Money Week is pure gold for students at Bedford College

Pic caption:
Sue Newman (E2E Support Worker) and Emma Hearn (Student Finance Manager) pictured with students at a workshop session

Bedford College held a series of events during Money Week (8-12 March) helping highlight the importance of money management to students.

Workshop sessions included advice to cover budgeting, forms of borrowing including credit cards, moving out of home, working and adjusting to university life with practical tips on life skills as well as money management.

Blind tastings of food ranges from the most expensive to value ranges gave students the chance to find out about choice and value. With prices seven times the cost between brands, students could taste for themselves the real value of food, with the cheapest often proving the favourite.

Students took part in action packed games that added an element of pure gold to Money Week, with the use of gold (chocolate) coins. Personality quizzes highlighted money personalities such as money banks, money plotters, money bothered and money flops.

Money tips from students included:

“Spend in cash, rather than plastic, helping keep track of money.”

“Never go food shopping on an empty stomach”

“Don’t go shopping all the time – find something else to do!”

“If you use a credit card, remember it’s not free money.”

Student Finance Manager, Emma Hearn, explained that Money Week was being held at Bedford College for the first time in partnership with the Independent education charity, the National Skills Academy Financial Services (NSAFS), to promote financial literacy and money management skills during Money Week at 75 further education colleges across England and added:

“We are delighted to be working with the NSAFS as a way of getting important money management messages across to our students in Money Week. We advise students on a daily basis on all aspects of finance so they are able to budget for college, university or work life. Money Week gives us the chance to involve our students in activities and bring money management to life so that they have the skills to budget now and into the future.”

Money Week forms part of ‘Money for LiFE’, the further education project of the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) National Strategy for Financial Capability. NSAFS manages and delivers the programme across England, aiming to enhance the financial capability of over 30,000 learners across 75 FE colleges during this academic year.

Sylvia Perrins, CEO, NSAFS added: “Money Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness of and help develop the financial capability of young people in the UK. Our education establishments, like Bedford College, play a fundamental role in shaping the future and the work being done to support the development of a more ‘money-minded’ nation is commendable.

“The ongoing challenges in our current economic climate serve as a poignant reminder that the financial decisions we make, personally and nationally, are of utmost importance. Personal finance is a key skill which we believe should be taught from a young age to assist, maintain and strengthen the development of our financial services industry.”

The National Skills Academy for Financial Services offers national centres of excellence in education, skills training and development, working in partnership with employers to develop a workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to help service their customers’ financial needs.

Since launch in May 2007, NSAFS network has grown from four to over 20 providers that are now located in seven regions. For more information, visit: www.nsafs.co.uk

Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

4. Photographs available from Manners PR.

It all adds up for Maths Olympians at Bedford College

Pic caption:
Ian Pryce (Principal and Chief Executive) pictured with award winning students Ben Stringer and Lindsay Brown standing either side

Move over Archimedes and Pythagoras for a new generation of Maths Olympians…….

Bedford College achieved success in it's first attempt at the UK Senior Mathematics Challenge, picking up silver and bronze medals for A level students Ben Stringer, Lindsay Brown and Marta Wikariak.

Presenting students with their awards, Ian Pryce (Principal and Chief Executive) said:

“I am delighted that students at Bedford College have achieved such outstanding success in this national mathematics challenge, especially as I am a graduate mathematician.

“The College is well known for awards success in vocational areas such as construction and catering and it is good to see opportunities for national competitions opening up in mathematics and the sciences for our students.

“Many of our students go on to study at University and this Olympic-style success shows we are outstanding in both vocational and academic subjects.”

With strong mathematics and science provision, Bedford College welcomes students to study A levels in the 6th Form Centre. The well equipped science laboratories have been used by ITN News at Ten for 'Leadership Lab' and courses unraveling the mysteries of science include Forensics and Astronomy.

For students who want to go on to higher level science, engineering, business, computing or finance courses, Maths and Science A levels provide students with a thorough grounding in their chosen subject and lead to careers including medicine, architecture, scientific research and many more.

