The Review Issue 5

www.hull-college.ac.uk www.harrogate.ac.uk www.goole-college.co.uk

Issue 5 • Spring Term 2015

TheReview

2 TheReview • Hull College Group • Stakeholders’ Newsletter

As we enter a new year, we have an opportunity to reflect on some fantastic success across the Hull College Group in 2014. Towards the end of last year we were delighted to be chosen as the preferred bidder by the University of Hull to deliver a new HE offer at their Scarborough Campus. We have an extremely exciting year ahead of us as we begin delivery of this new provision.

In the Autumn we also hosted our annual HE Graduation ceremonies. Held in Hull and Harrogate, these celebrations recognise the achievements of all students who achieve a Higher Education qualification with us. In addition to awarding qualifications, we welcomed high-profile guest speakers and local dignitaries and enjoyed fantastic student performances. We’ve dedicated four pages in this issue of the Review to a feature on the ceremonies which really captures the atmosphere and excitement of the events.

Once again, we are proud to have a number of achievements to celebrate at all levels, from student Tom Dixon being named the country’s best Apprentice bricklayer to the Hull College Group winning an international award for its involvement in a project which has returned derelict properties to habitable homes.

We have placed a special focus on the work of our HE Fashion students, who have made a series of remarkable accomplishments including a number of competition wins and participating in high-profile exhibitions.

It is now a year since the Review launched and we are delighted to have filled five issues with a range of positive and exciting highlights from across the Group. We look forward to continuing to do so throughout 2015.

Gary Warke MBEChief Executive

WelcomeA message from Hull College Group Chief Executive Gary Warke

3TheReview • Hull College Group • Stakeholders’ Newsletter

Harrogate and Hull Colleges celebrate HE graduationHarrogate College and Hull College held their annual graduation ceremonies this autumn. Hundreds

of graduands crossed the stage to become graduates in three separate ceremonies – two in Hull and one in Harrogate. Staff from all three Colleges, as well as external partners, local dignitaries and special guests all took part in the event, which celebrated the achievements of all those students who earned a degree or other HE qualification with Hull College Group.


The Harrogate event was hosted at the town’s spectacular Royal Hall, with a reception for all students, as well as a VIP reception. Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive of the British Film Institute (BFI) delivered a rousing keynote speech.

Hull’s event took place at Hull City Hall, with afternoon and evening ceremonies. The engaging key note speech was delivered by BBC Political journalist Chris Mason, who makes regular appearances on BBC News and Radio 4.

There was a superb atmosphere throughout all three events, each of which incorporated a series of speeches, special prizes and a performance, as well as the awarding of degrees and other HE qualifications.

Hull College Group Chief Executive Gary Warke MBE said: “Our HE graduation ceremonies are about recognising the supreme effort each of our students makes in achieving their awards, and about celebrating the hard work they put in.

“We host graduation ceremonies every year, but for all the staff involved, they never lose their magic. It is a privilege for all of us to be able to mark this significant achievement for each of our graduates. The decision to study at an HE level represents a significant commitment so it is vital that it is marked appropriately.

“My congratulations to each of this year’s graduates on their achievements, and to the staff who helped them reach their potential”.

Harrogate College Principal Debra Forsythe-Conroy added: “This year’s graduation ceremony was a marvellous occasion, and provided a fantastic opportunity to bring together students and their friends and families, staff, external partners, community members and VIPs for a true celebration.

“Both of Harrogate and Hull College are proud to have some truly fantastic students, who not only achieve their Degrees or other HE qualifications but make their mark elsewhere, from work placements to art exhibitions to real-life projects for local businesses and organisations.

“Myself and the HE faculty at Harrogate are extremely proud of all of those who crossed the stage at this year’s ceremony”.

For details of HE programmes at Hull College visit: www.hull-college.ac.uk/ higher-education and for Harrogate visit: www.harrogate.ac.uk/higher-education


Higher Education BA (Hons) Fashion students across Hull College

Group have showcased their talents on the local and national stage throughout the autumn semester. Talented young designers have taken part in competitions, showed their creations in catwalk shows and produced centrepieces for a prominent exhibition.

A total of 17 BA (Hons) Fashion students took part in a glittering evening fundraiser in aid of young person’s cancer charity Kick Start in November. The full Year 2 BA (Hons) Fashion cohort all took part in the event, for which they specially created their own fashion lines. The theme was cruise wear and each student researched, designed and made their own creations on the theme of ‘horizontal vertical’. They were then exhibited in a fashion show attended by key members of local organisations and businesses.

The students practiced their networking skills during a black-tie dinner before walking the catwalk themselves – their fellow diners then voted for their favourite. While it was unanimously agreed that all entries were an extremely high standard, Laura Herbert was selected as the winner, Rosie Byrne second and Dianah Manyike third.

Fashion course leader Lynn Benson said: “I am extremely proud of all my year two students. They did a superb job of representing Hull School of Art & Design, part of the Hull College Group and were a real credit to the College.

