Archives for September 2020

Gold standard for Derwen College

30th September 2020 by Eluned Watson

Students Tom and Courtney with Work Experience Co-ordinator Abi Baker.

Derwen College has been awarded a top Gold standard award in recognition of its work experience opportunities and work programmes for students.

The specialist further education college, near Oswestry, has received a Gold certificate and trophy from Fair Train – an organisation which champions high quality work-based learning throughout the UK.

Derwen College, in Gobowen, provides vocational learning and work experience for 16-25 year olds students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The College has developed strong external business opportunities with national and local businesses.

Hospitality and Housekeeping students work in Premier Inn housekeeping and Gobowen Station Café in a partnership with Severn Dee Travel; Horticulture students work at Oswestry Cemetery and Treflach Farm; Retail students work at Spar, in Llanfyllin and Severn Trent Water; and Performing Arts students work at Gobowen Playgroup, and as part of sign, song and dance group Derwen on Tour and inclusive storytelling group DC NarraTours.

The college also offers internal work experience on site in commercial areas which are open to the public including the Karten Print Shop, Garden Centre and Shop, and Garden Café.

The college houses a Premier Inn training facility where students learn the skills needed to work in a Premier Inn hotel. This experience then leads to work experience at Premier Inn hotels in the area. This has gone on to become paid work at Premier Inn for 20 former Derwen College students.

Derwen College has achieved Fair Train’s Gold Standard.

Derwen College’s Work Experience and Transition Team are pleased to have received the nationally respected Work Experience Quality Standard at the highest Gold level.

Abi Baker, Work Experience Co-ordinator, said she was delighted that the hard work of staff and students at Derwen College had been recognised at the highest possible level.

“We are really pleased to have received the Fair Train gold quality standard award which shows we are following Fair Train’s high standards of practice at the top Gold level. Fair Train’s Work Experience Quality Standard is a widely and highly respected accreditation. We have worked closely with Fair Train to ensure we maintain the highest possible standards.”

Fair Train was created in 2009 by a group of people from the voluntary and community sector to address the lack of availability and uptake of apprenticeships in the sector. More than 400 organisations – employers, learning/training providers and facilitators – have now achieved Fair Train’s Work Experience Quality Standard. Sadly, this is Fair Train’s final year of operation, due to the impact of Covid-19 on the sector.

Derwen College continues to work with businesses to provide quality work experience opportunities for students working in Hospitality & Housekeeping, Retail, Performing Arts and Horticulture.

October jobs for gardeners

29th September 2020 by Eluned Watson

Autumn is a busy time in the garden, a period of clearing the flowers and leaves of summer and thinking ahead to spring. Derwen College Garden Centre has a host of spring bulbs ready to plant in borders and containers in September and October to deliver plenty of colour come March. Find out more about our opening hours and facilities here.

Here’s our October gardener’s jobs checklist:

General jobs

Tidy borders lightly, clearing weeds and cutting down stems
Compost green rubbish

Lawns

Make new lawns by laying turf
Reduce mowing
Clear leaves from lawn

Tree, shrubs and climbers

Plant container-grown trees, shrubs, climbers and roses
Plant bare-root plants towards the end of the month
Check tree ties in windy weather
Cut back tall shrubs e.g. lavatera, Buddleja davidii
Prune late-flowering climbing roses and repeat flowering old-fashioned roses
Trim privet hedges

Flowers

Remove fallen leaves
Continue to replace summer bedding as the flowers come to an end
Lift tender perennials/bulbs and bring indoors
Plant spring bulbs

Patio and containers

Plant winter bedding and spring bulbs in containers
Water them occasionally (keep them moist not wet)

Vegetables and herbs

Gather to store or use fresh: sprouts, leeks, autumn cauliflower, main-crop potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, parsnips and winter squashes
Protect salad crops and late root crops with fleece
Winter dig the veg patch once it is cleared
Cut down asparagus foliage
Plant spring cabbages and overwintering onion sets
Plant garlic towards the end of the month or next month
Remove yellowing leaves from winter brassicas
Dig up witloof chicory and start forcing if required
Pot up herbs for winter use

