Eluned Watson

Geraint’s story – ‘the greatest showman’

20th March 2020 by Eluned Watson

First year Creative Arts student Geraint enjoys the college sports facilities, swimming pool and gym, takes part in basketball and football sessions. His first love is performing arts; he is part of Derwen College’s Makaton Choir, enjoys dance, and is looking forward to being involved in future College shows.

We asked Geraint and his mum Sarah about how they discovered Derwen and what Geraint has enjoyed over this first term at Derwen.

How did you first find out about Derwen College?

I was visiting my nephew who was an in-patient at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital in Gobowen. I was looking for books and educational items for him to make his stay more stimulating and I came across the Derwen Garden Centre by chance. Meeting disabled people working there, I remember thinking ‘how cool is this?’ I asked a member of staff to tell me more and she explained it was a college for people with special educational needs and disabilities. I went home and did some research, wondering if it would be a place my son might fit into to learn theatre skills alongside receiving the speech therapy he needs.

When you visited, what made you and Geraint think that it was the right place?
Seeing other students with Down’s Syndrome (currently 16% of Derwen students) made me feel that this would benefit Geraint because he’d just be part of the ordinary everyday which is what we both want. I was particularly interested in the performing arts aspect and I was able to visit a performance class which really grabbed my interest.

How did you find the Admissions process?
The admissions process initially seemed daunting but I managed to work through it. I was supported by the team of professionals around Geraint back home who all felt excited about the idea of letting Geraint have the going away to college experience, a long-standing ambition of mine for him.

Did you know from the beginning which pathway Geraint wanted to follow?
Creative Arts – in particular the performance and theatre aspect which is Geraint’s long-standing passion. His ambition is to perform on stage. I believe theatre is a helpful subject to pursue because of Geraint’s severe communication disabilities and need for speech and language therapy. Theatre can be so empowering in this context.

What does Geraint enjoy most about his time at Derwen?
Geraint says: ‘shopping, music, going bowling’. He likes engaging with the staff. He’s proud of moving on from the family environment.

What has Geraint learnt over his time at Derwen?
Geraint is learning to transfer skills he learned at home – such as keeping his room organised, helping with shopping, planning meals – into a new environment in his residency. He’s always been helpful, he is still! It’s great that he’s broadened his horizons to move on to new things.

Where are Geraint’s aspirations for the future?
Geraint wants to learn to be a performer, go on stage and entertain people. He’s The Greatest Showman!

What makes you proud to support World Down Syndrome Day?
People with Down’s Syndrome are rightly stepping up and self-advocating. I’m delighted to see people living with Downs becoming visible, active members of society; as talented, engaging individuals. World Down Syndrome Day aims to raise the profile of people living with the condition and I wholeheartedly support it. It’s also such a fun day for everyone, and right now we all need some extra fun.

Watch Derwen College’s World Down Syndrome Day video here.

Student story – Retail student Sam

20th March 2020 by Eluned Watson

It’s World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March – which is the perfect excuse to share Sam’s Derwen College journey. Sam is in his third year at Derwen College and works within the Retail pathway where he is learning valuable work and independence skills.

Sam, whose family live in London, is a hardworking, diligent and dedicated student who relishes work placements both on and off site.

As a final year student, in preparation for transition back to his local authority, a large part of his timetable involves real work. He works at the College’s Karten Print Shop and on the weekly Derwen College Oswestry Market stall. He also has a regular work placement at Nightingales Charity Shop in Wrexham.

He is the first of our students to be offered a work placement at Severn Trent Water’s main Shrewsbury, where his work has seen him man reception, greeting customers, using the intercom and doing safety checks around the buildings. Sam enjoys transferring his work skills to a new setting.

“I feel I am learning to be confident in a different work place – it’s a completely different set up to college,” he says.

Outside of work, Sam has used his initiative, passion, and determination to support the college’s fundraising initiatives and to represent his fellow students on the college’s Student Union Board.

Sam has played an active role in raising awareness of the college’s ‘Agnes Hunt Village Project’, a £1 million project to modernise the bespoke housing complex at the college to create homes to support students’ independent living skills.

Sam, who has Down’s Syndrome and a moderate learning difficulty, spoke in front of an audience at the recent fundraising launch with members of the local community. He explained how important such projects to improve facilities at the college are to him and his friends. Sam emphasised the importance of modernising the facilities to ensure they are fully accessible, clearly displaying Sam’s caring nature.

Sam’s passion and determination to ensure that every student’s voice is heard has led to a role on the college’s Student Union Board. Sam has been elected onto the board as representative for the Retail department, making speeches and participating in democratic procedures. Sam’s role on the Student Union Board involves communicating with his peers and sharing their views in meetings with senior management and governors in order to affect change at the college. Sam has embraced this role and thrives when being provided with opportunities to help others and raise awareness.

