshire Education as a means of recognising and celebrating the Awards. contribution of staff and volunteers within Hampshire’s education system. The intention is to say thank you Lighthouse Learning Trust to all those involved in the county’s schools and CEO Matt Atkinson has been colleges through honouring nominees who make a recognised for his Outstanding real difference to the life opportunities of children and Contribution to Education young people and, where appropriate, their families or and Transition & Progression communities. Manager Alistair Lambon has been shortlisted in the Futures Those shortlisted exhibit professional characteristics category. They have both been and knowledge, skills and understanding in their field invited to attend the awards that have a discernible impact on pupils and stand as ceremony in October. professional models for others. The nominations follow St Vincent College receiving a ‘good’ rating, with some areas of teaching and learning recognised as ‘outstanding’ following a visit from Ofsted inspectors last year. The report also highlighted the key strengths of the college in supporting students to succeed and progress to higher education, training and employment opportunities. We look forward to sharing the results of the awards and wish both Matt and Alistair all the best in their nominated categories. Former Student Inspires Head of College Sometimes it’s the smallest of Isaac’s letter was gestures that has the biggest so inspiring that impact. An example of this is when Andy chose to Head of St Vincent College, Andy make it the focus Grant received a letter from an ex- point of his annual student. welcome address to all of the staff when they returned national road march in July amongst Isaac Ross had joined the to work following the summer break. other fund raising activities. College from Andy said ‘It is always a pleasure in 2016 and studied A-Levels in to see the successes our students Isaac will shortly be moving to Psychology, History, Geography have once they leave college but Canada to continue his education and a BTEC in Criminology. Having Isaac’s letter has allowed our staff at the University of Alberta before successfully completed his studies to see the impact that good quality embarking on a career with Royal Isaac had taken a Gap Year education and outstanding levels Canadian Mounted Police. ‘We are and wanted to share with Andy of support can have in inspiring our thrilled to see Isaac pursuing his not only what he had achieved students to succeed’. Since leaving dreams and it was a very proud since leaving college but how his College Isaac has been working moment for me to read experiences at St Vincent had full-time, volunteered with the RAF his wonderful letter to our staff’ shaped his life. Cadets as well as completed the said Andy. four-day 160km Nijmegen multi- 7 Final Moments at St Vincent Leavers Assembly and Fair – A Fond Farewell The end of the academic year is often tinged with a hint of sadness as students finish their studies with us before moving on to their next exciting challenge. To mark this occasion the College hosted our annual Leavers Assembly. This yearly awards ceremony provided staff with the opportunity to vote for students who have achieved exceptional results, produced outstanding pieces of work, actively contributed to college life and overcome adversity to succeed. Students were nominated from our Sixth Form Studies curriculum and from Adult and Higher Education. All nominated students received an invitation to attend with each award presented by a member of the Senior Team following a verbal citation from the nominee staff member of the winning student or group. As always it was a fantastic occasion with both students and staff creating a wonderful party atmosphere as each category and nominee was read out and rapturous applause following each winning announcement. The awards concluded with the Head of College’s

announcement of Student of the Year. This year this prestigious award went to Public Services student Evan Morgan. Evan achieved Distinction*/Distinction in his vocational course but it was not his results for which he was awarded the accolade. Evan, by his own admission had not been the most dedicated of students in his first year at college. When Andy presented him with the challenge to make a future for himself at the start of his final year Evan rose to the task. Not only did he complete his qualification with outstanding grades he became a College Ambassador, gave up weekends to support college promotional activities and was nominated as Drill Master for the Public Services March Drill display. It was Evan’s commanding lead of this important and honorary event at the College that persuaded Andy that Evan had earnt this award, a decision which was re-enforced when Evan’s parents commented on how proud they were to see how college had helped shape Evan in to the young man he is today. Following the awards ceremony all students were then invited to attend the Leavers Fair, an event planned and arranged by the Student Council. With live music performances from students and the staff band along with activities and events in the glorious sunshine it was a wonderful way for staff and students to Student of the Year, Evan Morgan end the year. 8 All the Fun of the Fair!