Ben Stringer is studying A level Maths, Physics, Further Maths and Psychology and aims to go on to study medicine at University and become a doctor.

Lindsay Brown is studying A level Maths, Further Maths, Pyschology and Business and plans to study Maths or Maths and Pyschology at University.

Marta Wikariak, studying A level Maths, Chemistry and Human Biology, was away at the time of the awards presentations attending a Pharmacy open day at University.

• Bedford College is one of the top ten FE Colleges in the UK with Outstanding Ofsted and Beacon Status awards among many others.

• Join Bedford College on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/yl88mhf or follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/bedfordcollege to keep up to date with news, offers and events.

• To find out more about courses at Bedford College ring 01234 291000 or go online to www.bedford.ac.uk

Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.
2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.
3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

Jobs for the girls - it's WICed at Bedford College

Pic caption: TV filmed the event

More than 500 girls from schools across the eastern region attended the WICed (Women into Construction and Engineering) event held for the third year running in Bedford on 5 February.

Women of all ages, from those still at school to those who want a career change, took part in practical activities from plumbing to thatching. They were able to talk to professionals from the industry about the opportunities available, receiving practical advice and guidance from industry experts about getting started on a career for life.

Mel Chalkly and Sandra Edwards, joined Bedford College to put their ideas for a new business into action. They now run their own successful interior design and painting and decorating business, Pink Ladders. Exhibiting at WICed gave them the opportunity to speak to women about careers in their industry. They said:

“We want to encourage girls and women to get into the trade and there are so many industries here today from bricklaying to planning and surveying. This is a great way to find out about careers in Construction and Engineering.

“The women of today should be able to feel confident about joining what have been male dominated industries in the past.

“We both studied at Bedford College and have a love of colour and design that we bring to our clients. It is hard work setting up a new business and you need the combination of qualifications and experience. Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining that experience.

“If we can get one message across to women today it would be: Work hard, be positive, determined and focused. You can have a successful and interesting career in Construction and Engineering.”

WICed, an initiative of ConstructionSkills, was delivered in partnership with Bedford College and key partners include Aim Higher, Barnfield College, Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership (BLEBP), Institute of Structural Engineers, Construction, Constructing Excellence, Construction Industry Council, Construction Training Ltd and Train 4 Trade Skills.

Warren Edwards, Director for Technology and Construction at Bedford College, said:

“We need to redress inequalities of women working in the Construction and Engineering industry and by training women in construction and engineering skills we can do that. There are fantastic career opportunities in these industries which include traditional craft trades and highly paid professions such as construction management, architecture and surveying, aero, mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. Women are in demand in the modern world and help to build and sustain the world of today and the future through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. Many will have studied at Bedford College.

“Bedford College is at the forefront of sustainability and renewable energy technologies. We offer courses spanning from traditional skills to those embracing the latest renewable and sustainable technologies and have developed many partnerships in this growing industry.

“As more people become aware of the need to conserve energy there will be more demand for these new technologies. We provide the courses so that industry is ready to meet that demand.”

Bedford College's high-tech Construction and Technology Centre is rated one of the best of its kind in the region by Ofsted. The College is recognised by the Government as a Training Quality Standard (TQS) provider for its work with employers.

For more information contact: Bedford College on 01234 291000.

Editors' notes

1. About ConstructionSkills
ConstructionSkills is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the construction industry. It is a partnership between CITB-ConstructionSkills, CIC and CITB Northern Ireland. It is UK-wide and represents the whole industry from professional consultancies to major contractors and SMEs.

Established as an SSC in 2003, ConstructionSkills is working to deliver a safe, professional and fully qualified construction workforce. All three partners are committed to working together to deliver industry-led skills and training solutions through the Sector Skills Agreement for construction. We work to negotiate the best partnership and funding deals for the construction industry to help raise standards and we develop the skills products and services employers need.

