HIGHBURY HIGHLIGHTS Issue 4

NUS National Conference 2015

On 21 – 23 April 2015, the annual NUS National Conference took place at the Arena and Convention Centre in Liverpool.

NUS National Conference is the sovereign policy-making body of NUS. Around a thousand delegates from students’ union across the country attended the conference to discuss, debate and vote on motions as well as electing the political leadership of NUS for the year ahead.

On day one of this year’s conference, delegates received a welcome to Liverpool city from Jay McKenna, a North West TUC representative and guest speaker, Rick Edwards, Channel 4 presenter.

Following a warm welcome, the opening of business at conference began with the Priority Zone report, which saw the first motion (Motion 101: A New Politics for the Next Generations) passed.

At the conference, the cuts facing Further Education, through to its changing landscape as a whole, have been highlighted within the Education Zone report. It was great to see delegates passionately debating and fighting for changes.

For the full round-up report of the National Conference, visits NUSConnect website.

Highbury College Student Conference

NUS National President-Elect, Megan Dunn

On Thursday 30th April 2015, over 30 students attended our annual Student Conference. This year’s conference was focused on Student Engagement, and mainly what we can do to improve engagement within the college across all of our campuses. The day was attended by guest speaker, Angelina Linker a Governors Development Officer from the National Union of Students, who gave a motivating presentation on how to recognise problems and get your voice heard to enhance students’ college experience.

Student Union and Student Support Services took the lead in the afternoon, focusing on the trends that had risen and looking at how we can make the improvements needed. We rounded the day off with the students having the opportunity to question two members of the Colleges Senior Leadership Team.

NUS Vice President-Elect (FE), Shakira Martin

NUS Vice President-Elect (HE), Sorana Vieru

NUS Vice President-Elect (Welfare), Shelly Asquith

NUS Vice President-Elect (Society & Citizenship),

Piers Telemacque

NUS Vice President-Elect (Union Development),

Richard Brooks

It was a massive success with a great turn out, having the opportunity to hear from students from across the whole College. Outcomes and feedback from the day are currently being collated by the Student Union and Student Support and Alumni Services to be made available to all students.

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Message from the Principal Dear Students I am proud of the work this College does in providing education and training to help people gain the skills and qualifications they need to get a good job, continue to higher education and succeed in life. To make sure that politicians understand the value of our work in the FE sector, delivered by 300 colleges in England, we need to highlight some key points. For example, a recent announcement confirmed that funding for courses for people aged 19 and over will be cut by 24% next year. A petition has been set up to oppose this cut. I have signed it and I encourage you to do so. By maximising the number of signatures, in advance of the General Election, we can ensure that all political parties understand the importance of education and training. Thank you for your support. Stella Mbubaegbu CBE Principal & Chief Executive

The Government announced cuts of up to 24% to the Adult Skills budget for 2015/16

Save Adult Education

Sign the Petition Here

Silicon Beach

Students and staff at Portsmouth’s Highbury College are soaking up even more of the current digital era with a new themed beach hut in the library of the main campus at Highbury. The eye-catching new area, complete with deckchairs, is a place where they can go to aid their study with all benefits of Skype, Google and YouTube. It comes with themed deckchairs, provided by the Southsea Deckchair Company, and state of the art media equipment. Similarly digital beach hut areas are also being rolled out at the College’s other 2 libraries. An impressive and fully flexible digital learning area has also been introduced, inspired by the pioneering educational leader Professor Sugata Mitra, the first winner of £1m dollar TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) prize for his inspirational ‘School in the Cloud’ project. The Highbury College SOLE (Self Organised Learning Environment) Centre is the first in the world to be developed for vocational learning.

It will enable Highbury College students to take part in master classes with leading experts from around the world as well as to enjoy, on a daily basis, facilities that support the skills of creativity and collaboration which are increasingly sought after by employers. Professor Mitra has worked with staff and students at Highbury College since 2013 and, along with other global technology innovators such as Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the world famous MIT Media Lab, has shaped the development of the College’s innovate 2015-2018 Digital Futures Strategy which was also launched at the event. Opening the SOLE Centre via Skype, Professor Mitra joined Highbury’s Principal & Chief Executive Stella Mbubaegbu CBE who thanked everyone involved in establishing this new facility for our students.