Fruit

Create new strawberry beds and plant young plants raised from last year’s runners
Pick apples and pears for storage mid-month
Prepare for new fruit trees and plant if conditions allow
Prune blackberries and hybrid berry fruits

Undercover

Have a good clear out of the greenhouse and prepare for cold weather
Bring in tender plants
Reduce watering
Sow early annuals
Plant tulips, hyacinths and narcissus in containers
Sow winter lettuce, corn salad, baby spinach, overwintering spring onions, early carrots and mange tout peas in the border soil for ‘out-of-season’ crops

Meet Derwen’s new Head of Technology

23rd September 2020 by Eluned Watson

Shropshire specialist FE college Derwen College, in Gobowen, has appointed Dan Rowley in a new position as Head of Digital Services and Technology.

The college, which teaches vocational and independence skills to young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), started a new academic year with Dan in his new role as head of technology.

Dan has a wealth of experience working in IT in educational settings. He has held previous positions as Strategic IT Manager at Thomas Adams Secondary School, in Wem; worked as IT support at Concord College, near Shrewsbury; and at Adams Grammar School, in Newport.

Dan was delighted to accept the role which sees him further establish and grow the college’s technological expertise. Technology is used for student support, management information systems, data collection and staff communications.

“We will be building on existing systems and upgrading where necessary. My role encompasses all technology at the college from management information systems to technology that support students in their learning, care and wellbeing.

“I am particularly excited to be looking into technology to assist students’ learning,” he says.

Impressed by current innovations

Dan says he was very interested to work at Derwen College, especially after doing his research on the college which provides work training, work placements and independence skills.

“I was very impressed to see the work the college had already embarked on. The college has developed some innovative apps to support students into work, which I’m very interested in. As well as systems to streamline information across college departments.”

In addition to his IT and networking knowledge, Dan hope to bring his expertise in education and working with young people to the role. He has previously worked as a boarding tutor, and is interested in getting to know and understand students and staff.

He said: “With current Covid safety guidelines it has been difficult to interact with students and staff as much as I’d like immediately. However, I believe it is important to all work together to achieve the very best for the college.

“I am keen to move away from the ‘IT Crowd’ type stigma of the IT team hidden away. It’s vital that we are visible, and listen and react to student and staff feedback.”

Dan is married – he and his wife-to-be eloped to New York last Christmas. He has two young children, a two-year-old son and a new-born daughter. When he has time (and isn’t exhausted) he likes getting out on his bike to relax.

Natalie Bellis, Derwen College Director of Human Resources, said:

“It is a pleasure to welcome Dan to his new role at Derwen College.

“We value his expertise in IT and experience in a wide variety of educational establishments.

Derwen College uses technology to support students and staff in many different ways, and it is vital that we keep abreast of the latest systems and technological advancements.

“We are confident that Dan and our existing IT team, in collaboration with staff and students, can enhance Derwen’s position as a leading light in technology in specialist further education.”

New crop of preserves for British Food Fortnight

18th September 2020 by Eluned Watson

Jake shows off the new Pear and Walnut Chutney

Derwen College, near Oswestry, marks British Food Fortnight from 19th September to 4th October by launching a new range of Made@Derwen seasonal jams and chutneys.

Using British produce, some of it grown on site, students at the college, in Gobowen, have been busy helping to produce a new range of Made@Derwen chutneys and jams. These are inspired by the college’s autumnal crops.

Because of Derwen’s own harvest of plums, pears and apples, the college is proud to produce British fare using local ingredients.

Hospitality & Housekeeping students at the college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have supported Derwen Food Centre cook Tracey Southern. So, between them, they have peeled, chopped, boiled and stirred to create new recipes. These include Pear and Walnut Chutney, Cinnamon Scented Plum Jam, Beer Mustard and Deluxe Mincemeat.

The range will be added to current Made@Derwen favourites which include the college’s Great Taste Award-winning Raspberry Jam and Spiced Apple Chutney.

