Newbury College was treated to an impressive show last week from its Connect 4 Learners. The Foundation Learning department put on its own version of popular TV show, The X Factor, which gained a large audience of staff, students, family and friends. All Connect 4 learners were involved in the show, either by performing and singing or with the set up and organisation of the event and their staff...the 'celebrity judges!'
The event acknowledged the singing and performing skills and talents of all learners in Connect 4, some of whom had never performed in front of a large audience before. Lecturer, Cheryl Rumbold, who was the lead staff member in organising the event, was very keen to point out to everyone watching how much effort and progress the learners had put into their performances and how far they have progressed.
Curriculum Manger, Alan Cracknell said 'It was a great afternoon, bigger and better than last year. It was lovely to see them supporting one another, and the whole Connect 4 staff team getting together for the final song, Mamma Mia!'
Although all acts were outstanding, there always has to be a winner, and in this case there were three. Staff members from all departments attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and after its success Foundation Factor looks like it'll be an annual event at the College.
Learners in Health and Social Care were awarded certificates for their hard work at this year's Celebration of Achievement earlier this month. The presentation was opened by Curriculum Manager, Alan Cracknell and certificates awarded by Deputy Principal, Fadia Clarke.
At the event, which took place on 6 July 2012, students received certificates for completing their courses which included awards for work experience and special awards for hard work and accomplishments.
Mr Cracknell was keen to congratulate students and staff. He said "The students have made good progress this year, improving their attitudes and attendance. This is no doubt down to the efforts of the staff that have worked equally hard this year and are a very good and talented team."
The celebrations were a great success and an opportunity for all learners to congratulate one another on their achievements. For some this marks the end of their time at the College, whereas others will be back to gain higher qualifications in Health and Social Care this September. Health and Social Care is an important area of study with numerous opportunities in the field and Fadia Clarke highlighted the wide prospects that lay ahead of the learners.
During the spring and summer term the English for Non Native Learners at Newbury College took part in a reading challenge, which aims to encourage reading books in English amongst learners for whom English is a second language.
Delivered by Newbury College Learning Recourses Centre and the English for Non Native Learners tutors, the reading challenge required participants to read six books, at an appropriate level for their English reading skills. They then completed a journal to describe the reading material and what they had gained from the experience.
A celebration event was attended by all the learners who took part in the challenge and certificates and prizes were presented by Dr Anne Murdoch OBE, Principal of Newbury College and Fiona Lees, LRC Manager for Newbury College.
Fiona Lees, Newbury College LRC Manager organised the event with her team and said, 'The award ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the success of the learners who took part in the reading challenge. It was wonderful to read all of the learners' dairies and see how the reading had helped to improve their reading and writing in English'.
The reading challenge was a huge success amongst the learners and staff and provided real benefits to the learners.
Newbury College held its annual celebration Awards Ceremony for all Foundation Learning students last week. Newbury College Principal, Dr Anne Murdoch OBE presented all the learners from groups Connect 1 to Connect 6 with their certificates of achievement, acknowledging the success of the past year.
The event took place on the 27 June 2012 between 1pm-3pm with students, staff, parents and carers attending the event. Anne Murdoch addressed the learners with a speech congratulating them on their achievements. Special certificates were given to learners who had achieved 100% attendance.
Curriculum Manager, Alan Cracknell was very impressed with the students and said "The students showed great support to one another on collecting their certificates, and their behaviour and ability to conduct themselves well was a credit to them".
This year has been an exceptional year for the students with a large group of them receiving 100% attendance awards, and some learners having achieved paid employment. It is also pleasing to note that the Connect 6 group all have great progression plans which include attending higher courses both at Newbury College, or other providers, as well as paid employment.