News at SEDC
Career Mark
Student Services at Derby College’s South East Derbyshire campuses have achieved the coveted Career Mark accreditation for the quality of careers education and guidance.
The team’s work, led by Jane Boswell, was highlighted by the award assessors as of a high standard and they were particularly impressed by the feedback of students on both sites who were very appreciative of the help they get from the Careers Team.
Career Mark measures good practice in a number of areas – management, curriculum, information, guidance and outcomes in helping young people develop life long career management skills.
Student Services Manager at SEDC Theresa Hussey said: “The award of Career Mark is well justified as the student services team has helped thousands of students over the years to fulfil their goals – whether that is to go onto university or get on the next rung of their career ladder.
“Students who apply to us in the future can be confident that they will continue to get an excellent standard of support ”
A New Home for Summer Art Festival at South East Derbyshire College
The Summer Art Exhibition at South East Derbyshire College opens its doors to thepublic on Wednesday 24th June. It will be the first opportunity for many to visit theexhibition in the new surroundings of the impressive art and design studio located withinthe former listed Grammar school at the Mundy Street Campus, Heanor.
The exhibition will highlight the quality of work produced throughout the year by the students and also aims to inspire budding young artists of the future. It is the students chance to promote the skills they have learned during the year - which will hopefully enable them to further their studies at University. Installations across all design disciplines will be on view including fashion, photography, textiles, fine art, sculpture, graphics, animation, games and film and TV.
Phil Taylor explained, “This is an excellent opportunity for people to come along and enjoy the art on display and see some of the regions most talented artists. It also gives local residents the chance to look around and see what we do – some may even be ex pupils who would like to come along and have a nostalgic look around”.
The exhibition officially opens on Wednesday 24th June, 6pm to 9pm and everyone is invited to come along and have a drink with us. If you can’t make the opening ceremony, why not pop along during the day - it is open to the public 10am - 4pm Wednesday 24th - Friday 26th June 2009 and is located at the Mundy Street campus, Heanor. For more information contact the college direct on 0115 849 2000 or visit the website at www.sedc.ac.uk
South East Derbyshire College ‘Celebrating Success’
with Award Nomination
A new Contraception and Sexual Health Service centre at South East Derbyshire College, Ilkeston, has been nominated for a regional “Celebrating Success” award for its partnership working in the health sector.
The Chat Room – named following a competition for students - is the result of a partnership between Derby City NHS (Contraception and Sexual Health Service), Derbyshire County Public Health, the College and its students.
The weekly nurse-led clinic provides:
- A full range of contraception, including long acting reversible contraception, excluding Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUD)
- Emergency contraception
- Testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
- Chlamydia screening
- Sexual health promotion
- Sexual relationship advice
- Pregnancy testing
- Unplanned pregnancy advice
- Cervical screening
- Referral to other agencies where appropriate
It’s particularly innovative in its support for students with learning disabilities who attend the FE college from the age of 16. Since the launch of the Chat Room in October 2008, 80 students have already registered with the clinic, and many have been seen more than once. The Community Sexual Health Development Worker, who works closely with the nurse running The Chat Room, has had more than 300 student contacts.
Head of Student Services Theresa Hussey explained how it all works, ”Students have easy access to contraception and early figures of attendance and take up of contraception, indicate that some unintended pregnancies may have been avoided. Delaying first and subsequent pregnancies amongst teenagers is a proven way of improving the health, education and wellbeing of this group. In addition, the service will help the college improve its attainment and retention rate, as fewer students will leave due to pregnancy.”
Students support workers have been trained to perform pregnancy tests, which they offer during the week when the clinic isn’t open. They have also received training in sexual health and education. The Chat Room has been shortlisted for the award because although similar services operate in FE Colleges, it is felt this particular service is innovative in its support for students with learning disabilities. Input from the Student Support service provides the necessary ongoing support for some of these young people.
Mrs Hussey pointed out that “Confidentiality is always respected and any information sharing is done with full consent and knowledge of the young person. This enables the young person to have support throughout the week with a worker they trust.”
South East Derbyshire College join the Champions League
South East Derbyshire College were crowned the best College in the East Midlands when they clinched the East Midlands College’s League on the final day of the season. A thumping 4-1 home win against Chesterfield College was witnessed by a huge partisan home crowd but it was in no way a straightforward victory.
