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East London, November 29, 2023, Future Film Focus: Digital Skills 2023, an event designed to empower young talents seeking careers in creative media industries, successfully concluded at Waltham Forest College.
The Mayor of London's Adult Learning Awards celebrates the transformative impact of adult learning in the capital, recognising the inspirational achievements of Londoners, learning providers, employers, and community organisations.
Waltham Forest College marked its 85th anniversary with a launch of Creating Futures: Arts, Heritage, and Community exhibition, showcasing the rich and exciting heritage and the key role it played as an anchor institution from 1938 to the present time.
The exhibition brought back to life historical archive material, showcasing material from contemporary artists, including artwork, memorabilia, photography and film. The exhibition also shares the memories and stories of those who have worked, studied or visited the college during the past 85 years.
Other materials such as prospectuses, uniforms, report cards, newsletters and filming of the official College opening are part of the exhibition. Former alumni are showcased including Patricia Heath, who was appointed the first ever Head Girl in 1939 and Sam Everton who immigrated to the UK and after studying at the College joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). Featured artists JC Candanedo, Thais Verhasselt, Laura Chevalier and the Prince's Trust ' Team 16 also formed part of the exhibition.
Key stakeholders and industry figures were invited to the launch event to commemorate the College's long-standing history of raising aspirations and supporting education and skills for over 85 years. Attendees included: Cllr Grace Williams (Leader of Waltham Forest Council), Mary Vine-Morris MBE for Association of Colleges and representatives from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Paul Butler, Chair of the Corporation, commented; 'Waltham Forest College has a long, proud and distinctive history stretching back to 1938 since its formation as the South-West Essex Technical College and School of Art. It has transformed the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. I am proud of the significant achievements of the College in the recent years and the role it continues to play within the local community' .
The Creating Futures Exhibition is being held in Love Our Colleges Week, which recognises and celebrates the valuable social and economic contribution of Further Education Colleges across the UK.
Janet Gardner, Principal and CEO, commented:
'The resilience, commitment, and hard work of all the staff and students at Waltham Forest College makes this the special place that it is. Since this grand building opened its doors in 1938, so much has changed. However, our core purpose remains the same as we continue to meet the skills needs of London and our local communities by offering inspirational, high-quality education and training to shape and lead London's workforce' .
The College is currently undergoing £20 million of capital investment upgrading the estate and facilities to ensure it continues to lead the way by providing high quality training and skills for future generations.
E17 Films and Emerging Talent CIC and Foundation for Future London, in association with Waltham Forest College, present Future Film Focus: Digital Skills 2023, a joint venture to promote emerging young talent in the Creative Industries.
The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29th November 2023, 2pm ' 5pm at Waltham Forest College, featuring national skills agencies, large-scale employers, training agencies, and mentor networks for young people interested in post-production and digital skills needed for roles in editing, special effects, visual effects, animation, virtual reality, 3D design, gaming and others.
The event will be composed of the ' Be Strategic' panel of notable organisations such as - Microsoft (the largest worldwide vendor of computer software), CTVC (multi-BAFTA-winning and Grierson nominated independent production company), and ScreenSkills (UK organisation investing in future animation, film, TV, VFX and games industries.
The second 'Be Inspired' panel, features young creatives in film and television. Noted among them are - Melissa Cofie (Freelance Production Coordinator), Lauren Smith (Multi-skilled Technical Operator BBC World Service), and Nick Ransom (TV journalist, Ad hoc assistant producer and neurodiversity advocate).
Liza Fletcher, Co-Director of E17 Films CIC and founder of the Future Film Focus strand, commented: 'This year's event will focus on reaching out to under-represented communities who identify as neurodivergent and dyslexic with creative skills. I am delighted to have the support of Foundation for Future London and Waltham Forest College, which allows us to train a cohort of approximately 70 students to deliver an event, which provides life-changing opportunities to young creatives from across East London.'
Waltham Forest College students are set to gain transferrable skills and invaluable work experience from event planning and organising. Students will receive training leading up to the event in event management, hospitality, social media, event filming evaluation, monitoring and photography. In addition, they will also receive training from industry experts and professionals to help develop and improve their career prospects.
Janet Gardner, CEO and Principal of Waltham Forest College, says:
'Waltham Forest College is delighted to partner with Future Film Focus. This exciting event will bring together key employers and professionals and showcase the career opportunities available to young people in the Digital Sectors.'
For more information, or if you would like to exhibit or attend the event, please email
Waltham Forest College, plumbing student Emre Gunes has secured the winning spot in the Plumbing Centre of Excellence Annual Young Engineers Competition this year.
Ranging from entries from the Society of Public Health Engineers (SoPHE)'s young engineers and college students from other London institutions, 35 learners engaged in a 6-hour long competition and performed competition tasks themed around plumbing problem-solving and practical fault-finding of plumbing installations. Other areas they were assessed on included:
- Faulting techniques
- Ability to follow instruction
- Enthusiasm
- Willingness to learn new skills quickly
- A sharp mind and can-do attitude.