9 That’s Entertainment! ‘Grease’ is the Word The School of Personalised Learning (SPL) is well known for bringing down the house with their Performing Arts students end of year showcase and this year was no exception. The Level 1 group undertook the challenge of bringing hit film musical Grease to the St Vincent stage and they did not disappoint. Following auditions, set and costume design St Vincent College 18th, 19th and and weeks of rehearsal the students completed several performances to 20th June 2019 packed crowds of parents, friends, teachers and fellow students. In addition to this the students performed the show for two local Junior Schools as well as a performance at the College for Newtown Primary School. Course teacher and show director Karen Philp said ‘I am incredibly proud of the achievements of these students. Leading up to the performances in June, I personally made connections with two of our feeder schools, suggesting that the Level 1 students visit the schools to showcase a small performance of the work they do at St Vincent. Not only did they perform well, but their professional behaviour, attitude, conduct as well as their ability to converse with staff from other schools was a huge credit to St Vincent college.’ The success of the mini tour has created further opportunities for the SPL students to work with local schools as our students have been invited to run workshops with the pupils, along with performing another showcase. In addition to providing the students with the opportunity to showcase their talents to live audiences, their work on this project also formed part of their course and assessed work. It is no surprise that all of the students successfully passed their qualification with all of them progressing on to Level 2 Performing Arts, the first time students from this group have progressed to this higher level of study within our specialist provision. What delights await us with their next production this Halloween… we have to wait and see.

10 THE

RITZ CINEMA@ St Vincent New for 2019

events@stvincent. ac.uk Facebook.com/ stvcinema Twitter.com/ stvcinema Can you ever Fisherman’s Green Book forgive me? Friends Thursday Thursdays: Doors Thursday Thursday 10th October open at 7.00 pm. 12th September 26th September* Performance commences at 7.30 pm (* denotes special event doors open at 6.30 pm and performance starts at 7.00 pm) Adults: £5.00 Children/Students: £3.00 The Little Stranger Rocketman The Silent Enemy Family Tickets Thursday Thursday Thursday (2 adults + 26th October 7th November 21st November* 2 children): £12.00 Season Ticket: £20 Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk or on the door

St Vincent College, Mill Lane, Gosport, PO12 4QA Tel: 023 9258 8311 Eighth Grade Grease Thursday Sing-A-Long 5th December Thursday 19th December

11 ...and Other News Charity Starts at Home Can we ask a favour? We’re trying retailers including Amazon, Argos, to raise money for St Vincent John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com, College sensory garden and we eBay, Boden, and M&S, and when have a target of £1000. you make a purchase, the retailer will send us a free donation. It’s as It’s not always easy to ask for simple as that! donations these days, so we’ve started using easyfundraising, a Please visit our new really clever website that turns easyfundraising page at https:// your online purchases into free www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ donations for us, at no extra cost causes/stvincentcollege/ and click to you. ‘support us’ – we really do need your support. It means you can help us reach our target really easily – simply shop with any of over 3,600 online St Vincent Welcome to our Student Wins New Head of School for Top Prize at Sixth Form Studies The College is very happy to welcome Dan Mann back to our staff team as University of the new Head of School for our Sixth Form Studies provision this summer. Dan, who previously had worked for the College for many years as both a teacher and Head of Department re-joins us having spent the last Portsmouth year working for the Lighthouse Lisa Thomas (pictured below) has Learning Trust, our umbrella been awarded the Warmington education partners. Dan, who has memorial prize by the University of a photography background joins Portsmouth. The prize is awarded the Senior Leadership team and to the early years student who will manage our vocational and has made the most significant A-Level curriculum offer. contribution to the course.

12 Governors The St Vincent College Governing Body

The role of the College’s Governing there to make sure that the College Body is an exciting one. Governors delivers the very best for its work closely together to drive up students and does so in a way that standards in teaching and learning is consistent with the values of the by challenging and supporting College. the College’s leadership team. The Governing Body meets twice a Governors also look to help term and its membership includes celebrate the success of the staff, students, parents, as well as College and its students; and to be members of the local community. It the champion for Student voice. really does make a difference. The Governing Body oversees If you would like to know more, or important statutory matters such how you can get involved (maybe as Safeguarding and Health & His name is Andrew McVittie and by becoming a Governor yourself) Safety. Most importantly of all he can be contacted by email then please contact the Clerk. however, the Governing Body is as follows: andrew.mcvittie@ lighthouselearningtrust.ac.uk

