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Students are celebrating achievements on BTEC results and for making it through a challenging year.
The College has a strong reputation for its vocational (work-related), and career-driven qualifications and over two hundred students secured university places, proving that traditional A-Levels are not the only route to university.
As with all levels of education this year, student grades have been calculated according to other factors, such as coursework and predicted grades. Results day has also taken on a new form and despite challenges faced, Waltham Forest College is celebrating the remarkable success rates and achievements of their learners.
Traditionally, students would be invited in to collect their results, but are celebrating at home with loved one's away from the College campus after receiving their results digitally.
Triple distinction student, Zamfir Beniamin, who studied BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport Leyton Orient FC said: 'I was offered trial opportunities with Leyton Orient Football Club and gained invaluable work experience whilst completing my course. I now plan to study BSc in Sports Therapy at University of East London' .
Simona Maciute, who also received a triple distinction in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services said: 'My learning experience has been incredible, even during Covid-19, the College has supported me in transitioning to online learning and reaching my career aspirations of studying towards a degree' .
Stephanie Antwi, BTEC Health and Social Care student is celebrating a remarkable achievement; not only gaining triple distinction but securing a role as a Support Worker, during Covid-19. She said: 'I have been successful on balancing my learning whilst offering my service during this pandemic. I am really excited about starting my studies at Coventry University to study BA in Childhood and I am forever grateful for the support by Waltham Forest College staff.'
Principal and CEO of Waltham Forest College, Janet Gardner said:
'We are very proud of our students and for the resilience and determination that they have shown to complete their courses online. The whole college transitioned quickly to virtual learning and our teachers have done a fantastic job at supporting all of our amazing students to achieve their ambitions whilst delivering innovative and engaging learning' .
The College has a wide range of vocational courses and apprenticeship routes for GSCE students awaiting results. Contact the Learner Services Team on 020 8501 8501 or visit the College website www.waltham.ac.uk for more information on application and enrolment.
The exceptional achievement of Safia Merabtene, from Waltham Forest College, was celebrated at the BTEC Awards this year as she was awarded the prestigious bronze BTEC Award for Sport.
Safia Merabtene, aged 17, was recognised by teachers and peers for her continuous hard work and dedication throughout studying for the qualification. Her proactivity, passion, tenacity and willingness to help and support others led to outstanding BTEC results.
Safia's commitment to creating her future at Waltham Forest College was celebrated at the tenth anniversary of Pearson's annual BTEC Awards hosted online on 25 June 2020 at 2pm.
Safia commented: " I'm very grateful for winning this award and being the first student in the sports cohort at my college to ever be nominated. This means a lot to me as I know I can achieve what I put my mind to.
'This has motivated me even more to work even harder to achieve my goals. I'm very thankful for my teachers nominating me and giving me this chance to create my future and gaining a better chance of university's accepting me.'
The 2020 BTEC Awards comprised of 17 categories and was hosted by the presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, with awards presented by Double Olympic Gold medallist Max Whitlock as well as actress and former BTEC Drama student at The BRIT School, Kellie Shirley. The expert panel of judges made up of Pearson's senior leadership team, journalists and external experts, carefully considered the nominees before deciding on the winners.'
Commenting on Safia's achievement, Head of Sport, Ambica Sanger: 'We're all hugely proud of everything Safia has achieved here at the College and it's so inspiring to see how much she gets out of all of her hard work and how generous she is in offering help to her peers. We look forward to seeing where all of her efforts take her in life.'
Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeship, said: 'This year I've been over-whelmed'by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received and I am delighted to celebrate this year's winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year. Over the past few weeks and'months,'we've seen how'the current pandemic has highlighted the critical'role of key workers and individuals'who'are likely to have'followed a vocational'educational'pathway such as BTEC.'
Pearson has overseen BTEC qualifications for over 30 years and during this time the qualifications have equipped millions of learners with the knowledge and practical skills that employers need.
