The New College Telford

Issue 1Summer 2012

MAGAZINEThe New College Telford

FOCUS ON...

All you need toknow aboutcollege lifeMeet the StudentSabbatical President

• Settling in at NewCollege Telford

• University andEmployer links

• New TechnicalCourses

ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMaths

Reach

In this issue:

ACHIEVE YOUR AMBITIONS AT THE COLLEGE OF CHOICE

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Do you need asecond chanceat GCSE level?

Aaron Smith - Applied ScienceWhen Aaron first joined New College Telford at age 16, he studied theLevel 2 course in Applied Science before progressing to the BTEC NationalDiploma in Applied Science. Aaron has recently achieveda BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science at Wolverhampton

University and has already been offered a job as a Microbiologist. Students from New College Telford progress to universities acrossthe UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, Aberystwyth, Nottinghamand many more. Students also progress into employment and onto apprenticeships relevant to the studies they have undertakenhere with us.

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A Level results day16 August 2012

Freshers’ Fair5 September 2012

Start of term foryear 1 students6 September 2012

Start of term foryear 2 students10 September 2012

UCAS Early Entry Deadline15 October 2012

Half term22-26 October 2012

End of term21 December 2012

Spring term startsMonday 7 January 2013

UCAS Application Deadline15 January 2013

UCAS Application DeadlineArt & Design courses24 March 2013

DATESFOR YOURDIARY

Successstory

New for 2012…Level 2 courses

New College Telford has an outstanding reputation for helping A Levelstudents to achieve to the very best of their abilities, with a pass rate of 98%exceeding the national average. Now we are opening up more opportunitiesfor students who need to achieve a GCSE equivalent qualification beforesetting their sights on A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

Why are we offering thesenew courses?We know that our current students find ourfriendly and encouraging environment reallysupportive and we feel that our approach canoffer a new way of studying for students whodidn’t quite achieve their full potential in aschool environment. We are offeringvocational/technical courses that provide amore practical style of learning, are assessedthrough coursework rather than exams, andare focused on helping students to get readyfor employment or further study.

How do I apply, or find out more?If your GCSE results aren’t what you expected,or if you’re an older student who is consideringretraining to improve your GCSEs andenhance your job prospects, call our friendlycourse advisors on 01952 641892, or emailinfo@nct.ac.uk

New College Telford will be open forcourse enquiries all summer and asalways, we’ll be happy to hear from you!

StartingSeptember 2012 –New Courses:Art and DesignBusinessChildcareDanceDramaEmployability SkillsEnglish and MathsHealth and Social CareICTMediaMusic PerformanceMusic TechnologyOutdoor EducationPerforming ArtsPhotographyScienceSociologySpanish

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Welcome to the first edition of Reach; a newsletter developed by theteam here at New College Telford and designed to combine great newsstories with helpful features offering advice and guidance to new andcurrent students, parents and former students alike.

Arriving here as a new Principal and Chief Executive at the start of 2012, Iwas extremely impressed by the College’s high pass rates, progressionrates to Higher Education and employment and commitment to buildingstrong relationships with students, parents, local organisations andemployers.

I am delighted to be here at an exciting time when colleges around thecountry are working hard to support the communities they serve duringtesting economic times. Here at New College Telford, as we recognisethe importance of helping students to compete for universities and jobs,we are growing our links with employers and expanding our range ofcourses to help those who want to study a university course locally, aswell as those who need to improve on their GCSE performance. We arealso launching ‘T6’ – a technical sixth form programme offeringadvanced-level courses that are vocationally and employer focused.

We hope that you find this newsletter both useful and informative. Aboveall, we hope that our approach to further and higher education will inspireyou on your way to achieving your ambitions.

Garry PhillipsPrincipal and Chief Executive

New for 2012:Intermediate courses 2

Forthcoming Events 2

Introducing our newPrincipal 3

Welcome: What to expect 4

Settling in 5

Enjoy and achieve, withextra-curricular activities 6

STEM strengths 8

Technical Courses 2, 9

Achieving outstandingoutcomes (Enterprise,Employment & University) 10

Parents’ Guide 12

Our University level courses 12

Foreword

www.nct.ac.uk

Our vision: Achieving outstandingoutcomes for all our students.