The St Vincent Local Governing Body is chaired by Zoe Huggins, who is also a Trustee of the Lighthouse Meet the Learning Trust (the Multi Academy Trust to which the College belongs). Chair of Governors Zoe said it was a great privilege to be appointed as Chair of Governors and is passionate about raising standards in education. Zoe is proud of Gosport having lived here all of her life and attended local schools. She is now married with 2 sons. She qualified as a Sports Therapist in 2000, taught at a local College and later moved into education management at a Hampshire College acting as Deputy Head of Faculty. In 2012 Zoe completed her Management degree and became a member of the Chartered Management Institute. Leaving a career in formal education for a short period, Zoe worked for a well-established environmental charity for 3 years, founding skills in the third sector and supporting local communities with their green spaces and sustainability. Currently Zoe works as the Head of Saints Learning. Saints Learning is the Learning and Development business for Southampton football club, working with Saints Learning and organisations looking to optimise the potential of their business and their people. Zoe believes that translating and applying what we learn from developing elite athletes into meaningful learning programmes, has a real impact to business cultures and performance. Zoe was elected as the Conservative Councillor for Privett Ward in 2016 and is also Gosport’s Deputy Mayor. Zoe believes her experience of local issues and helping people will stand her in good stead to support the College and its students. 13 Careers and Progression Busy Year for Students on Trips with the Sun Project It’s been a busy first year in post routes available to them following for our SUN Progression Mentor, the completion of their studies at Jack Traylen. St Vincent. Feedback has been great with over 150 students The Southern University Network attending a variety of events (SUN) helps students from focusing on a diverse range of  St Vincent’s students visit the awarding areas find out about their occupational areas. Examples Southampton Apprenticeship Higher Education options. SUN include a student on a trip to show at St Mary’s football stadium Students at St Vincent College can the access 1:1s, Mentoring workshops commenting ‘University never occupational therapist workshop I and trips in order to help informed really appealed to me in the past now know that is what I want to do. decisions about their next steps but having seen the equipment I didn’t realise how varied the job after college. and opportunities that they was and how many different places Last year Jack organised a number have here, I’m definitely going to you could work as an OT.’ Jack of trips to Universities, Employers apply for university next year.’ already has a number of events and Career Fairs across the On another trip to the University planned for the new academic year southwest to provide students of Southampton aimed as part and is also supporting students on with a greater understanding of a Health Sciences Day, a a 1-1 basis as they explore their of the careers and progression student said ‘After going to the options. Students Gain Places at Top Universities Many students celebrated not only achieving great results on results day but by doing so ensured their places at university. Over 150 students from the college were moving onto higher education as part of their next steps in their career journeys. This year saw a rise in the number of students gaining places at some of the top universities known as the Russell Group. The Russell Group represents 24 leading universities which are committed Southampton, Exeter, York and Cardiff. Transition & Progression Manager to maintaining the very best Alistair Lambon said ‘We are delighted with all the students who gained research, an outstanding learning their place at university this year. It is a result of their hard work and experience and unrivalled links commitment to their studies, supported by our fantastic teaching team with business and the public and support staff. We were pleased to see students gaining places at sector. Students gained places at some of the top competitive institutions this year.’

14 St Vincent in the Community Launch of Exciting New Project in the Community Erika Tavener, Head of Health & Sciences at St Vincent College said she was delighted to attend the launch of an exciting new project with the Rowner Community Trust accompanied by Kate Cotterill, Work Experience Officer and several students studying Health & Social Care Programmes. The project is the first intergenerational project in the local area bringing students, patients and professional staff together. Students from St Vincent College were invited to attend the launch of the Rowner Community Trust’s new Community Leg Clinic. Second year Health and Social Care students will all have the chance to compete for a place on the work experience  St Vincent Head of Department for Health & Sciences, programme that the college are running in partnership Erika Tavener with former student Amy Caper with Rowner Community Trust. This will give them an exciting and unique opportunity to gain practical have been given the exciting task of naming the clinic clinical experience alongside trained medical and will have to design a programme of activities professionals, observe patient care and develop a to develop the community aspect of the clinic. The social programme for the patients attending the clinic. experience that students gain will give them the edge The clinic which will run weekly provides community when applying for university courses and future jobs, based treatment, health promotion and ongoing care with one former student, Amy Caper, who recently for those experiencing leg-related problems. Students qualified as a nurse already working at the clinic. Skills Tree Ambassador Congratulations to our School Liaison and Transition Coordinator, Lynsey Skaskiewicz who became a Skills Tree Ambassador after volunteering at a local school to help prepare students for their futures, supporting the work of EBP south. Lynsey helps introduce young people to a range of opportunities and challenges within the world of work. This includes interviews for College, University and employment. Through sharing her knowledge on post 16 opportunities and the world of work, Lynsey supports EBP to inspire and help young people prepare for their futures. The involvement of Skillstree Ambassadors from a range of industries and sectors can help bring business to life, making it fun and stimulating, whilst helping to improve the skills of the future workforce. Students can often lack confidence, struggle with eye contact, handshakes and generally don’t know what is expected of them at an interview. Helping students to understand the interview process will improve their chances of getting a job, securing an apprenticeship, moving on to college and/or university. With the knowledge and expertise, Skills Tree ambassadors can make a huge different to young people’s futures. Lynsey works with many schools across the Gosport, and Portsmouth areas.