The construction sector is central to the UK economy, generating over 8% of UK GDP and with a turnover of more than £210bn a year.

2. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

3. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

4. Photographs available from Manners PR.

5. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

MP Patrick Hall launches Apprenticeship Week at Bedford College

Pic caption
l-r Danny Foolkes (apprentice), Patrick Hall MP and Karl Mastrolacasa (electrician)

Patrick Hall, MP for Bedford and Kempston, launched Apprenticeship Week at Bedford College by shadowing an electrotechnical apprentice and electrician on site on Monday 1 February 2010.

Shadowing Danny Foolkes (apprentice) and Karl Mastrolacasa (electrician) with Craddocks Electrical Services Ltd gave Patrick the opportunity to find out what it means to be an apprentice working with a local company and studying at Bedford College.

Talking about the apprenticeship scheme, Patrick Hall MP said:

“It is good to see apprenticeships making a comeback and encouraging seeing the co-operation between government (LSC), Bedford College, local employers and students that makes the apprenticeship scheme such a success. This is an excellent example of investing in skills for the future.”

Apprentice Danny Foolkes is in his first year of a 3.5 year apprenticeship, working 4 days a week on site with Craddocks Electrical Services Ltd and studying one day a week at Bedford College. Danny is following in his family’s footsteps - his grandfather is the founder of the family run business based in Bedford. Danny added:

“There is certainly a lot to learn and the combination of on the job training and studying at Bedford College suits me. Experienced electricians tell me that they are continually learning and so it doesn’t stop once you are qualified. We learn all aspects of the trade and safety plays a huge part.

“The tutors at Bedford College have all worked in the trade and their experience and knowledge is a really valuable part of the apprenticeship scheme.”

Bedford College has over 215 apprentices working in a range of sectors and industries and works closely with employers to ensure that apprentices of today become the qualified workforce of the future.

Apprenticeship schemes blend work and study to offer young people the chance to become qualified in the sector of their choice, with 4 days a week in the workplace and 1 day a week in College. They learn what it means to work and to study for industry recognised qualifications leading to careers in Business Administration, Catering, Construction, Child Care, Customer Service, Electrotechnical Services, Electrical Engineering, Hairdressing, IT, Mechanical Engineering, Motor vehicle and Plumbing.

Apprenticeship Week is a national event celebrating the talents and skills of apprentices and highlighting to employers the advantages of supporting apprentices in the workplace.

• Bedford College will be welcoming employers to a Business Breakfast on Thursday 4 February to raise the profile of apprenticeship schemes and highlight the benefits to employers.

• WICed (Women in Construction and Engineering) will be held on Friday 5 February at the Bunyan Centre, Mile Road, Bedford. The event is aimed at women of all ages to encourage them into the fields of construction and engineering.

Bedford College is one of the top ten FE Colleges in the UK with Outstanding Ofsted and Beacon Status awards among many others.

Join Bedford College Training Services on Facebook http://bit.ly/5Tgqnx or follow us on Twitter http://bit.ly/51kY1X to keep up to date with news, offers and events!

Editors’ notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info: Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. Photographs available.

4. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

Art exhibition reveals secrets of science at South Bank Arts Centre

Pic caption:
l-r Ian Pryce (Principal and Chief Exec), Sue Blackman (Director of Centre for the Arts) and artist Julie Freeman

World renowned local artist Julie Freeman has launched an art exhibition at Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre, open to the public until 12 March.

Julie began life in Dunstable where she attended Dunstable College for 2 years studying Graphic Design. She gained a BSc at Plymouth University and ran a media design company “Studio Fish” in London where she worked with the Hayward Gallery, the BBC and the Science Museum.

Julie is Artist in Residence at the Microsystems & Nanotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, and Associate Researcher at Goldsmiths Digital Studio. She holds an MA in Digital Art from the Lansdown Centre for Electronic Arts, Middlesex University, and is a NESTA fellow and Wellcome Trust arts awardee. Her work has been exhibited across the UK, including at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Science Museum, and internationally in Brazil, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Russia, and the USA.