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Contents

Achievingoutcomes

MAGAZINEThe New College Telford

ReachWelcome to

P5

P8

P10

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WELCOME TO NEW COLLEGE TELFORD

ACHIEVE YOURAMBITIONS AT THECOLLEGE OF CHOICEAt New College Telford we aim to provide the very best learning andteaching in a friendly, caring and safe environment. We encourage highexpectations at all times, putting a strong support and guidance team inplace to ensure our students enjoy their time with us and leave usexceptionally well prepared for their next step, whether that isemployment or university.

We are proud of our students, staff, strong reputation and popularity.Visitors to the College frequently comment on the happy, purposeful andprofessional atmosphere. We believe this comes from the friendly andrespectful relationships which exist between staff and students, creatinga college community where each person is valued and can flourish.

Our recent £4 million building and refurbishment programme has provided theresources we feel our students deserve, including:

• New student restaurant and coffee shop

• New Student Services area

• New sports hall and fitness suite

• New suite of classrooms

We are continuing to invest in supportingyour future with;

• New Science, Technology, Engineering andMaths (STEM) centre *Subject to planning consent.

• Two new laboratories

• New library and information,mobile technology suite

• New IT and Macintosh Academy

• Newly refurbished classrooms

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Introducing our newPrincipal and CEO,Garry Phillips...

To contact our Principal email principal@nct.ac.uk

This year we have welcomed anew Principal to New CollegeTelford. Garry Phillips hasworked in the Further Educationsector for 18 years, havingworked in five colleges rangingfrom a small rural college to alarge inner city college.

Gary holds an MBA in Businessand an MA in Education. Hispassion is ensuring that allpeople have sufficient andappropriate access toeducation, training and skills;ensuring that the local andnational student population caneffectively contribute to theircommerce and community.

Fantastic new facilities

New fitness suite

Artists’ impression of the

planned STEM centre

The Student Council

New student restaurant

The new teaching and resourcesblock (opened in 2011)

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All thesupportyou need...Our guide for learnersexplains all the support andguidance we have availableif you ever need help duringyour time with us. If youhaven’t received your copyyet, you’ll receive one duringyour induction and you canalso collect copies fromStudent Services.

“Looking back on how I felt as I prepared to start college, my biggestfear was the idea of going from a very small secondary school to alarger college environment. I needn’t have worried… I found thateveryone is in the same boat and feeling the same at the start of term,and everyone is really friendly. I found when going into new lessons thatthe teachers were really helpful in integrating everyone into the classwhich made me feel at ease.

One thing that was a huge change for me was the teaching style. Whenyou get to New College Telford you are treated more as an adult, to helpprepare you for making the move to university where you need to learnindependently. The tutors support you to become more independentwith your study, research and work.

One tip I would definitely give to new students would be to have a folderand a notepad for each lesson, I didn't do this and realised my noteswere all getting mixed up. It really is a must. Also every three monthssort through your notes and throw out any that are not needed.”

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We are dedicated to ensuring that yourstart to college life is exciting, challenging,stimulating and enjoyable! Although weoffer the benefits of a large sixth formcollege, we are still small enough to offeryou all the personal attention you willneed to nurture your success.

We take extra care to ensure that your journey from school to our College is successful.That’s why, during the application process, you will already have met with our StudentServices team at school, and been to one of our New Student Days, which we hope gaveyou a great opportunity to see that life at New College Telford will suit you. You will havetaken part in taster sessions for your chosen subjects and met with existing friends and newcourse mates, as well as finding your way around our small and friendly campus.

Your first week!In the first week of term, you’ll be invited to attend our annual Freshers’ Fair – where youcan learn more about College life. From help, support, chaplaincy and health careadvice, to volunteer work, extra-curricular programmes and Sports Academies, you aresure to find something which is useful and exciting!

