Learn the practical skills and gain employment in the Electrical industry, by undertaking our fantastic Certificate in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations (2391-10) – Level 3 evening course, starting on Wed 20th June next month!

A great follow-on course from the ‘Inspection and Testing Program – City and Guilds 2391 and 2392’ course.

Combined with specially designed training, it will progress students to monitoring, installing and maintaining electrical installations, plant and equipment.

The topics covered will support entry to higher level programmes Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering.

For full course details, click here

For further information, please email Jimmy Antonin or call 020 8853 7036.

FREE and open to anyone who is an unemployed Thamesmead resident!

• Childcare: Accredited Introduction to Children & Young People’s Development

• Customer Service: Accredited Introduction to Customer Service

• APM Accredited PRINCE2 Foundation – Greenwich Park Centre

• APM Accredited PRINCE2 Practitioner – Greenwich Park Centre

• Bespoke Job Searching & Securing with optional Coaching & Filming

• HSE Approved Emergency First Aid at Work

• EFYS Approved Paediatric First Aid

• HSE Approved First Aid at Work (for higher risk employees)

• Accredited Health & Safety in the Workplace

Interested in any of the courses? Register your interest by completing the enquiry form.

For further information, please contact Rachel Wiltshire, Business Account Manager on 020 8305 4278 or email.

Greenwich Community College will once again be at the annual Tudor Barn Creative Arts Festival in Eltham. We will be selling students work as well has holding tasters sessions. The event is free and a great day out for the family with plenty of activities for all ages.

Well Hall Pleasaunce will be alive with all things art!

To get a flavour of the GCC tent, please see the video below of last years event.

Then this is the right course for you!

Enrol now onto our new 1-day ‘CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering’ course, starting on Monday 21st May.

This is why Greenwich Community College has made sure that you are 100% trained by the best, as our CIEH course is taught by professional Environmental Health Officers registered by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

After completion, receive a high level practical CIEH accredited qualification!

Our ‘CIEH Level 2 Food Safety in Catering’ students have said:

“I gained a good understanding of Food Safety and have learnt quite alot…broader knowledge about the course” – Philip Gomez

“I learnt new information that I did not know…. good information given and interesting” – Colleen Baba

“Happy trainer, happy learner, good knowledge intake” – CIEH Student

“I felt happy with the course, and I also feel that I have a better understanding about Food Safety” – Muna Awada

Click here for further course details

For further information, please email jackief@gcc.ac.uk or call 020 8853 7034.

So go on, what are you waiting for! Apply today!

Well this can all be possible by registering now on our new, upcoming courses for this month, and gain further skills and qualifications!

• PTLLS – Preparing To Teach In The Lifelong Learning Sector – starting Tuesday 8th May

• Inspection and Testing 2391 – starting Wednesday 16th May

• CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering – starting Monday 21st May

• Basic Car Maintenance- starting Thursday 24th May

Our students have said the following in regards to the courses:

“I gained a good understanding of Food Safety and have learnt quite alot…broader knowledge about the course” – Philip Gomez, CIEH Level 2 Food Safety

“The work front has really picked up for me! Taking this course has boosted my CV. Recently I’ve started a new job, as a Work Skills Tutor with TBG Learning, delivering a Customer Services and Employability Programme. Thank you for all your help on the PTLLS Course and I am sure that your next intake of new learners will hopefully value your expertise and experience.” – Sherileen Lambert, PTLLS

“I felt happy with the course, and I also feel that I have a better understanding about Food Safety” – Muna Awada, CIEH Level 2 Food Safety

“This is a very useful course. The tutor is very hands on, and makes it easy to understand” – Indrit Manaj, Inspection and Testing 2391

“The course was very interesting and a very good platform on which to launch a teaching career” – Joan Thompson, PTLLS

ENROL NOW!

To register your interest for this offer, please fill in the form by clicking here

Learners will gain the Prince2 Foundation qualification, which allows them to work in project management. All public sector projects are now run within a Prince2 environment and most agencies require this qualification, which is accredited by APM

The courses are suitable for individuals and groups, from learners, employers to employees! Click here if you are an existing employer requiring Project Management training for your employees.

Check out our first Blended Classroom Delivery Project Management course, starting on Saturday 2nd June. Click here for further details, and enrol today!

Limited offer Enrol now for Prince2 Practitioner Blended Classroom Course for next year and get a FREE Prince2 Foundation course this year. You could be a qualified Prince2 Practitioner by Spring 2013!!!
To register your interest for this offer, please fill in the form by clicking here

Then register on our new fantastic Raku courses starting on Monday 16th April at the best facility around, Greenwich Park Centre, and begin your Raku journey today!

So come and enrol by clicking here, and ignite your creativity!

But wait…

Not only do we offer Raku, we offer a range of other fantastic ceramic courses! Have a look by clicking here

• Learn, Experience and Progress
• Parenting
• Sports, Fitness and Leisure

Please click on the links above for full details or come along to one of our Open Days to find out more.

The 17 year old Commonwealth Games bronze medallist’s role was announced at an award ceremony on 28 March for students at the college’s London Leisure College, based at the Eltham Centre.

Zoe’s new role has already had an impact on 18 year old BTEC Sports Student Dieter Staples;

“Hearing Zoe’s story has inspired me and I am now going to focus on becoming a successful footballer.”

Head of Sports, Leisure and Tourism, John Stapleton explained how Zoe’s role will have a significant impact on students like Dieter;

“We approached Zoe about becoming a Champion for our Sports, Leisure and Tourism students as she is a local athlete who we know our students will relate to and help them meet their aspirations.”

Zoe said that she was “delighted and honoured to be approached by the college and is looking forward to her role.”

Mr Chin, hopes that Zoe will be the first of many GCC Champions;

“We are delighted that Zoe has agreed to become our first GCC Champion. Her level of commitment and the sacrifices she has made to become one of the best weightlifters in the World sets a great example for our students as they work to reach their career goals. We aim to announce more GCC Champions shortly who will inspire students across the college.”

The next Sports, Leisure and Tourism Open Evening will be on Thursday 19 April from 6pm to 8pm at the Eltham Centre, SE9 1HA.

For a list of tasters on offer by centre and full details, please click here.

From food business owners to trainers, from production managers to hygiene auditors, this qualification meets the food industry’s need for a high level practical qualification with external accreditation.

Our ‘CIEH Level 2 Food Safety in Catering’ students have said:

“I learnt new information that I did not know…. good information given and interesting” – Colleen Baba

“Happy trainer, happy learner, good knowledge intake”

“I gained a good understanding of Food Safety and have learnt quite alot…broader knowledge about the course” – Philip Gomez

“I felt happy with the course, and I also feel that I have a better understanding about Food Safety” – Muna Awada

Click here for full details.

For further information, please email jackief@gcc.ac.uk or call 020 8853 7034.

So go on, what are you waiting for! Apply today!

Organiser Mary Bottomley, Lecturer in Business and Public Services, believes Alex’s experiences thirty years ago, relates to young people of today:
“When I saw a production of “Uprising” I thought Alex’s graphic, honest and humorous account of his troubled early life, involvement in the Brixton Riots, subsequent imprisonment and more importantly the influences that made him turn his life around might strike a chord with my learners.”

“Education is about so much more than just processing students in order for them to gain qualifications; it should also be about giving them opportunities outside the classroom.”

Speaking after the event, Felou Abadja, a Public Service Level 2 student was absorbed by Alex’s story; “His message reached the young people and inspired them to take the right path.”

Fellow Public Services Level 2 student, was also inspired by the talk, saying; “ Alex’s humour and singing made his life story easy to understand.”

Precious Offomah and Trevaughn Thompson, student ambassadors on that day were inspired by his message; “No matter how hard life gets you still have a chance to change it. So no one can say life can not get any better cause you never know what can happen day after day.”

The talk ended with a short Question and Answer session, where Alex was happy to answer questions by students and staff.

The last word was left with Alex, who told the audience;
“Everyone has a hidden talent, some of us are aware of it and some of us need to find it.”

You will learn what are your rights and responsibilities as a parent, and to apply it, healthy eating for children, and communicating and understanding with your children, and so much more.

For course information, please click here.

So enrol now, by simply contacting jackief@gcc.ac.uk or call 020 8853 7034.

The main objective was to get as many full-time 16+ year olds students registered onto the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Level 2 Award in Door Supervisor course, receive a formal qualification after completion, and to then get a guaranteed interview with G4S for a paid security job at the 2012 London Olympics Games.

We all welcomed and spoke to various different students to get as many as possible interested and enrolled onto the course, on either the 25th Feb, 26th Feb, 3rd March and 4th March or the 10th March, 11th March, 17th March and 18th March weekend slots. The one-off event gave many students the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the course, BtG and LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games), and resolve any issues there and then. BtG and GCC promotional material, as well as Door Supervisor course information were provided to all the interested prospective students.

Sandeep took the initiative to promote the course to students in the canteen queue during the busy period, with the hope of attracting students to be a part of this fantastic project, and make a lasting legacy for young adults, which was a success. During this event, over 50 application forms were completed by keen students to make a start on the Door Supervisor course, and begin their journey in experiencing and gaining an understanding of the Security Industry.

Check out some photos of the event, by clicking here

Overall, it was a fantastic event to be a part of, and we all cannot wait for the first group of students to commence and complete the Door Supervisor course this February, and the second group to start next month from the 10th March – 18th March! Click here for course details

If you are interested is registering or would like further information, please contact Stuart Kabler (Stewarding, Security and Events Coordinator)now at stuartk@gcc.ac.uk.

“We put on a pantomime throughout December, worked with Thamesmead Youth Voice and several other young people as part of a £800 Youth Opportunity Fund awarded to TYV, which was used to help them with team building and give TYV
members the chance to become mentors to younger people who could possibly benefit from confidence building. We will also be putting on Shakespeare this summer.” – Kate Jones

“Paula and I work in the marketing department for the DLR. We work with a team of seven freelance ambassadors who support the community up and down the DLR line, who perhaps don’t have the confidence to leave their house, English is their second language or they might have a baby which means they use a pram but don’t have the confidence to go up and down the stairs at their local DLR station.

“The course, more than anything, made us realise we are actually Community Development Practitioners. It made us re-evaluate a lot of what we do but at the same time, confirmed and gave us the confidence that we were already doing a lot of things right. It has been invaluable!” – Sarah Barker.

Rachel Wiltshire, Business Account Manager – Adult & Community Learning, Greenwich Community College, said: The evening was a fantastic opportunity to hear the learners’ first- hand accounts of the true impact that this training has had on them, on both personal and professional levels. It was great to be part of such a positive group of people of all ages and from all walks of life, each contributing and making a difference to their communities

The next round of Taster courses, which could lead to accredited levels 1, 2 and 3, begin in March and is open to everyone aged 16+ who lives, works or volunteers in
Thamesmead.

The course would particularly benefit those who lead or are a member of a community group, about to set up a community group or service providers who work with community groups and will help individuals to:
• Learn how to take control
• Discover problem solving techniques
• Learn how to deal with new challenges
• Meet new people and learn from their experiences
• Learn how to inspire and lead your group”

Interested parties should register their interest with Rachel Wiltshire, Business Account Manager, Greenwich Community College, T: 020 8305 4278 or E:rwiltshire@gcc.ac.uk

Erith & Thamesmead MP, Teresa Pearce who saw Trust Thamesmead’s status on Facebook congratulating the winners said, “That sounds like a great night. Could I come along next year?”

Adam, 17, studying BTEC in Public Services at Greenwich Community College, said:

“I am taking part in the Legacy Champions programme as my course is all about public service and it is nice to do more with the community.

“For our project we are planning to help the community as there are a lot of gangs in our area and the community doesn’t always interact. We are going to try and get older people to see that younger people are not always the same and try and get to know them.”

Gareth Wynn, London 2012 Programme Director for EDF, Patrick Taylor, Programmes Manager at Envision, and International Para Dressage Rider and London 2012 hopeful, Natasha Baker, were joined by more than a hundred students from nine colleges including Greenwich Community College for the programme launch on Friday (10 Feb) at City Edge in Hackney.

The Legacy Champions Programme started last year as part of a three-year partnership between EDF, Official Partner and the Official Electricity Supplier of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Envision.

Legacy Champions will see EDF Energy provide 18 employees to act as mentors to the young people involved during the six months of this year’s programme. They will work on projects that will leave a positive legacy after the 2012 games in the London boroughs that are hosting events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gareth Wynn, EDF Director, London 2012 Programme said:

“Many young people in London will be inspired by what they see this summer. It is great to help capture some of their energy and to help them make a positive impact in their communities. These young people are the true role models for our capital city.

“As an official partner of the London 2012 Games, EDF is committed to helping with environmental and social issues and bringing the best out of people, which is exactly what Legacy Champions is designed to do. Providing mentors will help students develop their ideas, gain new skills and build their confidence as they work on important local projects.”

The other Colleges that attended were: Barking & Dagenham College, Hackney Community College, BSix Sixth Form College, Newham College of FE, NewVIc College, Tower Hamlets College, Leyton Sixth Form College and Waltham Forest College.

Patrick Taylor, Envision Programmes Manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be running Legacy Champions in partnership with EDF Energy. Legacy Champions is a great opportunity for young people from across the Olympic boroughs to lead their own community projects and create a lasting legacy in their communities. It’s also great to be able to offer young people such a personal and empowering experience that extends the Olympic values beyond sport and into the community through corporate partnerships.”

Last year a range of projects were developed by students through Legacy Champions including a crime prevention workshop by Newham College, a mini Olympic-themed event was held by NewVIc College to raise awareness of getting active through sport and Waltham Forest College took part in a festival to encourage the community on how they can be more sustainable.

The students and mentors will also join together in March for a mass volunteering event to clean the River Thames through EDF Energy’s Helping Hands scheme.

You will learn how to use the Sage accounts package, and how to input accounting data, and obtain a recognised professional qualification.

On successfully completing this course, you will be awarded City & Guilds Computerised Accounts Level 1 qualification.

For further information about the Sage Level 1 Computerised Accounting, please click here.

So what are you waiting for!