The exhibition “In Particular” features 16 graphic artworks and 16 texts that draw inspiration from nanotechnology. Julie collaborated with Professor Jeremy Ramsden to understand the science behind the stories.

Talking about “In Particular” to be exhibited at the South Bank Arts Centre, Julie says:

“I’ve always been seduced by technology – how it can be used to interact and communicate with the natural world, enabling appreciation of the obscured or concealed, and how it can exhibit truth or lies with equal gravitas, sometimes purposefully misinterpreting reality. I am interested in the translation of hidden biological systems through abstraction or metaphor, as graphic, sound, animation or object. My work is rarely predictable, I often feel I construct open frameworks which allow the free flow of content into them.”
Sue Blackman, Director of Centre for the Arts, added:

“I am delighted to welcome visiting artists to our gallery space in the South Bank Arts Centre.

“This is a living contemporary art space for the community where they will see a wide range of art including photography, film, animation, graphic design, fashion and textiles. The visiting artists will also offer workshops and lectures to our students. We want to reach out to our local community and encourage people to come along and see for themselves the talent that is at the heart of Bedford.

“The South Bank Arts Centre is a community space for the artistic talent of local people. This is the place where people can access or create art, with a buzz of creativity all year round. We have recording studios, theatre and art studios and a variety of space that the local community can hire.

“I am keen to encourage local contemporary artists, including ex students, to use the centre as a launch pad for their talent and careers and a platform to exhibit their work.”

Exhibition dates:
15Jan-19Feb Julie Freeman
22 Feb–12 March Rosalind Davis (mixed media painter and graduate of RCA fusing embroidery, print and paint to create complex and dystopian landscapes).

Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.
2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.
3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk
4. Photographs available from Manners PR.
5. For more about Julie Freeman see www.translatingnature.org
6. For more about the “In Particular” project see www.in-particular.net

Bedford Learning Centre Celebrates Student Success

Pic caption:
l-r Pauline Woodward (Manager of Bedford Learning Centre), Michelle and David Farmer, Sharon Retson (Director, Bright Learning Solutions) and Sharon Chinneck (Director of Enterprise Bedford College).

An Achievers Evening at Bedford Learning Centre on 20 January celebrated the success of students who have achieved IT qualifications, boosting their CVs, career opportunities and confidence.

Part of Bedford College, the Bedford Learning Centre was set up in 2001 and has helped over 6,000 local people to develop their IT skills, knowledge and understanding to help ensure they get the best from their computers.

Pauline Woodward, manager of the Bedford Learning Centre, congratulating achievers said:

“We are all here to celebrate your success and are proud to have been part of that success. We are aware it is often a real juggling act to fit study around your other commitments. Well done to everyone who has achieved success at the Bedford Learning Centre.”

Bedford Learning Centre is an important part of Bedford College’s success and this year has been outstanding. In January Bedford College achieved outstanding Ofsted, in June Beacon status and in August Shuttleworth College became part of Bedford College.

As part of Bedford College, the Learning Centres are fully equipped IT centres set up on the doorsteps of local people in Bedford, Luton and Rushden. They offer people from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and ages the chance to tap into IT courses to improve their skills and life or career opportunities.

With over 550 people currently studying across all three Learning Centres, a variety of courses are on offer including Literacy and Numeracy, Introduction to Computers ITQ (level 2 qualification) and short courses including Web Design and Photo Editing.

Students who achieved success included:

Pete Martin:

Pete returned to Bedford after living in Canada and Australia for the last 4 years and wanted to upgrade his IT skills.

He explained:

“I am trying to find a job in Marketing/Advertising/Sales and wanted to strengthen my CV with a sound knowledge of IT to meet the demands of job descriptions.

“Recently I’ve been working in Peterborough advertising a new walk-in centre and definitely got that job as a result of the training at the Bedford Learning Centre.

