Contents Page 1. Introduction 2 2. College Context 2 3. Equality Objectives (EO) – EO 3 & 7 3 4. Equality and Diversity in Adult College 5 5. Requirements of Equality Act - EO 2 & 5 6 6. Community Involvement – EO 5, 7 & 2 9 7. Tackling Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination – EO 4 22 8. Support for Disability Learners and those with Learning Difficulties - EO 5 22 9. Learner Satisfaction Rates 28 10. Learner Voice: Cube Diary Room (The Pod) 32 11. Learner Performance Monitoring – EO3 33 12. Equality and Diversity Data 2012/13 - EO 3 & 7 34 13. Curriculum Area Targets for Development 2012/13 36 14. Role of the Equality and Diversity Committee 37 15. Staff Recruitment and Selection 2012/13 – EO 6 39 16. Key Priorities for 2013/14 – EO 1 43 17. Training and Development 44 18. Moving Forward 44 19. Reporting and Publishing 45

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Introduction

Priestley College is committed to equality of opportunity for all who learn and work here. We respect and value the diversity of our staff, learners, visitors, contractors, governors and the community. We strive to create a positive working and learning environment where everyone is encouraged to meet their full potential. This commitment is enshrined in our College Mission Statement.

THE COLLEGE MISSION

Our mission is to realise potential through inspirational teaching and learning in a wholly supportive and caring environment.

We believe that everyone has a right to work or study with an equal chance to succeed and realise their potential, free from discrimination or harassment. Promoting equality is everyone’s responsibility and is embedded throughout our Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan. These principles are supported through procedures and training. In 2012/13 the College, in consultation with staff, governors and stakeholders developed equality objectives in line with national guidelines.

Equality Objectives

This Annual Equality and Diversity Report details the progress we have made in 2012/13 towards the Single Equality Scheme Action Plan and the Equality Objectives.

Priestley College’s Equality Objectives: 1. To update our Key Priorities on an annual basis to enable us to work towards them; 2. To develop a culture that promotes and celebrates equality and diversity; 3. To monitor learner performance (according to a range of protected characteristics identified by the Equality Act 2010 such as disability, gender and ethnicity) in order to identify and address underachievement of any group via targeted, evidence-based strategies; 4. To pro-actively address all forms of discrimination, harassment and victimisation; 5. To establish an environment which encourages and enables groups with diverse backgrounds and/or conflicting practices/values/interests to foster positive relationships; 6. To work towards a staff and governor profile that more closely reflects and complements the local community; 7. To ensure that each individual has the opportunity to reach her/his full potential.

College Context

The College has continued to work to close any identified achievement gap or areas of under representation.

There was little change in the gender profile of the College with a slight increase in male learners, 44% in 2010 to 45% in 2011 to 46% in 2012. Female numbers declined from 56% in 2010 to 55% in 2011 and 54% in 2012. The percentage of Black and Minority (BME) learners showed a small increase from 4.6% in 2010 to 5% in 2011 and has remained static at 5% in 2

2012. The College profile therefore, remains predominantly white with 93% in 2010 and 95% in 2011 and 2012. The College has worked hard to clarify the broader range of ethnicity categories. The number of learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) increased from 12% in 2010 to 15% in 2011 to 16% in 2012.

Data also shows that 28% of learners received the disadvantage uplift whereas this declined in 2011 to 25% and in 2012 to 24% mainly due to the intake of learners, as it is postcode classification for the uplift entitlement.

Equality Objectives: 3. To monitor learner performance (according to a range of protected characteristics identified by the Equality Act 2010 such as disability, gender and ethnicity) in order to identify and address underachievement of any group via targeted, evidence-based strategies;

7. To ensure that each individual has the opportunity to reach her/his full potential.

Success rates as a College have varied between Curriculum Areas where plans have been formulated to tackle any identified achievement gap. College continues to develop the use of the data collected to inform all aspects of its delivery. Information regarding learners with English as an additional language (EAL) and those receiving free school meals and bursaries will be available to staff on the Staff Priestley Quay system so information and monitoring can take place through 2013/14.

All Curriculum Areas have been working to reduce the impact for learners in the removal of EMA – making their curriculum, kits, use of text books and trips more accessible for all.

In 2012/13: Art and Design focussed on support and monitoring of 19+ learners (3% of learners) – the impact of this was specifically evident on the Art Foundation course where retention increased by 10%, and across the department by 3%. Their focus in 2012/13 was to continue to develop this and the support for learners with no LDD which fell by 1%.