Enrol now by contacting Jackie Fortheringham on 020 8853 7034 or at jackief@gcc.ac.uk.

• An introduction to Vegetables & Meats
• Basic Cake Preparation
• An introduction to Fish & Salads
• Basic Bread

Please click here for full details and start dates.

For full details about the course and to register, please click here.

The students presented the minister and the teachers with ceremonial scarves and posed for photos. He was then whisked away for meetings with representatives of the local Gurkha community.

• Please click here for full details of our Resort Representatives Course

For more information and to book an interview now, please call 020 8921 3434.

The event celebrated the outstanding achievements over the past year of students and staff. Guest of honour for the ceremony was the British weightlifter and 2012 medal contender Zoe Smith.

Amongst the winners was 23 year old Robert Long from Woolwich. Robert was injured in active service in Afghanistan less than a year ago and is now studying AS Level English and Maths at the college’s Plumstead Centre.

Robert (pictured receiving his award from Zoe Smith) was full of praise for the staff who have supported him while he has been at the college:

“GCC has been absolutely fantastic for me. It has given me focus and drive. My aim now is to complete my studies and progress onto university to study Government and Politics’.

Before presenting the awards, 17 year old Zoe Smith from Abbey Wood spoke about the dedication required to make the Great Britain weightlifting team and spoke of her aspirations for the 2012 Olympics. She encouraged the award winners to; “follow your dreams and don’t give up on yourself”.

The event also celebrated outstanding achievements by teaching and support staff and teams.

Speaking after the event, Principal Gary Chin said;

“I would like to extend my personal congratulations to each and every one of our award winners and gratitude to each of our sponsors in making this a wonderful and memorable event for our students.”

The event was also an opportunity to raise money for the GCC Trust with students selling a wide range of gifts and holding a raffle. A total of £263.78 was raised at the event.

The FE First Silver Award was presented to Head of Marketing, Alec Brand at the FE First Award ceremony in Coventry by Asha Khemka OBE, Principal of Vision West Notts College.

A delighted Mr Brand said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Greenwich Community College and especially the ESOL students and staff who made their voices heard on a local and national level and affected change.”

Students were shown a short clip of last year’s event and were asked to brain storm and discuss a number of topics about Greenwich. Questions ranged from what they loved about Greenwich to what they thought could improve the area.

Jiajun Wei, 19 from China found it “helpful to know about the area I live in and the improvements that could be considered.”

After the focus group, students were taken on a tour of the studios and were invited to listen in and participate on Tim Westwood’s show, taking part in the live coverage of his ‘intern competition’.

Belan Asaad aged 20 from Plumstead described the experience of being in the studios as “amazing to know what happens behind the scenes.”

Head of Student Service Andrew Smith said; “This was a fantastic opportunity for GCC students to be part of the preparations for what promises to be a fantastic event for London.”

For more information about Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, please click here

“My food writing evening class has been very popular, especially with people who have just started a food blog or are thinking of starting a blog”, explains Nikki, “but the one frustrating thing has been spending all our time talking about food and describing food but not actually eating any!”

“One week Guy kindly agreed to be interviewed by the students but the restaurant was so busy he couldn’t get away. That got me thinking that maybe we should bring the course to him for a day.”

“I think it will work brilliantly as people get to eat an excellent lunch, have a go at describing it and also interview the chef that cooked it. It is a unique experience.”

Some chefs might find it daunting to have their cooking scrutinised by a room full of people but Guy Awford, whose sister restaurant Inside was voted Best Modern British Restaurants under £50 in Harden’s London Restaurant Guide 2012 says he is looking forward to it.

“I think it’s going to be a very interesting experience. People get to see behind the scenes and also quiz me about what I do. I also write my own blog so I will talk a bit about that too”, he adds.

Greenwich Community College already offer Beer Master Classes, run in conjunction with Meantime Brewery, which are much in demand as presents for birthdays and Christmas and they are hoping their A ‘Real’ Taste of Food Writing days will be equally as popular.

“I think this will make a lovely and original present for anyone who is interested in food”, says Rachel Wiltshire of Greenwich Community College.

“No previous experience of food writing is required. Just a love of food!” she adds.

A Real Taste of Food Writing takes place on Friday February 24th 2012 & Fri June 15th 2012. Classes cost £65 inclusive of food and drink.

• Please click here for full details and to order your gift experience online.

• Please click here for the list of other ‘Gift Experiences’ available to order now.

The Royal Hill entrance will be closed for the foreseeable future due to building works.

Our wide range of courses include; ‘Selling on Ebay’, ‘Bookbinding’, ‘Clothesmaking’ and a host of Ceramics and Art courses.

• Please click here for a list of courses available at our Haimo Centre

You can enrol online, in person or over the phone by calling the relevant college centre

The video below gives you a flavour of work produced by our learners:

The draw will take place at the end of April 2011.

Our Open Evenings give you the chance to visit our centres, speak to tutors and find out about life at GCC by talkig to current students.

Courses are held at centres across the borough and include; arts and crafts, yoga, languages, photography, IT and much more.

All our courses are designed to either help you progress in your chosen career, learn new skills or exercise your body and mind.

• You can order a copy online to be delivered to your door. Please click here to order your copy now.

• You can also view an electonic copy by clicking here

• Remember, you can enrol online, in person or by phone for our General Interest courses. Please click here for full details.

*Learners will be expected to pay £2 for materials.

General Interest Enrolment Days
You can enrol online now for General Interest courses beginning in October 2011.

Alternatively you can come along to one of the following enrolment sessions:

Wednesday 21 September
Greenwich Park Centre
Royal Hill, SE10 8PY
12.30pm-3.30pm and 6pm-8pm

Thursday 22 September
Eltham Centre
2 Archery Road, SE9 1HA
Eltham
6pm-8pm

A delighted Jennie Turner, Head of Department for ESOL at Greenwich Community College, said:

“This decision is really good news. Learners on inactive benefits can now access education and training that will enable them to get jobs and really improve their prospects. Teresa’s support for our campaign has been tremendous and our learners and staff at the college are delighted at the outcome.”

Welcoming the u-turn, Teresa Pearce MP a key supporter of the campaign said:

“I am delighted that the Government has backed down over plans to cut free college courses for people on inactive benefits who need to learn English to get a job. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said he wants immigrants to the UK to learn English so it made absolutely no sense for the Government to cut these courses.

“The u-turn is only for 12 months though and it doesn’t look like any additional funding is being provided, so the campaign must continue. We all benefit when our neighbours can speak English, contribute to our community and get into paid work. I will continue to make the case that the Government should be doing the right thing by funding free English language courses and that this actually saves money in the long-term.”

If learners are unemployed, looking for a job and receiving the following means tested benefits they are now able to enrol on an English (ESOL) course for free:

• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Pension Credits (Guarantee Credit only)
• Contribution-based Employment Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credit

Learners for English courses who are now eligible for the free course and have yet to enrol have been asked to come into the college’s Plumstead Centre to make an appointment.

Amongst those celebrating was Jason Kilmartin who gained three ‘A’ stars in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

A delighted Jason, 26, from London will be studying Medicine at University College London (UCL).

He paid tribute to the ‘tutors and fellow students’ who helped him succeed.

Other students celebrating included 18 year old Duke Fay from Crayford who received two ‘A’s and a ‘B’ and will be studying Physics and Photonics at Southampton University and Osato Osa-Edoh whose results included a ‘B’ in English Literature and will be progressing onto Birkbeck University.

As well as individual successes the college was also celebrating 100% A2 pass rates in Economics, English Literature, French, History, Law and Sociology with all other subject achieving 85% or more.

Please see the full list of A2 pass rates below:

• Accounts – 88%
• Biology – 87%
• Business – 100%
• Chemistry – 93%
• Economics – 100%
• English Lit – 100%
• French – 100%
• Govt & Politics – 91%
• History – 100%
• Law – 100%
• Maths – 96%
• Media – 85%
• Physics – 92%
• Sociology – 100%
• Spanish – 100%
• Psychology – 90%

*There is still time to be part of the success story and enrol on A Levels from September. Pleas click here for full details and how to apply online today.

Our exciting range of general interest courses are ideal, whether you are looking to progress in your chosen career, learn new skills or exercise your body and mind.

Enrol in 3 easy ways

1. Online

Click here for more information and to enrol online now

2. By phone

Call our enrolment hotline on 020 8858 2211
from 22 August (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm).

3. In Person

Come along to one of our enrolment sessions:

Wednesday 21 September
Greenwich Park Centre
Royal Hill, SE10 8PY
12.30pm-3.30pm and 6pm-8pm

Thursday 22 September
Eltham Centre
2 Archery Road, SE9 1HA
Eltham
6pm-8pm

The scheme saw Public Service students from the College, based in Plumstead Road, pilot a civil service unit as part of their course and then undertake work experience placements in a variety of civil service departments including Number 10 Downing Street, UK Border Agency and DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Student Sophie Tyler was amongst the students who gave a presentation about their work placement at the ceremony. She spoke of her ‘amazing’ experience working in Number 10 Downing Street.

Speaking at the event, Dame Helen Ghosh (Home Office Permanent Secretary) said;

“It has been a privilege for me to help this project and I would especially like to thank the students who gave us back energy and faith in what we do”
Doreen Lawrence said:

“This project has not only been beneficial to the students but also the civil servants who have been able to get out into the community and share their knowledge.”

The Making the Projections project will in future feed into the coalition government’s programme on social mobility which will include internships and work scheme programmes for the whole of Whitehall. This will provide more opportunities for Greenwich Community College students as well as students from across London.

We were thanked on the organisation of the day and they have asked again for us to host more interviews on 21st July. Details of this will be being sent to all students who completed the AUSSE in 09/10 & 10/11.

What next for BtG and GCC: LOTS

Stewards: In April I launched the AUSSE initiative again for our 16-18 learners and received 50+ names of students wanting to be part of the legacy that will be London 2012. A course tutor is being sort and I hope to run 2 courses for those students, in July. In the mean time, if they are your students, do please pass on the good news. If you know of any more, please ask them to get in touch. They must be 16-18 now.

Security: With more (than anticipated) security being required for the Olympics, BtG have secured funding to covert 2000 stewards into Door Supervisors. Given the good relationship we have with BtG they have asked GCC to pilot the conversion programme and have offered 48 Stewards (from GCC) the chance to convert their AUSSE into Door Supervisor. Also included in the conversion agreement is that BtG will pay for the SIA licence that is required, from
March 2012 to September 2012 to work on both the test events & the Olympics. This is all paid work!

On top of that, BtG have confirmed that we can also convert those stewards we train in July. This is a great opportunity for our learners and one that should be embraced.

Supervisors: Another excellent opportunity but this time for staff (and get paid to do it). BtG are looking for staff to become supervisors for the Olympics. This involves
being at an agreed meeting point and supervising the stewards from that point to an agreed place of work for them. You then hand the stewards over to G4S.

We are very proud to be part of the Legacy that will be the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

Click to find out more

Ms Etan has a wealth of experience in the FE/HE and financial sectors with previous senior executive roles with Croydon, Southwark and South Thames Colleges.

Geoff Russell, Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency said:
“Congratulations to Ms Etan and to both of the colleges in establishing this working partnership. Shared services solutions are a win-win situation because they bring wider benefits to the colleges involved and their learners. It is very encouraging to see colleges developing fresh approaches to becoming more efficient and enterprising by working with peers and partners.”

Lesley Davies, Deputy Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said:

“Colleges continue to demonstrate their ability to respond to the changing demands of the economic climate in which they work. The positive action taken by these two colleges to take advantage of the economies of scale delivered by shared services is to be commended; it is the way forward. They are working together in a constructive way in order to continue to deliver high quality educational provision in a cost-efficient way.”

Ms. Etan is “looking forward to this unique role” and will start immediately. She will spend her time between the two colleges and be supported by two Finance Directors who are based at each college. She will report directly to the respective college Principals who are thrilled with the appointment.

Sunaina Mann, Principal and Chief Executive of NESCOT said:

“It is exciting to be part of this groundbreaking appointment and I look forward to working with Anne-Marie and the savings her post will ultimately bring to NESCOT and Greenwich Community College. I believe that shared services will only work with partners that trust each other and who share the same values and standards.”

Gary Chin, Principal and Chief Executive of Greenwich Community said:

“I am delighted that we have appointed someone of the experience and calibre of Anne-Marie and look forward to working with her during this very challenging financial time. She will be joining two colleges who share the same values and vision.”

Since its launch in 2008, London Gaming College has trained a total of 175 students from across Europe on a range of qualification courses developed with the Gaming industry. Over 50% of students have progressed into employment in a range of casinos and cruise liners.

One of the successful students was Atena Cuculici from Romania. 32 year old Atena recently completed an intensive casino dealer course at the college and has been offered a job on one of the companies 100 cruise liners as a croupier. She was full of praise for the London Gaming College staff who taught her:

“I received fantastic training and would like to thank everyone at London Gaming College for changing my life”.
Another ecstatic student was 23 year old Rhoda Crawley from Erith. Rhoda will start her job as a casino dealer on the Crown Princess Cruise Liner which sets sail on 16 August. Rhoda was also full of praise for London Gaming College and praised the ‘Amazing staff’.

Other successful students included Adrian Neagu, 22, from Romania and Sonny Henty, 22, from Eltham.
Head of London Gaming College, Alan Penny was delighted about the successful outcomes of the day:

“To have an employer of the calibre of Carnival Corporation use London Gaming College as a venue for their recruitment day is a great honour. The fact that many of our students have been offered jobs today pays testament to our fantastic teaching staff and the training facilities we offer. It also shows why people come from across Europe to train with us.”

• We will be holding interview and assessment days on 25 & 26 July for gaming courses starting in September. Please click here for more information and to register.

• Please click here for more information about London Gaming College and the courses we run.

80% of the college’s ESOL learners are women and 75% of those will be affected if the cuts go ahead.

Click here to listen to the full interview via the BBC’s iPlayer.

The defend ESOL campaign has been triggered by proposed funding changes to English Language courses, which will affect over 600 of the 1,100 students currently studying English courses at the college. 80% of those affected are female students.

