Master chefs from the Newbury College catering course took part in the recent Country Range Student Chef Challenge, coming third in the regional semi-final heat against other colleges from across the country.
The Newbury College team of Level 2 Professional Cookery students - David Phillips, William Barker and John Rich - saw off competition from some very well-known and well respected colleges, only narrowly missing out on a top spot at the upcoming finals.
Catering student and semi-finalist, John Rich, said I'm really proud of myself and the others, we all did really well and I enjoyed the experience. I'm glad that I managed to get the dessert out how I wanted and that the judges were pleased with it.
Course leader, Malcolm Baggott, said I am tremendously proud of everything these students have achieved in the competition. The dishes they produced showed an exceptional level of skill and creativity. Competition judges were equally as complimentary, giving the students plenty of constructive feedback and praise.
The students are now enjoying a well-earned half term break before returning to class next week when they will continue to practice their craft cooking for The Restaurant at Newbury College.
The Restaurant at Newbury College is open to the public for lunches and functions with set price menus from just £7.95. For bookings please visit www.newbury-college.ac.uk/restaurant
Students from our hair and beauty department were in demand at the annual Prom Day Prom Fair event at Donnington Grove Country Club on Sunday 5 February.
The event allows teenagers in West Berkshire to plan and gather ideas for their prom or special occasion and showcases many local businesses.
Students from Newbury College's Academy Salons provided free hair styling, make up and nail demonstrations for the catwalk models and members of the public. They worked tirelessly throughout the event, which was very well attended, and produced some beautiful and complex styles.
Sarah Evans from Prom Day, said: We were very impressed with the students and their standard of work on the day. The models looked fantastic on the catwalk.
Rachael Elsey, Curriculum Manager of Service Industries, said: The Prom Fair provides a great opportunity for our students to showcase their skills whilst working to tight deadlines. I was really impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment shown by each learner.
Click here for more information about hair and beauty courses at Newbury College. Click here to visit the Prom Day website.
To see all of the photos from Sunday's event, visit our Facebook page.
Newbury College has demonstrated its commitment to high performance through good people management by receiving a silver accreditation against the Investors in People Standard. Only 10% of organisations who apply for the standard achieve the prestigious silver accreditation.
Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results.
Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said; Investors in People accreditation is the sign of a great employer, an outperforming place to work and a clear commitment to success. Newbury College should be extremely proud of its achievement.
Cathy Wright, Head of HR at Newbury College, said: Since our bronze accreditation last time, we've worked really hard to address the areas of development needed for us to improve. We are thrilled with this result, which would not be possible without the continuing support of our dedicated and enthusiastic employees, who really make Newbury College a fantastic place to study and work.
Click here for more information about Investors in People. Click here to find out more about what it's like to work at Newbury College.
Newbury College today announced the launch of its new holiday club for students with high needs. Based in its well-equipped and specially adapted Ormande Centre, Newbury College is now extending its provision to provide activities over the holiday periods.
Newbury College Team Leader, Louise Campbell, said: We are delighted to be able to offer holiday club places to both new and existing students. We realise how hard it is for our students to have such long gaps in-between terms and this can be very unsettling. We also understand how tricky it can be to find a suitable provision for young people during the holidays with staff who understand their needs and have a high level of knowledge and experience.
The first holiday club will run over the February half term (13-15 February) and spaces are still available. The club will also run during Easter, May half term and the summer holidays. The cost for shared support is £55 per day per person, the cost for 1:1 or 2:1 support is £15 per hour per support person. Transport may be available for some students.
To discuss the holiday club in more detail or to book a place, please call Louise Campbell on 01635 845000 for more information.