“The flexibility of study here was really helpful as it fitted in with work patterns. It was tough but worth it.”

Charles Stallard:

After successfully achieving NVQ 2, Charles is considering going on to study further at level 3.

He said:

“This is unlike any training courses I have undertaken before – it’s so much better. The flexibility of being able to come in for 2 hour sessions when it suits you is extremely helpful. I’ve also completed some project work at home and that fits in well with other commitments.

My wife and I joined the Bedford Learning Centre after seeing a leaflet and attending a free session. We have both achieved success and are delighted we decided to come here.

As a bus driver, I don’t need the IT skills for my job but am already using them in clubs and organisations I belong to at work and church.

Kayleigh Cook:

Kayleigh sees the Bedford Learning Centre as a stepping stone into web design and plans to study further at Bedford College.

She will be using her new skills to design a website for the shop where she works and sees internet shopping as vital to businesses today.

Kayleigh explained that the flexible study plans and 1:1 assistance from tutors was of great benefit, especially as she is dyslexic and added:

“The tutors take time to explain and are really helpful – I am trying to persuade friends to come along and study here. I noticed the Bedford Learning Centre from the High Street and came along to the open day – I haven’t looked back since.”

David Crumlin:

David decided to upgrade his skills and gain an IT qualification after being made redundant. He explained:

“I have enjoyed studying at the Bedford Learning Centre and it came at the right time for me. The flexibility of study here has been really helpful, along with the tutors who always find time to explain when needed. I have now retired but the skills I have learnt here are really useful.

“I would definitely tell anyone to come along and find out themselves how the Bedford Learning Centre can help them.”

David Farmer was delighted to win a laptop in a prize draw, and Brenda Griffiths thrilled to win books in an IT quiz competition, sponsored by Bright Learning Solutions who assist Bedford College in running the Learning Centres.

Editors’ notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info: Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

Women into Construction and Engineering

Mel and Sandra of Pink Ladders will be at WICed talking about their successful business on
Friday 5 February 2010 (10.00 am to 3.00 pm)
Bunyan Centre, Mile Road, Bedford.

Bedford College is to stage WiC-ed for the third year running, this year widening participation to attract a regional audience of industry professionals, employers and stakeholders.

Women of all ages, from school students to women who want a change of career, are invited to attend WIC-ed to find out about the varied careers available in the Construction and Engineering fields. Participants will be able to take part in many practical activities, talk to professionals from the industry about the opportunities available and receive practical advice and guidance from industry experts about getting started on a career for life.

The Construction and Engineering industries offer a wide range of career opportunities for women. There will be many women professionals at the event who can tell you how they started their careers and progressed in the industry or started their own business, and offer hands on advice.

Warren Edwards, Director for Technology and Construction at Bedford College, said:

“We need to redress inequalities of women working in the Construction and Engineering industry and by training women in construction and engineering skills we can do that. There are fantastic career opportunities in these industries which include traditional craft trades and highly paid professions such as construction management, architecture and surveying, aero, mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. Women are in demand in the modern world and help to build and sustain the world of today and the future through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. Many will have studied at Bedford College.

“Bedford College is at the forefront of sustainability and renewable energy technologies. We offer courses spanning from traditional skills to those embracing the latest renewable and sustainable technologies and have developed many partnerships in this growing industry.

“As more people become aware of the need to conserve energy there will be more demand for these new technologies. We provide the courses so that industry is ready to meet that demand.”

Bedford College's high-tech Construction and Technology Centre is rated one of the best of its kind in the region by Ofsted. The College is recognised by the Government as a Training Quality Standard (TQS) provider for its work with employers.

For more information contact: Bedford College on 01234 291000.

Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. Photographs available from Manners PR.

4. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

5. List of WiC-ed sponsors are
ConstructionSkills
Bedford College
Barnfield College
Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business
Partnership (BLEBP)
Construction
Construction Industry Council
Aim Higher
Train 4 Trade Skills
Construction Training Ltd
Constructing Excellence
Institute of Structural Engineers

Learning Centres Celebrate Student Success

Learning Centres in Bedford, Luton and Rushden celebrated student success at Achievers Evenings held in December and January.