Sport Priestley in 2012/13 focussed on increasing female participation, developing mentors and role models for female Sport learners. The impact of the focus was an improvement in success rates in 2011/12 by 6%, and an increase in the promotion of females into Sport by Kathy Butler, working in the local communities and increasing volunteering opportunities. However, in 2012/13 the success rates for females fell by 12% so a thorough review of provision was necessary. Trips and visits were adapted to ensure that females were comfortable participating. Continued support was offered to learners receiving uplift, funding a Btec course specifically in football.

Science and Maths developed more workshops to take place in College to support disadvantaged learners with resources and space to work and revise. The impact of this work has seen an increase in success rates from 78% in 2011/12 to 83% in 2012/13. They continue to work on the under-representation of females in Physics and Engineering by holding a Year 9 event in conjunction with Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School targeting female pupils.

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Professional Studies were working to develop closer links with Study Support to provide more targeted activities for LDD learners, LDD 2011/12 success rate 82% 2012/13 79% and to improve success rates for uplift learners, 2011/12 and 2012/13 static at 81%. The area developed a broader range of active learning activities, specifically targeted at male learners, using role models to raise aspirations across the area, male achievement 2011/12 87%, 2012/13 90% female 90% to 94% particularly for BME learners (success rates improved by 9%). VOC learners showed higher grades in their results across vocational provision.

Media and Performing Arts integrated the Diversity Competition more organically and emphasised support for learners receiving uplift - this improved from 2011/12 to 93% but declined in 2012/13 to 88%. The ‘Inspiring Boys Performing Arts’ resulted in improvements to the numbers of males in the area from 241 to 263. This area’s focus is on tackling under- performance by a number of learners and to develop intervention for learners identified as being at risk of under-performing.

ICT developed support for learners on Level 2 with EAL learners which successfully developed for their progression to either employment or progression to Level 3 courses at Priestley with them gaining merit or above in their qualifications. Their drive to recruit more female learners has led to a number of initiatives, including linking with partner schools. Their focus will be to continue to develop the recruitment and success rate for females in IT, females 2011/12 20%, 2012/13 17% success rates 2011/12 87%, 2012/13 84% and to focus on LDD learners in IT as there is a higher number studying in the area than the College Average. The success rate for these learners has been 5% below the LLDD group for the past two years.

Humanities have focused on developing stretch and challenge activities and questioning techniques and have increased the participation rates for trips and visits by enabling the learners to access financial support. The area has raised aspirations across the area by visits, guest speakers, purchase of text books and the involvement of a number of outside agencies. Their new focus will be to address the achievement gap by offering more support for female learners.

Health and Education have developed strategies to try to improve male recruitment and success rates. The area had a reduction in male recruitment from 35 to 24 learners in 2012/13 or 6% of learners. Role models, positive male images and male learner attendance at events such as open evenings etc. This will be a continued effort and the area will particularly focus on improving success rates for LDD learners, which have fallen in 2011/12 from 88% to 76% in 2012/13 and those receiving uplift from 85% 2011/12 to 77% 2012/13. Early monitoring, tracking and intervention strategies are in place to track this. The improved information on Priestley Quay should enable all tutors to respond pro-actively to learners in their groups.

English and MFL have focussed on the decrease in success rates for both males and females, from 91% (both) in 2011/12 to 88% (male) in 2012/13 and 88% female, and for learners with LDD which has fallen from 89% in 2011/12 to 81% in 2012/13. A review of participation in trips, access to text books and support has undertaken. Significant changes in the GCSE syllabus have been implemented.

The Adult College has tried to develop Equality and Diversity within the classroom for all learners. Tutors received comprehensive training on managing challenging behaviour in the classroom, which has better equipped them to deal with difficult situations. Withdrawal of uplift funding for adults taking Adult Literacy Levels 1 and 2 of Adult Numeracy has given misleading

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data. The increasing challenge for Adult College is the recruitment of males onto Skills for Life courses and this continues to be a focus during the next academic year.

In 2011/12 16% of learners were specified as LDD which remained the same in 2012/13. Achievement for LDD in 2012/13 was 93%, a 3% improvement on 2011/12 figures. Retention, however, declined by 3% from 90% in 2011/12 to 87% in 2012/13. Study Support has a very positive impact on the retention and achievement of students. The focus this year has been to develop the collaboration between Study Support and Curriculum Areas to embed differentiated learning within their practice.

