Adult students taking a Learning, Employability and Progression qualification at Newbury College, successfully took part in this year's Reading Ahead challenge. Mike Brook, Head of West Berkshire Library, and Anne Murdoch, Principal and CEO, Newbury College, presented 12 students with completion certificates and prizes were awarded for first, second and third places.
Reading Ahead is a national scheme that takes place every year in libraries, colleges and workplaces. The challenge invites participants to improve their reading skills over a six-week period by reading, reviewing and rating six pieces and recording it in a diary. As well as books, participants can also read leaflets, instructions or magazines. The scheme encourages those who find reading difficult to explore the idea of reading for pleasure.
The winners were Karen Winter (1st place), Rebecca King (2nd place) and Daniel Evans (3rd place). A special achievement award was given to Lewis Darling.
Newbury College runs the Reading Ahead challenge in association with West Berkshire Library. Laura Lennox, Learning Resource Assistant, at Newbury College, said: Daphne Deacon (from West Berks Library) and I were both impressed with the level of dedication shown by the participants and standard of the completed diaries. They were a pleasure to read and we felt that everyone deserved recognition for the improvements made to their reading skills.
Introducing the latest faces of Newbury College who are about to hit your online streaming this spring/summer as part of our brand new campaign.
The new campaign features students and apprentices from across Newbury College to showcase the diverse range of subjects and progression opportunities available for young people.
Marketing Manager, Rachel Woodford, said: "Our students are the best advocates for the College and it was a pleasure working with them on this video. Thank you to all those who took part."
The video will officially launch next month and will be shown across a number of online video streaming services.
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