David Pridmore, Deputy Principal and Director of Bedford College, said:

“Thanks to all staff for their commitment and dedication to the work of the Learning Centres. Your efforts are recognised in the success of the learners who have achieved so much.”

Esther Rantzen campaigner, journalist, president and founder of Childline and prospective MP for Luton South, met students and staff at the Luton Learning Centre and said:

“I want to congratulate all staff and learners on the achievement of mastering the art of computer science.

“Through these skills not only have you given yourselves new opportunities, skills and new careers but it has made me feel perhaps I can sign up here!

“I am here because I love Luton – I think it is terrific. I fell in love with it at first sight. Congratulations on your home town and on your success at the Luton Learning Centre.”

Up to 100 students were presented with certificates at each Learning Centre, celebrating their achievements in ITQ. This qualification not only gives people IT skills and qualifications, recognised by employers worldwide, but boosts confidence and gives them the opportunity to move up the career ladder.

As part of Bedford College, the Learning Centres are fully equipped IT centres set up on the doorsteps of local people in Bedford, Luton and Rushden. They offer people from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and ages the chance to tap into IT courses to improve their skills and life or career opportunities.

Each Learning Centre has 30 computers installed with the latest software and offer free training at flexible times to suit individual lifestyles.

With over 550 people currently studying across all three Learning Centres, a variety of courses are on offer including Literacy and Numeracy, Introduction to Computers ITQ (level 2 qualification) and short courses including Web Design and Photo Editing.

Learning Centres offer a range of different courses that support learners with no or little computer skills to those who need to update or brush up existing skills.

A winning prize of a laptop was offered at a prize draw held at each Achievers Evening, sponsored by Bright Learning Solutions.

Editors’ notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info: Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

Art to Art at South Bank Arts Centre

World renowned local artist Julie Freeman is to launch an exhibition at Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre that will see visiting artists bringing art to art students and local people.

The exhibition begins on 15 January 2010 with a private view of Julie Freeman’s work that will be open to the public from 18 January. Two exhibitions follow hot on the heels of Julie’s work and run until 12 March (see below).

Julie began life in Dunstable where she attended Dunstable College for 2 years studying Graphic Design. She gained a BSc at Plymouth University and ran a media design company “Studio Fish” in London where she worked with the Hayward Gallery, the BBC and the Science Museum.

Julie is Artist in Residence at the Microsystems & Nanotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, and Associate Researcher at Goldsmiths Digital Studio. She holds an MA in Digital Art from the Lansdown Centre for Electronic Arts, Middlesex University, and is a NESTA fellow and Wellcome Trust arts awardee. Her work has been exhibited across the UK, including at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Science Museum, and internationally in Brazil, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Russia, and the USA.

The exhibition “In Particular” features 16 graphic artworks and 16 texts that draw inspiration from nanotechnology. Julie collaborated with Professor Jeremy Ramsden to understand the science behind the stories.

Talking about “In Particular” to be exhibited at the South Bank Arts Centre, Julie says:

“I’ve always been seduced by technology – how it can be used to interact and communicate with the natural world, enabling appreciation of the obscured or concealed, and how it can exhibit truth or lies with equal gravitas, sometimes purposefully misinterpreting reality. I am interested in the translation of hidden biological systems through abstraction or metaphor, as graphic, sound, animation or object. My work is rarely predictable, I often feel I construct open frameworks which allow the free flow of content into them.”
Sue Blackman, Director of Centre for the Arts, added:

“I am delighted to welcome visiting artists to our gallery space in the South Bank Arts Centre.

“This is a living contemporary art space for the community where they will see a wide range of art including photography, film, animation, graphic design, fashion and textiles. The visiting artists will also offer workshops and lectures to our students. We want to reach out to our local community and encourage people to come along and see for themselves the talent that is at the heart of Bedford.