Jennifer Turner, Head of ESOL at the college, said:

“The aftershocks of these cuts will be felt in the local area for years to come. David Cameron can talk all he likes about the need for immigrants to learn English, but slashing the budget for ESOL classes will stop people from getting the skills they need to integrate in to society and to find lasting employment.

“Students and staff here at Greenwich Community College and around the country are not willing to sit quietly by while experienced tutors and support staff lose their jobs and poorer students are asked to pay more.”

The campaign so far:

3 March
Students and staff hold a silent protest. Please click here for the full story.

24 March
Handed in petition at 10 Downing Street. Please click here for the full story

29 March
Staff and students from GCC take part in NIACE/Refugee Council Parliamentary meeting with MPs and Lords.

30 March
Heidi Alexander MP asks a question about ESOL to the PM at PMQs

6th April
Ken Livingstone visits GCC ESOL Department to lend his support. Please click here for the full story

14th April
David Cameron makes a speech about immigration and ESOL cuts trend on Twitter and get mentioned on Newsnight and various articles appear in the national press thereafter.

3rd May
Westminster Hall Debate called by Heidi Alexander MP. Attended by 20 MPs all of whom spoke in favour.

Full details about the national campaign can be found on the Action for ESOL website

Vice Principal, Curriculum and Business Development

Senior Executive Director, Finance and Resources

The closing date for both vacancies is Midday on Monday, 23rd May 2011.

There are many opportunities to learn in Greenwich whether you are looking to enhance your career prospects, start a new hobby or take some time out for yourself.

Speaking at the event Ken Livingston said:

“I’m visiting Greenwich Community College to meet students and staff and listen to their concerns, particularly about cuts to ESOL and EMA which threaten to deny education and training for thousands of Londoners.”

The defend ESOL campaign has been triggered by proposed funding changes to English Language courses, which will affect over 600 of the 1,100 students currently studying English courses at the college. 80% of those affected are female students.

Principal Gary Chin says the cuts will not only impact the individual student but also their families and the students as a whole:

“The proposed cuts will not only threaten local community integration but will also have an impact on students children’s education as they will not be equipped to help with homework and will also be reliant on their children translating for them at hospital and other appointments (therefore taking them out of school). They will also not be able to progress on to vocational course or into sustainable employment.”

Those learners who currently receive their courses for free will be expected to annually pay on average £430 for an evening class, £765 for a part time class in the day and £1215 for a full time course. This would be very difficult for most to afford on £65 per week Income Support.”

Click here to find out more about the national campaign being run by Action for ESOL.

Click to view the day in action

The protestors were joined by MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Teresa Pearce and college Principal Geoff Pine at the Plumstead Centre.

The protests were triggered by proposed funding changes to English Language courses, which will affect over 600 of the 1,100 students currently studying English courses at Greenwich Community College. 80% of those affected are female students. These proposed cuts will not only threaten the integration of the local community but will also have an impact on students children’s education as they will not be equipped to help with homework and will also be reliant on their children translating for them at hospital and other appointments (therefore taking them out of school).

Those learners who currently receive their courses for free will be expected to annually pay on average £430 for an evening class ,£1055 for a part time class in the day and £1215 for a full time course. This would be very difficult for most to afford on £65 per week Income Support.

Speaking at the demonstration, Teresa Pearce told students and staff;

“I am really pleased to add my voice to this campaign which is one of the biggest and best organised across London”.

Students and staff have also signed an online ‘Defend ESOL’ petition which has received over 10,000 signatures so far.

The closing date for return of PQQs is March 21st 2011 at 1pm.

The GCC Legacy Champions (pictured) have chosen to work on a project helping local residents with disabilities get into work.

Gareth Wynn, EDF Group Director London 2012 Programme, said: “Legacy Champions will give hundreds of young people the opportunity to be inspired by London 2012 to do great things, building their confidence and skills as they work on important local projects.

“As the first sustainability partner, EDF Energy is committed to helping with environmental and social issues by taking action and bringing the best out of people, which is exactly what Legacy Champions is designed to do. We’re really going for this – offering 90 employees as mentors to bring this challenge alive.”

Colleges taking part in Legacy Champions are:

• Barking & Dagenham: Barking & Dagenham College
• Greenwich: Greenwich Community College (with London Leisure College)
• Hackney: Hackney Community College; BSix Sixth Form College
• Newham: Newham College of FE; Newham 6th Form College (Newvic)
• Tower Hamlets: Tower Hamlets College
• Waltham Forest: Leyton Sixth Form College; Sir George Monoux College; Waltham Forest College.

The first hundred Legacy Champions came together from across all ten colleges at Hackney Community College on Friday February 11. They were joined by EDF Energy mentors and local Paralympic GB swimmer Dervis Konuralp, who attended Hackney Community College.

As well as funding, EDF Energy is providing 30 mentors a year to work with students. Supported by mentors, different teams of Legacy Champions will work on a range of local legacy focused projects. There will also be other activities, prizes, a team Environment Challenge and mass volunteering event through EDF Energy’s Helping Hands scheme.

Rommel Moseley, Head of Business Development from Envision, who will manage the project said: “We are delighted to be recognised by EDF Energy and the colleges for our expertise in engaging and inspiring young people to make a positive difference to their communities through social action projects.”

Benjamin Oladunjoye, a student at BSix Sixth Form College, said: “As a Legacy Champion, I feel very excited to be involved in such a good project. I am looking forward to putting the work into creating a project I know I am responsible for and seeing the end result.”

Mark Martin, a student at Waltham Forest College, said: “I am thrilled to be taking part in Legacy Champions and I’m sure it will benefit the surrounding area through leaving an environmental and community legacy.”

Maxine Adesina from Hackney Community College said: “I am very excited about being a Legacy Champion and to have the opportunity of having an input into something that leaves a permanent legacy. This project will offer a great chance for diverse, talented people to come together with ideas that can positively affect our community and overall environment.”

• Please click here for more information about Envision.

Whether you are returning to education or want to learn a trade skill such as vehicle mechanics or electrical installation we may have the course for you.

Councillor Hyland said:

“Greenwich Community College is a highly valued organisation that delivers quality courses for people of Greenwich and raises skills and employment opportunities. The new facilities at Greenwich Park make adult learning in Greenwich more accessible than ever.”

The open event also gave local residents the opportunity to tour the centre and try out a range of taster sessions including; Photography, Digital Media, Pottery and Tai Chi.

For full details of courses starting at the centre from January 2011, please click here .

Mr Chin is himself a product of the Further Education system and a graduate of the Black Leadership Initiative programme run by the Network for Black Professionals. He is also a mentor and trainer for the Network.

Speaking of his new position Mr Chin said:

“I am looking forward to my new role at Greenwich Community College and working with the highly committed staff and students to continue its journey to becoming an outstanding college”

Iain Smith, Chair of Corporation at Greenwich Community College said:

“I am delighted that we have appointed someone of the calibre of Gary, who not only knows the college and local community but is also an experienced Deputy Principal who has helped lead a college to be recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding in a number of areas including for Leadership and Management.”

Mr Chin will commence his role in early 2011 and is replacing Geoff Pine who is retiring after 15 years in the role.

The evening entertainment was provided by Trinity Music School who performed a quartet before the Award Ceremony started. Students were presented with certificates donated by sponsors including: Aim Hygiene Services Ltd, Argus Electrical Services, Charlton Athletic, CIS Security, Focus on Business, GNK Interiors, Greenwich Council, Homrad Ltd and the University of Greenwich. Each student had the opportunity to say a few words about their experiences at GCC.

Guest speaker Nola Ishmael, Vice Chair of the Greenwich Community College Corporation told the audience about her educational journey and inspiring career. She recognised the vital role education has had in her successful career: “Awards are earned & won, even if you think they are given, you must have put in a lot of hard work to stand out amongst your peers.”

Greenwich Community College Principal Geoff Pine thanked the sponsors and looked back at another successful year for the college as a whole: “This annual awards evening is for me one of the main highlights of the college year, since it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students.”

Chris & Steve Hedges nominated Carleton for the work he had done as an Aspire Ambassador. He had performed wonderfully; he was always obliging and professional, willing to take on tasks and unfailingly displayed the ability to see what needed doing and getting it done.

He worked on several occasions – Open Evenings and Interview Evenings. He will be an Aspire Ambassador again this academic year. Carleton achieved his BTEC National Diploma in IT with the highest possible grades, the equivalent of 3 A grades at A level and has returned to the college this year to complete a Foundation Degree in Computer Systems and Networking, despite having offers from a number of Universities.

Carleton said that he returned to the college “because of the supportive environment” and that once he graduates from the Foundation Degree he plans to complete a final year at the University to upgrade to a Bachelors Degree. Carleton said this of winning the award “I am very grateful that Chris and Steve took the time to nominate me for the award and I am very privileged to be chosen to win. I would like to use the money to purchase some new electronics equipment to help my group in the Foundation Degree”.

Carleton was also involved in focus groups to meet Inspectors at the main Ofsted Inspection and at the recent HE Inspection. On every occasion he conducted himself with professionalism and enthusiasm and is indeed a very good ambassador for the college.

Chris Taylor, programme director for English for speakers of other languages at NIACE, said: “When they come out of the army, they still have quite a significant working life ahead of them. And the even bigger issue is for their young wives who come over with them, who may be quite isolated unless they access English language training straight away.”

With up to 1,000 ex-soldiers and family members on its doorstep, Greenwich Community College is one of the providers working with NIACE to provide English lessons.
Click to read more

Places booked at University.

Each year brings mixed emotions and tense moments as the envelopes are ripped open. Aida Zorba, was one of those who was relieved to have achieved two A’s; the grades needed to secure her place on an English & American Literature Degree at Goldsmiths University. She said “I feel incredible, I never thought it would happen”

Bright star Hiren Gohil 18 year old, is included in the first cohort to gain an A* [star] grade introduced this year for the first time. In addition he achieved one A and two B’s at A2 level and is currently securing his place at Cass Business University for entry in September 2011. Out of those who sat the full A Level exams at Greenwich Community College 100% passed in many subjects – Economics, French, Maths, German, History, Media Studies, Sociology and Spanish.

Another of the many students going onto study at University is 20 year old Cassie Herald -Ellis, who’s achieved two A’s in English and Government & Politics. Her results will take her to Bristol University to study a Social Policy Degree. Cassie who is currently in the Bolivian Jungle will receive the results via text.

Maintaining high standards.

Steve Whittingham, Director of Academic Programmes at Greenwich Community College is proud of our increase in results at full A Level, with even higher grades than last year and said “We are thrilled that this year’s A Level results with 100% pass rates in Economics, French, Maths, German, History, Media Studies, Sociology and Spanish included A* [star] grades. Undoubtedly, this is down to the tremendous hard work of our students principally but also because of the superb teaching and commitment of the staff who maintain our high standards. I really want to congratulate everybody for these magnificent results. Never believe that A Levels are getting easier – it is students who are working harder and teachers who believe in them!”

Greenwich Council and Greenwich Community College are working in partnership with voluntary groups and other agencies to promote a wide-ranging programme of courses that aim to encourage post-school learners of all ages.

The courses will be held at locations around the borough – and there is something for everyone.

Apart from courses leading to formal qualifications in GCSEs and A-levels, business and trades, there is also a vast choice of leisure interests.

These range from arts and crafts, digital photography and performing arts such as dance and acting, to the history of Royal Greenwich, languages, and D-I-Y.

The council has also teamed up other partners to put together a wide package of different learning opportunities.

You can also learn how to become a Greenwich Community Learning Champion at the Volunteer Centre, Greenwich, so you can encourage others to take up learning opportunities.

Cllr Denise Hyland, Greenwich Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills, said, “Adult learning really can help you towards achieving your ambitions and making your hopes and dreams come true. The courses can provide you with the opportunities to gain new skills, experience and qualifications which in these difficult times could make all the difference to your quality of life and your employment prospects.”

Geoff Pine, Principal of Greenwich Community College, said, “Whether you want to progress your career with a qualification course or learn purely for pleasure, we aim to provide the right course for you in a friendly and supportive environment at convenient locations across the borough”

It is now easier for people to enrol on many courses, which can be done online. Fees have been frozen for people less able to afford them, and courses that help people gain basic or work-related skills are usually free.

Please click here for course information and how to enrol on a Greenwich Community College General Interest course.

Please click here to view our General Interest Pull Out guide which is now scheduled to be included in the paper on the w/c 31 August.

For information on courses run by other organisations visit www.greenwich.gov.uk/learning or call 0800 0130 730.

Sherry’s tutor Sue Kemp encouraged the class to enter the ‘Red Letter Days’ competition to showcase the skills they had learnt on the course. Sherry was hesitant to enter and delayed her entry until the day of submission. She was amazed when selected as one of eight finalists and was invited to Eric Lanlard’s Cookery School where the finalists had five hours to bake and decorate their cakes.

The cakes were shown off to the general public before the judges Eric Lanlard (Master Patissier & Owner of Cake Boy Kitchen), Oliver Thring (Guardian Food Blogger) and Bill Alexander (managing Director) casted their vote.

Sherry said:

“The competition was so incredibly fierce; I was convinced that one of the other finalists had won the title.”

Speaking about her experience at the college she said;

“Sue is an excellent tutor with years of experience, this combined with her teaching style enabled me to quickly grasp the techniques and gave me the confidence to enter the competition and utilise some of those techniques in my final design”.

Sherry’s prize was a week long holiday for two in Sri Lanka.

Please click here= for full details of Sugarcraft courses starting from September 2010.

Those who attended the event included current students,
industry professionals and members of the general public, many of whom commended the work that was being done and how valuable it was.

Daniel Marchant, one of the teachers at the event, commented: ‘this event really was enjoyable to run and it really feels like the good work that is being done in this area is having a great effect on the local community.’

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) awarded us a plaque and certificate to acknowledge our involvement in the London 2012 education programme. We now join schools and colleges across the UK as members of the special London 2012 community – the Get Set network – and will receive access to exclusive competitions and 2012 Games related opportunities over the coming years.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG, said:

“When London won the right to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, we made a clear promise to use the power of the 2012 Games to inspire young people.