A poll by Pearson found that two-thirds of medium-sized businesses have hired BTEC graduates in the last five years, and nearly a quarter of learners going to university do so with a BTEC. An overwhelming majority of employers and young people want to keep their options open at 16 and gain the blend of academic, practical and transferable skills that are valued by industry and employers, that the BTEC offers.
In response to new careers emerging within industries and'ongoing change, Pearson is continually adapting and innovating its BTEC curriculum and learning'to ensure'it is'relevant for young people and adults'' supporting'progression and'career aspirations throughout lives.
The recently launched BTEC qualification in esports, in partnership with the British Esports Association, is a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry both in the UK and internationally. Esports is forecast grow by 20 percent in 2020 alone ' reaching a value of $1.1bn and an audience nearly 500m people. In addition, Pearson's BTEC partnership with Liverpool Football Club, announced earlier this month, will enable learners in international markets to acquire the expertise, skills and knowledge required for careers in the rapidly expanding global sports sector.
Waltham Forest College is the first London college to announce they will continue the offer of free meals over the summer holidays targeting the most vulnerable 16-18-year-old students.
Waltham Forest College has made a firm commitment, showing how important the role that further education colleges play in supporting communities across the country and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with extra food support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a campaign by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, the Department for Education extended its free school meals vouchers scheme to feed vulnerable pupils throughout the holidays, however the extended scheme does not currently apply to 16- to 18-year-olds.
College senior leaders ring-fenced some of its budget to provide disadvantaged students with free meals over the summer. The college is the latest FE institution to set aside money to help make sure students have access to food, despite no extra funding from the government to do so.
Principal, Di Gowland said: 'We are aware of some of the pressures families are facing and the impact caused on the economy from COVID-19, we want to ensure that our vulnerable students can focus on preparing for their future rather than worrying about going hungry over the summer' .
Research published by the National Union of Students (NUS) in April revealed that 33 percent of FE students have had to cut back on their spending on food since the start of the pandemic.
Di Gowland, said 'This is the right decision, totally embracing our values, and we will continue to explore and give support to learners who need it during these unprecedented times. FE colleges have always been the forgotten sector in education for years with huge funding cuts and this is a great example of the proactive measures taken by Waltham Forest College ahead of the government' .
A decision is yet to be made by the Department of Education on whether the scheme will extend to FE colleges.
Waltham Forest College provides an unrivalled opportunity for prospective students to meet teaching and support teams as they experience what it's like to be part of the college community.
The College successfully delivered a series of virtual open day events dedicated to school leavers and adults who wish to explore further education opportunities; An important step in making an informed decision about future prospect.
With the current pandemic Colleges and sixth forms are having to try and recreate these vital experiences through virtual platforms aiming to replicate, where possible, the experience a student would encounter at a regular campus event.
Waltham Forest College put on a series of remote platforms so that prospective students can discover the social, career and learning experience. A series of live-streamed media was released across social media platforms whilst existing students promoted their experience through course-related videos.
Marketing Manager, Antoinette Beekye, said 'Our staff have shown great flexibility in adapting to the current realities of the coronavirus pandemic and continue our ' business as usual' approach. Many students join us because of the learner experience, and we are thrilled that our teams have been able to recreate virtual experiences that will allow prospective students to gain an insight of what it's like to study at London's number one College for learner experience' .
Colleges across England educate and train 2.2 million people each year and this has never been more important as the nation emerges from the COVID19 pandemic and education and skills will be vital to reviving the local community and London economy.
Director of Learner Services and Marketing, Amir Ahmed said: 'We are uniquely placed at the heart of our community and we plan to instil hope to a generation of young people currently worried about their career prospects now and in the future. Colleges and Sixth Forms will need to invest in our young people as it will be they who rebuild the country only if we support and inspire them now.'
Waltham Forest College has been working closely with local schools and partners to ensure that COVID19 does not set young people back and they are recognised to become the generation that builds the UK's future.