Series of achievements for HE Fashion students


Series of achievements for HE Fashion students

They mixed well with guests and the client was extremely pleased with their collections”.

Second Year student Chelsea Everitt demonstrated her talent in a national forum, taking first prize in the annual Design Against Fur fashion competition. Chelsea’s fabulous design was selected from a slew of national entries into the

contest, which has a remit of showcasing innovative and socially responsible design without the use of fur.

The brief this year was to create a winter coat or jacket, which Chelsea then put her own twist on by basing her creation on the silhouette and style lines of historical men’s frock coats, adding a 21st Century twist.

Lynn Benson said: “We’re all very proud of Chelsea for her success in Design Against Fur. Competitions throughout the BA (Hons) Fashion degree programme are an integral component of the students’ learning experience. Competing offers students the opportunity to to broaden their portfolios and develop an awareness of issues associated with fashion design and the manufacture of garment using specific guide lines when designing for niche markets”.

Social awareness was at the heart of another fashion project which saw students use the outbreak of WWI as inspiration for a series of designs commissioned for Hull History Centre. BA (Hons) Fashion students across years one, two and three all submitted

pieces for the exhibition, which attracted hundreds of visitors to the History Centre. The project was timed to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of WWI and the participating students were asked to design and construct evening dresses, suits and millinery whose silhouette, colour and style lines were influenced by the political events and dress code of the eight months

preceding the start of the war.

Animation students also took part, creating a ground-breaking piece of work where visitors could wear an ocular rift headpiece and be transported back to 1914, where they could then virtually walk through Paragon Station and surrounding buildings.

The exhibition was launched in the History Centre on the anniversary of the first day of the start of the war. At the private view, banners hanging from the windows displayed all students work, music of the period was played by Hull College’s Head of Music Performance and visitors, students and staff were given the opportunity to view the work.

Lynn Benson said: “Excellent feedback was received by the Hull History Centre from the visitors to the exhibition, which was held throughout September 2014, on the diversity and creativity of work created by all students. This was a very interesting project for them to be involved in and they all worked extremely hard to fulfil the brief and we were proud to see their pieces form part of an important project”.

In a further project, BA (Hons) Fashion students joined forces with Art & Design for a zombie themed exhibition. Games and Animation tutor Gareth Sleightholme and Lynn Benson opened the doors of the Hull College School of Art and Design (HSAD) to showcase work produced by students, staff and alumni as part of the ‘Z’ exhibit, held in the HSAD foyer gallery.

All work included was inspired by the words ‘zombie’ and ‘contagion’ and participants included students of Architecture, Fashion and Illustration – the aim was to complement this year’s zombie-themed Platform Expo.

Gareth said: “The work in this exhibition reflects the pervasive influence of society’s fears on pop culture and the subsequent feedback loop, as pop culture in its turn refuels society’s fears – and perhaps our darker appetites and prurient interests”.

The exhibition drew many visitors during the time it was live, including many of the thousands who passed through the College for the Platform Expo exhibition. A significant amount of positive feedback was received.

All of these achievements were complemented by the national competition success reported in the previous issue of the Review, which saw Harrogate student Sam Henty named Student Designer of the Year. A further six HE students from both Hull College and Harrogate College reached the final of the same competition


Hull College Group is pleased to announce an exciting new strategic partnership with the University of Hull which will secure the delivery of higher education in Scarborough. The Group and the University are now in the process of finalising the agreement ahead of Hull College Group launching its provision later this year.

The Group was selected as the preferred partner because it shares the University’s vision for the future of the Campus and a shared ambition for Scarborough as a university town. The higher education offer that the Hull College Group will bring to Scarborough includes Foundation Degrees, Degrees and postgraduate provision. These include programmes in engineering, construction, IT and business skills, the visitor economy and health. The Group also has existing strong links with local employers in Scarborough and North Yorkshire.

Hull College Group Chief Executive Gary Warke MBE said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the preferred partner to work with the University of Hull to secure the long term future of a high quality HE offer in

Scarborough.

“As one of the largest providers of higher education in the further education sector our vision for the Scarborough campus is to provide a high quality, flexible range of vocational higher education programmes which supports local and regional economic priorities alongside an ambition for Scarborough to be a University Town.

“We look forward to building on our excellent reputation working with employers and other key stakeholders to ensure the provision meets local needs and complements the education offer in the borough. As an established provider of outstanding training in North Yorkshire with Harrogate College as part of the Hull College Group we look forward to building on our connectivity and reach across the region.

“This new and exciting strategic partnership with the University of Hull allows both institutions to combine their curriculum expertise, research and national reputation for innovation and quality to provide an excellent opportunity to sustain and grow a dynamic new higher education offer centred in the heart of Scarborough with

national and international reach”.

The partnership will see the University continue to validate degrees on the Scarborough Campus, and also maintain a presence there as a base for research as well as educational, economic, cultural and social engagement.