Learner destination data for 2012/13 shows that 89.4% of students had positive destinations after completing their programme at Priestley.

This includes 52.0% of Level 3 students progressing to university, 28.0% progressing to employment, including apprenticeships and 11.0% who continued in Further Education.

At Level 2, 77.2% continued in Further Education and 14.1% secured employment.

Applications for Higher Education for the Level 3 cohort was 65.4% in 2013.

48% of learners progressing to Higher Education from Priestley are the only ones in the family to do so.

Equality and Diversity in Adult College

For Learners

 The Adult programme continues to be successful in targeting learners from areas of social deprivation, focussing on Warrington’s worst Super Output Areas (SOAs) which are in the worst 10% and 20% nationally. The curriculum offer is designed to meet the needs of reluctant learners and recruitment is encouraged through the fee remission policy and the selection of course venues and locations.  In January 2013, additional classes were offered at a local children’s centre to meet demand for these courses.  Links were established with Job Centre Plus to facilitate referrals.  Partnerships with Local Children’s Centres resulted in all but one Maths and English class being supported by a free crèche to provide greater accessibility for parents.  Continued representation on the Council’s Lifelong Learning Partnership and Warrington Employability and Skills Action group ensures that our learners have access to good progression routes and further courses.  Functional Maths and English qualifications at Level 1 and Level 2 were fully rolled out  Awards in Maths and English (Ascentis) at Level 1 were introduced under Innovation Code Funding to support learners who were unready to progress onto a full functional skills award.  New craft tutors were employed to widen the curriculum offer to engage a greater diversity of learners.  Projects we have been involved in 2012/13 which have promoted Equality and Diversity are:

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- Two Adult Learners were nominated for National Awards and one learner, Margaret Isherwood, won the National Senior Learner of the year award, which was presented by NIACE at their celebration event in London - During Adult Learners’ week staff from Childrens’ Centres were invited to “sit in” on an adult maths and English class so that they would be more aware and confident in referring service users into the courses. - Also in Adult Learners’ Week, family learning was showcased through a series of “taster” sessions held in both primary schools and Children’s Centres locally. - 6 Book Challenge continued to be popular with both family learning learners and learners undertaking English qualifications. - Priestley College presented an award at Adult Learners Week – “Learning for All” award given to an individual or group who had overcome significant barriers to get back into learning. - The College’s Equality and Diversity Competition “Banter and Bullying” stimulated a good response from adult learners, many of whom had experienced these issues first hand. - Funding was secured to run one-off workshops designed to help “at risk” adults overcome the challenges they face with the introduction of the Welfare Reform Act. - Tutors  Excellent participation from our adult tutors in Warrington Borough Council’s CPD day which looked at “Assessment for Learning”.  Tutors undertook training in order to prepare them for the impact anticipated from the changes in the welfare system.

Requirements of the Equality Act

The Equality Act specifies three main areas that need to be developed and actioned through our Single Equality Scheme Action Plan and the work we do. They are:

Equality Objectives: 2. To develop a culture that promotes and celebrates equality and diversity; 5. To establish an environment which encourages and enables groups with diverse backgrounds and/or conflicting practices/values/interests to foster positive relationships;

To eliminate discrimination

The ethos of the College and its values are part of all College life. It is in this atmosphere of mutual respect that the staff and learners work. The pilot Ofsted inspectors (September 2011) commented on the commitment of the College to developing the learners’ personal and social skills and the learners’ behaviour in lessons and around College. This was considered to be excellent. Tutorial activities have encouraged discussion and dialogue regarding equality and diversity, and have covered cyber bullying, disability awareness, Holocaust Memorial Day and hate crime. Staff and learners have followed activities encouraging a signpost system for help and support groups locally and nationally. The tutorial activities are placed on Moodle for access through the year by tutors and learners.

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To foster good relations between different individuals and groups

Collaborative events have been organised throughout the year where learners have been able to work in buddying other learners or as learner representatives or ambassadors. They have been able to participate in sporting activities, drama and dance, the Catwalk show, and on fundraising for local and National charities such as Pretty in Pink or Sport Relief. Competitions through tutor groups, debates and challenges and learner participation in local festivals such as Latchford, Warrington Museum and Stockton Heath have enabled interaction between different groups and the local community. The increase in employer engagement across the College prepares the learners for a worldwide employment market with enhanced links through STEM and individual Curriculum Area initiatives.