The East Midlands League is highly competitive with many Colleges boasting professional academy and highly talented semi professional players in their ranks and South East Derbyshire College faced Chesterfield College in the knowledge that victory could see the title be taken by either side.
The match was always going to be close and a tense start to the proceedings saw little quality from either side. Chesterfield who had the first real opening and the chance of a goal but South Derbyshire College ‘keeper Burnett bravely saved the ball at the feet of the oncoming Chesterfield striker.
The talented home striker Smith was put clear after some fine work from Harries and he coolly chipped in to give South East Derbyshire a deserved 1-0 lead. Just after half time Turner bagged a poachers brace in a magical 10 minute spell before heading in from close range to bag a well deserved hat-trick. With minutes remaining a lapse in concentration by the usually dependable South East Derbyshire College central partnership allowed Chesterfield to sneak a late consolation goal. However, it was a case of too little too late and the game ended 4-1 and title deservedly went to South East Derbyshire College. The game was a true team effort although the form of man of the match Roberto Labatte and the welcome return of long term injured Mark Paulson shouldn’t be underestimated.
The title is a significant achievement for the region and a proud moment for inspiration skipper Luke Crawford a dedicated squad and coach Steven Spence.
Adult Learners’ Week 9th to 15th May 2009 - now in its 17th year!
Adult Learners' Week highlights the array of opportunities available to allow adults back to learning. It seeks to use the achievements of learners to inspire others to have to go - whether it be learning a new skill, learning for fun, or catching up on learning missed at school, and adult students from South East Derbyshire College have done just that.
There are a number of reasons why adults choose not to come back to learning - work, family and the consequent time commitments are often major factors. However, child commitments certainly haven’t put a stop to 29 year old Tracey Cockerill’s ambitions, as College Business Manager Fiona Skinner explained.
”Tracey Cockerill is 29 years old and has been working in the care industry since leaving school. She originally came to the college as an apprentice but became pregnant and could not complete the programme. This then became a trend and each time she rang me to start her NVQ, Tracey became pregnant soon after and so couldn't complete her course - she now has 4 children. She finally came to me in October 2007 and asked to do her NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care - she was able to get funding through Train to Gain and achieved her qualification in 2008. Tracey’s aim has always been to train as a nurse and having the NVQ 3 has enabled her to further her ambition. I spoke to Tracey yesterday and she has just been accepted at university to do nursing in September 2010 and guess what - she's pregnant! However her partner is very supportive and they intend for Tracey to start her course as planned.”
Sometimes people just overcome the restraints of time and get on with it no matter what. Fiona Skinner also described the achievements of another inspirational adult learner, Lee White from Ilkeston.
“Lee aged 40, enrolled on an NVQ 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools course in November. In order to do this he volunteers at a Long Eaton Primary School during the day, and then works the night shift in the Royal Mail sorting office. Despite this hectic schedule Lee will complete his qualification next month, 3 months ahead of schedule! Lee now has the opportunity to apply for jobs as a Teaching Assistant.”
Adult learners receive comprehensive information, advice, support and guidance throughout their studies, and dedicated tutors do everything they can to help learning be as accessible and supportive as possible. To find out more about Adult Learners week visit www.niace.org.uk or www.sedc.ac.uk
You’re never too old to learn!
Treat Yourself to some Credit
Crunch Pampering at the
Brand New Hair Salon at South East Derbyshire College
The Beauty Therapy salon ‘The Retreat’ at South East Derbyshire College has expanded their services with the opening of a brand new Hair Salon at the Field Road Campus on Thursday 29th January 2009.
The Ilkeston based commercial hair salon is staffed by students studying at Level 1 and 2, giving them invaluable hands on experience of working with clients all under the watchful eye of the course tutors. The new Hairdressing qualifications were introduced at the College in September 2008 with the college hoping to offer Level 3, apprenticeship programmes and the new Hair and Beauty Diploma in September.