Professor Glenn Burgess, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull said, “We are excited about the prospect of working with the Hull College Group, and are encouraged by their vision for higher education in Scarborough. The University of Hull’s intended strategic partnership with the Group not only maintains our commitments to Scarborough and the Campus but also ensures that it remains a university campus, with all the added economic, cultural and social benefits that brings.”

Hull College Group to partner with the University of Hull


Hull College has received international recognition for its innovative East Hull Voids project at a ceremony in Tasmania, Australia.

The coveted International Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges from Australasia, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Only organisations which have won a Green Gown within their own country are eligible for entry into the international leg of the competition. Hull College had previously triumphed in the UK Green Gowns in the Social Responsibility category.

The College was recognised for its East Hull Voids project in partnership with Probe, under which construction students have transformed run-down and derelict properties into modern and affordable homes in the community. The project supports families in-need and provides students with hands-on experience and work-based activities promoting

employability with a direct-link to job opportunities.

The College beat two other finalists to take the international accolade; the University of Western Sydney, Australasia and Lille Catholic University, France.

Shane Foster, Head of Division Engineering and Construction, put together the award entry and has led the College’s involvement with the Voids.

He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won in this exceptionally tough category and to receive international recognition. More than 200 of our students have participated in this project and they’ve worked to a thoroughly professional standard. It’s excellent work experience for them and looks fantastic on a CV. It’s also a venture which really benefits local communities – in terms of both returning the refurbished properties and the resulting improvement of the surrounding areas.

“We work with Probe, a local non-profit organisation, and with Hull City Council. Finished properties are either rented or

sold at very reasonable rates and any profits go right back into the project. It is sustainable, a valuable learning tool for all those students involved and is tackling at grassroots the problem of unoccupied properties in areas very much in need of regeneration.

Gary Warke, Hull College Group Chief Executive said: “Winning this award is recognition of the positive impact of the project itself and of the significant value for our students in taking part. We’re very proud to be involved in the Voids – it’s a scheme which is making a real difference in Hull and it absolutely deserves this international attention”.

Judges saw Voids as “a self-sustaining and innovative project with high student and community engagement. It really taps into wider social issues for positive change and maximum impact”.

Innovative scheme nets international award


Hull College Apprentice Tom Dixon won a gold medal at WorldSkills UK in November – the country’s biggest skills competition. Tom, who works at Redrow Homes, took part in the final heat of WorldSkills at Birmingham’s NEC alongside other highly talented Apprentices from around the country. In a live task he produced two examples of his work and, after deliberation by the judges, was declared the winner in a final awards ceremony which brought the whole event to a close. Tom built on his success at WorldSkills last year, when he was ‘Highly Commended’ in the same category.

Two further Hull College students also competed, Nail Technician, Jaqueline Rodgers and Joiner, Jonathan Buttery. Jonathan has subsequently been selected for SquadUK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “We are extremely proud of Tom for taking the Gold Medal in bricklaying – it is fantastic to be able to say that Hull College has the UK’s best young bricklayer. We are also really proud of Jaqueline and Jonathan, who worked extremely hard and remain best in the region at their crafts.

“This is the second year in a row one of our students has won a gold at WorldSkills UK. Last year, Arron Penn was awarded gold for patisserie and Connor Cutsforth bronze for brickwork, while Tom was highly commended in brickwork.

“My hope now is that these successes inspire our other students to go on and participate in skills competitions – it would be wonderful to be cheering them on again this time next year”.

The WorldSkills competition took place during The Skills Show, from 13 to 15 November. More than 75,000 people attended The Skills Show and watched 588 competitors battle it out in 64 skill areas, from Forensic Science to Floristry. The winners were then announced at a party for all finalists.

As previously reported in The Review, Connor is set to find out early this year whether he has been selected to represent the UK in the international final of WorldSkills in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2015. In 2014 he was named as part of the select squad from which the competitors will be chosen.

Hull College Apprentice named UK’s best young bricklayer


A group of 18 students from the14-16 College have become the first in the Humber region to take on a national awards scheme designed to help students understand key subjects used in the construction industry.

The students were invited to Sanctuary Group’s Ganstead Grove development in Hull, where they toured the site learning about the techniques used by site contractors Keepmoat.

Subjects covered by students as part of the learning exercise included Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)

The visit was the initial step towards the students’ involvement in the Bronze CREST Award challenge – a scheme recognised by employers and universities around the country. Run by the British Science Association, the CREST Award Challenge is project-based and aims to bring the curriculum to life for students. The site visit is used to show students how the skills they are learning are put into practice in the real world. It was organised in partnership with CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board.

Darren Storrer, Curriculum Leader for Construction, said: “We’re really proud that the HCUK 14-16 College has become the first in the Humber region to give

students the chance to undertake the CREST challenge and look forward to being able to formally present them with their awards. Not only is this scheme extremely well regarded, but it offers participating students a great chance to gain a greater understanding of the industry they want to work in.