To promote and celebrate diversity

New signage was developed and will continue once the building contractors had moved off the site. The campus development of the Priestley site continues to improve signage and accessibility. It is an ongoing process to be continued throughout the year, with the new IT building open in September 2014. Posters are displayed throughout the College and many Curriculum Areas have designed their own to promote role models, avoid stereotyping or encourage the elimination of harassment. There were specific posters to publicise the Diversity Competition and World Fest from March - July. These stress to staff, learners and visitors that equality and diversity is being developed in the College and beyond, through links to community groups and local charities.

Diversity Competition 2013

Art and Design  A celebration of Multiculture exhibition based on an Olympic theme displayed in the Arts Centre produced by Year 1 Extended Diploma learners from Art and Design. Examples of this work were donated to the charity ‘parties of prisoners’ for display at Risley Prison.  Catwalk Show 27 March proceeds for Teenage Cancer Trust and Priestley Education and Training Trust (PETT).  Essay Writing Competition

Health and Education  Designed a poster outlining ‘What Diversity Means to You?’ These were displayed in the Crescent Building at Priestley.  Essay Writing Competition.

Science and Maths  Designed a poster to increase awareness in women working in current research or industry in Science and Maths.  Essay Writing Competition

English/MFL  Learners were asked to write a Film Review of a French, Spanish or German film which they had seen which dealt with disability.

ICT  Designed an interface for an International Airport Information System that facilitates ease of use for disabled users 7

Humanities Learners were asked to examine issues relating to equality and diversity:  Sociology: For Prime Minister David Cameron the riots in 2011 were the result of ‘criminality, pure and simple, (which) ... has to be confronted and defeated.’ Do you agree with his analysis and proposed remedy?  RS & Philosophy: Discuss the claim that society should be tolerant because the benefits of toleration outweigh the costs.

Professional Studies  Held Chinese themed lessons and activities, subject debates and quizzes.  Law - Found out about the Chinese legal system  Public Services – Learnt about the differences in public service provision in China  Business Studies - Investigated Chinese Business Ethics and Practices  Economics – Discussed the impact of the growth of the Chinese Economy on the UK  Finance and Accounts Learners – Learnt about the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange  Travel and Tourism – Found out about China’s leading holiday destinations  Essay writing competition

Media and Performing Arts  Prizes were awarded to learners who had made outstanding contributions to equality and diversity within the Media and Performing Arts area.

Sport  Held a ‘Women in Sport Week’ – with guest speakers , female-only activities and awareness raising: - Tuesday - Sports Personality with Dame Sarah Storey - Wednesday - North West Pan-ability football tournament - Thursday - Launch of 'Rush Hockey' across the sports department  Learners were asked to design a Tolerance in Sport Poster

Adult  “Banter or Bullying?” Using this general heading, learners were asked to write a short story or poem, create a leaflet or poster or put together some facts and figures which gave their “take” on this topic.

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Equality Objectives: 5. To establish an environment which encourages and enables groups with diverse backgrounds and/or conflicting practices/values/interests to foster positive relationships;

7. To ensure that each individual has the opportunity to reach her/his full potential.

2. To develop a culture that promotes and celebrates equality and diversity;

Community Involvement

November 2012

Superstar clocks up 500 hours of good service

A YOUNG volunteer has already donated more than 500 hours of his time to the local community – despite being only 16. Tom Albiston, from Windmill Hill in Runcorn, helps out at Victoria Park, has volunteered at a local primary school and supports children with autism. “I like to keep busy and can’t sit at home doing nothing because I just get bored,” he said. “It has helped me to build up my confidence and I enjoy helping other people.” As well as volunteering, Tom is currently studying Health and Social Care at Priestley College in Warrington and hopes to go on to become a pre-school teacher. He was recently named one of the College’s ‘Superstars’ due to his outstanding contribution to Priestley and the community. “I realised I wanted to work with pre-school children as I was going through high school,” he said. “I’ve got younger cousins who I see all the time and I think that has geared me towards this.” Tom volunteers with the Just Chill group at Victoria Park where one of the recent projects was decorating old wheelbarrows that are now on display in the glasshouses. Several times a month the group meets and takes responsibility for maintaining the park as a nice place for people to visit. Tom, who is a keen footballer and is working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, also volunteered for a month as a classroom assistant at St Berteline’s School in Runcorn. Halton Autistic Family Support Group also benefits from Tom’s time. His older brother has autism and Tom has been helping at the centre for a couple of years. “I speak to autistic children and other people to get their feelings about the group and to see if anything can be improved from the children’s point of view,” he said.