The Area of Learning Manager Amanda Jogela is thrilled with the new salon “The Hair and Beauty programme has been going now for 5 months with over 50 students studying with us. The new hair salon is testament to the colleges’ commitment to enhancing the learner experience and prepares the students for employment once their courses’ have finished. The salon allows the students to expand not only their practical skills but also their creative side, allowing them to enter competitions to showcase their talents and participate in the college hair, beauty and fashion show.
With the dreaded credit crunch here to stay for the foreseeable future, luxuries such as a full commercial hair treatment, a manicure or a facial are no longer affordable for many people. However, this great new facility at South East Derbyshire College is about to change all of that. The salon provides a full menu of treatments to rival any high-class established hair and beauty salons but without the high-end price tag.
To celebrate the opening of the new salon, a special offer of 50% off all treatments in both the hair salon and the beauty rooms will run for the first 2 weeks in February between Monday 2nd and Friday 13th. This spectacular offer means you could get a luxury manicure or a luxury facial for under £5, highlights or a full head colour for under £8 – the list is endless!
To take advantage of this offer and to find out about the full range of treatments available contact the Hair Salon direct on 0115 8490214 between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Toyota support the mechanics of the future at South East Derbyshire College
The Motor Vehicle Department at South East Derbyshire College is expecting a new arrival in its workshop thanks to the Derbyshire based car manufacturer Toyota.
Toyota has been very supportive of local community and local colleges since it started manufacturing in this country in 1992, and has kindly donated a Toyota Avensis to the Motor Vehicle Department at South East Derbyshire College. The donated vehicle, a grey Avensis estate model, was manufactured at the Derby plant for use on site only and not meant for general sale.
Despite a recent global economic downturn, Toyota maintains its commitment to providing the best tools and equipment to help the mechanics of the future. In doing so they are ensuring students are fully equipped with the up to date skills needed to gain employment in the industry, helping to boost the local and national economy.
Karen Bradley Communications & External Affairs Manager at Toyota explained: “Supporting education is one of our key focus areas. We hope that our vehicle will be a valuable resource for students and staff studying in the motor vehicle department at the College for many years to come.”
The vehicle will be used to enhance the learning experience of the students particularly those studying at Level 3. The Avensis will provide an invaluable insight to the workings of a quality vehicle with up to date on-board technology and equipment – such vehicles can be very expensive for colleges to buy so the donation by Toyota is greatly appreciated by the College.
Level 3 Tutor Andrew Gray explains the importance of the donation “This Toyota vehicle will enable our learners to carry out in depth diagnostic procedures on a high quality vehicle equipped with the very latest technology”. Level 3 student Alistair Leggett can’t wait to get started “It will be great to work on a car with the latest equipment - it is good of Toyota to give us this opportunity”
SEDC students give Comic Relief
Students at South East Derbyshire College played their part in BBC Comic Relief with some hair removing exploits. Beauty therapy students from The Retreat heated the wax before pulling the hair from the legs, back and chest of some brave male students. Students and staff dressed in fancy dress and pink pyjamas and made a significant contribution to the record breaking fundraising effort of £58 million.
SEDC Student Channel See some of the great work of our students in action on the NEW SEDC Student Channel (click here). If you want to be part of the action why not sign up for one of our great courses now!
Policeman looking for Coppers!
Detective Constable Matt Meyers, a former public service student form South East Derbyshire College is looking to raise much deserved funds for Cancer Research UK as he prepares for the rigours of Cancer Research UK in September 2009
Matt was a student at the College in 2000/2001 and studied Public Services a full-time course for school leavers that helps prepare school leavers for careers in the uniformed forces.
Matt, now a full time Police Officer told us; “I decided in January this year to take up the challenge of the 'Great North Run' and do it on behalf of Cancer Research UK. It's a very worthy cause and a charity that is close to a lot of people’s hearts. As such I am trying to raise as much money as I can towards this charity and I'm training hard in preparation for what will be my first half-marathon”
Matt’s target is to raise £1000 and hopes that his ex-student friends and the people of Ilkeston will help towards this most worthy of causes.
Many people’s lives are touched by Cancer and Matt hopes that
his efforts will be supported by those not able to run the 13
miles themselves. Donations can be made by visiting www.runningsponsorme.org/mattmeyers
“All donations are welcome and every little bit helps-no matter
how much.” Matt added.
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