Waltham Forest College is pleased to announce that Janet Gardner has been appointed as Principal and CEO and will join the college on July 31, 2020.
Janet is an exceptionally experienced strategic leader with a successful record of high performance in senior leadership roles within diverse and complex FE colleges, as well as having a successful previous commercial experience in the private sector. Janet is passionate about promoting equality of opportunity and has led on several regional and national projects in collaboration with other organisations to support hard to reach pockets of the community.
Janet has significant experience of working in the Further Education sector in London and as Deputy CEO at Newham College brings with her a wide network of stakeholder relationships as well as a deep understanding of the complexities of working and living in East London.
Janet said, 'I am delighted to be joining Waltham Forest College at this exciting stage in its journey and to lead its ambitious vision and strategy for the future. I am looking forward to working with students, staff and stakeholders to further reinforce its position as an anchor institution in North East London, serving the needs of its communities and employers.'
Paul Butler, Chair of Corporation at Waltham Forest College said, ' I am delighted to welcome Janet to the college. She is joining at an exciting time as we drive forward our college Vision and Strategy to ensure the college is delivering an expansive and progressive curriculum to meet the needs of growing industries and equip students with the skills that meet the demands of the modern workplace. This has never been more important as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic and education and skills will be vital to reviving our local community and London economy.'
'The Governing body has every confidence that Janet will draw on her extensive experience and bring fresh thinking to share with the senior team to drive forward our ambitious plans for the college. I am very much looking forward to working with her.'
Joanne Aldridge, a long-serving staff member at Waltham Forest College transformed her home into an NHS production suite answering the call to sew scrubs for NHS workers at Homerton University Hospital.
Staff members at Waltham Forest College are clapping for Fashion Technician and Garment Demonstrator Joanne Aldridge, for volunteering her time to become a hero to our NHS heroes.
The idea to start her own NHS project came after being approached by her cousin who was seeking elastic sources to produce NHS face masks. Joanne then began an extensive search online for ways to support the NHS, where she signed up for support groups on Facebook ' ' For The Love of Scrubs', ' Queens Hospital, Romford' and ' Sewing 4 the NHS'.
Joanne extended her efforts by teaming up with a former colleague and fashion lecturer, Alison Donahue, forming the Facebook group 'NHS Production' and transforming her home into an NHS production suite during the lockdown period. Over the past weeks, they have used their joint resources to make scrubs and facemasks for Homerton University Hospital, a local care home and a local G.P. Surgery.
Joanne has also connected some of Waltham Forest College's suppliers to voluntary organisations and individuals. As a result of her efforts, organisations such as The Children's Scrap Project in Homerton donated hundreds of metres of fabric, which has been used by ' Sewing 4 The NHS'.
Joanne, who has been working for the college for 20 years, said: 'I feel immensely proud that I have been able to play my part and have used my skills to help support our NHS.
'Many thanks to the College for supporting me and allowing me to access and use available resources.'
Students and staff have embraced online learning platforms, eager and prepared for learning, thanks to Microsoft Teams and digital streaming technology.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools and Colleges has been instructed by the Government, to partially close its doors as everyone is being asked to minimise their contact with others.
Waltham Forest College is now teaching everything online from Construction to Tourism by using digital technology to support students with being able to complete their courses.
Staff have adapted brilliantly to the new technology that, for some, had never been used until a couple of weeks ago. This past month of massive change has meant that college lecturers have rewritten and restructured lessons plans that reflect different models of delivery whilst getting used to working remotely from home.
Kenn Starr, Electrical Lecturer shared photos of his home workspace with College staff and comments: 'I want my students to stay well and mentally active during this period, where there is too much uncertainty. You might have noticed the old school clapperboard I have been using to engage my learners which give my videos a bit of a twist' .
It is vitally important that all students studying for GCSEs and other vocational qualifications remain focused in the weeks and months ahead.
Mohammed Khan parent of Pathway to Independence Student Moheed, comments: 'My son is studying a course which requires a lot of 1:1 support from lecturers. The transition from campus to online learning has been incredibly smooth. Staff have been checking in regularly and incredibly supportive during this period.'