Your Personal Tutor will also be keeping a close eye on you to make sure that you arehappy and settling in well. If you are unsure about your course choices, your finances, oranything else, your tutor or a member of our dedicated Student Services Team will beonly too happy to help and offer advice.

A student’s view:Settling in Here our newly elected Student Sabbatical

President, Tayla Pound, explains what to expectfrom your first term at New College Telford….

Startinglife atcollege

As a student atNew CollegeTelford, you’reat the heart ofeverything we do. www.nct.ac.uk

Parents’ guide –see our key information for parents on page 11

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ENJOY & ACHIEVE!

Get involved, get active, and get on!Be part of our exciting college community...

The Student Sabbatical President role at New College Telford is designed to provide a voice for collegestudents, plan extra-curricular activities and to assist with the transition from school to university andemployment. This role is the only one of its kind in Shropshire and one of only a few across the country.There are currently 33 members of the Student Council with 8 of these Council Members on theExecutive Committee, who have specific roles supporting students to settle into college life.

Have yoursay – withthe StudentCouncil

“This is the first year that the College has had a full-time StudentCouncil Sabbatical President and I’m really honoured to be the firstone to take that role. I really enjoyed my time at the college and had agreat time – and I’m really excited about making that experience evenbetter for the new students.

I’m planning to encourage more students to take part in broaderextra-curricular activities and play an active role in college life, outsidetheir actual courses. This ranges from organising an A2 leavers’ ball,to encouraging students to take college surveys more seriously, as itreally is a great opportunity to have your say on how the college isrun, and issues affecting you. The College Principal and managementteam are keen to hear the views of the student body and I hope I canencourage more students to take part in that and seize theopportunity.

Whether you’re a new or existing student at New College Telford, I’mreally looking forward to getting to know you. We’re always on the look-out for people to volunteer as members of the Student Council, torepresent the views of those on your course.”

If you’d like to talk to Tayla or get involved in the Student Council, thenplease contact the Student Services Team on 01952 641892, Ext 224.

Here Tayla Pound, our first StudentSabbatical President, outlines herpriorities for next year and youropportunities to get involved…

“I really welcome the new role of student sabbaticalpresident and I’m looking forward to working alongsideTayla, providing a link with the other voices of youngpeople locally and supporting the work she is doing.”

Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Councillor and LeadMember for Children, Young People and Families.

Gifted andTalentedWe have a Gifted and Talentedprogramme which is designed tosupport those students who haveparticularly high levels ofachievement or skill in their chosensubjects. For A Level students thiscan include taking additionalsubjects and support withapplications to Oxbridge andRussell Group universities. Fortechnical and vocational studentsthis could range from performancecoaching for athletes, to employerplacements and mentoring, tonational and international skillscompetition work in order todevelop and test your skills againstthe very best.

For more details please contact theStudent Services Team on 01952641892, Ext 224

Enrichment and extra-curricular activities

The Student Council

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Enrichment activities play an importantrole in helping our students to raise theirawareness and aspirations within theirsubjects, as well as developing importantinter-personal skills, initiative, self-awareness and confidence to deal withdifferent people and situations. At NewCollege Telford we believe these skills areof vital importance to all college studentsand graduates whether going on to furtherstudy, higher education or employment.

Activities on offer in the next year willinclude College Sports Teams and theopportunity to take part in sportingevents, inter-college tournaments(Basketball, Football), the Duke ofEdinburgh Awards, Competitions,Fundraising for our nominated charities,and access to clubs and societiesrun by the Student Council.

Product Designstudents visit LandRover World HQOur Product Design students visited theLand Rover World Headquarters inSolihull in order to experience the fullproduction process from start to finish.

The trip offered students a greatopportunity to see how the work theycover in theory achieves success in aworld-class operation such as LandRover. The Quality Control systems,Just-in-Time delivery, logistics andproduction processes are fascinatingand the operation is incrediblyimpressive - from Europe’s largest pressfor body panels to robotic assemblymachines.

