West Berkshire Council's 2015 Learner Achievement Awards took place at Shaw House in June, demonstrating the depth of learning opportunities available to adults (over 19 years) including professional, academic and vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, courses for pleasure and family learning.
This year's winners included Newbury College Keeping Active Group (Fairclose Day Centre) for the Group Learners category, Xtrac apprentice Timothy Plows for the Outstanding Achievement category and GCSE student Michelle Edwards for the Return to Learning category.
Curriculum Manager for GCSEs and A Levels, Jilly Carrell, said "Michelle has worked so hard this year in developing her GCSE skills and is keen to progress to A Levels next year. She has fought, and overcome adversity, and her advice for others in the same situation, thinking about returning to education is "Just do it!" She is a highly deserving winner and it has been a pleasure to work with her over the past year."
Curriculum Manager for Community Learning, Sarah Hughes, said "We are really pleased that we had so many winners from Newbury College in this year's West Berkshire Learner Achievement Awards. These annual awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the outstanding success and achievement of individual learners, groups and organisations involved in adult learning across West Berkshire during the academic year. We are really pleased that Fairclose Day Centre won the Group Learner category; they have achieved some fantastic work over the year, despite battling complex learning difficulties, disabilities and dementia. The awards really inspires others to get involved in adult learning and cements the message that it is never too late to learn."
Foundation Learning students at Newbury College held a charity fundraising summer fete on Wednesday 1 July in aid of Scope. The event was held as part of the students' Skills Project, a programme of extracurricular activities they are required to take part in for their study programme.
Students organised a number of activities to take place on the day including, cakes sales, and a 'coconut shy and hoopla' stand (donated by Berkshire Wedding and Event Hire). Jokers Masquerade in Newbury donated Teletubbie costumes to entertain people on the day! There was also a raffle where local organisations donated prizes including a cut and blow-dry; and a back, neck and shoulder massage (from IStyle). While Newbury College donated bite size courses including chocolate making and a Latin American dancing session.
Foundation Learning Team Leader Louise Campbell, who helped students organise the event said, "The event has been a great success and we would like to thank all of the local employers who donated activities for the day and prizes for our raffle. I'm very proud of all the students for their hard work and commitment to the event. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves".
Newbury College recently held an event to thank local employers who have supported them with apprenticeships and work placement opportunities for Health & Social Care and Child Care students. Over the past two years more than one hundred employers have hosted students. The majority of full time students secure permanent employment before completing their qualification and apprentices are often offered permanent positions once their apprenticeships are completed.
Principal Anne Murdoch formally opened the event which included talks by current students, College staff and the manager of Sandleford Nursery, Katie Noonan. This was followed by a cream tea made by students from the Catering department, and an opportunity to network.
Curriculum manager for Care Alan Cracknell said, "We greatly appreciate the support we receive from local employers. The evening was a chance to celebrate students' successes and to thank those who have shown commitment to the College and helped our students over the past few years".
The manager at Teddy Bears Pre-school in Boxford, Sarah Phillips, who attended the evening and works closely with the College said, "As an employer it is always good to support the students and apprentices within your local area while having a chance to meet other employers within your field".
Health and Social Care student Charlie Waddington said, "The evening was a really nice opportunity for us to thank the people who offered us a place in their settings. Placement has given us a valuable insight into how organisations work which helps us when we actually go into employment".
With the examination period in progress and the end of term looming, Newbury College welcomed Team GB 400m champion Lesley Owusu to motivate and inspire students.
Lesley gave a presentation about her sporting journey and how sport has shaped her life. Following the presentation students were able to take part in a question and answer session and fun activities involving team work.
Sports Maker at Newbury College, Aimee Kaur, who organised the event said, "It was hugely inspiring for Lesley to share her sporting journey with us. She is an extremely passionate athlete with the ability to influence the lives of many young people given her experiences. One of the key messages from the day was that hard work and dedication will lead to success; everyone has the ability to fulfil their potential. Sport isn't just performing better physically, it has the ability to bring people together, build confidence, and overcome barriers faced by many".
Raised in Ghana, Lesley felt a sense of isolation when she came to England and could not speak the language. The power of sport helped Lesley overcome many childhood barriers including racism, low self-esteem and bullying which encouraged her to pursue her dreams and achieve on and off the track.
Lesley has gone on to represent Great Britain at European, World and Commonwealth levels. She has not only excelled in sport, but along her inspirational journey has also achieved a BA degree in Broadcast Journalism and Literature and an MA in Mass Communications and Political Science.