“The feedback from our students following the visit was fantastic, they returned

completely enthused and ready to start the next stages of the project – planning and designing a sustainable housing development”.

Fiona Ratcliffe, Regional Employment and Skills Coordinator for Keepmoat, said: “We are committed to helping educate and encourage the next generation of workers to ensure the long term success of the construction industry and hope that this scheme will encourage students to consider career options in the field”.

Maria O’Sullivan, Strategic Partnership Adviser for the CITB in Yorkshire and the Humber, commented: “We are pleased to support a scheme that is dedicated to encouraging uptake and interest in STEM subjects. Many students don’t know how maths and science subjects are used in construction so it’s really a great opportunity to demonstrate this first hand”.

Ganstead Grove is a development of 108 properties by leading housing provider Sanctuary. Situated in the east of the city, the scheme is being delivered in three phases and is set for completion in March 2015. All of the homes will be available for affordable rent and the £11 million development has received investment from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Hull College 14-16 students first in region to take on award challenge


Sam Colombari16, Travel and Tourism Traineeship

“My dream job is being a manager at Hull First Trains and my Traineeship has got me on the way to that – my work placement is with Stagecoach Busses. My Traineeship is relevant to what I want to do when I leave. The College has a really good atmosphere and the training is a high standard. I’m also studying English and Maths because I think they strengthen your CV for the job application

process”.

Hull College scooped two wins and three runner-up spots at the Hull Daily Mail Golden Apple Awards in early December.

Construction tutor Darren Storrer was named Teacher of the Year and student Connor Cutsforth took Apprentice of the Year, while fellow Apprentice Abbigail Holmes was runner-up, and the Job Club was runner-up for the Community Award and 14-16 Mentoring Team in the Support Staff category.

The awards received hundreds of nominations from around the region, with extremely strong competition in all categories.

Connor Cutsforth has been highly praised by his employer Beal Homes and has been named as a member of Squad UK for WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015, meaning he could represent his country at an international level. Darren Storrer dedicates hours of his own time to providing out-of-lesson support to students through the 14-16 Job Club, which provides students with real-life briefs for construction projects. They have produced furniture and toys for local schools including giant trains, miniature kitchens, reading chairs shaped like books and a life-size Dr Who Tardis.

Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “Many congratulations to our winners and runners up, it was a great night for the College and in particular the 14-16 College. Well done everyone!”

Hull Daily Mail editor Neil Hodgkinson said: “We are delighted the Golden Apple Awards are now officially launched, with aspiration and achievement firmly on the agenda. The awards are about the pupils and students from primary schools to colleges and university (and) also highlight those teachers and teaching assistants who show unstinted devotion to helping build not only the future of Hull and the East Riding but the future prospects of our country”.

Multiple education award wins for Hull College


Welcome to our introductory ‘Q&A’ feature on Traineeships, where we look at how Traineeships can help prepare employees for the workplace and provide the perfect progression route into an Apprenticeship. A Traineeship is ideal for businesses which want to take on grass roots talent who, with the right development, can prove to be an asset to any company. Hull College, Harrogate College and Goole College can all work with employers to design a bespoke Traineeship framework which will exactly meet your needs, identify talent and provide all training required. With Government grants available and access to expert support at each College, every business can benefit from taking on a Traineeship. Traineeships are delivered at all three sites, with Harrogate’s model setting the standard across the Group after being recognised as best practice.

What is a Traineeship?A Traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience that is focused on giving young people the essential skills and experience that employers are looking for. At its core is work preparation training, English and maths for those who need it, and a high quality work experience placement with a committed employer.

What is the purpose of a Traineeship?The aim of a Traineeship is to support young people to progress into an apprenticeship or employment

How long is a Traineeship?

Traineeships can last from 4 weeks to six months and include:

• Work preparation training

• English and maths* support if required

• A work experience placement of anywhere between six weeks to five months with an employer

• In addition, employers are encouraged to work in partnership with the College to add flexible additional content that meets the needs of their business, the local labour market and the

trainee.

What are the benefits of Traineeships to the

Employer?Traineeships have been developed in response to employers nationally suggesting that young people lack some of the essential knowledge and experience expected in the workplace.

A Traineeship will ensure young people gain the

essential work preparation training, maths

and English and work experience needed to get an

Apprenticeship or job while benefitting businesses in a number of ways:

• As an employer you can design a high quality Traineeship in partnership with the College – encouraged to add additional flexible content that meets the specific needs of the business

• A traineeship is an excellent addition to your recruitment plan

• Employers can get ahead of the competition by identifying young people with specific skills and talent, attitude and commitment and bring them into your business

• Employers could be eligible for an Apprenticeship Grant of £1500**

• All training costs are met by Government funding.

Who are Traineeships for?Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people who are motivated to get a job but who lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Young people who have been applying unsuccessfully for Apprenticeship vacancies due to a lack of relevant skills or experience can to be good candidates for a Traineeship.