Students with additional learning and pastoral needs are being supported by dedicated learning support staff, who continue to provide ongoing personalised support that will ensure all students are making expected progress against their set targets. Students who normally access free school meals and those financially affected by the lockdown will continue getting financial support.
Deputy principal, Stella McManus comments 'I have been amazed by the commitment and innovation that continues to be shown by all our staff to support our students and the wider community.
'I am hugely grateful above all else, that our college community spirit continues to shine through during this incredibly difficult and fast-changing time. Colleges create communities and like many communities, we are staying connected while we are apart to ensure those, we care about most, stay safe and well' .
With 168,500 construction job opportunities being created by 2023, Waltham Forest College is continuing its lifelong tradition of providing high-quality training in Automotive, Construction, Electrical and Engineering (ACEE) by transforming working relationships with employers.
Waltham Forest College has secured a large range of power tools and machinery worth over £40,000 in retail value from premier power tool specialist, Festool. The new tools reflect the technological advancements of the ACEE courses with Bluetooth connectivity and increased safety standards with higher degrees of accuracy.
Carpentry tutor, John Strange, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to be able to access top-of-the-range professional tools for use in our workshops. These tools bring modern connectivity to complement a traditional trade and our learners are thrilled to be using them.'
Tools such as the Domino jointing system provide quicker and more accurate methods of joinery, teaching learners the highest standards of workmanship, while the Mobile dust extractor's keep the environment clean, with the Bluetooth technology allowing remote switch on and off, creating a more energy-efficient workshop.
Carpentry student, Reece Wilshire, said: 'These tools are modern and what we will be expected to use in the sector. They are much cleaner for the environment, due to the portable extraction system and much more accurate allowing us to produce a better quality of work.'
As a sign of inspiration, learners have already commenced work on some of the College's workspaces using the new equipment and tools that combines their skills to build a spec-house, that will be used as a showroom to inspire the next generation of learners.
Learner, Jahmai Fermin, who is working towards a construction apprenticeship with new housing developments said: 'We are learning valuable skills that will allow us to go out and build. Overall, the College has been a good experience for me where I've been taught the values of teamwork and the use of tools and materials in a safe environment.'
The new ACEE provision is planning to introduce a new partnership with City and Guilds, aiming to progress learners through a 2-year package course with training that reflects the reality of the industry. Learners will not only walk away with qualifications but will achieve a range of CITB courses relevant to the industry, increasing the chances of gaining meaningful employment.
The College will continue to thrive in becoming a key provider for the UK Construction Workforce and in 2018 was made an official member of the Mayor's Construction Academy and awarded with a prestigious Quality Mark that recognises the high standard of skilled workers that it produces.
Lecturer, Matthew Gordon, conducts presentation on the use of webinars to engage students.
English lecturer, Matthew Gordon, took part in and presented at the Advanced Practitioner (South) Conference at South Essex College on this month. His presentation featured his ongoing collaboration with Shipley College (a leading FE college in West Yorkshire), on the use of webinars to engage students.
Advanced Practitioners attended in their numbers to share excellent practices around quality improvement with the rest of the further education sector. The day was filled with opportunities to discuss, learn from and practise new and impactful approaches to quality improvement.
Matthew said: 'The event was extremely successful, vibrant and energetic! It led to further collaboration projects with several other Advanced Practitioners around the use of webinars as a teaching tool, as well as a method to promote sharing good practice among educators themselves.
'I would like to say a special thank you to Andy Crissell and Jane Chillingworth at South Essex College, Jan Calvert from Shipley College.'
Matthew's presentation also highlighted some of the core quality practices here at the College such as enhanced teaching, learning and assessment methods across subject areas.
As a follow-up to the event, a series of webinars (mini - 'Ted-talks') are now in the planning stages. To find out more about the event, and to download materials from all the sessions, please click HERE.