“I am proud to welcome Greenwich Community College in to the Get Set network for their exciting work around the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect and the Paralympic Values of inspiration, courage, determination and equality.”

Earlier in the year the college was awarded the prestigious Inspire Mark from LOCOG for our Legacy Champions project with other five host borough colleges.

Geoff Pine, Principal of Greenwich Community College said:

“I am delighted that we are now part of the Get Set network. We are proud to be a college in one of the five host boroughs and are committed to embedding the Olympic and Paralympic values in daily college life.”

MP Nick Raynsford (pictured) also passed on his congratulations during a recent visit to the college.

To earn the right to use the new education logo, and become a member of the new Get Set network, schools and colleges need to register with Get Set, showcase their student-led work around the Values via the dedicated ‘Get Set’ blog, and complete a short application form. They will receive the right to use the London 2012 education logo on their headed paper, website and school sign.

Open to everyone aged 16+ who lives, works or volunteers in Thamesmead, the course would benefit those who lead or are a member of a community group, about to set up a community group or service providers who work with community groups.

• Learn how to take control
• Discover problem solving techniques
• Learn how to deal with new challenges
• Meet new people and learn from their experiences
• Learn how to inspire and lead your group

Arnott Pre-school Manager and previous course attendee Tracy Norcott said: “I had been chipping away at one particular issue for years; but attending this course everything just clicked! It gave me a different perspective on how to deal with the issue and it’s worked!”

Whilst another previous course attendee Julie Feleppa said: “I learnt about group dynamics, their development and how they work as well as learning how to reach those hard to reach groups.”

The first set of courses will be running during Local and Community History Month which runs throughout May, for further information regarding dates, times and venues and to book your place, call Rachel Wiltshire on 020 8853 7034.

For more information on the Conservative party please click here.

The visit was part of a series of meetings with local candidates.

For more information on the Green Party, please click here.

Well, for a limited period you can try any of these courses for free and save yourself up to £140

Please click here for the courses available in this amazing offer and the terms and conditions.

Please click here to visit the merSETA website.

The Legacy Champions is a joint-initiative pioneered through a partnership of colleges – BSix Sixth Form College, Greenwich Community College, Hackney Community College, Leyton Sixth Form College, Newham College of Further Education, Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc), Sir George Monoux College, Tower Hamlets College and Waltham Forest College.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ (LOCOG) have awarded the participating colleges the ‘Inspired by London 2012” Inspire Mark as part of the LOCOG Inspire Programme. The prestigious award recognises the Legacy Champion initiative as the first of the exciting collective moves by the colleges to advocate and maximise the benefits of the games for their students, local businesses and the wider community.

During the event, the Legacy Champions were given an exclusive opportunity to view the Olympic Park through the View Tube facility. They took part in interactive workshops run by Olympic Park Legacy Company, learnt about the recent developments on the Olympic park and presented their visions of how the games could benefit Londoners to an audience of 2012 decision-makers and special guests.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like the Legacy Champions are enabling people in the host boroughs to make positive life changes. The Legacy Champions are encouraging the participating colleges to fulfil their potential. We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now. I congratulate everyone involved in the Legacy Champion initiative and for securing the Inspire mark and I wish them every success with their work.”

The following GCC Legacy Champions attended the event: Dushane Morris, Caitlin-Nico Martin, Myles Warren and Jade Elston.

Access to the Eltham Centre will be through the alley way next to the library. Unfortunately there is currently no parking available at the centre until further notice, however there are pay and display spaces in surrounding streets and in the Orangery Lane car park.

For details on other services operating in The Eltham Centre please click on the following links:

Click here to visit the Greenwich Council Website – Eltham update page

For updates on the Leisure Centre and alternative facilties in the borough click here to visit the GLL Website

The Mayor, a lifelong Charlton fan, kindly donated £190 to the Starting Blocks Trust for the tickets.

Greenwich Starting Blocks Trust is a charity committed to helping young people in Greenwich sporting dreams come true. It will provide bursaries to give young, up-and-coming athletes a chance to develop their talents.

Kam Dehal, Greenwich Community College Business Unit Sales Director (pictured with the Mayor), was delighted with the amount raised:

“We were honoured to host the Mayor and help raise money for a fantastic cause.”

At the match the Mayor and his attendant, Steve Martin, enjoyed a tour of The Valley, pre-match meal and seats in the Directors Box.

Apart from the result (Charlton lost the match 1-0) The Mayor and Mr Martin thoroughly enjoyed the evening:

“The Mayor and I would like to say a big thank to Greenwich Community College Business Unit for a wonderful evening. The company and the food was superb.”

• For more information on Greenwich Starting Blocks please click here

• For more information on the South East Chamber of Commerce, please click here

The LLC Apprenticeship adopts a unique approach – a shorter 20 week course based at a GLL Leisure Centre leading directly into employment with GLL, after 6 weeks attendance. New apprentices begin their course at the end of February and they all get will be paid whilst completing their training!

22 year old apprentice Sarah Ealing said “I have enjoyed my experience on the apprenticeship very much. I have gained valuable experience and it has provided me with training whilst working. I would recommend anyone to join an apprenticeship and the qualifications gained give a good baseline for further development”.

Zak Goldsmith (pictured) aged 19 said “throughout my short experience so far with GLL, I feel that this apprenticeship has given me every opportunity possible. At work and at College you get to meet all different kinds of people, building good relationships with colleagues and customers. This apprenticeship allows anybody from any age, or background to show what they can offer.

Employers can be reluctant to take on Apprentices due to the myths surrounding how they work and what they involve. Research has shown that the opposite is true; Apprenticeships are “good for business”.

Myth Buster
Myth – My business needs skills that fall outside the traditional sectors / Apprenticeships are in areas like trades and construction / only in traditional crafts.
Busted – Apprenticeships are not just offered in traditional sectors. There are more than 190 types of Apprenticeships covering hundreds of job roles ranging from accountancy to textiles, engineering to veterinary nursing, business admin to construction. Most businesses will have skills needs that could be filled by apprentices.

Myth – I don’t want to train someone up for them to leave and benefit someone else’s business.
Busted – The statistics show this is not so. 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future. 80% said that Apprenticeship programmes reduced staff turnover. So, it seems that Apprenticeship programmes produce staff loyalty and satisfaction (Feb 2008 Populus research).

Myth – Apprentices won’t earn as much long-term as those who take university route.
Busted – The average apprentice earns £170 per week, which works out at £8,840 annually. Considering that university students may graduate with debts and need to find a job, the earn while you learn Apprenticeships route has several advantages. Career progression is excellent for apprentices, and over the course of their careers those with a level 3 Apprenticeship earn on average £100,000 more than those without. [A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apprenticeships and Other Vocational Qualifications, University of Sheffield, 2007].

Myth – Apprenticeships are a thing of the past.
Busted – They have been around for centuries: Leonardo da Vinci was an apprentice! Since 1996/97 there have been more than 2 million Apprenticeship starts. With the launch of the national Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in April 2009, there is more structure and support available for Apprenticeship programmes.

For more information on apprenticeships contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600 or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Our aim is to promote the opportunities and values of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics to students and our wider businesses and communities. Additionally, we aim to ensure that the voices of our students are heard by the Olympic Park Legacy Company and LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games).

With that goal in mind we have organised the first ever Legacy Champion Event! This ground breaking opportunity brings together 10 students from each college in the five host boroughs, giving them an opportunity to shape the 2012 Legacy.

For more information please visit www.5boroughcolleges.com

In recent years, the event has grown in size and ambition. Many individuals and organisations take an active role in helping to organise the event.

This year, these included: Thomas Tallis School, Greenwich Community College, Holy Family School, Holy Spirit Church, The Greenwich Food Co-operative, Greenwich Council, Emergency Exit Arts, The Ferrier Cultural Centre, Kidbrooke Vietnamese Chinese Supplementary School, Southern Housing Group, Greenwich Youth for Christ, The Ferrier Safer Neighbourhood Team and Berkeley Homes.

The Ferrier Estate is undergoing a massive regeneration programme and it is vital the existing and new communities of this part of London have regular opportunities to meet and celebrate together.

Our idea was to reduce plastic milk bottles going to landfill by transforming them into lighting and also creating craft packs for making your own lighting and accessories, which too us through to the next round.

We arrived and following a chance to get acquainted with pupils from other colleges, we were given information about others businesses and how they became successful, which was insightful and inspiring.

After a brief lunch each college presented their work to a successful business mentor who gave feed back on the idea and helped us improve our presentations. Once the session was over each group had to present their final presentation to another business owner before a winner was selected.

Geoff Pine, Principal at Greenwich Community College announced the winner and it was us! We were amazed, we couldn’t believe it, and we were all so excited. Once the announcement was made we had to present our idea to the whole room, which was extremely nerve wracking.

We were then introduced to Mr. Bill Morrow who is the co-founder of Angels Den, a company that arranges events for entrepreneurs to present ideas to the ‘Angels’ who are a set of investors. We have our chance to present to the Angels later in January which we cannot wait for”.

Fashion students organised a Fashion Show to show off their fair trade projects they had been working on. This spectacular fashion show smoothly lead into the His & Her Competition where students competed against each other by dressing up and giving a brief description about their motherland.

The Student Union organised a drumming workshop by inviting Nubian Sunshine & Dogon Music who encouraged students and staff to dance and play drums. Students from Meridian Music Centre performed in front of a large audience as well as encouraging them to take part in singing.

The Greenwich Cultural Celebration was an excellent opportunity for students to exhibit and share their cultural roots with others.

Achievements have been excellent for 08/09 and we handed out post cards to students asking them to give feedback on their experiences either good or bad.

There were very positive comments made on the support they have received by their tutors and assessors and the opportunities the course has given them.

Donna Travis, who studied on the Health & Social Care BTEC Level 2 & NVQ Level 3 said “Greenwich Community College is a fantastic College with fantastic tutors. I would not hesitate to come back and further my education even more!”

A few days after the award evening we had our External Verifier’s visit from City & Guilds and we received very positive feedback: “The standard of the work that I have examined today is of a very high and consistent standard, the assessment team are a high functioning cohesive team that are solid and set and achieve extremely high standards, the consistency from the team is to be congratulated and should be shown as an exemplar of good practice”.

Applicants aged 16 and over toured the training centre, tried out the equipment and spoke to tutors.

Flower skills and training has been one of Greenwich community college’s partners since 2007, offering six-month courses.

Together they deliver intermediate and Level one construction diplomas in plastering, painting and decorating and carpentry and joinery.

Mr McCarthy said: “The facilities at flower skills and training are very impressive and I wish the current and future students every success in their chosen career path”.

Life skills and student support manager, Jason Bodimeade, said: “We are dedicated to offer construction skills courses to Greenwich residents, which will allow them to progress into employment in the industry.”

Guests were treated to a night of entertainment from the hottest and freshest new artists from Access to Music and partner company Armstrong Learning, from across the UK.

Daniel said: “It was great to win the award, to me it’s recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in, and the progress I’ve made. On the award it says “identifying new talent’ and that’s stuck with me and will do as I continue my career into the music industry”

Lauren Laverne hosted the awards for the second year running. Her career began with band Kenickie, since then she has had various roles in radio and television. She currently co-presents the BBC Culture Show with Mark Kermode and has her own radio show on BBC 6 Music.

Access to Music (ATM) is the country’s leading designer and provider of popular music training, with 20 centres nationally. ATM aims to provide quality, innovation and opportunity in music and increase the number of people who are actively involved in music at all stages in their lives.
ATM has helped thousands of artists including Vanessa from The Saturdays, Jamie from the Noisettes, James Morrison, the Zutons, LMC, Pete Doherty, Soweto Kinch, Toploader & Starsailor. Tutors of ATM have worked with top acts including Amy Winehouse, Peter Gabriel, Beverley Knight, Massive Attack, and Kylie.

Developing the skills needed to fuel the tourism boom, Greenwich Community College offers courses for young people and returners to education hoping to get into the industry and businesses working in the sector.

Geoff Pine, principal of Greenwich Community College, says:
“Our tourism courses are increasingly popular and our partnership with AEG Europe has won us HR in Hospitality awards. Thanks to our involvement with the Prime Minster’s Initiative for International Education our students have been involved in projects in Vietnam, Russia and Ghana and visited Beijing for the Olympic Games last year.”

The ‘New Capitals of Industry’ list was produced by the Association of Colleges (AoC) ahead of Colleges Week (9-15 November), a national celebration of the role colleges play in providing opportunities for communities, businesses and individuals.

Greenwich joins towns and areas up and down the country, including Brighton, Leamington Spa and Cumbria, that have demonstrated considerable growth over the last few years and are examples of the development of new industries and skills which will keep the UK competitive.

Audrey Slade, Director of Business, Jobs and International Promotion at the London Development Agency, says: “We are delighted that Greenwich is leading the way in an industry that is vital for the London economy. The world class arts, culture and entertainment facilities give the borough an edge and allow it to succeed in a competitive visitor market.”

Colleges Week is coordinated and organised by the Association of Colleges and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).

Adrian Caffery (Pictured) is the Nextstep Adviser who is based in the Admissions and IAG department at the main Plumstead site and is available Mondays to Thursdays between 10am and 4pm for booked appointments.

He provides impartial and confidential advice on learning and work matters including help with writing CVs, looking for work, career planning, future study plans and identifying any skill gaps that learners may have.

Last year she applied for The X Factor and made Bootcamp but sadly didn’t get any further in the competition. She has a happy family life, really supportive friends and hopes to make her mark on The X Factor this year with her singing.

In an exclusive interview with Rachel she said “the performances are a combination of nerves and excitement – mostly excitement as it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. The Musical Theatre course was brilliant. I loved it because I learned so many different things. All the knowledge I gained doing the Musical Theatre Course, I’ll be applying to all the genres of music they will be giving to me”.

Our Musical Theatre course co-ordinator David Watters commented on Rachel’s talent “She’s a natural and very gifted vocally, she’s capable of going all the way to the grand finale”

The live studio shows are on every Saturday and Sunday night on ITV1, each week the public will vote for their favourite act to stay in the competition, after watching their performance in the live Saturday night show.