Suitable for a Traineeship

• Unemployed, not in training, school or College but motivated to work

• Aged 16 to 24 and qualified below Level 3

• Can be ready for employment or an Apprenticeship within six months of engaging in a Traineeship

Unsuitable for a Traineeship • The most disengaged young people, who require

intensive support – other alternative provision/support is available

• Aged 24 plus (unless they have a Learning Difficulty Assessment up to academic age 25)

• Already in a job

For further information:

Contact HCUK Training on 0300 330 2010 to apply for Traineeship opportunities

Sam Colombari16, Travel and Tourism Traineeship

“My dream job is being a manager at Hull First Trains and my Traineeship has got me on the way to that – my work placement is with Stagecoach Busses. My Traineeship is relevant to what I want to do when I leave. The College has a really good atmosphere and the training is a high standard. I’m also studying English and Maths because I think they strengthen your CV for the job application

process”.

a new way to build your business

*All young people undertaking a Traineeship will be required to study English and maths, unless they have achieved a GCSE A*-C in those subjects or, for those aged 19-23, a GCSE A*-C in those subjects or a functional skills qualification at Level 2. A full level 2 qualification is

equivalent to 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C and a full level 3 qualification is equivalent to 2 or more ‘A’ level passes.

**For information on the AGE Grant of £1500 contact HCUK Training on 0300 330 2010

Connor Peace16, cookery traineeship

Connor Peace chose Hull College after a friend recommended its Traineeship

programme to him. He said: “I really want to study an Apprenticeship eventually, and

a Traineeship leads towards that. My friend recommended Hull College to me and it had just the right course.

“Doing my Traineeship is preparing me for moving on to an Apprenticeship next. I’m excited about being able to work and study alongside. I think Traineeships and

Apprenticeships look really good to employers – they show

that you’re eager to work and

learn”.

Grant McFayden19, motor vehicle traineeship

“I decided to study because I wanted to get a good job

– when I was trying to decide what to study I came to the

College for advice and found out about Traineeships. I started at Hull College

in 2011 and have progressed through different courses in vehicle maintenance and heavy goods vehicle maintenance.

“I enjoy my course and I know it’s getting me the qualifications I need to get the job

I want – my dream job is a light vehicle mechanic for BMW. The hands-on

aspect of my course is great, and I also gets the maths and English

skills I need”.


Harrogate College holds Performing Arts Auditions DayHarrogate Performing Arts students took part in an Auditions Day project in the College’s Studio Theatre. The project was designed to recreate the atmosphere of a real professional audition. Nearly all work within the industry is gained through this process, so it is crucial students practice their skills.

The panel comprised Director Michael Thorne, Lucy Vincent, Head of Drama at Harrogate Grammar School and actor Bob Mallow.

Each student prepared two classical speeches and two contemporary speeches, each two minutes long and it was up to the panel of judges which pieces were selected and performed on the day. This unknown element of the task added to the authenticity.

Once the pieces were selected and performed under theatre spotlight conditions, each student had the opportunity to work with the panel to discuss and rework certain passages. This technique assesses auditionees’ knowledge and understanding of their pieces, as well as how they respond to direction.

Finally, students received verbal feedback from all three judges, followed by written feedback and an assessed grade. All judges responded as they would in a real-world setting, providing constructive criticism where appropriate.

The day was a huge success as the judges noted the high overall standard of the students and how they had improved from the previous auditions two years before. The students reflected that the experience was nerve-wracking but a realistic recreation.

Hull College welcomed hundreds of visitors when it hosted the region’s biggest digital and gaming expo in November. The fifth annual Platform Expo event, which aims to inspire young people to carve their own career path within creative digital industries, was hosted at sites across the College, including the Centre for Digital and Green Energy Skills and the Horncastle building. Digital company Platform recently opened a new studio base within Hull College’s Centre for Digital and Green Energy, which provides students and young people with access to the industry experts and resources to develop employability skills and encourage enterprise and new business start-ups.

Running for two days (Friday November 14 – Saturday November 15) at Hull Guildhall as well as the College, Platform Expo offered visitors one-on-one engagement with leading industry names. The event aims to empower visitors to consider careers in gaming and content creation, and to encourage enterprise and new business start-ups.

Platform 2014 also launched a new Virtual Reality Headset called VISR, designed and manufactured in Hull.

The College offers a range of courses from Level 2 to Degree for those interested in pursuing employment in games design, computer science or software development and works in close collaboration with Platform promoting student enterprise and employability. The annual Expo has been supported by the College since its launch five years ago and receives significant support from College staff and students, with students involved in all aspects, from hosting exhibitions to volunteering as guides during the event.

Hull College Principal Graham Towse said:

“The College is proud to support Platform Expo. As part of our Digital Manifesto Hull College has pledged to develop a digital skills provision that will accelerate the growth of the digital economy within the region building on our strengths in digital gaming, content creation and the creative sectors.