The competition serves as a superb reminder of the importance of collaboration between different individuals, companies and institutions, displaying what can be achieved when teamwork is at the forefront of every action.
Emre emerged victorious and swooped the number one spot with such an outstanding example of what can be achieved when studying at Waltham Forest College.
He commented ' 'I was shocked to receive the news that I had won the competition! My tutor, Rennie, encouraged me to take part after seeing my skills and performance in my practical assessment at college. I decided to utilise my knowledge and experience gained whilst studying at the College, which gave me the confidence I needed to thrive in the competition.'
Tasked with fixing leaking pipes, installing household fixtures such as sinks, showers and toilets, repairing or replacing water heaters and water conditioning equipment, and conducting lawn sprinkler system maintenance, the life of a plumber can be more varied than most people imagine. Working in various settings and often on call at all hours for situations such as leaks or pipe bursts that require immediate attention, those in the plumbing industry are responsible for keeping our homes ticking over and being dependable in an emergency.
Plumbing lecturer Rennie Llewellyn said 'Waltham Forest College is ranked top 3 general Further Education in London and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment of all our learners. I am extremely pleased with Emre's outcome and excited to be part of his emerging bright career' .
Waltham Forest College was announced as a WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence and continues to deliver an innovative curriculum, that serves London's industries.
If you want the chance to shine just as brightly, head over to the website to find out more: www.waltham.ac.uk
Young and adult learners arrived in their numbers today to be recognised and celebrated by college staff for their GCSE achievement.
Today, Thursday 24 August, marks for many students another step towards creating their futures in higher education, employment or on an apprenticeship.
Waltham Forest College offers the opportunity for many learners to improve their literacy and numeracy skills by retaking or taking their GCSEs for the first time, to align with their future goals and career requirements.
Adult learner, Mark Richardson, a former West End performer, who decided to obtain a GCSE to help him pursue a career path in counselling, is celebrating his grade 7 achievement in English. He said: 'All my hard work has finally paid off and this has given me the confidence to continue in my pursuit in becoming a counsellor. I was quite emotional coming to college to collect my grade and am truly proud of myself for achieving this.'
Level 3 Automotive learner, Tariq Sailani, passed his English GCSE after retaking it alongside studying his main course. Tariq will now be progressing to employment in the Engineering Sector.
Meanwhile adult learner, Nilar Win, who achieved a grade 7 in Maths, is now excited to be focussing her efforts on obtaining a GCSE in English.
Hundreds of learners sat GSCE maths and English exams this year, with many also taking vocational qualifications designed to help them progress onto their chosen careers.
Deputy Principal, Hassan Rizvi said; 'We're so proud of our students celebrating their amazing achievement today. Not only is it proof of their commitment to succeed, but it also reflects the high-quality teaching and learning that takes place here at the College, particularly in supporting learners to create their future.
'We're happy to see so many of our students progressing to higher levels of study which includes progression onto university, apprenticeships and into exciting careers.'
School leavers receiving their GCSE results as well as adult learners looking to enrol on a course can visit the College from today, August 24th.
The College's Learner Services Team is also on hand to advise and support those who are concerned about their grades and looking for a placement to start in September. For more information or for enrolment times and dates, visit www.waltham.ac.uk.
Students are breaking traditional pathways to achieve higher levels of success.
Today, students across the country received their Level 3 BTEC results, as well as other students who completed their Level 3 qualifications. BTEC Nationals, also known as Level 3 qualifications, provide specialist, work-related learning across a range of sectors and, alongside A-levels, are the most widely recognised qualification for admission to higher education.
Amongst them are our highly successful Waltham Forest College students who were awarded grades ranging from a ' Distinction Star' to a ' Pass' securing top university places and employment offers, proving that BTECs provide the right foundation to progress onto higher education and highly skilled employment.
This year we are delighted that more of our students have received offers from Russell Group University such as King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London, University of Nottingham and The University of Manchester.
Jayden completed his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Digital Media & Animation and is progressing to Nottingham Trent University. Jayden commented: 'I had the opportunity to complete a Level 2 course alongside my GCSE, which I passed, and today, walking away with a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to three A-Levels) is the biggest confidence boost I needed to pursue my dream career at my first-choice university' .
Erin studied Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice - Fashion achieving a Distinction Star and is now progressing to Falmouth University, a specialist arts university, to study Fashion. Erin said: 'The aspirational environment here at the College allows you to thrive, I have been able to manage my creativity and have been supported to think outside the box, showcasing my work in fashion events and exhibitions. I cannot wait to begin this new chapter of my life' .