In the Sunday night results show, the two acts with the lowest public vote will sing once again for the Judges, who will vote on who they think should stay in the competition, and who should go.

We’re backing Rachel, who has already gathered a huge following including last year’s winner Alexandra Burke and Radio 1’s Chris Moyles who predicts she will be one of the final 3.

The aim was to join students from FE with design students from HE who in turn are mentored by professional designers. The project was funded by the South East London Lifelong Learning Network (SELLLN). Our BTEC Year 2 Fashion students were involved in the South East region together with neighbouring FE colleges.

Each college group were given a team of Greenwich University design students to work with, from a variety of disciplines such as Graphic design, Architecture, Landscape and gardening.

Our students set the design brief and acted as the clients, the HE students then created the designs to fit the brief, with meetings and discussions with ‘the clients’ along the way.

It was a great experience for the group, improving team work, confidence, communication skills and some found themselves surprised that they even had leadership skills. Being involved also helped to develop their independent learning and transfer knowledge from one specialism to another.

They could see and understand design more broadly. The students involved were treated to a ‘Celebration Day’ where they were awarded a certificate for their achievements and attended the opening of the exhibition to show final designs by the University of Greenwich students in response to the FE students brief.

The designs created in partnership with GCC are currently on show at The Young Design Centre, Somerset House until October 2009. Drop in or call 020 7845 5860 for a group visit.

click here for more details.

Did you know…?

• We offer many Vocational Qualifications within a number of industries.
• Courses are free if you are 16-18.
• Our A Level pass rates are consistently above the national average.
• Student support is a big success at GCC and using this service will enhance your studies.
• We have an active Student Union, who organise events, run elections and welcome you with a comprehensive Fresher’s fair.
• Our music students performed their annual showcase at one of Europe’s top venues, the O2 Bubble.
• We hold a highly successful fashion show each year for the collections our students work hard to create.

The line up included Aminata Evora, who gave a breathtaking solo performance and Vocal Artist student Catherine Pestano performed live together with her band for the first time.

Cathering said “we were all so excited and i was a bit terrified! I am going on to study for a higher degree at Winchester University.I have just been awarded £5000 to start a business in the University, teaching their musicians how to draw on their skills in order to help the community.

I would definitely say that I will take inspiration from the way I was taught at Meridian Music Centre, to help me deliver this training in my new business”.

Paul Hall, Head of Music said “At the recent Meridian Music O2 Bubble Concert, Performing Arts and Music students gave an exciting and professional performance to an enthusiastic audience. Visitors to the venue also enjoyed the interactive british music experience exhibition.

GCC have supported students outside the remit of their course enhancing learning through providing a professional venue to showcase their talents”.

Greenwich Community College Principal, Geoff Pine believes students are integral in creating safer communities:

“80% of our students live in Greenwich and know the issues facing young people and the wider local community better than anybody. Using their knowledge to identify key priorities for the Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be beneficial to the Police and residents across the borough.

In a recent survey 98% of our students said they felt safe in the college. We are proud of our safety record and want to use our influence to create the same environment in the streets around our college centres.”

John Austin, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, believes that partnerships like this are vital for the community;

“I am really pleased about the positive relationship between the police, and Greenwich Community College staff and students. The Police are expected to solve problems on their own but they are just one player within the community. Other institutions and the wider community have a role to play in keeping our streets safe.”

Sergeant Gavin Gaskain said, “This partnership is about reassuring students, their families, staff and local residents that Greenwich Community College and Greenwich Borough Police place the safety of all young people in the borough at the very top of our daily work. Initiatives such as the knife arch raise awareness of knife crime issues and to deter young people from carrying a weapon.”

Jason Morgan, Chief Executive of Charlton Athletic Community Trust said,

“We are keen to support work with our partner organisations in raising awareness of the issues of knife and street crime and any projects and initiatives that we can be involved in which helps to combat, address and alleviate this terrible trend in today’s society that we must all work together to stop.”

To find out more about community policing in Greenwich please click here

To find out more information about the ‘Street Violence Ruins Lives’ campaign please click here

The winner is presented with a certificate, badge and will also receive £200, which they must spend on a project of their choice (from a list the college devise). This award is monthly and we have the money to award for April, May and June this year.

Please have a look at the Jack Petchey Foundation website for more details on the award scheme.

• Free taster sessions run at libraries across Greenwich

• A range of exhibitions and advice and guidance events throughout the week

Take a look at the full programme of events here

We may run a similar promotion for courses later in 2009.

“If you are interested in receiving details of future offers then please follow this link and fill out your details”:http:/part-time-qualification-courses/esol-course-0ffer-registration-form/.

Catherine, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, also runs Croydon-based CRISP, which offers training for community musicians and music making opportunities for all ages. In 2007 CRISP won an ISME (International Society for Music Education) Gibson Community Music Education Project Award for a Serbian project, which shared models of creative music making with disabled children and their carers.

In the social care field, Pestano has most recently been vice chair of Carr Gomm Housing Association, and she continues to serve on the registration and conduct committees of the General Social Care Council, where she offers teambuilding and corporate wellbeing advice using group activities and her music skills.

Catherine Pestano comments “my Vocal Artist studies at the MMC have been a wonderful extension of my own musicianship. I can now help shape the development of music education in the UK to include the emancipatory and life-affirming values and practices of community music. I believe my time at Greenwich will continue to provide an enhancement of my work.”

Kathryn Deane, Director of Sound Sense, says: “I am thrilled to have Catherine as my chair. Her mix of skills as we continue to develop Sound Sense as the voice of community music will be crucial.”

Picture shows Sound Sense Chair Catherine Pestano, right, receiving an ISME Gibson community music award

Whilst her mum and sister helped to generate votes through a dedicated website, Ellika got on with her studies and forgot about it for 3 months. A high number of votes were deservedly achieved to push Ellika through to the final 100 and from then on it was in the judges’ hands.

Ellika, a self confessed quiet child, had no interest in music until her early teens after watching her sister sing around the house and followed her interest in R’n‘B and Soul music. She developed her voice at her secondary school, where she was also encouraged by friends who spotted her talent and came to GCC to study the Vocal Artist Level 3 course at the Meridian Music Centre based in East Greenwich.

One evening whilst doing her homework she took a call and at first thought it was a prank, only to discover that it was a representative from the competition bringing good news about Ellika’s success – they wanted to fly her out to New York City in 2 days time as she had made it through to the final 10! Ellika was the youngest finalist and was selected to go straight through to the final 10. She was whisked off to New York City on 26th January for an all expenses paid trip into the next round.

“Staying in the West Inn Hotel right in the heart of Times Square was amazing” Ellika said “On a daily basis we went to the studio and were split into groups, then had to learn and record a song – going through a set of rigorous warm ups beforehand. It was both a fun and exciting experience. We were recording with a producer called Dean “Freak” Farmer who had worked with top artists such as 50 cent and Jay Z and had vocal coaches who had previously sung as backing singers to Joss Stone and Alicia Keys”.

“Each day we were judged on how well we could record and how much time it took us; we also had every moment recorded on camera and had to reveal how we thought the day was going. It was like a reality TV show. The whole process was very tiring, going to bed late each day and getting up early every morning took its toll on all of the finalists. I was exhausted after getting only 4 hours sleep per night and it really showed me how hard it was”

It seemed a strenuous but rewarding experience for the bright vocal student who said “On the final night of the competition we thought we were all going to a party, it was really good to have made it that far. We all got dressed up but it turned out to be the final challenge! We had to perform live with a band and they gave us a song to sing. The following day we were all sat in front of the judges with a camera running and were given a critique about our performances during the week. The judges had an envelope with the winner’ name inside and took what seemed to be forever to open it and announce Martin as the winner, it was a nail biting moment and he was well deserving of his win”.

All the runners up have been offered the opportunity to be produced and recorded by Dean “Freak” Farmer should they return to New York City.

It’s apparent that to this ambitions teenager, networking was the second most important thing next to winning having no complaints about the experience and opportunities gained from entering the competition. “The whole thing helped me to see how much hard work is involved in being a recording artist. It’s so much more than having a good voice, it’s about your whole presence as well” stated Ellika confidently.

“The competition really inspired and motivated me to continue within the music industry, I have reached the conclusion that managing and promoting artists is the direction I want to head in, singing will be moved to the back burner as an enjoyable hobby. Before the competition I was not focused on anything and being a vocal artist was an option, but now I have applied to the University of Westminster to study a Music Business and Management degree.

The competition winner Martin Rowe-Miller will be returning to NYC, for a recording session in which he will record a track written and produced by Wyclef Jean, and will receive vocal coaching from Fergie together with a 12 month management contract with Maximum Artist Management, and a recording contract with Universal Music.

Once the competition has finished internationally it will be made into a short film to appear on MTV. More on the competition and finalists can be found here and more photo’s can be viewed here.

What the symbol means
The symbol is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have agreed to make certain positive commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled people.

These commitments are:

• to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities.

• to ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time but at least once a year, with disabled employees, what both parties can do to make sure disabled employees can develop & use their abilities

• to make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment

• to take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make sure these commitments work

• to review these commitments each year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans

All local Jobcentre Plus offices have information on employers who have adopted the ‘two ticks’ disability symbol.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “I am absolutely delighted that this extension of the DLR with its cracking new station is up and running and puts Woolwich Arsenal firmly on the tube map.

“Woolwich has long lacked the transport links that encourage the creation of new jobs, homes and shops; and this is exactly the sort of project that will help kick the credit crunch where it hurts. The extension will also play an important role in the Olympic transport network. People in this part of London will now be just a 24-minute hop, skip and a jump away from the Olympic site.”

Key benefits of the completed extension include:

*Improved transport links, connecting Woolwich to London City Airport in six minutes, Canary Wharf in 20 minutes, Stratford in 23 minutes and Bank in 28 minutes. In the peak period, trains will leave every six to seven minutes;

*Assistance with the ongoing regeneration of Woolwich and the southern Royal Docks by supporting the creation of new jobs, homes, shops and leisure facilities along the route;

*Better access to employment, education and leisure facilities for the communities of Woolwich, Silvertown and North Woolwich;

*Direct interchange with overground services at Woolwich Arsenal main line station;

*Bus, taxi and riverboat services all within walking distance.

Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy said: “The Mayor and Transport for London are investing billions to improve transport in London and this is a great example of that. This extension delivers a fully accessible step-free station and another much needed north-south transport link for this under served area of London.

Read more about the New DLR station here

Click to view courses starting from January 2009

Over 100 colleges entered the Awards in 2008, with 130
entries across the 15 categories. Each category has specialist, independent judges, who not only look for best practice in the category area, but also how the entry fits into the college’s marketing strategy. They are also looking for detailed evaluation of success against goals and objectives.

Overall, judges agreed that there is a huge amount of innovative and creative thinking going on in colleges, and a very high standard was set. Some colleges won more than one award, showing the excellent work being done by some of our colleagues.

The 2008 Awards were presented by Chris Hughes, Chairman of the Learning & Skills Network, at the Network’s 21st annual Gala Dinner on 24th November 2008.

Click here for more information about the College Marketing Nework

You may not always find Adrian at one of these bases – he is often out and about at events or visiting learners in their classes, usually towards the end of their course. He specialises in helping to find education and training opportunities for adults living in Greenwich and can also help with writing CVs, looking for jobs, preparing for job interviews, and filling in application forms.

It is all the business of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) but with particular emphasis on helping First Step learners to progress.

When he has a spare moment, Adrian is also available to deliver presentations and workshops on employability skills such as ‘How to write a CV’ to adult classes within the college and to community groups around the borough.

If you would like to book an appointment or an employability workshop with Adrian, please contact:

Adrian Caffery
Next Step Adviser
adrianc@gcc.ac.uk

Employers such as Persona HR, G4S and Centre Circle Event Management exhibited at the event. They offered flexible part time jobs which gave an opportunity to study the NVQ2 Spectator Safety program whilst working at the same time.

Persona HR recruits security guards and stewards to work at venues such as Wembley, o2 and the Royal Festival Hall. They aim to work closely with GCC by offering the NVQ2 Spectators Safety program which gives employees a chance to pursue a new career as a steward.

Exhibitors from Centre Circle, a recruitment agency, saw genuine interest from graduates. Having seen twenty people already, we will invite them for an interview and induction on the 6th and 13th of December at The Valley.

G4S. employs stewards for the o2, they encourage employees to work for them for a few weeks before starting the NVQ2 Spectator Safety program at GCC. G4S exhibitors were delighted to exhibit at the jobs seekers event and were pleased to see a good amount of local interest in and around Greenwich.

If you have completed the Personal Best program and would like to study the NVQ2 Spectator Safety program whilst work as a steward please visit London Leisure College

The competition was pretty simple – think of two ideas, mash them together to win a prize of £50.

More info can be found on the Make your Mark website

Judges were Kate Fredericks, the director from make your mark plus GCCSU’s Trevor Dean and Rav Dhillon.

There will be more Make Your Mark challenges with our students throughout this year so watch this space.

After receiving his award, sponsored by Reed Specialist Recruitment, Muhammad recognised the impact studying at the college has had:

“Greenwich Community College has given me nothing but opportunities for the future. The teachers are great, the staff are great and the corporation are great.”

At the ceremony, students were presented with certificates donated by sponsors including: Barclays, Charlton Athletic, Reed and the University of Greenwich.

Guest speaker Steve Waggott, Chief Executive of Charlton Athletic and a former tutor at the college, told the audience about the journey he has taken since he first arrived in London to teach thirty years ago. He recognised the vital role education has had in his successful career:

“The one piece of advice I would pass on is the importance of up-skilling throughout your working life.”

Greenwich Community College Principal Geoff Pine thanked the sponsors and looked back at another successful year for the college as a whole:

‘This celebration of student success comes in a year when we have seen a further rise in the success rates of our students and our reputation for delivering training to local employers continues to grow.’

Please click here for a list of all the winning students.

While bringing fresh ideas and a positive approach to the work place, the Awards have also helped the team recognise the need to adopt a people first philosophy in very facet of the security function.