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Priestley Tutor Sarah Jones said Tom had impressed everyone with his efforts. “He is such a lovely student and the amount of time he has already given to the community is incredible,” she said. “We are supporting him as much as we can because he is putting so much effort into helping others.”

Ex-student makes difference at world’s first children’s hospice

A FORMER student of Priestley College is now director of finance at the world’s first children’s hospice. Richard Quayle, now 36, left Priestley in 1994 and went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire and then accountancy at John Moores University. He is now working at Helen & Douglas House, which cares for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions and offers support to their families in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. “Priestley was a stepping stone for me because it put me on the finance and business path,” he said. “I got six GCSEs all at C and didn’t know what I wanted to do, but hopefully my story shows what you can achieve if you continue to work hard after school. “I also received some very valuable careers advice at College that helped me to make the right decisions and that is why I am where I am today.” Richard, whose family still live in Stockton Heath, studied a BTEC in Business and Finance at Priestley and went on to work for the Audit Commission. The former Bridgewater High School pupil took up his position at Helen & Douglas House one year ago. The two hospice houses offer specialist symptom and pain management, medically-supported short breaks and end-of-life care, as well as counselling and practical support for the whole family. Their aim is to help every young person – aged from birth to 35 – who visits one of the hospices to live life to the full, even when that life is short. Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice founded in 1982 by Sister Frances Dominica. Douglas House opened in 2004 as the world’s first hospice specifically for young adults aged 16 to 35. Richard said: “We are a close-knit family here, but I have to try and balance that with running the hospice as a business.”

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Business with charity in mind

STUDENTS learned valuable lessons while running their own businesses at Priestley College today. The Business students found out about profit and loss and buying the right stock as they ran stalls in the Crescent reception area. Patrick Cullen, Jacob Chisnall and Alex Banner (pictured) were set to double their money as their cakes, cookies and lollies sold out. “We’ve learnt what to buy and what will sell,” said Alex, 16. Patrick, also 16, added: “We’re trying to make a profit and that money will go to charity.” In an Apprentice-style challenge, several teams were selling various goods to fellow students and tutors. They obviously decided most people had a sweet tooth as there were lots of chocolate and sweets available. All money raised from the sales will go to Children in Need. Priestley offers business as an A Level course as well as BTEC Level 2 and 3. The courses cover customer service, finance and communication and aim to prepare students for university courses in accounting and financial management or apprenticeships.

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December 2012

Students sign up to vote

A DAY promoting political literacy at Priestley College saw 250 students register to vote. Priestley asked ‘Bite the Ballot’ campaigners to visit the College and discuss the importance of politics. They brought electoral registration forms and encouraged the students to sign up to ensure their voice was heard in future. Senior Tutor Mark Salmon said: “This is all part of active citizenship at the College. We run a series of activities promoting local democracy because we believe it is important to increase the political literacy of as many young people as possible. “Only a few students had already registered and most didn’t realize they had to, which is a sign that there is not enough information out there for young people.” According to Bite the Ballot, 40% of those eligible to vote in the UK choose not to. The grassroots campaign group is aiming to increase the number of young voters by making politics relevant. During their day at Priestley College more than 250 students registered to vote – double the amount of any other college the group has visited. “They started with a debate about capital punishment and then asked the students whether the Olympic Games were good value for money?” said Mark Salmon. “Then they were given £100 with which to run the country before being told their budget was being slashed by 30%. They had to decide where they would make the cuts.” Earlier this year John Bercow MP presented the Speaker’s School Council Award to Priestley College in recognition of six students’ efforts to promote politics among their peers. It is Bite the Ballot’s goal is to re-brand British politics and ensure the voices of future generations are heard. The campaigners are encouraging young people to be counted and not ‘grumble silently about decisions that are made on their behalf.’ Mark Salmon said: “The students really enjoyed the day because they were challenged and had to think for themselves. It is a great result that so many then chose to register and become a part of the political process.”

