Students and staff at Newbury College were flying the rainbow flag for a special week of activities and events that celebrate the rich diversity of the college community.
The activities formed part of this year's student-led Skills Project by Academy (pre-GCSE) students who actively encourage all members of the college community to come together to promote awareness of LGBT+ issues, help celebrate diversity and raise over £100 for Stonewall, a charity that campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Britain.
Students produced engaging displays on LGBT+ awareness and advice on tackling homophobic bullying and behaviour, as well as a rainbow cake sale and photobooth where students and staff could pose with props and upload their photos to Instagram with #newburypride.
A mixed-ability 5-a-side football tournament was also held with teams of students and staff, both to help raise funds for the charity and encourage participants to sign a pledge to support LGBT+ in sport.
Academy Tutor, Jess Durham, said: The students themselves came up with the idea of putting on a Pride week. It is something very relevant and personal to a lot of our students and this was an excellent opportunity for them to celebrate their diversity.
Academy students at Newbury College can study vocational or academic pre-GCSE and GCSE programmes. Students can start their career at Newbury College in year 10 and progress through to higher education.
In a recent short inspection by OFSTED, Newbury College, West Berkshire's only further education college, retained the good' rating it was awarded at its last inspection in 2015.
Inspectors noted that the college has worked with governors, managers and teachers to make sure it continues to provide good education and training for students. The report states that college staff share a culture of high expectations for students, which encourages the students to work hard, enjoy their learning, and have a good level of confidence in their abilities. It also states that the college provides a very wide range of enrichment and sporting activities, many of which are employment-focused'.
In line with previous inspection reports, the college continues to provide a comprehensive programme of engagement with local and regional employers. This engagement has led the College to expand and enhance its resources, including the opening of an engineering solutions laboratory, designed to prepare students for work with local high-technology industries.
The report praises the college for excellent student behaviour and for improvements in attendance, progression and standards in English and mathematics, citing that attendance in English and maths lessons has risen sharply during the past year and students' skills have improved in these subjects'.
Inspectors also noted that senior leaders, managers and governors are proud of the fact that the college is good and steadily improving.
Commenting on the report Anne Murdoch, Principal and Chief Executive, said: We are delighted that as well as praising the provision for young people aged 14 to 18, the report also recognises that achievements for adults students at all levels are excellent.
The report is especially positive about the relationships the College has with local employers and partners, and comments on how this greatly enhances students' preparedness for their future careers. I'd like to thank the staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the continued rise in standards.
The inspection was carried out on 23 and 24 May, the full report can be read here.
Newbury College Sport students headed down to the south coast on Friday 16 June 2017 for the annual West Wittering U19 College Mixed Beach Rugby Tournament.
Course Leader, James Ross, said: "The college team performed well, winning their opening match and finishing 4th in their pool. Special mention should be made to the outstanding effort of the players in a sport some of them had never played before."
For a few weeks every Friday, students on our Level 2 Carpentry course are attending kitchen fitting sessions at Howdens Joinery in Newbury. As part of their work experience and under supervision, Howdens has allowed them to revise several kitchen displays at its depot.
Ian Dodd, Depot Manager at Howdens said: We are keen to help Newbury College students qualify as carpenters and by offering work experience, we help them to put their carpentry skills into practise. Working in partnership this way allows the industry to develop new talent.
The students really appreciate the opportunity to apply their skills in a real life situation, adds course leader Mark McDonald. It gives them an insight and an appreciation of the quality of a Howdens' kitchen and it also gives them the knowledge and confidence to fit a kitchen in the future. We are very grateful to Howdens for their support.
Newbury College is always on the lookout for local businesses/organisations to help place our students on work experience. If you'd be happy to work with us, please call 01635 845000 and ask to speak to a member of the Learner Services Team.
Click here for more information on our carpentry courses.