With funding via the Train to Gain programme and support from the Tate with the “Welcome Host “ and “Welcome All” training packages, this approach has helped 10 Security Officers successfully completed NVQ Level 2 & 3 Awards in Customer Service in 2008. Graham Dunkley has already seen a positive impact from the course delivered and…”With a further 7 Security Officers preparing to commence their NVQ programme in January 2009, the Security Team has demonstrated that they are willing to work hard to ensure that the visitor enjoys a safe and relaxed visitor experience“.

I met up with the charismatic 22 year old, whose refreshing attitude complements his composed style. At just 22 Brainlokk has been refining his musical technique for eight years, reaping the benefits of his hard work with a deal signing him to Hustler Inc, a record label founded by Colin Crook a tutor at GCC’s Meridian Music Centre (MMC), where he studies. “I’ve got my head screwed on. I know where I want to go but I don’t want to lose myself” he continues “I used to just rap but have developed my voice with the vocal artist course; I’ve now opened up my repertoire to include more vocals”.

Brainlokk’s music spans many genres “I don’t want to be pigeon holed, I make music appealing to a wide audience”. Through his life he’s appreciated music from hip-hop legends like Nas and Jay-Z but admires a wide variety of artists outside of the Hip- hop spectrum including Queen’s Freddie mercury “I did a project on him at the MMC – I like his stage presence”.

During a recent performance at the indigo2 end of year college show, Brainlokk gave an enthralling performance charming the crowd with his distinctive style and gaining valuable experience of a live event. “I’m looking forward to next year’s show and plan on including a live band”.

Brainlokk’s rewards continue to roll in and Daniel is one of the students being recognised for his achievements on the Vocal Artist course at the forthcoming annual student awards. His debut album is being released next year on Hustler Inc so watch the rise of Brainlokk at www.myspace.com/brainlokk and you can also catch-up with him tomorrow night – 9th Oct, live on Choice FM’s Gammo Speng’s show.

With representatives from local businesses such as Barclays, the Army, Childrens Society and Demelza House, students were given the chance to collect advice and information from various stalls together with freebies and give-aways. There were also representatives from the Student Union, Media Resource Office (MRO), Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Learner Support and the Marketing department, there was something for everyone!

The MRO provided information such as print and buying stationary, whereas the LRC gave information about the library and IT suite, whilst the marketing department was conducting surveys about the 16-18 year old campaign, full time/part time and signing students up to help out with forthcoming marketing events.

It was also a great opportunity for new students to mingle with other students, tutors, and representatives from the Student Union. The Student Union was signing up students for cricket, golf and dance clubs. It is a great way for new students to meet new people, try new activities and explore new interests.

Freshers Fair 2008 was held to welcome new students to Greenwich Community College and hope all new and existing students have an enjoyable time whilst studying at the college.

19 year old Anita was beaming when she learnt of her results and said; “I’m so happy, I’m speechless!” as she established she had received three A’s for Accounts, Economics and Business Studies. Anita, pictured bottom with her Teacher Andy Nichol, has a place at Southampton University.

A Level results day brings another increase in results, as the country sees the achievement rate increase for the 26th consecutive year. GCC students accomplished 100% pass rates across most subjects including Psychology, Sociology, Media Studies, French, German, Spanish, Italian and English.

GCC’s Director of Academic Programmes, Steve Whittingham is thrilled with the results; “Our results this year are a testament to the tremendous hard work of the students and teachers. So many people will be going on to University and they thoroughly deserve all their success.”

Josephine Brown who achieved an A in her Italian A Level was amongst the top ten students according to Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body. Out of 1152 candidates, Josephine achieved one of the highest overall marks.

Jerry Jarvis, Edexcel’s Managing Director, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work students put into preparing for their exams. We send our congratulations to Josephine.”

Lawrence has just finished his BTEC in Sports Science at London Leisure College achieving a distinction overall and said “These are the best grades I ever achieved in education, its different from school, I had to do it myself, in my own time and got all the help I needed.”

An endurance sprinter comfortable running 200 and 400m, Lawrence can do the short distances too. At the age of 18 he’s just left the senior boys groups to compete against men and is working with his coach to find his event. Currently living in Sevenoaks he is a member of both Catford based, Kent Athletics Club and Tonbridge AC.

Lawrence is heading off to University to study a BSC in Sports Science and due to his grades was able to select Southbank University from his two offers, proud to have surpassed their higher entry requirements. Yet his dedication to studying is second place to his goal of getting a place in the British Athletics team. “My main aim is the 2012 Olympics, its what I’m living for and I can use my studies to go into coaching after athletics”. If his grades are this good, then his passion for athletics is in the right place.

Photo by: Gary Mitchell

Luke embarked on his career in the leisure industry when he signed up to take a two-year Young Apprenticeship in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching alongside his GCSE’s.
The programme was divided between teaching time at London Leisure College and Eltham Green Specialist Sports College and work placements in local employers including the David Beckham Academy, Bean and Co and Venture Health Club where Luke is now working full time. Greenwich Council, who hold the contract for the scheme, and the Greenwich Employer Business Partnership supported the delivery partners in maximising the benefits to local business and the students whilst maintaining students’ academic achievements at their Schools in Greenwich.

Although Luke was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age he was able to gain the confidence needed to complete his assignments whilst still studying for his GCSE’s.

“I began to use my determination and thirst for success to improve my performance, and the Young Apprenticeship Programme boosted my efforts tremendously,” said Luke. “My programme started as I commenced my GCSE studies and so it helped me tackle my exams in an independent and more confident way.”

Neil MacGillivray, Head of Sport, Leisure & Tourism for London Leisure College, said Luke is a cut above the other students.

“Luke overcame a lot of challenges and was a pleasure of a student. I can’t say enough good things about him,” said Neil. “I’ve been teaching for a long time, and he is just the single, most outstanding student I’ve ever come across.”

Luke’s employer Gary Adams of Venture Health Club is delighted that accepting Luke on a work experience placement has had such a positive impact on his organisation;

“Had it not been for this programme, we would not have been introduced to Luke and we would have been the poorer for it.”

Luke is now an ambassador for Young Apprenticeships, giving presentations to other young people on the benefits of pursuing a learn-while-you-earn scheme.

Postal enrolment has closed for Qualification courses and you will need to visit our Plumstead Centre (map), between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Thursday for advice about available courses.

Use these links for more details about Full Time and Part Time Qualification courses.

*General Interest Courses*

For General Interest Courses you can Enrol Online using this link. You can also download an application form, fill in your details and post it, by Friday 8th August to:

Reception
Greenwich Community College
95 Plumstead Road
London
SE18 7DQ

The Plumstead centre is open between 9am and 2pm for you to enrol in person for a General Interest course. You can apply for General Interest courses throughout the year. More details can be found here.

If you need any information about GCC, our courses or enrolment, please call 020 8488 4800.

The above corresponds interestingly with the highest LRC membership across all Sector Subject Areas with 92% membership.

The LRC contributes more highly to success at the higher levels i.e. from level 3 upwards.

LRC contributes to success across all age groups.

There is a 22% higher success rate for LRC members to non members at GCSE.

There is a 100% success and 100% retention rate for LRC members at level 4 to non members.
The department of Academic Programmes has the highest success rates of LRC members to non members by 21%, the highest retention rate by 16% to non members (shared with the EAL department), and the highest membership to LRC by department by 76% membership.

Success rates are highest for LRC to non LRC members in the Asian or Asian British – Indian ethnic group with a 9% higher success rate to any other ethnic group.

Follow this link to see our Final student achievement report 06-07.

Within Acting students will learn about Basic Workshop Theory, Exploring Text, Improvisation, Stanislavski, Voice and Movement. Dance classes cover most genres including Jazz, Street, Ballet and Contemporary. Singing and Musical Theatre lessons offer instruction in both solo and ensemble singing with emphasis on developing the students’ awareness of the broad range of Styles and Genres within Musical Theatre.

The course can lead to further study at drama college or university, or to direct employment in the theatre industry. It is designed to develop confident and technically proficient performers who will have the necessary skills and expertise to successfully audition for Performing Arts Courses at the countries most respected higher education institutions.

If you would like to attend please come along to the Greenwich Park Centre, Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8PY at least 15 minutes prior to the audition and report to reception.

You’ll need to participate in a Musical Theatre Workshop involving Drama Games and Group Singing. Please be advised that you are likely to be required from 1pm to 3.30pm.

We look forward to seeing you at the auditions.

The 2008 Greenwich Adult Learners’ Week award ceremony was held at the Chapel in the Old Royal Naval College on Tuesday 20 May as part of the boroughs celebration of lifelong learning.

Other winners included learners from the University of Greenwich, Asian Resource Centre and Volunteers Greenwich.

The full list of Greenwich Community College winners is below:

Maria Ramirez
Asma Begum
Charlene Laundy
Daksha Makwana
Nabeela Qammar
Trust Samutsa
Natasha Peart
Fatou Sanneh
Andrew Inneh
Christopher Cole
Amanda Binks
Clare Presnell
Kala Whyte

The City & Guilds course included a clear insight in managing projects, preparing sketches, understanding how the industry works and business elements.

Bernard said

“…the course was well structured and perfectly delivered by our tutor David Allchin who brought humour into a positive environment…”

The course gave them the opportunity to move away from their nine to five jobs and build a career in an area they enjoy.

After completing the course at the college’s Greenwich Park Centre, Bernard continued working at John Lewis in Bluewater on the curtain orders desk. He also concentrated on building a portfolio of work and networking with builders to establish a reliable work force. Evangeline continued her education and is due to complete a BA hons in Interior Design this summer.

The new business has tapped into a fast housing market of recent small houses being built in and around London and such developments have meant that occupants need to utilise every space effectively.

Bernard and Evangeline are now able to use their skills and knowledge gained whilst studying at GCC to provide an affordable service targeting the everyday person. The course prepared them for renovation, project management, design consultation, personalised interior design and colour schemes.

Bernard has been trading under the name Beemax Design since January 2008, with various projects successfully completed and many more in the pipeline. They will be launching their business Hidden Depth Design in August.
For further information please email

Official business began promptly the next day with a presentation and guided tour of the Istituto Marangoni a Higher Education Fashion and Design School. Its one of Europe’s leading creative schools where talented individuals learn the expertise they need to become professionals in the Fashion Industry.

‘What I did notice was that the students design work was not far off what we have been doing at college. I would love to come here after I have finished my BTEC!’ Jade Blythe (1st year Student).

They took a guided tour around the Fashion District in the afternoon. ‘We walked for hours exploring the Fashion District. We got to see a lot of different top designers’ collections which were very inspiring. It was great to be able to analyse and touch the clothes that came from the catwalks’ Syeda Begum (2nd year Student).

Gillian Jones (Curriculum Leader) said, ‘Milan is such a Fashion orientated City. This was an excellent experience thanks to the Greenwich Community College Aspire Fund. The shop managers in all the Designer Fashion Houses were very friendly and keen to give us information even though 20 of us had descended upon them! The students gained a lot of knowledge and insight into High Fashion and Italian style. This visit has enlightened and inspired all of us and I am sure the experience will make an impact on forth coming Projects and Fashion collections.’

A wide range of groups and individuals are planning to be involved with this project including bookshops, publishers, music and arts organisations, community groups, museums, theatres, universities and cinemas

At GCC one of the activities we have already planned is to work with a local arts organisation and Connexions to organise a number of workshops for Drama, Music and MCing to support and encourage more young people into work or study.

We have several copies of the novel in the Plumstead Learning Resources Centre and Greenwich libraries have bought 300 copies. Click here for more information about the Greenwich reads Campaign.

The European Community Arts Project, Memento, funded through Grundtvig, celebrated with major a exhibition in Belgium this month. The artwork was generated through collaborative and individual projects of the partners & their student learners.

Memento was conceived as a European Community Arts Project for community groups, artists and adult education providers. Evident here was the cultural diversity in these local communities. The art work produced through the projects was indeed a cause for celebration.

The exhibition showed the links between colleagues, learners, the wider community & ultimately the European community and its diverse cultures. Seeing the look on the faces of the Polish partners when they saw the memoirs that they had contributed as part of the project, capturing their memories of the Nazi & Soviet occupations of Warsaw, now carefully bound & beautifully presented by the Belgium students would have been enough in itself.

Karen reports that “ For me, also seeing the work achieved by our students & staff was indeed a reward. Representing Greenwich Community College was the work of photography & textile students who had worked on a project that addressed issues related to transforming, manipulating & questioning the traditions of family photography, culminating in an exhibition at the Viewfinder Photography Gallery, Greenwich.

Also attending the Exhibition and meetings with me was Jaime Taylor (Media Studies Teacher), who showcased the films of 15 GCC students in collaboration with a team of university anthropology students & professional film makers, to create short documentaries around issues of local identity & community.

The work on show was a tribute to the multi disciplinarily nature of Memento, the individual work of each partnership and the collaborative nature of the work, conceived throughout this European partnership.

The exhibition & project meetings were hosted by our Belgium partners, OVSG & School of the Visual Arts Genk. They took us on a tour around their college, where we met with the staff and adult learners and saw a wide range of art classes in progress. We were also taken to galleries and exhibitions. They were perfect hosts”.

This was also an opportunity to celebrate the launch of the Memento Project website, although still under construction, it can now be visited at: www.memento-europe.be.

They were the first girls in the country to receive the AASE qualification for ladies football. It is proposed that the academy girls currently based at the London Leisure College would be entered for the AASE program again. The Charlton Academy recently rescued by the Charlton Community Scheme has meant everyone involved has worked very hard to keep it alive.

We aim to see more top sportswomen achieving the AASE Award in the near future.

Organiser Donna Brazil, 16, from Abbey Wood decided to arrange the evening with her class mates following a group discussion;

“We covered the subject of supporting less fortunate children as part of our childcare course before Christmas and decided to do something to support Great Ormond Street Hospital”

Donna and her team have been busy spending time between lessons selling tickets to students and staff. Mr. Raynsford, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, was more than happy to help out during a visit to the college’s Plumstead Centre:

“I am delighted to support this fundraising event for a great cause. Great Ormond Street is a marvelous hospital and it is wonderful to see students engaged in this initiative”

The evening’s entertainment starts from 8pm and tickets (available on the night) cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for under 12s. Under 5s can gain free entry.