Sam’s learning in work and independence has seen his confidence grow, and made him less reliant on his parents when he goes home. He was nominated in the Shropshire High Sheriff’s Young Citizen Awards. and is always very willing and motivated to succeed. He is an asset to the Retail pathway and Derwen College community.

Watch Derwen College’s World Down Syndrome Day video by clicking here.

#Heroes #WeDecide

Events postponed and outlets closed

17th March 2020 by Eluned Watson

Derwen College events postponed Derwen College outlets closed

Derwen College, near Oswestry, has postponed upcoming events and will close its shopping and eating outlets until further notice in response to government advice surrounding Coronavirus.

The specialist further education college in Gobowen has made the difficult decision to postpone events including April’s annual Sponsored Walk and Fun Run, as well as the Summer Fete which was due to take place in May.

The college-run Orangery Restaurant, Garden Café, Hotel 751, Karten Print Shop and Garden Centre and Shop will also close for business from Tuesday, 14th March at 4pm until further notice.

The Gobowen Station Cafe, which is manned by Derwen College staff and students, also closes temporarily from Tuesday, 14th at 3.15pm.

All events, courses, workshops and meetings scheduled to take place at the college over the coming weeks are also postponed.

The College currently remains open to students and continues to follow government guidelines on keeping students and staff safe.

For the most up-date information go to www.visitderwen.co.uk or telephone 01691 661234.

Derwen Dance Crew’s winning performance

11th March 2020 by Eluned Watson

Derwen College’s newly formed Derwen Dance Crew stole the show to win at a dance competition in Wolverhampton.

Derwen Dance Crew (DDC), made up of talented students from the specialist Shropshire college, entered Nexstar dance competition in Wolverhampton. The team performed as a group and with individual performances. They received a win and standing ovations from the audience and professional judges.

The group of 10 students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were thrilled to win first prize in the over 16s SEN Street Crew category.

In addition, students Ben Moore-Hill and Billie-Jo Bailey impressed judges when competing against mainstream dance schools. Ben won second place in the over 16s mainstream Street solo. Billie-Jo achieved fifth place in the over 16s mainstream contemporary solo.

The judges were impressed by the high standard of DDC, resulting in two of them handing out the highest possible marks for the group’s performance. The win was made especially incredible as DDC was only launched in January. Students had just six weeks of rehearsal time to learn four group dances.

Derwen College Sports and Activity Maker and dance instructor Opal Trevor assembled the group and supports them in rehearsals and performances. She said she was incredibly proud of their achievements.

She said: The crew have been attending weekly rehearsals and this weekend competed in their first ever Mainstream Street Dance competition in Wolverhampton. They have worked so hard, turning up for rehearsals every week and practising between sessions. Their win was even more remarkable as they were performing alongside groups and individuals who attend professional dance schools.

“The reaction from audience and judges was overwhelming. Everyone was blown away by what these students had achieved. We received standing ovations, there were even tears! Judges described the performance as beautiful, moving and a demonstration of the diversity of dance.”

Individual wins

Student Ben Moore-Hill, from Sale, near Manchester, was delighted to receive a trophy for his performance in the mainstream street dance competition. The Creative Arts student, whose speciality is the ‘freeze frame’ move, said he was very happy with DDC’s success.

“I was emotional and cried happy tears. I was very proud to dance in front of my parents and in memory of my grandma who recently passed away,” he said.

“It felt like I was a professional dancer. I have been dancing a long time and would like to do it as a career. Carrying on my Street Dancing at Derwen College has made me more confident.

Derwen College winner at Wolverhampton street dance competition Nexstar 2020 — Ben was awarded second place in the mainstream over-16s street dance competition.

Ben has been performing street dance since he was at school and said he was pleased to be able to share his skills with Derwen College students .

“Opal has been brilliant. I can’t wait to perform at College Prizegiving in front of everyone.”

Creative Arts student Giverney Blomeley said:

“It’s really amazing. I was nervous on the day, then so happy we won. I was crying happy tears too.

“We only started in January. It has been difficult to learn the routines but we’ve practised hard and worked well together as a group, To help me learn, I videoed routines on my phone so I could practise between rehearsals. Performed four dances mashed together.

Performing Arts student Giverney is now looking forward to dancing at College Prizegiving and has started rehearsals for the College’s big Summer Show.

Competition raffle sponsor Steve Baxter from Sweet Memories in Wolverhampton, was so impressed with the Derwen Crew that he donated the raffle money to DDC to help cover the costs of future competitions. A big thank you to him from DDC and all at Derwen.

High Sheriff rewards outstanding young citizens

11th March 2020 by Eluned Watson

Derwen College students presented with High Sheriff Outstanding Young Citizen awards by High Sheriff Dr Josh Dixey. — James, Sam and Cerys were presented with certificates by Shropshire High Sheriff Dr Josh Dixey.