Community unites atFamily Fun DayEvery year the College holds a FamilyFun Day – a free event for the benefitof local people along with students,parents and college staff. Activitieson offer at this year’s event includecraft stalls, dance display, livemusic, art and fashion shows, foodstalls, children’s sports events, facepainting, a bouncy castle, raffle andprizes. The event was really successfulin bringing together all members of thecommunity for a diverse and fun dayout. We look forward to seeing you all atnext year’s event...

EXPLORE & ACHIEVE!

Our nominatedcharities are SevernHospice and CancerResearch UK. Studentsand staff will undertakea range of fundraisingactivities for theseimportant causes.

We also have a host of links with external organisations and former studentswhich are specifically designed to develop your entrepreneurial skills and yourprogression to university or employment. See page 11 for further details.

www.nct.ac.uk

OutdoorEducation tripBarcelona visit Barcelona

School of Rock performance

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Formerstudent runsmultinationalbusiness empireAward-winning entrepreneur DeborahMitchell is a former student at NewCollege Telford and now owns aworldwide beauty empire which boastsVictoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrowand the Duchess of Cornwall amongstits clients.

Deborah says that her time studying atthe College in the late 1980s providedher with all the skills, confidence andaptitude to develop her successfulbusiness, Heaven by Deborah Mitchell.

She says; “When I got to New CollegeTelford I discovered there was a wealthof opportunities. I studied the subjects Iwas interested in and that range andbackground has really helped me go onto be successful in business.”

She added “I was mixing with peoplefrom across Telford, Shropshire andbeyond and all different walks of life while

building up the skill set that has allowedme to be an entrepreneur. When I wasthere I really got the feeling that theCollege was getting us ready to reach forthe stars – and pluck them in our hands.They prepared us for the future and gaveus broadened horizons - when I left Ireally felt I could go anywhere.”

Deborah is keen to work with currentstudents at New College Telford to passon some of her experience andstrategies for business success. Shesays; “To get something you want youreally need to make a commitment to itand just take the first step. I visualisewhat I want and then forget it for awhile. Opportunities pop up that relateto it - you can then focus on them andmove it forward.”

Alumni We are launching an Alumni Association. If you previously attended New College Telford,please get in touch at alumni@nct.ac.uk

ENTREPRENEURSHIP,EMPLOYABILITY ANDBUSINESS SKILLS

Employer links are keyto students’ developmentAt New College Telford we realise thateducation is not an end in itself – we’reworking with all of our students to developthe work ethic, focus, determination,entrepreneurial drive and self-discipline thatemployers really need.

Our approach has always been to embedthese qualities into all our teaching andenrichment programmes. We havedeveloping and existing relationships withSMEs and with major employers in the area,including Epson, BAE Systems, Ricoh,Ironbridge Gorge Museum and the Chamberof Commerce.

New College Telford has worked with Epsonon their super apprenticeship programme,which will see the Company support sevenstudents with their work experience andthen through their higher education studies.

Could your businessbe a partner to NewCollege Telford?

In 2012-13, we aim to introducemore opportunities for our studentsto work directly with employers andentrepreneurs, in order to developthe skills and confidence relevant tothe competitive jobs market thatcomes with the current economicclient. Whether you are a self-madeentrepreneur who could inspire ourstudents to start a business, a localcompany with a ‘live brief’ for awebsite or marketing project, or acompany in the STEM sector, we’dlove to hear from you. Please emailus at employers@nct.ac.uk

Studentsset up shopThis year students from New CollegeTelford planned, marketed and manneda pop up shop in Wellington Market aspart of an innovative collaboration withWellington Town Council and otherpartners.

The project started in November 2011,with students required to plan theirstrategies, source or produce products tosell, organise staffing and design publicitymaterials. The project also gave realisticexperience in producing items to a timedeadline and to a saleable quality, as wellas understanding real commercialfunctions such as personal selling andface-to-face liaison with customers andmembers of the business community.

