Newbury College celebrated creative writing skills at an awards ceremony recently where winners of the 2013 Creative Writing Competition were awarded their certificates and prizes.
Over the autumn term students from Newbury College were given the opportunity to take part in the writing competition. Entrants were able to submit work in three different categories: poetry, short story and review. The competition has become a regular event at the College with over 60 students taking part this year from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.
Newbury College Library Assistant Hector MacEachen, helped organise the event and said, "I am thrilled with the number of students who took part in this competition and impressed with the standard of writing submitted. Choosing the winners from such a wide range of entries was not an easy task".
The celebration event was attended by all those who took part along with their family and friends who were able to celebrate their achievements. Principal of Newbury College, Dr Anne Murdoch OBE presented certificates to all the learners who took part in the challenge as well as prizes to the overall winners of each category.
The pieces of writing were judged on originality, content and style. The poetry category was won by Lee Bowsher, the short story category by Michael Suppo and the winner of the review category was Kieran Bremner. An additional eight awards were given out to students who were best on their course: The winners from participating courses were: Jacqueline Stobbart, Jackie Porter, Alicja Ogonek, Izabella Zalewska, Viktoria Halmi, Carla Alves and Ludmilla Cummings.
Newbury College has introduced the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award this academic year giving all students the opportunity to take part in this international programme. The leading youth Charity, the DofE, gives young people aged 14-25 the chance to develop skills for work and life to fulfil their potential for a brighter future.
The programme can be completed at three levels, which lead to either a Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE's Award. The award is achieved by completing a personal set of activities in four sections Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition.
Course Leader for Public Services Neil Metcalf and Enrichment Officer Joe Pegg will be co-ordinating the activities with students. Joe said, "It's fantastic to see the DofE at Newbury College. Students will have the opportunity to develop themselves and give something back to the community. As a College we want to ensure all our students are ready for the next step in their chosen path and the DofE can help achieve this."
Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem. It requires persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who do their DofE. Students will be working with a variety of organisations to help complete their DofE award, including youth clubs, community groups, rescue centres and shelters.
Newbury College recently welcomed employers from the Childcare and Health and Social Care sectors to communicate new Government funded training initiatives, Traineeships and other new training opportunities now available.
Attendees were given a short presentation where they were able to meet the team and find out about the new ESF 'Skills for the Workforce' funding project. This is a new government initiative where Berkshire based small and medium sized businesses are able to access free accredited training.
A list of available training was shared on the night, all of which could be delivered on a flexible basis and tailored to the needs of the business. Expressions of interest were taken with most interest being in the Assessor Award and Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLS) courses as well as the specialised care qualifications. Business Development Executive, Emily Chandler who organised the event was pleased with how the evening went and said, "The evening was a great success and attended by a range of local employers all of whom have registered their interested to find out about the new ESF 'Skills for the Workforce' project. The College is looking forward to working with these companies to plan and to organise delivery".
In addition to learning about the new ESF funding employers heard an overview of the new 'Traineeships' scheme. Traineeships are aimed at 16 to 23 year olds who want to work, but who need extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job. Trainees will work alongside an employer willing to help the College prepare young people for their future careers by helping them to become 'work ready'.
It is hoped that traineeships will give people the opportunity to develop the skills and workplace experience that employers require. For more information about the ESF Funding Project, Traineeships or to hear more about how Newbury College is working with local care employers contact Emily Chandler on 01635 845000.
Newbury College hosted the National Boxing Semi-Finals on Sunday 24 November. This historic event is the first rung on the ladder for many boxing greats with previous champions of this competition including Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and Frank Bruno.
Ambition UK have been working in partnership with the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) to hold an Annual Boxing Championships for young men aged 15-19 years old.
Sports Maker Joe Pegg said, "It is a great opportunity to host the southern semi-final boxing event. It is important for Newbury College to showcase the Sports Hall and host events that will bring new people onto site. It is a prestigious event and highlights the boxing talent in the area".
Ambition is the UK's leading youth club charity. With the pressures young people are under today, Ambition helps youth clubs, community groups and projects support young people to develop confidence, skills and resilience for the future. Ambition UK has been working with the Amateur Boxing Association of England Ltd (ABAE), the national body for boxing, enabling for them to hold annual boxing championship for young men.