Three Derwen College students have been rewarded for their hard work and community spirit at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Derwen College students Cerys George, Sam Innes and James Ashworth were nominated for their work in College and the community at The Shropshire High Sheriff’s annual Outstanding Young Citizen Awards.

The event was hosted by Telford College and was attended by the three students from the college for young adults with special educational needs and disability (SEND) and autism. Cerys, Sam and James were all invited individually on to the stage to receive certificates watched on by staff and family.

Student Cerys George, from Shrewsbury, was rewarded for work in the community with sign and dance group Derwen on Tour and storytellers NarraTours. As well as for representing fellow students on the Student Union Board, and for her progress in Performing Arts and independence skills.

James Ashworth, from Abermule, in Powys, was nominated for his progress in the hospitality industry. This included winning first prize in the college-hosted Derwen Skills Live 2019. And for securing an evening work placement at Lepones restaurant in Oswestry.

Retail student Sam Innes, whose family live in London, was praised for his work raising awareness of Derwen College Charity, especially the Agnes Hunt Village project. He took part in activities to raise money for the charity, and spoke to an audience at the Agnes Hunt Village project launch about how living in the bungalows was progressing his independent living skills.

A difference in the community

The Young Citizenship Awards saw High Sheriff Dr Josh Dixey present certificates to school children and college students from across Shropshire who had worked to make a difference in their community.

Telford College Principal and chief executive Graham Guest said:
“This is a wonderful way to highlight and celebrate the many endeavours carried out by young people in our communities.
“Whether it’s voluntary work and community activities such as fundraising, youth work and mentoring, or environmental projects caring for a family member or being involved in a youth council, there are all kinds of reasons why young people deserve to be recognised.”

High Sheriff Dr Josh Dixey said:
“This prestigious event has been running for a number of years, and the awards are given in recognition of excellence and outstanding attitudes and actions among young people.”

National Careers Week

8th March 2020 by Eluned Watson

Derwen College celebrated National Careers Week, from 2nd to 7th March with a host of fun and informative activities to support students towards future employment.

Students at the specialist further education college for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) took on work-related tasks and challenges in Horticulture, Retail, Hospitality and Housekeeping, and Performing Arts.

The week also saw the official launch of a ground-breaking new CV Builder ‘app’ that the college has developed to enable people with SEND to create and send their own CV to potential employers, as well as the launch of the College’s Skills Live @Derwen 2020 Competition which take place on 23rd June.

See more pictures from across the College in our Facebook Careers Week album.

Derwen College CV Builder app developed with Hunter Bevan and Marches LEP funding — Derwen College’s new CV builder app which is supporting students to independently create and send a CV to potential employers.

Poster competition

Students were invited to take part in a poster competition highlighting the work and independence skills they had learnt with us. The ‘I couldn’t, but now I can …” competition received 47 entries which demonstrated a huge variety of skills. Themes varied across employment, independence and social skills. They included skills such as using a till in the Orangery Restaurant, learning lines for a performance, making sandwiches, using kitchen knife skills, folding clothes and going out to work in the community.

Of the competition, Derwen College Governor Barbara Court said: “It was inspiring to see such a large number of entries covering a diverse range of skills and knowledge that students recognised they had acquired whilst at College. These were transferable skills that will serve students in their work and independence skills at College, and in the future.”

A Future Aspirations workshop explored the key concept of ‘hope,’ to help battle anxiety and stress devised from the anticipation of post college life. Resources and video material were provided by #NCW to help inspire and challenge positives expectations and aspirations for career development.

Supporting students towards employment

Derwen College works hard to equip students with the skills and tools necessary to support them towards employment. We have an on-site restaurant, café, print shop, Garden Centre, Shop and mini Hotel 751 that offer work experience for students. Derwen also works with national and local businesses to provide relevant off-site work placements for students, preparing them for employment when they return to their home area.

With technical support from app developers Hunter Bevan Ltd, the college has created and developed innovative new apps to further support students into work. We have developed a suite of apps as part of a ‘Support Work’ project, funded via the Marches LEP Growth Deal with Government for capital skills projects.

The College is now looking forward to further promoting work skills during Skills Live @Derwen competitions on 23rd June. The College is hosting competitions to showcase student skills for potential employees across the UK, with entries welcomed from this week. For more information visit www.derwen.ac.uk/competitions/

Derwen College Quality Manager Samantha Brown said that the College is constantly supporting students in the pursuit of suitable employment, and they were pleased to focus on National Careers Week.

She said, “Careers Week provides a platform to celebrate the wider world of work. By embracing an across-college approach to career guidance and providing an insight into future work or learning possibilities through positive and fun exploration, we hope to empower students to develop and express their own aspirations.”