“It’s so Highbury” she said, “to be at the forefront of digital technology in a creative and innovative way, bringing people together and transcending borders”. The digital beach hut and SOLE Centre have opened hot on the heels of the recently- launched College coding ‘CODE2B’ – where students learn to code, develop mobile apps, and use devices such as Raspberry Pi in a fun learning environment. “These initiatives mark Highbury College’s commitment to ensuring our students get every opportunity to develop as fully fledged digital citizens operating within a global digital environment,” explained Cathy Ellis, Director of Enquiry and Emerging Practice. Cathy has been working closely with Professor Mitra as part of her doctoral research exploring the use of SOLEs in Further Education. “Our new SOLE centre is a ‘college in the cloud’, where we will focus on vocational curriculum and partner with the schools in the cloud through our students to discuss skills and jobs,” she said. “It’s another first for Highbury College and we’re delighted to reinforce our commitment to the global SOLE community”.

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Warm Hospitality

Chloe & Penny are seen proudly receiving their award from Alfredo Abad, Chairman of the IoH Southern Branch, and Anne Harper, Head of the awarding body.

Two Highbury College catering students were in the honours at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Chloe Moseby was named Food Craft Student of the Year at the Institute of Hospitality Southern Branch event at the exclusive Lainston House Hotel in Winchester. She’s currently studying for her NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (Patisserie and Confectionary).

She picked up stylish trophy, a masterclass at Lainston House Hotel, a masterclass at the 5-star Chewton Glen Hotel at Barton-on-Sea, and a year’s membership of the Institute of Hospitality.

Her friend and fellow student Penny Hutchinson was runner-up Hospitality Student of the Year. She too received a trophy, as well as a year’s IoH membership.

The two had produced their own videos showcasing their skills, and answered questions from the judges about why they are inspired by and interested in the industry.

Chloe is no stranger to success: “In my first year I entered the Wessex Salon Culinaire competition and won bronze and silver medals for my work,” she said.

“I also entered the competition again whilst studying my level 2 course. This time I entered a wedding cake, a novelty cake, and a dozen princess themed cupcakes. I won bronze for each one of the competitions I entered and I aim to enter again this year and achieve a higher award for my work.”

Another competition that I have entered is the Brakes Challenge. Myself and two other students worked together last year and we came 2nd in the regional heat.

It is really rather lovely to have my work recognised and awarded for what it is worth. It gives you a sense of achievement that just can’t be beat. I think that as long as there are competitions that will help improve my skills and my talents then I will try my hardest to succeed in them!”

Caring and Sharing

An exciting new community care venture is all set to be launched in the Portsmouth area in what’s believed to be the first collaboration of its kind in the country.

Called Collingwood Care, the new enterprise has been set up to bring high quality, professional care with a personal touch to the elderly living at home.

It’s being run by husband-and-wife team Peter and Victoria Jobson, working in partnership with Highbury College. It’s been given the seal of approval by the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulators of Health and Social Care in England, who rigorously check to ensure the highest possible standards are being maintained.

The success is a dream come true for the couple, who are full of praise for all the support they’re received from Highbury.

“We want to get the elderly back into the community, instead of being stuck in their houses,” said Victoria. “As far as we know, this is the first collaboration of its kind in the country and we can’t thank Highbury enough for all the help and support we’ve received.”

With a strong family background in social care, Victoria first started part-time at Highbury back in 2006. She already has NVQs level 2, 3 and 4 in Health and Social Care and is going on to do her Level 5 Diploma – which is equivalent to a second year degree. Husband Peter had worked in business development in the catering and logistics sectors.

Their big break-through came when they approached the college to see what resources and courses might be available to help them set up in business on their own. They were quickly directed to the college’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, run by Wendy Funnell, where they enrolled on a Level course in Creating and Sustaining in Business – and the rest is history!

Working in partnership with the college, they now operate out of Highbury Campus and will soon be recruiting 3 experienced carers providing work experience for Health and Social care students and taking on at least 2 apprentices.

Congratulations to Students

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FE Chaplaincy – Easter Garden On 2nd April, 4 Northabour Carpentry & Joinery students worked in collaboration with Sharon Court from FE Chaplaincy to create an “Easter Garden”. There is a representation of the Garden of Gethsemone with three crucifixes in the middle. Alton Towers Trip On Wednesday 29th April, the Students’ Union along with 30 Highbury Students went to Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire. Although it was an early morning and a long day, it was great to relax on the rides and celebrate a great year for our Students and the Union.

Go Karting Trip With assessments and exams currently taking place, this period can be a stressful for even the most prepared students. A group of students enjoy a fun afternoon at TeamSport Go Karting Gosport. Despite our competitive nature, we all had fun!