“The South Bank Arts Centre is a community space for the artistic talent of local people. This is the place where people can access or create art, with a buzz of creativity all year round. We have recording studios, theatre and art studios and a variety of space that the local community can hire.

“I am keen to encourage local contemporary artists, including ex students, to use the centre as a launch pad for their talent and careers and a platform to exhibit their work.”

Exhibition dates:
18-29 Jan Julie Freeman
1-12 Feb Students - graphics posters
22 Feb–12 March Rosalind Davis (mixed media painter and graduate of RCA fusing embroidery, print and paint to create complex and dystopian landscapes).

Editors' notes

1. Media welcome to private review on 15 January (12.30-2.00 pm) – invitation only event.

2. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

3. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

4. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

5. Photographs available from Manners PR.

6. For more about Julie Freeman see www.translatingnature.org

7. For more about the “In Particular” project see www.in-particular.net

Students flying high at Bedford College

Students and staff from Travel and Tourism are to feature in a series of films following them on a cabin crew training day at Monarch Airlines and studying at Bedford College.

The films, commissioned by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, will offer on-line support to those delivering the new Diploma in Travel and Tourism for students aged 14+ from 2010. The new diplomas are designed for students aged 14-19 and are set to become one of the three main education choices -alongside GCSEs, A levels and apprenticeships.

Susie Addison (Advanced Practitioner for Travel and Tourism and Diploma Line of Learning Lead at Bedford College) explained that students attending a one day training course for cabin crew with Monarch Airlines had gained valuable experience and said:

“Our students had to work to professional industry standards on a mock-up of a full sized airline cabin and were faced with a number of emergencies that put their knowledge, reactions and ability to work under pressure to the test. Emergencies included rescuing passengers from smoke filled cabins and evacuating from the rescue shoot of the aircraft.

“We are delighted that they performed well and as a result have been chosen to feature in films showcasing the new diploma at national level.”

Bedford College has a well established range of full and part time courses in Travel and Tourism, offering students the opportunity to gain the qualifications they need to go on to study at degree level or take up careers in hospitality, leisure, event management and travel and tourism. Part time study is an attractive option to people who want a career change or have been faced with redundancy and use that as an opportunity to study and boost their qualifications.

Students at Bedford College also have the advantage of teaching staff with industry experience, bringing first hand knowledge and expertise to courses, combined with strong links with the Travel and Tourism industry.

Work experience is a vital part of courses and placements give students at Bedford College a real taste of working life in the fast lane of airlines such as Monarch, Easyjet, British Airways and Thomas Cook, travel operators such as Thomas Cook and Thomson, travel agencies and hotel and leisure companies.

Susie Addison added:

“This is a good time to join Bedford College and study towards an exciting career in Travel and Tourism. We are well placed near to international airports, head offices of travel operators and to the Olympics in London with career opportunities in tourism and event management.

“Students aged 14+ will now have the opportunity to study Travel and Tourism with the new diploma that will be available from September 2010. We will be working as part of the mid and north Beds School Consortium that includes Biddenham, Mark Rutherford, Wootton and Sharnbrook Upper Schools.

“With well established courses, links with industry and working with our local upper schools, we are ready to extend our expertise and incorporate it into the diploma to be launched from September 2010.”

“The idea is to give students from 14 years old the chance of studying for a diploma that will give them a platform into further study or careers in this vibrant industry.”

A Diploma Roadshow on 8 and 9 December at schools in the county will give upper school students in year 9 the opportunity to find out more about what is on offer and speak to students in year 2 of their studies in Travel and Tourism.

To find out more about courses in Travel and Tourism see www.bedford.ac.uk or ring 01234 291000.

* Anyone interested in getting a flavour of the Travel and Tourism course as well as the college, can join a Student Experience (Buddy Day) to shadow someone already on the course. You get a 'goodie bag' which includes a £2 voucher towards lunch in the college refectory.
These days can be offered individually or as part of a group running into 2010. Details from Ellen Punter Schools and Community Liaison Officer at Bedford College.