Cook Tracey Southern said: “We were keen to use the abundance of fruit we have growing in our orchard which included pears, plums and apples. So, I came up with some seasonal recipes which are perfect for autumn, and will make lovely Christmas presents.”

Derwen College supports Love British Food

Derwen College jams and chutneys are sold in the college’s Garden Centre Shop alongside home-made cakes and bread. The shop also stocks cards and gifts, as well as seasonal plants to brighten up an autumn garden.

Derwen College Made@Derwen chutneys and jam — Sam with the new Made@Derwen Beer Mustard and Deluxe Mincemeat

Derwen’s Garden Café serves up a traditional British menu seven days a week. The menu offers English breakfasts, scones with butter and jam, home-made cakes and light lunches.

Derwen College gives students the opportunity to learn new skills in real work environments. They learn life skills which will enable them to live as independently as possible. Students learn skills in Hospitality & Housekeeping, Horticulture, Retail or Performing Arts.

For more information regarding Derwen College’s Garden Centre and Shop click here.. To find out more about learning at the college click here.

Meet Lucy Harrison – Satellite Lead at Derwen@Telford

16th September 2020 by Eluned Watson

New Derwen@Telford satellite lead Lucy Harrison.

Lucy Harrison has been busy preparing for the opening of Derwen College’s new satellite site at Telford’s Stafford Park. The site welcomes 11 new day students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) this term to learn business and employability skills, as well as independence skills.

We asked Lucy a few questions about her new role, her plans, and a little bit about herself.

What was your previous job before starting at Derwen College?

My previous roles have all been in the Telford and West Midlands areas and involved working with young people from a variety of backgrounds. Primarily, I have held teaching roles and in more recent years, I have been able to expand on this by offering pastoral support in helping students to develop additional life skills and address their wider needs.

What attracted you to the job at Derwen@Telford?

I have been on the lookout for something that I can really get my teeth into and use all my skills to full advantage. I was in a role where there was limited opportunity to move up the ladder or progress/develop and I was feeling it was time to look for somewhere that I can do that and make a difference. I saw the job advert and applied straight away, even my sister saw the job and emailed it to me telling me to apply.

Two interviews later and I’m working with Derwen College.

What will your job entail?

I imagine it will be incredibly varied. It has already been an amazing journey. I’ve been working closely with Derwen’s Head of Curriculum Zoe Wood and we have 11 students ready to start. I have been keeping in contact with them and their parents whilst we were getting ready at Telford, making sure they had everything they needed before starting with us. This included co-ordinating transport, timetables, risk assessments, care plans and learning plans to make sure they had the very best start.

I’ve also been letting everyone know about Derwen at Telford – visiting schools and making marketing videos. My diary is starting to fill up very quickly. I’m loving it!

What are you most looking forward to in your role?

I am so looking forward to getting to know the students and starting their journey with them, it’s going to be exciting and we are going to do so much. The day we look back and say, ‘look how far you have come’, that’s the most rewarding part. Being able to support students to grow and learn and develop, it’s what I have enjoyed in the past and I can’t wait to do it again.

What expertise and traits do you have that make you right for the role?

Hmmmm, so many things. I know the Telford area and the young people around here. I have good contacts at different agencies and educational establishments. I’m organised and proactive, I like to think that I am thorough and get the job done. I have good experience in all aspects of teaching and across a range of subjects. Then there’s the pastoral side, I think I have the right frame of mind and the balance of patience and understanding along with a pinch of ‘you can’t pull the wool over my eyes’ and ‘you can’t be serious’. I am able to create a good rapport with students, families, carers, agencies and anyone else who might drop by. And I can make a good cup of tea, so when all else fails the kettle goes on.

What do you think will be biggest challenges in the role?

For me personally, Makaton! I don’t use Makaton to communicate right now and it’s something I’m keen to learn, so that’s the first challenge.

Second, I think, will be making sure everything is running smoothly. The role comes with a lot responsibility. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I prefer to get things right first time.