Through Train to Gain (funded by the Learning and Skills Council) the college has already succesfully delivered training for large employers such as the Anschutz Entertainment Group (owners of the 02) as well as smaller businesses.

For more information about Train to Gain and other services to business, please visit our Training Solutions pages.

It will bring together a range of integrated services in a new, purpose-built centre, enabling local residents to carry out their council business and make enquiries as well as access first class leisure and training facilities.

The Eltham Centre is one of the first of its kind in the UK, and the first of three similar service centres to be built in the borough as part of Greenwich Council’s ambitious £750 million modernisation programme. As well as acting as catalysts for regenerating the town centres, these integrated centres will ensure new and improved services that are easier to access, enabling customers’ enquiries to be dealt with more quickly and efficiently at the first point of contact.

Working in partnership with Greenwich Leisure Limited the new Centre will offer state-of-the-art leisure services including:

• Three swimming pools including a 8-lane 25m competition pool, training pool and spa pool with spectator area

• A 100 station fitness centre and group exercise studio

• Purpose built crèche

Partnerships with a range of service providers will ensure:

• Counter facilities for Greenwich Council enquiries and services
• An enhanced library with better access to computers and self service points
• A café and meeting spaces
• Citizen’s Advice Bureau
• Town Centre Manager’s office

You can view a copy of our Eltham Newsletter here

There was an overall rise in the level of satisfaction compared with the same survey run in the previous year with a significant increase in knowing how to access learning support and resources.

You can view the complete results of the survey here

The campaign reminded us of the world that still reels from the horrors of the Second World War. The Declaration was the first global statement of what we now take for granted, the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings.

The extraordinary vision and determination of the drafters produced a document that for the first time set out universal human rights for all people in an individual context. Now available in more than 360 languages, the Declaration is the most translated document in the world. It has inspired the constitutions of many newly independent States and many new democracies.

Participating student, Yasmin Begum who is studying A2 Sociology, Law, Media Studies and Politics realised one of her ambitions furing the project;

“It has always been my aspiration to learn about society and diversity. I took part in this documentary in order for me to accomplish my vision”

Fellow student Clarke Puncheon who is studying AS English Literature, Media Studies and Psychology also found the experience rewarding;

“I chose to take part in this project so that I can broaden my skills with the media as it is a part I want to take in the future. I plan to go into journalism.”

The project was a collaboration between The Royal Anthropological Institute and Greenwich Community College, which was made possible through Mediabox and Aspire.

The course covered anthropology and filmmaking and was designed and taught by professional filmmakers: Ed Owles and Elhum Shakerifar; Donald Daby and Jaime Taylor of GCC.

The success of the programme was recognised at the FE First Awards (The national marketing awards for colleges) in Coventry on Monday 26 November.

Steve Waggott, Chief Executive of Charlton Athletic Community Trust was delighted with the award;

“Our collaboration with Greenwich Community College on the Heading for Success project is a fantastic addition to all our cutting edge community work at Charlton Athletic that engages a range of local people in to education through an innovative approach by using football as an exciting engagement tool”

Alec Brand, Head of Marketing at Greenwich Community College, who collected the award on behalf of the partnership, was pleased that such an important project has been nationally recognised;

“Often we find that many people who did not have the chance to take their English exams at school regret it as they often need qualifications to get on at work. This scheme offers a chance to learn in an exciting setting towards national qualifications. We are delighted that our strong relationship with Charlton has enabled residents to return to education so successfully.”

If you would like to find out more information about the Heading for Success Programme please call 020 8488 4892, mentioning ‘Heading for Success’.

GCC Head of Marketing Alec Brand and Steve Waggott, Chief Executive of Charlton Athletic Community Trust are pictured being congratulated by Charlton Manager Alan Pardew.

The Dawn Identity will be aired on BBC3 in early 2008.

Together with the book there is also a CD-ROM which aids teaching and is currently used to teach 16 – 18 year old GCC students. Students have said that they have found the book very accessible as it is easy to read and understand.

Julia has taught ESOL students for six years and was inspired to write Mehdi’s Story to help students those who have difficulties with reading and writing. She explained how there is very little ESOL reading material available that engages the interest of ESOL students.

“The reader can reflect to some of the real issues that students may face or are currently facing, so the context of Mehdi’s Story is appealing to them. Students are able to interact better with stories which they are able to relate to.”

Julia wishes to pursue her new career as an author and publish more books for ESOL students.

Targeted for young readers and ESOL students, it is available at all leading bookstores, including Gatehouse Books

Greenwich Community College Students visited the giant inflatable igloo on campus for workshop sessions designed to help them generate ideas and think about how to turn them into a reality. Later that day, they got the opportunity to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges, including ‘Million Dollar Pixel’ entrepreneur Alex Tew, for the chance to win a prize of £150. This round was won by Grace Orford a Childcare and Education student, whose idea of a recruitment and support agency called ‘Open Your Eyes’, for people with special needs had a unique selling point of dedicated mentoring before employment.

Grace [Pictured with cheque] will go forward to a national final, where she will compete to win £2,000 plus a package of Microsoft products to help the overall winner to get their business underway.

Natalie Campbell, from Students! Make Your Mark, said: “Making enterprising ideas happen while at college or university is a creative way for students to earn money on their own terms, pay off debts, learn new skills and make useful contracts. The Ideas Igloo imitative is unique in that it is targeting both FE colleges and universities as untapped enterprise potential.”

Alex Tew, who was a student when his Million Dollar Homepage ideas hit the jackpot, said: “There are scores of students combining successful studies with entrepreneurial schemes and many more with ideas just waiting to be developed. I hope sharing some of my experiences, and offering practical advice, will help inspire the next generation of students to reach their full potential.”

The Ideas Igloo roadshow is just one of many innovation-driving initiatives which Microsoft currently runs, including the Imagine Cup – a global competition aimed at student software developers, a partnership with Foundation Degree Forward and the Start-ups Accelerator Programme, recently launched to support fledgling tech businesses.

Skills Minister David Lammy, said: “Anyone who spends any time with young people quickly recognises that they are the ones with the best ideas. By making enterprise and innovation exciting and accessible to students in this way, we will unearth a new generation of hidden entrepreneurs, from all backgrounds, who can turn their ideas into reality.”

Lars Lindstedt from Microsoft’s UK Emerging Business teams, said: “I get frustrated when I hear young people say that they can’t see how innovation can be part of their lives. My strong opinion is that we need to get across the message that being entrepreneurial isn’t but is within everyone’s reach.

“Being innovative has got to be about thinking in new ways and being given the confidence to experiment. This is as relevant and important to a Foundation Degree student as it is to a PHD graduate working in our Cambridge Research Centre.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Microsoft, and we’ve developed the FE/HE roadshow to bring our own learning to life, with the aim of encouraging more young people – whatever their academic background – to take the first steps to start up their to start up their own enterprise.”

It’s estimated that 70,000 volunteers will be needed at the 2012 Games and the Personalbest programme is your chance to be one of them.

What is it?

Completing the training will give you a nationally accredited Level 1 qualification, an enhanced opportunity to become a ‘Games Time Volunteer’ and a chance to gain new skills and experience that will help you move closer to employment.

By qualifying, individuals will be able to get involved immediately in voluntary work in their own community. For example, in Greenwich Personalbest Programme participants have volunteered at events such as London Triathlon, BOOST launch, Countdown to 2012 and Concert for Princess Diana.

Who is eligible?

The Personalbest Programme is looking to interact with people who meet the following criteria:

• Customers should be a legal resident and able to take up full time paid employment in the UK
• Must have entry Level 2 or above literacy skills
• Those on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) will NOT normally be considered
• Those will a previous qualification that includes or exceeds Level 2 will NOT normally be considered for this programme

What support is available?

GLLaB is supporting Greenwich residents attending the Personalbest Programme by; helping with travel fare costs, contributing to childcare provision costs and providing luncheon vouchers.

Additional support after the training includes; guidance and support with accessing further training, help with applying for work and receiving information about new volunteering opportunities

How can I find out more?

Contact Maxine Graverson the Personalbest Programme Coordinator on:

020 8312 7960
GLLaB
122 – 130 Powis Street
Woolwich
SE18 6NN

or visit the GLLaB web pages on the Greenwich Council website.

Students and staff were invited to attend a talk hosted by Rachael about the uprising in South Africa to end the apartheid on Wednesday 31 October. The talk highlighted how South Africa gained independence in 1994 and how this young democratic country needs to overcome the battle of corruption to help it progress and flourish.

Rachel explained the importance of students campaigning positively in order to make changes within South Africa today.

“it is important for the youth to be involved in moving South Africa forward as they are the next generation”

She stressed the importance of students supporting South African youth programmes such as the South African Youth Council. The SAYC helps shelter street children by providing food, medication and education.

To commemorate such organisations South Africa has a National Youth Day on the 16 June which is a national bank holiday to honour all the young people who lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid.
After the talk students had the opportunity to ask Rachel questions.

Student Nqaba Metu found the talk both interesting and inspirational:

“Even though I was born in South Africa and knew about the apartheid, I was unaware of these charities but now I know I will be interested in helping out.”

During the programme the group studied for a Community Sports Leadership Award Level 2 certificate. These sessions allowed the group to visit the Charlton Athletic Football Club training ground and observe coaching sessions in action.

The programme also included equality and diversity training, careers workshops with experts from the industry, a team building exercise at the David Beckham Academy and a tour of the 02.

After completing the course students were awarded certificates from the London Leisure College and the Prince’s Trust.

Neil MacGillivray Head of Sport, Leisure & Tourism from London Leisure College praised the students attitude and commitment to the course “it has been a real pleasure working with the group and we wish them all the best for their future career plans”

Guest speakers included Laura Gander-Howe, Director of Learning and Skills for the Arts Council, Iain Smith, Chair of the Greenwich Community College Corporation and Principal Geoff Pine. Mr Pine thanked the sponsors and looked back at another successful year for the college as a whole:

‘This celebration of student success comes in a year when we have seen another improvement in examination achievements and our links with employers continues to build and gain recognition’

• A full review of how a cabin crew interview is structured

• ‘A day in the life of cabin crew’

• A background to aviation and the general airline terminology

• Preparation on how to present yourself to a group of people

• Grooming and dress

• Safety and emergency procedures

• Cabin services

• Airline training courses

Students were also given useful tips how to successfully complete an application form and give a strong interview.

At the end of the day students had the opportunity to speak to existing cabin crew members, trainers and airline interviewers to find out more information about the industry.

Visit the ‘Career in Travel website here

Deptford raised Oti Ikomi is currently studying A Level Media & Film Studies at Greenwich Community College. The film was made with several other GCC students, who produced a 15-minute documentary film with footage and interviews captured in the Deptford area.

“I chose film studies after doing an editing course. My media teacher, Jaime Taylor is brilliant. She makes classes easy to understand by breaking things down and making it interactive. She makes learning fun. I was a grade D student when I started here but now I get A’s. My next step is to go to Uni to get a degree in Film studies.”

Oti has plans to direct many more documentaries and feature films in the future.

Click here to watch the news report and the documentary, which looks into the lives, thoughts and feelings of people using community venues in the Deptford area.

The film, dedicated to the teenage victims of knife and gun crime, gives insight into Oti’s motivations for documenting Deptford life.

Despite narrow losses against St Edwards, Whitgift and Dulwich College and drawing with RGS High Wycombe, the boys can take a lot from these games moving into the new season. They’re now busy preparing for the first match of the competitive season on the 19th September in the Daily Mail Cup at home against St Dunstans.

Good luck Team!

There are currently two courses running at the college’s Plumstead Centre for Coin Slot Attendants and Coin Slot Technicians;

The Coin Slot Attendant course is accredited with City & Guilds Level 2 and is a one-year course requiring attendance for two days a week. It is designed to enable students to carry out day-to-day coin slot machine maintenance, including hopper fifils, coin stoppages and diagnostics. It also incorporates the NVQ electronic level one course.

The Coin Slot Technician course is the next level up and is also a one-year course requiring attendance for two days a week. It provides high levels of theoretical and practical skills in preparation for duties of a coin slot technician.

Future courses planned include: Casino Gaming Floor Operatives BTEC Diplomas in Casino Operations; Security and Surveillance Systems Hardware Support Maintenance; and Foundation Degree in Coin Slot Technology.

Representives from the gaming industry included Cosmic Video’s Terry Farr and John Farrington, Jerry Hosea of Kerzner International and Leisure Link’s Dave Wilson.

Once again we were joined by students from the college who talked to shoppers about college life and the range of courses on offer.

If you are a company and would like us to visit you on next years roadshow please contact the marketing department.

• The LRS contributes to the success and retention rates most in the Access student cohort with success at 21% higher and 10% higher retention amongst LRS members to non members.

• The highest LRS membership is within GPlus with 95% membership, which corresponds with very high success for LRS members.

• The LRS contributes more highly to success at the higher NVQ levels i.e. from NVQ level 3 upwards.

• The higher the LRS membership to any student cohort, the higher the success and retention rate for that group.

• LRS contributes to success across all age groups.

• There is a significant success rate for A2/AS level students attaining grades A – E (71% – 63%) compared to non LRS members.

• The largest ethnic group of LRS members are Black African and out of all ethnic groups the LRS contributes to their success the most.

• Generally, the LRS has contributed to increased retention rates across all departments compared to LRS non members. The highest retention rate is in GPlus at 39%.

The audience were dazzled by collections including: East Meets West, White Trousers, Tailoring Undone and Sound & Vision, which were modelled by student and staff volunteers.

Gillian Jones, who coordinates fashion courses at GCC said, “This year’s show has been Colourful, lively and extremely creative. For the first time we showed a Ladies and Menswear range. It has been all hands on deck for our second show of this scale. The runway props were fabulous and the walks came together brilliantly at rehearsals, both shows went very smoothly and we are pleased with how the students and audience responded. Our Year 2 students will soon be moving onto Higher Education.