Editors’ notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. Photographs available.

4. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

5. For more about Specialist Schools and Academies Trust see www.ssatrust.org.uk

Bedford College superwoman is very “special”

With the skills and talents of Super Woman and Mary Poppins, Steph Walsh takes on a variety of responsibilities focused on helping young people who need guidance and care.

As Lecturer in Childcare at Bedford College for the last 10 years and Special Constable with Bedfordshire Police for 17 years, Steph is to combine these skills in her new role in partnership with with Bedford College’s Assistant Director Raj Mandal to deliver a Level 2 programme in Public Services to the Police.

Wayne Humberstone (Special Constabulary Co-ordinator, Bedfordshire Police) says:

“We are keen to work with as many partners as possible across the county to encourage more individuals to become Volunteer Police Officers. The role is challenging and Volunteer Police Officers have the added advantage of gaining valuable transferable skills”.

Meanwhile back at home Steph has other duties:

As full time Foster Carer for nearly 10 years, Steph offers guidance and care to troubled and challenging teenagers. Up to 20 children aged 10+ have received Steph's care and support, from one night to eighteen months.
Working under the umbrella of the Youth Care Scheme in Central Bedfordshire, Steph was the first carer in the pilot scheme set up in 2005 and is now joined by 14 other full time foster carers. This offers young people aged 10+ years dedicated support in the home of foster carers on a one to one basis and 24 hours a day. Challenges for foster carers dealing with troubled young people include those who refuse to go to school or are excluded by school and those who abscond regularly and may be involved in criminal or anti-social activity.

Steph explained that her drive comes from the knowledge that many young people do not have the best start in life and deserve a chance and says:

“There are many rewards as a foster carer - and when you see an improvement in behaviour, confidence and independence it means so much. You need to have time and patience and be open to all situations - what fits with one individual may not fit with another.

“You get such a lot back but may not always see it straight away. It's important to have a relaxed attitude and not take things personally as a foster carer. Just when you think the young person hasn't listened to a word you've been saying - you realise they have.

“Often it means simply acting as a mum or dad and asking the young person why they are behaving in a certain way.

“At Central Bedfordshire we are a close knit team that support each other and work closely with police and social workers to get the best for the young people we care for.”

Young people who need support are carefully matched to families with similar aged children or where they will fit in. Steph can see how this works as her own son has shared his mum and home with other young people from the age of 5 years.

After leaving foster care, the young person may start semi-independent living or return home.

Steph's experience in foster care is also used to advise groups including:

Northamptonshire County Council's Fostering Panel, where she reviews applications for fostering.

Newly set up Contact Point, a web-based national system for professionals who may have a concern about child protection. The system shows the lead contact with responsibility for a particular child. It strengthens communication channels and child protection and is in response to the Laming Report. As part of the Shielding Review Panel, Steph is responsible for making sure information is kept confidential when needed.

Set up last year, the Children's Workforce Development Council sets standards for those working with children and foster carers provide evidence to show how they work to support young people. Steph sits on a development panel to verify portfolios from foster carers in Bedfordshire.

With all that work - what better way to relax than with a cup of tea and slice of cake.

Anyone else might just pop into a café - but not Steph. She has always dreamed of having a traditional tea shop where people can meet socially. Not one to sit back and dream, Steph is about to make the dream a reality.

The Tea Rooms in Wollaston, due to open in the autumn, will not only serve tea and cakes but can be hired out for events from christenings, anniversaries and birthdays for those aged 1-101.
Steph's energy and enthusiasm as a foster carer have brought her to the attention of national media, where she has appeared on the Paul O'Grady Show, BBC Breakfast Time and BBC Radio 4 all in support of foster care and the young people she champions.

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Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.
2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.
3. For more about Bedford College see http://www.bedford.ac.uk/