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Designer creates new look for charity

A GRAPHIC designer at Priestley College has created a logo for a group that brings people together in Warrington. Student Taz Walker, 19, was set the challenge by the development officer at Warrington Timebank who was looking for a fresh image for the charity, which connects people and encourages them to share skills. “I wanted to represent how Timebank connects people and gets them talking,” said Taz, who is from Halewood and is working towards a BTEC Level 3 Graphic Design and extended diploma qualification. “I researched Timebank to make sure I knew what it was all about and came up with a few ideas. I wanted to keep it simple and easy to recognise and understand.” Philip Blocksidge, Development Officer at Warrington Time Bank, first spoke to students about the corporate logos they liked and discussed everything from Apple to UNICEF. He challenged them to come up with a logo that encapsulated how the charity encourages people to do good deeds for one another using the currency of time. Warrington Timebank members give an hour of their time to, for example, sit with an older person including those living with dementia. They ‘bank’ that time and another member of the group will provide a service in return such as guitar lessons, art classes or mowing a lawn. Priestley College Graphics Tutor Paul McConnell said working with the charity had been a great opportunity for the students. “This was really valuable in terms of their portfolio,” he said. “The students received some honest feedback and it is important to get used to that so they are ready for work in the real world.”

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January 2013

Classmates offer support for underprivileged children

CLASSMATES have helped a cricketer to make a difference to underprivileged children in South Africa. Rob Jones, who is studying BTEC Performance and Excellence Level 3, and his friends at Priestley College hope to have raised as much as £200 during a sponsored run that took place on Friday. The money will pay for colouring pencils and notebooks, which Rob plans to deliver to schools in some of the poorest areas of South Africa when he represents the England Development U17s team on a 22-day cricket tour. “We played in India last year and worked with 50 kids from the slums giving them a cricket day with a packed lunch and t-shirts,” he said.“They absolutely loved it and it was one of the most rewarding days of my life, I want to do the same for the children we meet in South Africa.” Rob, who first played team cricket for Stretton but now plays for Toft in Knutsford, travels to South Africa in February with 17 other boys on the England Performance Programme. As well as play matches, train and keep up with college work, the teenagers will be setting up a cricket day for local youngsters. Money raised by more than a dozen students at Priestley College will help pay for vital provisions for the local schools. “It was great that everyone in my class agreed to help because it will make a difference,” said Rob, who is 17 and from Stockton Heath.

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March 2013

Comic relief at Priestley

Students did their bit for Comic Relief and filmed the fun for all to see! Check out this video to see how it went. The video was filmed and edited by students Jake Brinksman, Anna Brown, Devon McManus, Amy Nesbitt, Sam Osborne and Emma Wylie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdasjwKY9Q0

James up to website challenge

MAGISTRATES have praised a student who has built a website promoting the good work they do in the community. James Davies, who studies a BTEC in IT and a media course at Priestley, was asked to take on the project for North Cheshire Magistrates who regularly work with the College’s students on a variety of projects. Magistrate Jean Scott said: “We met with James and he put our ideas into this wonderful format. The purpose of this website is not so much to promote what we do in the Magistrates Court but what we do as magistrates out in the community.” James, 17, has been building websites since he was 13 and is currently working on an ecommerce site for Bruce The Bed King and another website for a Warrington bowls team.

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The former Birchwood High School student met magistrates to discuss their ideas and took the same approach as he does to all his website work. “They need to look simple and appealing, but not so simple that they look unfinished,” he said. James was praised by the magistrates, Tutor Alasdair Reid and Principal Mike Southworth for his professionalism and commitment to his latest website project. Warrington Magistrates Community Team works with schools, colleges, clubs and businesses in the area to explain the court system. One of their key messages is for young people, reminding them of the consequences of a criminal record. “Young people, in particular, often don’t understand that they can have a criminal record from the age of 10 that lasts for life and what the consequences of that can be for them,” said Jean Scott. The Warrington Magistrates Community Team website is www.micncheshire.org.uk and you can follow James’ blog at www.james-d.co.uk

April 2013

Chance for adults to return to learning

NEW courses for adult learners in Warrington will cover everything from computing to punctuation. Priestley College’s next adult learning programme begins this month and will cover basic computing, website design, painting, digital photography, maths and English. Many of the courses are free and are being held in Dallam, Bewsey, Sankey, Fairfield, Howley, Latchford, Orford and Longford. There will also be free taster courses in centres around Warrington in the week beginning May 20 as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