Rotary club prizesWellington Rotary Club provides annual bursariesto sixth form students who have applied to beconsidered for the award. We are delighted thatthis year New College Telford students,Stephanie Rippon and Santana Zawarska wereawarded first and third prizes respectively.Stephanie will use her £500 prize fund towardsequipment needed during her studies towards adegree in BioChemistry at Warwick University.Santana Zawarska was awarded £100 and willgo on to study the BSc in Food and HumanNutrition at Newcastle University.

This year the College was proud to sponsor theTraining and Development Award category in the

Shropshire Business Awards. Pictured are winnersFabweld Products and from left, Kerrina Phillips,

New College Telford Principal & CEO GarryPhillips, Richard Hilton, Norman Carter,

Jason Davis and John Tudor.

Shropshire Business Awards

Follow Deborah on twitter:@heavenskincare

www.heavenskincare.com

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New College Telford has a

well-qualified and experienced

staff team who are experts

within their chosen areas.

Gurinder Chadha, Curriculum

Manager for Physics, has written and contributed to

more than 20 textbooks. He also writes a column

for the quarterly Physics Review and is a Chief

Examiner for a leading awarding body

David Wright MP is a former student at

New College Telford. He often visits us

to assist students in their studies or to

recognise their achievements. He says;

“I very much enjoy seeing how the

College has developed since I attended.

I can see how the new layout is more

beneficial for students - and the focus

on developing the skills that employers are looking

for is more important than ever.”

Learningwithexperts

Preparation for university life

Our students are encouraged todevelop and pursue the higheststandards in order to ensure that theytake pride in their studies, have highaspirations and strive for excellence inall they do. This is reflected in our ALevel pass rate, which at 98% exceedsthe national average.

In addition to this we put in place arange of support to prepare ourstudents to perform well at universityinterviews and to compile a UCASapplication and personal statement thatclearly reflects their ability to studyindependently, adapt to living away fromhome and to university life in diverse

student communities. As a result, alarge majority of students each year aresuccessful in achieving their place atmore than 75 different universitiesacross the UK, including Oxbridge,Aberystwyth, Durham, Liverpool,Manchester, Aston, Birmingham,Newcastle and many more.

Our support programme includesvisits to some universities, visitingtalks from others, and, through theGifted and Talented programme, away to stretch and inspire studentswith capabilities for particularly highachievement, whether in academic ortechnical subjects.

Every year a largemajority of ourstudents progressto more than 75universitiesacross the UK.

The College builds important relationships with externalorganisations, former students and experts to develop ourstudents’ skills inside and outside the classroom environment.

The College’s Artist in Residence, Luby

Cunningham exhibited at the original Turner

prize for British landscape painters at The Mall

Galleries in London, has featured on the ITV

television show A Brush With Fame and been

Artist in Residence at New College Telford for

four years. During her time at New College

Telford she has spoken about her Residency

at The British Museum, London and has had

work commissioned by television personalities

and private companies in the UK, Hong Kong, Italy,

Poland, Australia, Mexico and New York. Luby works

with the students to help them put ideas into designs

and practice as they would in the world of work.

The College’s Artist in Residence, Luby

Cunningham exhibited at the original Turner

prize for British landscape painters at The Mall

Galleries in London, has featured on the ITV

television show A Brush With Fame and been

Artist in Residence at New College Telford for

four years. During her time at New College

Telford she has spoken about her Residency

at The British Museum, London and has had

work commissioned by television personalities

and private companies in the UK, Hong Kong, Italy,

Poland, Australia, Mexico and New York. Luby works

with the students to help them put ideas into designs

and practice as they would in the world of work.

Our History students were delighted to welcome

Ben Helfgott, Holocaust survivor and Olympic

medallist during a visit to the college. Ben talked

about what happened to him before and during

the Second World War as a Jew in his native

Poland, his own and fellow captives’ mistreatment

and starvation in the Theresienstadt concentration

camp, how he overcame those atrocities and has

pursued a positive approach to life. He then went

on to talk about his arrival in Britain after the war and his

participation in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games where he

won bronze medal for weightlifting. The talk gave students a

great insight into history within our lifetime - and how human

endeavour can overcome great challenges.

www.nct.ac.uk

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