As George Osborne announced his Autumn Statement on Wednesday 6 December, BBC South Today broadcast live from Newbury College. Broadcaster Alistair Fee interviewed Dr Anne Murdoch with regard to growth strategies and investment into the construction industry.
The College was the ideal location for the feature as it has recently launched its new state of the art Construction Skills Centre. Dr Murdoch explained how the new construction centre would benefit young people with training opportunities using industry standard equipment and industry-experienced lecturers. Learners will gain the skills needed for the future growth of West Berkshire housing and construction development projects.
The Government's economic strategy is focused on reducing the deficit, restoring stability, rebalancing the economy and equipping the UK to compete in the global race. In his statement, George Osborne set out how this strategy will be maintained by taking further action in three areas: Protecting the economy; Growth; and Fairness.
Newbury College received a record number of people attending its recent Open Evening showcasing the variety of Apprenticeships, A Levels and vocational courses that the College has to offer.
Curriculum areas demonstrated what their courses entailed by putting on fantastic displays and exhibitions, which included creative media work, digital photography, CAD displays and motorbikes. Current students talked to parents, helped to show them around and discussed their College experience. Organisations such as Hitachi Capital displayed their Hybrid Electrical car and Gamma Telecom Limited attended to talk about Apprenticeships.
Newbury College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch said, "The evening was a great success. We are delighted with the number of visitors who came along to our Open Evening and very pleased that so many people are interested in our courses. We are also most grateful to Hitachi Capital who loaned us a hybrid car which was the centre of interest for many visitors keen to find out about our Motor Vehicle courses. The evening was also very well attended by staff and current students who acted as ambassadors for Newbury College."
The evening was a fantastic opportunity for the local community to be taken on a tour of the College's state of the art facilities, and to see the many courses it has to offer. The College's Business students helped to organise activities and attended the event to help out on the registration desk, giving guided tours and chatting to prospective students.
For those in Year 11, who will be the first cohort of learners required to stay in education until they are 17, the evening was a chance for them and their parents to discover the options available after GCSEs. Meanwhile, adults attending the event had an opportunity to find out more about Newbury College and explore ways in which to further their career or to develop a new hobby.
On Friday 16 November, Newbury College held their annual fancy dress event in aid of Children in Need, with this year's theme being, 'Go Wild'. This day has been the finale of a week of fun activities to raise money for the charity.
As the United States has been electing their new president last week, Newbury College has been electing their new student Governor and are pleased to announce Munya Munyanyiwa has been selected for the post.
Munya Munyanyiwa, who formally studied at Park House School, came to the College to study Business Studies. After he has successfully completed his course he wants to go to University to study either Economics or Law.
On hearing of his election, Munya said, "I am delighted to have been elected for Student Governor. I believe that this will be a good opportunity to help me grow as a person, and feel that it will give me an understanding of business which is where I wish to build a career in. I'm really looking forward to starting my role and have already been taking comments from students".
The Student Governor post will be for two years, acting as the student voice and playing a vital role in influencing change within the College. Munya will attend Governors meetings to discuss the constant evaluation of the College, and ways in which it can evolve and develop in order to serve its community.
Principal Dr Anne Murdoch said, "At Newbury College we believe that it is important to hear and respond to the views of our students, and having a Student Governor is a perfect way to gain student views first hand. We look forward to working with Munya, and congratulate him on his successful election".
Newbury College offers hundreds of courses for school leavers and adult learners. If you are interested in studying at the College, it's not too late to enrol for courses starting now or in January. Come to our Open Day on 15 November, 4pm-8pm.