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May 2013

Rob brings smiles to some of the world’s poorest children

A PRIESTLEY College student brought joy to some of South Africa’s poorest children during a recent cricket tour of the country. Rob Jones, from Stockton Heath, captained England’s Development Programme U17s during the successful series of matches, leading the team to four wins out of six matches. However, there was just as much success off the pitch as he delivered supplies – paid for by funds raised by his classmates at Priestley College – to some of Africa’s poorest children. “What I Iearned was to never take anything for granted and what a fortunate position I am in,” said Rob, 17. “We met children who had to walk a couple of miles to school every day, but all of them seemed so happy and had big smiles on their faces when we turned up.” Part of the England players’ job while in South Africa was to meet local children and organise some fun events. It was an eye-opener for Rob, formerly of Bridgewater High School, who was amazed to see the children take a nap during the day – on the bare stone of the schoolroom floor. “They are only 10 hours away on a plane, but their lives are completely different to ours,” he said. “When they saw us they wanted our autographs because they thought we were famous, but I am just a normal kid who is at college.” Despite the differences between the cricketers and the African children one thing they all knew how to do was enjoy themselves. They played football, had fun on a waterslide and bouncy castle and at the end of their time together the cricketers presented the children with goody bags full of gifts, food and colouring books. “They asked when we were coming back and that was quite sad for me,” said Rob. “Hopefully we gave them a day to remember because it was certainly an experience I will never forget.”

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June 2013

Niamh honoured for reaching a global audience

A STUDENT has been rewarded for providing a voice for young people around the world. Niamh Costello, who studies the International Baccalaureate at Priestley College, has received the International Award from the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association. “I have gained a lot from many of the things I have done, but at the same time it has benefitted other people,” she said. “I have always enjoyed what I have done and have met some amazing people.” Niamh, who started on the Warrington Youth Council aged 13, is now a trustee with the North West Youth Work Unit. Among her achievements with the regional body has been to develop a policy for stricter confidentiality to protect pupils who consult school nurses and doctors. This was launched by the government two months ago and has been rolled out to schools across the country. The former Lymm High School student dealt with representatives from the NHS as she led the development of the policy. “This is one of the things I am most pleased about,” said Niamh, of Thelwall New Road, Thelwall. “It was a personal goal, but also a group achievement and an area where we have really made a difference.” The Sixth Form Colleges’ Association also rewarded Niamh after she travelled to Brussels for a four-day event designed to help young people from across the world to share best practice. Niamh offered other teenagers advice on how she was giving a voice to young people in Britain and also brought home some tips of her own including how to access European funding for youth projects. The 18-year-old also took part in The Tall Ships Races, which involves young people from across the world in a sailing challenge. 18

They have to work together to complete the race – last year it was Dublin to Spain – and Niamh’s team won both times she entered. Now she hopes to study English at Oxford and eventually work in social research or policy guidance on an international level. “Studying the International Baccalaureate has really given me a global perspective and broadened my horizons,” said Niamh. Senior tutor Mark Salmon said: “I nominated Niamh for the International Award because of her outstanding commitment to her work for Warrington Borough Council and also her excellent work each year at the Model United Nations Conference. “She has been an outstanding member of the Graduate programme and we wish her every success in realising her goal to study English at Mansfield College, Oxford.”

July 2013

Scientists of tomorrow’s world gather at Priestley

Scientists of the future put green energy under the microscope at Priestley College. The College welcomed 60 pupils from William Beamont, Sir Thomas Boteler and the Bankfield schools to its second science conference, sponsored by international chemical group Solvay. “Our aim is to inspire young people to study science in the future,” said Tutor Shahida Khanam, who organised the conference. The focus of the one-day event – which was attended by other businesses and Warrington Mayor Cllr Peter Carey – was green energy and sustainability. Solvay, which is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, supplied a team of engineers and scientists to help with the workshops and offer careers advice to those taking part. Len Sharpe, Managing Director at Solvay, said: “It was wonderful to see how enthusiastically the students set about the experiments. It is important that we develop our scientists of the future and I am sure they will have gained a lot away from the day.” Pupils, supported by students from Priestley College, enjoyed some fun experiments in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Bags of leeches, water fleas and dragonfly lava were delivered to

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Priestley in special packets so that pupils could investigate pond life in the confines of the laboratories. “At the end of the day all the animals were returned safely to ponds,” said Biology Tutor Doctor Louise Norbury. Students took a closer look at pond life during the science conference. The youngsters also learnt about their own carbon footprint, produced a bio-degradable plastic in the laboratory and built waterwheels as they discovered more about alternative forms of energy and sustainability. A team from Sir Thomas Bote