Many are going on to the London College of Fashion or Coventry University, which is now the place to go to study fashion at HE level.”

Many students and staff committed a lot of time and effort to the show, congratulations to everyone for creating such a successful event.

Ex-England footballer Garth Crooks hosted the event, where 13 learners on Heading for Success programmes across the country heard Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport, praise their efforts at brushing-up literacy and numeracy skills.

The next Heading for Success programme begins at CAFC in mid-September and enrolments are now being accepted at Level One and Level Two.

For further information please contact Ray Hill on 020 8355 3946 or e-mail rayh@gcc.ac.uk

• 70% of colleges have undertaken an energy survey and another 19% plan to do so
• 77% of colleges encourage their staff and students to travel ‘green’
• 100% of colleges have recycling facilities of some sort
• 58% of colleges have an environmental energy policy and a further 36% intend to adopt one

Greenwich Community College’s green features include:

• Installing censor lighting and water controls to refurbished toilet blocks
• Installing censor controlled Wudu facilities to 2 toilets
• Installing 8 waste paper recycling bins at the Plumstead Centre in partnership with Greenwich Council
• Paper recycling bins in every classroom and staff room
• Reduction of general waste bins, reducing collections
• Recycling printer cartridges
• Installing new control panels to the boilers to give more control over boiler usage
• Reducing printed copies of the staff newsletter from 1100 to 200 by creating an e-mail newsletter
• Sheltered cycle park to encourage staff and students to ride in

Geoff Pine, College Principal said:

“We have been working for a number of years to ensure that Greenwich Community College plays a significant role in taking forward an agenda of sustainability and we are delighted that this is now being taken forward on a national basis by the Association of Colleges.”

Over 150 colleges completed the new survey. Colleges are also urging the Learning and Skills Council, which has recently invested significantly in new buildings, to offer further assistance; 84% of colleges would like the LSC to set up a fund for green projects costing under £100,000.

Tim Smit, Eden Project co-founder, is backing the Green Colleges initiative. He said;

“Our centres of learning have for many years been quietly going about the business of academia, but now is the time for them to become activist in turning statements of optimistic vision into action, so that we, the new battalions in the war on the careless destruction of our only home planet, can get behind them.”

Dr John Brennan, AoC Chief Executive, said;

“Colleges are playing a critical role in developing environmental curricula to equip young people and adults with specialist skills and knowledge. Many others are already delivering on the environmental agenda by, for example, incorporating innovative sustainable features in new buildings, introducing recycling stations or implementing greener transport policies.

“But more can always be done – which is why AoC is working to showcase college best practice to exemplify that sustainability is achievable and to help colleges access the advice, guidance and funding that is available to support sustainable development.”

Tung started playing Go last September in the popular College Go club and this was his first tournament outside of the College.

Go originally came from China and is similar to Western chess as a strategy game, but it offers more scope for intuitive play. It is an easy game to learn but difficult to master.

GCC’s Rob Ivy played Guitar whilst students sampled and monitored his performance through the groundbreaking Vi6 console. At the end of the visit Leo Beaumont was presented with his Award of ‘MMC Soundcraft student of the year’, for his outstanding achievements made whilst studying.

Mr Sanders was eager to help the students and is looking forward to continuing the relatioship DLR has formed with local residents:

“DLR is delighted to support ESOL News and is confident it will prove a huge success. DLR is committed to an equal and inclusive East London and our sponsorship forms part of this objective.

“We now look forward to further local community involvement as the DLR Woolwich Arsenal extension moves towards it opening date of February 2009.”

The initiative was run in partnership with City College, Plymouth and representatives from both colleges visited Ghana last year to hold a number of events for the tourism industry.

Akin Ojolo, Greenwich Community College’s Director of Innovation and Development was delighted at the success of the visit and hopes it will have a lasting impact:

“Next year we are planning to set up a staff exchange programme with colleges in Tema and Sekondi Takoradi and hopefully the tourism training model will be implemented throughout Ghana.”

Fante Asafo flags were inspired by the regimental colours flown by European powers when they visited West Africa during the slave trade.

Asafo means “men of war”, but now the flags are generally used as emblems of community groups.

Mr. Harris, who used to live near the Horniman Museum and retains close links with it, admitted he was ‘close to tears’ as he viewed the artwork and talked to the children about the message on their their flags.

The pupils colourful versions of Ghanaian Fante Asafo flags are on display at the museum alongside works by Mr Issaka in the museum’s African Worlds gallery until June 3.

GCC staff are pictured viewing the college facilities on a guided tour of the centre on 18 April.

The programme raised awareness of themselves and attitudes changed with many women discovering more than being ‘just a mother’ and the skills they possess are the keys to their future.

Skills Showcase for Women offered 5 weeks of intensive training in confidence building and employment skills to over 25 women from four Children’s Centres in Greenwich – Glyndon, Mulberry Park, Quaggy and Storkway, through an initiative funded by the London Development Agency.

The showcase commenced with a message from guest speaker Doreen Lawrence who presented certificates of achievement following after speaking of her tough experiences of going back to learning as a mature student and the traumatic challenges she overcame.

Women taking part in the event wrote inspiring poems of their experiences, performed a play and spoke of their experiences and future plans. Participants were also presented with a range of vouchers from event sponsors Boots, Marks and Spencer’s and the London Dungeon.

Henna PaintingThe women celebrated in true style with pampering activities like Tai Chi, head and shoulder massage, henna body art, and Skills Showcase participants Andrea Rejlek and Iraida Ewins also offered their services with a Pilates and a nail art demonstration.

“It has built my confidence and made me realise what I am capable of, especially with the guidance of my mentor, I now know which steps to take to accomplish my goals”. Andrea

Further information about GCC’s Community Engagement Unit is available here.

Five of the entrants had only learnt the game recently and never played in a tournament before. There were four rounds played on the small 9×9 boards and the winner was Omar Mohamed (pictured left) who won all four of his games. Olumide Oyedele was second with three wins followed closely by Tung Nguyen, also with three wins. Darian Thomson, Ali Sadeghi and Mustafa Nazim each scored two wins.

Positions were decided by countback of opponents’ scores. Omar and Olumide received gift vouchers provided by Students’ Services and the Students’ Union.

Everyone else collected either a 9×9 cardboard set, a Go resources CD or some chocolates as a reward for taking part and for their patience with the organiser. Olumide and Ali Sadeghi were each promoted to the rank of 20 kyu.

A big thank you to all of the class and everyone who gave money.

Pictured from left to right are – Charlotte, Lillian, Amy, Antonia, Chelsey, Alicia, Gemma, Kirstie and Ella.

Activities organised by the college’s Learning Resource Centre for staff and students raised an additional 177 pounds for Comic Relief.

Our photograph (left) shows Helen Bannon-Lambe explaining basic First Aid to Dr Rhonda Riachi, Director of ALT within a blended learning lesson delivered both via ‘Leo – Learning Online’ and classroom teaching. The lesson includes audio pod-casting and videos to demonstrate life-saving techniques and was planned and composed by Helen together with e-Guide, Clare Treganowan.

‘Thank you very much for a fantastically productive trip to Greenwich. I have returned with many good ideas and genuine enthusiasm for how we can make better use of Moodle (Leo). I’ve shown a couple of enthusiastic colleagues the training resource provided by Clare…this has been very positively received.’ – Kerry Hazlewood, Leeds College of Technology.

John Hywel Williams,
Director of LR & e-Learning

Mrs Marshall wrote “On behalf of the children, staff and Governors of Montbelle Primary school, I would like to thank you and your fellow clothes-makers for making us such wonderful costumes for our nativity. The children looked wonderful and rose to the occasion by singing their hearts out.”

Helen Nicholas
Community Engagement Unit

We talked to Hakim Muhammed a Manager at the College in Iraq who said ‘I’ve had a lovely time at GCC. I’m very keen to put new plans into action, as there are so many things I’ve learnt here that are needed in Iraq and can be applied there. I especially liked studying e-learning. It was surprising how the staff and students are treated, regarding management and evaluation.’

As an apprentice and part of the ensemble I was paid, but would have done it for free, the experience was so great. I improved myself loads, in particular with harmonies. The audiences were fabulous and the actors I worked with are such professionals, and gave excellent advice on how to look after my voice, what the industry was like in general and what to do when you’re out of work”.

Greenwich Theatre launched Greenwich Musical theatre Academy (GMTA), in September 2003. The Academy provides a full-time course in acting, dancing and singing as well as a number of shorter courses, many of which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Natalie studies here at Greenwich Community College, just one of partners running the Level 3 Musical Theatre course.

Natalie thinks the teachers are really experienced “because they are theatre professional and have worked on major Broadway shows such as FAME and the Lion King. I’m really enjoying the course, which is hard work at times, very physical – which is a good thing!” Natalie has ambitions to work on stage in the west end and would love a part in the show ‘Wicked’ (the untold story of the witches of OZ) with Idena Menzel who she greatly admires. “My next step is to train further and I’m currently applying to Arts Ed, Guildford and Mount View to further specialise in theatre studies”

During a BBC interview with Roger Day, Colin said: “Inspired by the needs of my students at the Meridian Music Centre, I found that most were not aware of the roots of Popular Music. Elvis Presley was the first international Superstar, who penned the way for those who came before and after him. The world as a whole suddenly became aware of Rhythm & Blues, Country, Blues and all of the other genres that Elvis had been inspired by and which may never have been heard outside of the U.S if the Rock ‘n’ Roll explosion hadn’t happened” Featuring the King Of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself alongside Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Kay Starr, Arthur Crudup and many more Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneers. Elvis – The Songs That Inspired The King Volumes 1 & 2” are available now from all major record stores and Digital Download sites. (Distributed by T.H.E.)

Paul Hall
Meridian Music Centre Manager

Inspired by a project undertaken in Liverpool last year, the idea of “Greenwich Reads…” is to choose a book that is relevant and interesting and to encourage as many people as possible in the borough to read it, discuss the issues and use it as a catalyst to create events and activities.

We want to include as many groups and individuals involved with Greenwich as possible who would like to be part of this project: bookshops, publishers, music and arts organisations, community groups, museums, theatre, university, cinema…. Whilst waiting for a bus, you discover that everyone waiting with you has recently read the same book, leaving young and old with something to discuss until the bus comes. You chat and laugh about it while you wait. Wouldn’t it be great if life were like that?

The chosen book for Greenwich is “Brand New Friend” by Mike Gayle. It is a book with relevance to anyone who has had to cope with change, loss, a move to an unfamiliar environment or loneliness. It deals with love and friendship and will also appeal to anyone who enjoys ‘putting the world to rights’ over a pint in the pub.

Teresa Cambell, Fay McIntosh, Helen Nicholas and Liz Shaughnessy are all involved in the RaW group and some of us will be helping with the launch on 14th February. The day comprises a number of events including an afternoon at Charlton House with Mike Gayle giving a reading from his novel and being interviewed by Asad Ahmad from London News. It may even be on the television that night! We have a copy of the novel in the LRC and Greenwich libraries have bought 300 copies. Some local bookshops may also be offering reduced price copies of the book to support the launch if you or someone you know might wish to read the novel.

At GCC we are also intending to organise a number of follow up events for the campaign over the next few months. If you would like to be involved or have any ideas for an event, please feel free to contact any of us.

Fay McIntosh
Wider Family Learning co-ordinator, 020 8312 5014

Helen Nicholas
Widening participation area coordinator, 020 8859 9364

Shoppers were brought to a stand still with the impressive talents of the vocal artist level 3 students. The event was supported by Heart FM who mentioned our involvement in the charitable fund raising activities.

The Vocal Artists 2 students also performed on Friday 29th December and received an equally warm welcome from shoppers.

GCC students have now been invited to take part in the opening ceremony of the new Demelza Children’s Hospice later on in the year. The Mayor has thanked the college for our support.

Paul Hall, Meridian
Music Centre Manager

Successful learners were treated to a tour of the Valley before receiving their certificates and free matchday tickets from former Charlton players Carl Leaburn, Paul Williams and Mickey Bennett.

Speakers at the event included Steve Waggott Chief Executive of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust who was delighted at the success of the scheme:

“We are thrilled that our first Heading for Success courses have been successful and congratulations to all those who have completed their course. Charlton is proud to support this initiative as another example of our vital work in the
community.”

Maggi Knights, Vice Principal at Greenwich Community College praised the effort shown by the participants:

“The learners are very committed, many coming to class after a busy day at work or after the responsibility of looking after a family. They have all made great progress.”

There is still time to join the next Heading for Success course which takes place on Thursday evenings at the Valley. For further details on the free courses please call 020 8488 4892.

Students Peter Shobiyi and Sharna Ellis are pictured receiving their award from former Charlton player Paul Williams.

Michele James
Textiles Team leader

The band held a question and answer session covering touring, song writing and musicianship. All students agreed that they had not only enjoyed the performance but had learnt more about the music industry.

Paul Hall, Manager
Meridian Music Centre

It was the ideal event to thank Leo for his commitment and dedication to the Meridian Music Centre. Throughout the last academic year Leo had volunteered to mix all of the live music events at the centre. His award was well deserved.

Paul Hall
Meridian Music Centre

“It has been a wonderful day and it feels great to have an input in something that will make a difference to the lives of the people using the Hospice.” Vedia Hasan

“It enabled me to re-contract with the team and bond with my colleagues. We very rarely spend time together as a team and it was a perfect opportunity for me to bond with my team… I also learned a lot about gardening!” Ingrid Dick

“It was enjoyable working as a team in a completely different activity.” Kate Askew

The garden is a wonderful facility meant for the enjoyment of patients, visitors, staff and volunteers visiting the Hospice. The garden covers an area of about 5 acres and the surrounding grounds run to about 30 acres.

Volunteer Centre, Greenwich has lots of volunteering opportunities across the borough, for teams to get involved in, from gardening to painting, decking to decorating.

For more information on these projects and more, contact Susan Reynolds at Employer Supported Volunteering on 020 8853 1331 or email info@volunteersgreenwich.co.uk.

Arinola Edeh
Head of Community Development