What do you know previously about Derwen College?

I didn’t know a lot about Derwen before I applied for the role. I did my research and was impressed with the history and how the college has developed. Then I visited the site, and I was super impressed. The whole idea of a hotel, café, Garden Centre and print shop being a fully functioning service to the public with so many areas for the students to get involved with is incredible. I went away telling everyone about it. I will be working hard to keep up the outstanding provision already in place and make sure that Telford is going to do Derwen justice.

What do you think is going to make the Telford satellite site so important in the area?

Derwen provides an outstanding provision and is going to be invaluable to so many of the local students here. Derwen already has a big campus at Gobowen and satellites at Walford, in Baschurch, and at Craven Arms, but this is the first time they have come to Telford. This is going to be an amazing opportunity for the area.

What does September have in store for Derwen@Telford?

There are 11 students starting with us in September. The curriculum is Business Support and we will be looking at work placements internally next year and then in the local area the following year. Within the first year we will be building on their business support skills and preparing them for the world of work.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

In 2018, I ran the London Marathon for charity and raised over £1500. It was amazing and I loved running around London, the atmosphere was incredible. Is that a fun fact? I can’t do any party tricks or anything!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m quite crafty and like to upcycle furniture, make things like bags and toys, my most recent lockdown project was a dress which I’m really proud of. I like to eat out – who doesn’t? I go walking and love to be outside as well as keeping fit and going to the gym. I am going to be trying out wild camping soon which I am looking forward to as well.

New Derwen site opens at Telford

16th September 2020 by Eluned Watson

Derwen College welcomes the first students to its new satellite provision in Telford this term, in a partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council.

The leading specialist further education college, which has its main campus near Oswestry, has opened a new Telford site to support young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Derwen College has opened the campus for day students at Stafford Park industrial estate, Telford. The launch comes in response to a need for more options in expert vocational training and independence skills learning for young people with SEND in the local authority.

Derwen College, which is has an Ofsted rating of Outstanding, has converted the former business premises into a new site. From here, a team of expert staff will offer day students with SEND the specialist learning and work placement provision that they would expect from a college with an outstanding reputation.

Zoe Wood, Head of Curriculum, said: “We are over the moon to welcome our first day students to the new Telford site this month.

“We have worked with the local authority, the families and young people who will be joining us in September to make the transition a positive experience.

“Our work in providing successful smaller satellite provision at Craven Arms and Baschurch has proved what young adults with SEND can achieve given the right teaching, work experience and independence learning. We look forward to getting to know our new Derwen students over the coming months and supporting them towards achieving their aspirations.”

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People, Education and Lifelong Learning, said:

“We have worked with Derwen College to launch this new satellite which will support young people with SEND in developing work and independence skills and work placements which will prepare them for employment and a more independent future.

“Along with the college, we have identified a suitable location, and alongside families been able to select students who we think would benefit most from the experience.

“Our SEND team share Derwen College’s mission to educate, inspire and empower young adults to lead the lives they choose.”

Derwen@Telford Satellite Lead Lucy Harrison welcomes new students.

Newly appointed Derwen@Telford Satelllite Lead Lucy Harrison has been liaising with the students who will be starting at the Telford site this month, and is eager for the new term to begin.

She said: “It has already been an amazing journey! I’ve been working closely with Derwen’s head of curriculum Zoe Wood, and we have 11 students ready to go. I have been keeping in contact with them and their families whilst we were getting ready at Telford.

“What we are offering in Telford is not only outstanding, it’s also unique to Telford. This is going to be an amazing opportunity for the area. Within the first year, we will be building on students’ business support skills and preparing them for the world of work.”

Derwen College offers vocational pathways and independence skills for 16-25 year olds with SEND. The college has a main site for residential and day students in Gobowen, and satellite sites for day students at Baschurch, near Shrewsbury, and Craven Arms.

Archives for September 2020

Gold standard for Derwen College

Derwen College has been awarded a top Gold standard award in recognition of its work experience opportunities and work programmes for students.