“The Expo is an ideal opportunity for young people who would like to develop a career in gaming and content creation to find out more about the opportunities available to them within an exciting, vibrant and fast-paced industry that includes youth enterprise and new business start-ups”.

Platform Expo offered access to a range of workshops and presentation events encompassing game development, programming, creative writing, art and design, sound design, business management and marketing. Drawing in some of the biggest industry names to the city, speakers included Lee Stott, Technical Evangelist and Head of UK Gaming at Microsoft. A Microsoft team from Washington US also flew in to undertake a day long ‘Marmalade’ masterclass.

Lindsay West, Founder of Platform Expos, said: “Video gaming is a multi-billion pound global industry boasting high employability rates and job opportunities. However, the industry is not just about big business, there are opportunities for small start-ups powered by the growth in mobile gaming that can become bigger in time.

“Our aim is to encourage local creative talent to make an impact nationally and globally, to put Hull on the gaming industry map in time for 2017 and to aspire to showcase global video games made here and made by local students”.

Event offers a ‘Platform’ to careers in creative digital



Harrogate College design students created a fabulous light-up bauble sculpture which illuminated the town centre throughout the festive period. Creating artwork for the Harrogate Christmas Lights Committee is an annual project for the College’s art and design students. The opportunity of working on a live project gives the students insight into the world of work. They have to develop ideas working as part of a team, produce maquette’s (small 3D models) and then present their ideas to the committee. The selected sculpture is then constructed and unveiled as part of the Harrogate at Christmas display outside the Victoria Shopping Centre.

Students, Andrew Fieldman, Ellen Mace, Emma Crossley, Lee Johnson, Tasha Sanderson and Dayna Fern Bennett, all took part in the creation of the sculpture titled ‘Baubles’ which was made up of 11 handmade fibreglass baubles with lights inside them. The students were in attendance at the official unveiling outside Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre, where the sculpture took pride of place within the cupola on station square. The unveiling took place on Tuesday November 18 with guests Cllr John Fox, Chair of the Harrogate at Christmas Group, Debra Forsythe-Conroy, Principal of Harrogate College, Cllr Nigel Simms, Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Mrs Lyn Simms, Mayoress of the Borough of Harrogate, Liz Stickney and Helen McDevitt, Soroptimists International, Simon Cotton,

Destination Harrogate, and David Horth, Manager of the Victoria Shopping Centre, in attendance.

Principal of Harrogate College, Debra Forsythe-Conroy, said: “Once again Harrogate College students displayed their creativity and provided an iconic Christmas design installation to complement the towns’ festive decorations. This has been another successful live brief commissioned through Harrogate at Christmas providing unequalled exposure to the realities of working in the Creative sector and responding to both the detail and requirements of the commissioner.

“The outcome again this year is testament to the talent of the students and also of the staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure students are supported to deliver the commission on time and within budget.

“Thanks must go to students and particularly staff that provided the technical know-how to translate the design into reality from the students’ original idea.”

Cllr John Fox, Chair of the Harrogate at Christmas Group said: “The Harrogate College students have again designed and created an excellent piece of Civic sculpture which will be seen by thousands of people over the Christmas period.”

Student, Emma Crossley, said: “Making the baubles was a long process, but it was good to learn a new technique that I can transfer into my own art practice.”

Harrogate College students unveil baubles sculpture


A Swedish film crew visited Hull College for a news piece which was used to inform the country’s authority on how to engage young people in education longer. Sweden’s Government is considering introducing legislation similar to the UK’s Raising the Participation Age (RPA), which from this year (2015) aims to ensure all young people are engaged in some kind of training until they are at least 18. Professor Alison Wolf CBE, who wrote the seminal Wolf Report – advising pupils be allowed to start College from age 14 – recommended Hull College to Swedish authorities due to the success it has had through its 14-16 College.

In November a team from Swedish TV, the country’s main channel, met students from Hull’s 14-16 College, as well as students and Apprentices from the Engineering and Construction, and Hair and Beauty departments. They also interviewed Hull College Chief Executive Gary Warke, Principal Graham Towse, and other key staff members including those from Student Services, 14-16 College and Heads of School. Filming took place in a number of the College’s workshops.

Hull College Chief Executive Gary Warke said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to pass on our own knowledge of RPA and education in partnership to the Swedish Government and the country’s

colleges. It is a scheme which has had a very positive impact on many of our students, helping them to improve their long-term prospects.

“The important thing to understand – and to ensure students understand – about RPA is that it is not about keeping people in a learning environment which does not suit them. It encompasses all types of work-based and vocational learning, including Apprenticeships, supporting young people to still pursue employment opportunities alongside further training.

“We were very pleased that Professor Wolf put us forward to be part of the project, it provided a valuable opportunity to help its implementation in Sweden and is recognition of our own continued success”.

Professor Wolf has previously officially opened the HCUK 14-16 College and, following the publication of the Wolf Report visited the College’s Energy League – a precursor to the 14-16 College which provided full-time education for a group of former David Lister school pupils when the facility closed down before they could sit their GCSEs.