Aron, who studied BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in IT and secured a Distinction Merit is now planning to complete a degree apprenticeship in software development. Aron commented: 'It was the best decision to study at Waltham Forest College; my local College. I loved every moment and gained so much more than walking away with a qualification, I gained Employability skills that I can apply in the next stage of my career' .
The College has a wide range of vocational and technical courses and apprenticeship routes for GSCE students awaiting results. Enrolment begins on Thursday 24th August for those receiving results or who have been given an offer at the College. You can also walk in to receive advice and guidance on your next steps. Visit the College website www.waltham.ac.uk for more information.
Waltham Forest College has been recognised as London's fastest growing college.
There are a multitude of reasons why you might want to expand on your education; whether to further your education as a school leaver, or perhaps you're looking to make a fresh start in your career by learning a new skill that could boost your existing strengths, career prospects, earning potential and your personal wellbeing. Becoming a learner at Waltham Forest College could make all the difference to your future life choices.
The College is one of London's most successful colleges, ranked among the top three colleges in London and graded ' Good' by Ofsted, as well as voted London's #1 College for ' Learner Satisfaction' by students two years in a row, with a high Google review ranking.
The College has even been announced as a WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, and continues to deliver an innovative curriculum, that serves London's industries.
London's fastest growing college prides itself on being inclusive and is committed to ensuring that no student is disadvantaged and with the cost-of-living crisis continuing, the College continues to London's fastest growing college in the form of financial aid such as bursaries, childcare and has rolled out a programme where every single student at the College has access to FREE breakfast.
There are also several options when it comes to level of study, from entry-levell right through to Level 5. Additionally, courses are delivered flexibly to suit your circumstances, including daytime and evening programmes for adults.
One of the changes this year is the introduction of T Levels; these new, government-backed, career focused qualifications have been tailor made for 16-to-18-year-olds and are equivalent to three A-levels. Backed by hundreds of British businesses who helped to design the syllabus, the two-year course combines classroom study with a 45-day industry placement to prepare you for the world of work and higher levels of study.
All these benefits aim to break down the barriers that might be stopping you from pursuing something that could not only bring you great joy but also help to improve your life chances. If you would like to join the growing number of students studying with them simply apply online or attend the College on GCSE results day on Thursday, 24 August 2023.
For more information, please visit the website: www.waltham.ac.uk
Waltham Forest College's recent week-long event, ' The Show', celebrated creativity and achievement throughout the year, showcasing students' hard work and innovation.
A career in the creative sector is a goal for many of us; whether it's the call of the bright lights of the stage, the sense of pride as your creation is embraced by the crowd, or the intricate techniques of working behind the scenes, dedicating your working life to the arts is an exciting vocation to chase.
This celebration of creative talent was held at the College's state-of-the-art campus in Walthamstow, with friends, family and industry guests all welcomed to take part and over 200 in attendance.
Comprised of students from Hair, Beauty and Barbering, Fashion, and Art & Design, The Show encapsulates the creativity, imagination, drive, and determination of its students, offering them a showstopper platform to display their work and inspire future years to come.
Those from Fashion exhibited a series of garments they had made, with everything from trousers, blouses and showstopper dresses, through to kimonos, skirts, shirts and jackets. Meanwhile, Hair, Beauty and Barbering students presented a variety of hair styles and theatrical makeup that stunned the crowd.
After ' The Show', guests were invited to visit the Creative Exhibition, a demonstration of work from the Art & Design and Digital Media students that included painting, collage, photography, sculpture, digital art, book design, film and 2d/3d animation. Both events presented the work that students had been completing throughout the year, with ' The Show' also contributing towards the end course assessment for Hair, Beauty and Barbering students; and what a spectacular finish it was!
Dawn Musharafie, Fashion Lecturer, commented; 'The Show was electrifying! It captivated the audience with its innovative concepts and original designs from our learners. The seamless fusion of creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling woven into each collection was outstanding. The event showcased the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and artistic exploration by the talented students. They demonstrated their ability to transform ideas into reality, bringing their designs to life with impeccable precision and attention to detail' .
And these weren't the only forms of creativity on display; guests were treated to a drinks and canapes reception made by Hospitality & Culinary Arts students both before and during the shows, while Public Services students helped to provide a service of drinks and food to the guests throughout, each course working together in seamless harmony to create an event to be proud of.
Student Felicity Jarvis, Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles, has this to say:
'I thoroughly enjoyed working behind the scenes at The Show; it gave me an insight into how much work goes in the designing of the garments, scheduling and assisting the models, and being on hand to accommodate their request. It was very enjoyable, and everyone worked extremely well together, giving encouragement and guidance where necessary. The teachers were fabulous, performing their roles with great pride and professionalism. I'm looking forward to helping again next year.'
If the bright lights of ' The Show' are calling your name, Waltham Forest College could be the place for you. Find out more about this incredible institution and create your future by heading to the website www.waltham.ac.uk to apply for a course and to receive more information.