15 Choices @ The Clocktower

Community Courses in Partnership School of Adult & Higher Education with Hampshire Achieves Adult Learning We are delighted to announce further courses in 2019 – 2020 for our new community learning project at St Vincent College. • Creative Writing • First Aid • Local Community History • Mindfulness • Reiki • Cake Decorating • Mandarin Chinese • Spanish Classical Guitar • Family History • Felt making • Laughter for well-being • Paper making • Up-cycling Furniture • Weaving...and many more! All our courses are located in the Clocktower building at the front of the College • Local buses stop directly outside the Clocktower and parking is also available Many of our students, who are now at university, started their learning journey with us on our free community courses! Our latest Choices brochure of FREE courses is now available.

For more information, please see our website: www.stvincent.ac.uk/adult-education/ae-courses

St Vincent College, Mill Lane, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 4QA [email protected] 023 9258 3890

16 Adult EducationTitle News St Vincent Degree Success St Vincent College offers a Higher Education provision within the College working in partnership with the University of Portsmouth. Courses offered include foundation degrees in learning support, early years care and education and PGCE/Cert Ed teacher training. Students study part time whilst working enabling them to earn whilst they achieve their degree. Pictures below and right are some of our Early Years graduates for 2019.

Record Adult Access Numbers Record numbers of adult students complete and can be studied and Chichester. The college has completed the Access course over 2 days enabling people to been commended by students at St Vincent College to gain combine studying and work. who praised the passion of the a place at University this year. The college fully supports the teaching staff together with the Students completed a one year UCAS process in University support provided. Course leader course in subjects ranging from application. Students have Andy Curtis said “I am very proud Nursing and Midwifery, Social gained places at top Universities of all of the student achievements Sciences and Business Studies. including Surrey, Southampton, and my team of teaching staff”. This course takes one year to Portsmouth, Salford, 17 Student Destinations

18 InspiringTitle News Grand Opening of our New Medical Facilities A key part of the Colleges provision for students with special educational needs is the high level of medical care and support we provide. The College in partnership with Hampshire County Council undertook significant development work to expand and enhance our medical facilities meaning not only can we accept more learners with specialist medical needs but that we can also provide them with state-of-the art purpose build resources that enable them to access the highest levels of support whilst undertaking their studies. Student Song inspires NHS Foundation Trust It is always sad to say farewell to our students when they finish their studies with us, none more so than Music student Daisy Byng. Daisy, who successfully completed her study programme in July was an outstanding ambassador for the not only the College, but local young people in general. A fantastic singer and performer, Daisy has developed an excellent reputation across the local music scene for her powerful vocals and personally inspired songs. Having sung for local organisation UNLOC Daisy was asked if she would perform one of her own songs to the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Annual Members Meeting in Basingstoke in August. The reason, was her open, honest and touching lyrics regarding her own challenges and battles with mental health. The members were truly inspired to see this inspirational young lady not only perform to an outstanding standard but to see her use her art and her passion as a way of sharing something very private with the world. 19 OPEN EVENINGS Learn • Enrich • Achieve • Progress

Wednesday 23rd October 2019 Thursday 21st November 2019 Wednesday 5th February 2020 Wednesday 6th May 2020

5.00 – 7.30 pm

Mill Lane, Gosport Hampshire PO12 4QA 023 9258 8311 [email protected] www.stvincent.ac.uk