Swedish Government learns lessons from Hull College


A group of Higher Education (HE) students from Hull College used their business skills in a real-world task which involved teaming up with one of Hull’s biggest shopping centres. The group organised an all-day festive fundraising event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Walker Street Children’s Centre, held in conjunction with St Stephen’s Shopping Centre.

Students devised and manned an array of different activities including a raffle with prizes, build an Olaf (from the film ‘Frozen’), a live band, craft stalls for children and adults, sponsored indoor bike ride – where students pedalled an exercise bike all day, cake and sweet stalls, a stall to buy special glittery food for Santa’s reindeer, and a zumbathon. There was also a Make a Wish, Remember a Loved One Christmas tree,

where visitors made a donation and tied a ribbon to the tree in remembrance of a friend or family member.

Every element of the day was left to students to coordinate, from securing prizes to manning stalls and liaising with local businesses. They also set up social media feeds specifically for the event.

Tutor Alex Alterskye said: “Fundraising for local causes forms part of the syllabus for our business students every year – it involves a number of real world skills, including planning, coordination and marketing. We are always impressed by the commitment the students demonstrate, the amount of money they raise and the creative ideas they come up with for raising funds.

“This event at St Stephen’s proved extremely popular and benefited from being in a great location with lots of potential customers.

“Once we were finished fundraising, staff and students organised a shopping trip in consultation with the children’s centre, where we bought toys the children will enjoy. We dressed up in festive costumes and delivered them – a part of the project which is a highlight for all involved every year”.

HE students host fundraiser


Apprentice’s career motoring aheadA student from Harrogate College’s 14+ Skills Academy has been handpicked for an Apprenticeship after impressing his employer while on work placement. Gareth Jenkins began working at Gmund Cars while still studying for his GCSEs – his commitment and hard work immediately impressed the company’s owner Andrew Mearns. He began the Apprenticeship as soon as he completed his Level 2 Motor Vehicle Engineering qualification.

Before starting his Apprenticeship, Gareth studied for his core GCSEs at King James’s School Knaresborough, and attended Harrogate College two days a week to earn his Motor Vehicle qualification. He also took part in work experience at Gmund Cars.

Gareth said: “It was thanks to a teacher at school that I was recommended for the 14+ Skills Academy Course. Miss Ramsay saw that I loved to learn in a practical way, and advised me that this course with Harrogate College would put me one step ahead of the competition for an Apprenticeship or job when I finished school”.

Thanks to his own achievements and his teacher’s advice, Gareth now has his dream role stripping the engines of specialist classic Porsche cars. Business owner Andrew has been so impressed with Gareth that he invested in a 1962 Porsche 356, which Gareth will have the opportunity to strip and renovate from scratch under his mentor’s instruction.

Andrew said: “The Porsche 356 has just been imported from Cape Town and is currently a wreck! I have every confidence in Gareth being able to take on such a high value project in the near future; the car will retail for £250,000.00 when it’s finished. Gareth is very much part of our small specialist team at Gmund, as we really are a big close family. As soon as Gareth finishes his Apprenticeship there’s a permanent job waiting for him. I too was an apprentice and started this business from scratch, so who knows, maybe Gareth will take over from me one day”.

Harrogate College Principal Debra Forsythe-Conroy said: “Gareth’s story shows the value of really applying yourself to a work placement in an area you are passionate about. Because of his own dedication and abilities, Gareth is now starting his dream career spending his time working on specialist vehicles and also earning further qualifications. Apprenticeships are a fantastic route which allow students to develop real world skills by spending the majority of their time in the workplace”.


Harrogate College has further strengthened its community links, with an initiative which puts the College at the heart of regional developments. The Harrogate Consultative Committee is an 18-member strong group comprised of five College staff and 13 external members from the wider community.

Formed a year ago, the joint venture has grown and developed since its launch and has helped to raise the profile of Harrogate College and to encourage external stakeholders to engage with the College.

The Consultative has a number of key aims, including advising on how Harrogate College and Hull College Group are meeting the priorities of the respective regions’

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The Consultative also works to

ensure all members of the

Hull College Group work to drive forward economic and social development in their local areas.

Harrogate Principal Debra Forsythe-Conroy said: “In keeping with its long-standing commitment to work and develop in partnership with representatives from the local community, Harrogate College is proud to regularly host the Harrogate Consultative Committee. With membership drawn from key staff members of Harrogate College, along with important local stakeholders and the wider community, great importance is given to the role of the College in our area.

“The Committee has grown to a reputable cohort over the last 12 months and has helped to strengthen our relationship with our external partners. Going forward we hope to continue to develop the role and functions of the Committee”.

The Consultative Committee has eight officially identified functions:

1. To act as an advisory board to the Curriculum, Innovation and Delivery Group.

2. To raise the profile of the College and stimulate local involvement.

3. To advise on the Curriculum Plan to ensure both the present and future needs of the communities served by the College are met.

4. To advise and make recommendations on how the College and the Hull College Group is meeting the priorities of the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

5. To advise and make recommendations for the College and the Hull College Group to play a leading role in the local economic and social development in each of the three colleges (Hull, Harrogate and Goole) and the respective immediate area.

6. To advise and make recommendations to the Curriculum, Innovation and Delivery Group on the needs and aspirations of the students of the College ensuring proper importance is given to feedback from students.

7. To advise and make recommendations to the Curriculum, Innovation and Delivery Group on further work and emerging opportunities for the College as part of the Hull College Group.

8. To recommend the appointment of new members of the Consultative Committee.

Harrogate College forms community partnership


Students from Goole’s 14-16 College took part in a visit to one of the country’s foremost chemical companies. A group of 20 pupils were welcomed at the Goole branch of Croda, which specialises in the manufacture of chemicals for a range of industries, including agriculture and healthcare.

Students from the 14-16 College regularly take part in industry visits as part of the vocational aspect of their studies – the trips provide a valuable insight into the key industries they will eventually progress into.

Goole College Principal Lynne Richardson said: “We ensure all of our students are able to participate in relevant and informative visits and it is our strong links with local companies which makes this possible.

“We give the students the opportunity to participate in a range of visits, so that

they can develop an understanding of how different companies work and the career pathways which are available to them. It is a very useful process, through which students can discover their dream careers in areas and industries they had not previously considered.

“We appreciate all companies and organisations which open their doors to us, but our visit to Croda was particularly good. Staff delivered a very detailed talk, before providing students with a tour of the premises where they learned about the different job roles and saw them in action.

“The vocational specialisms available for students in our 14-16 College include information technology, business, health and social care, renewable energy technologies, and logistics, so the trip to Croda was relevant to most of those”.

Goole College was a key sponsor in the Selby and Goole Community Pride Awards – one of the region’s foremost community events. The awards bring together members from across the local community and celebrate the work and achievements of local people who live within them. As part of Hull College Group, one of Goole College’s core values is ‘celebration’ –it is a priority within the College to recognise and reward those students and staff who work hard, so being part of the Community Pride Awards was a natural extension of this. It was also an opportunity to network with contacts from the local community and to build new ones.

The College sponsored three categories within the awards: Bright Star, Young Citizen and Young Inspiration. As an organisation which works with young people at all levels of ability, the College recognises the importance of recognising achievements. Awards like these can help boost the self-esteem of young nominees and recipients and encourage them to continue to maintain their commitment and enthusiasm.

Lynne Richardson, Goole College Principal, said: “It is always a joy to celebrate the successes of young people and that is what these awards are all about. The young people nominated in the categories we have sponsored all display exactly the kind of qualities we aim to instil in our students – hard working, committed and caring.

“Recognising the importance of local

communities and instilling a sense of pride in all members helps to strengthen them and has long-term benefits, encouraging people to build businesses, careers and families within those communities.

“The College itself is a community and we see every day the value of encouraging young people to take pride in their communities and to involve themselves. We also see how important being part of a community is to young people, from their place among their peers to their role as ambassadors for the College within the wider community”.

Goole College has courses to equip students for a wide range of careers within local industry, from health and social care to green energy, with levels to suit everyone. The College was recently granted almost £1 million of funding, which will create a Centre of Excellence, providing skills training in areas such as fabrication and welding, construction and logistics, all of which have been identified as sectors forecast for local economic growth.

Goole students visit Croda

Goole College supports community awards


Goole College leads Remembrance serviceGoole College took a central role in the community’s Remembrance Day commemorations of the war dead at the Goole cenotaph on November 11. In the centenary year, which marked 100 years since the start of WWI, students worked closely with other members of the local community to deliver a service to appropriately mark the occasion. Students and staff gathered at Goole cenotaph along with members of the Royal British Legion, armed forces, local councillors, pupils from Goole High School and members of the general public.

Goole College Principal Lynne Richardson said: “We were very honoured to take a central role in this extremely important commemoration service. It is very important that younger generations understand why we hold Remembrance services, why we participate in a silence and why we must remember all those lost in conflict. We were very proud of our students on the day – every one of them appreciated the significance of the service and was keen to learn more about Armistice Day and to pay their respects.

“As a College, being part of the community is very important to us and we share the values held by our community. While Remembrance is, of course, a very sombre occasion it was also uplifting to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to honour the men and women who have died for our freedom”.

Armistice Day was honoured at all three Hull College Group sites, with silences and services. Many staff and students chose to participate, either by attending organised tributes or within classrooms and offices.


Hull CollegeQueen’s Gardens CentreWilberforce Drive,Hull HU1 3DG.T: (01482) 329943F: (01482) 308047

Goole CollegeBoothferry Road,Goole DN14 6SR.T: (01405) 762420

Harrogate CollegeHornbeam ParkHarrogateN.YorksHG2 8QTT: (01423) 879466

The Review Issue 5

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Transcript of The Review Issue 5