Highbury College’s Student Union President Elections Voting for the 2015/16 President of the Student Union was carried out online via MyCourse and MyDay. There were 2 candidates for the election, Nam Kanram and Re-Open Nominations. The election was held over a week, from the 4th – 8th May 2015. Nam Kanram has been re-elected for a second term. See below for Nam’s Manifesto.

My name is Nam Kanram. I am re-running to be your Sabbatical Student Union President.

It has been a year since I was first elected to become President. During my time, I have seen many positive changes and I

want to develop these further. Twelve months on I am as passionate as ever about representing students, providing

great student experience and making Highbury College’s Student Union the strongest student union it can be.

This year I worked with the Student Support Services team and NUS to lead Bite The Ballot – a voter registration campaign within our college, raising

awareness and encouraging our students to register and vote at this upcoming General Election 2015. During my presidential term I have increased student

voice engagement, actively listening to students and acting on feedback. As a result this year the student union has organised more trips and events proposed

by students, created a monthly student e-newsletter and increased students’ participation.

If re-elected as the Student Union President I will…

Continue to work hard to raise awareness of the Student Union, other services and enrichment activities with the college

Continue to improve communication between the Student Union and students to provide everyone with regular updates on the Student Union using

all forms of social media and e-newsletter. I will also actively listen to students and seek new platforms to gather your views

Continue to increase engagement with students by promoting the Student Union by being present on all three campuses on a regular basis

Develop an effective Student Union, ensuring students have a Student Union that enables them to be social, a place to make new friends and a place

that represents the diverse community that we are proud to have

I strongly believe I have the skills that will enable me to achieve. My previous academic experience helped me to develop excellent organisation skills, as I often planned and organised my study workloads. This skill has assisted me to consistently meet the deadlines and to take responsibility for my own work. Furthermore, it has also allowed me to improve communication, presentation, research skills and team-working skills through working in a team to complete group projects.

As current Student Union President, I had the opportunity to work with and assist Highbury College colleagues with organising and coordinating enrichment activities. These roles helped me gain and develop valuable administration skills and better understanding of the job roles but also the importance of Student Union within Highbury College.

I am a hard working individual and always give a full hundred per cent. I am confident in my ability and believe that I have the right attitude and potential to do be successful as a Student Union President.

Students’ Union Updates

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Media students’ TV appearance

Back in February, the Student Union and Student Support Services ran a successful ‘Bite the Ballot’ campaign that aim to encourage young students to register to vote.

In April/May, ahead of the General Election, students were encouraged to go out to the polling stations and vote. In the run-up to the election, students across our campuses had been getting involved in different election activities.

One of the most popular activities is verto.vote, is an interactive online quiz and voter advice tool, which aims to help voter

We have a new cohort of great CELTA students

General Election Preparation

Campus

Updates

YThree media students found themselves in the news themselves for the key role they played in an important conference to shield young people from the threat of radicalisation.

Steph Miller, Alice Blythe and Charlie Schultz appeared on Meridian TV’s South Today programme after launching a 15 minute film, produced at Highbury College, to senior police officers and representatives from universities, colleges, schools and safeguarding boards in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“We’ve never done a project of this scale or importance before and it was quite an honour,” said Steph. “There were a lot of very important people there and they loved it.”

“It was very scary but good fun and we got a really good reception,” said Charlie.

Alice added that “it was a fantastic experience”.

The 3 had the support of Faith Chesley, a former student who now works at the College as a technician, as well as Music Technology Lecturer Ryan Haynes, who put together a music video for the event, and Editor, Creative Learning Programmes, Nicola Phipps.

Their work will now be rolled out to schools, colleges and universities across the region.

You can watch it here.

We have a new cohort of great CELTA students. They will be with us until July and as part of their course they teach English twice a week at Highbury City of Portsmouth Centre.

Joanna Czyz, Student Support Services assistant spoke to a few ESOL students who attend free English classes and they all said how much they loved their additional tutors.

“My new teacher Peter is really cool – he speaks some Japanese and rides a motorbike,” said Maria.

Ian who is training to become a teacher said CELTA was challenging and interesting course. Hopefully after completing his course he would be able to go to China to teach.

compare their views and values with political parties on a variety of issues. Another activity was “What matters to you?” Students were encouraged to write issues that matter to them most and what they want the government to change on the post-it note. One student said, “I’m worried about my mum not handling well due to the pressure of paying the nursery fees and working. I want more free nursery hours for people in full time employment.” It’s great to see our students reading about the parties and engaging in the issues that will affect their future.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Highbury College students to do volunteer work in Gambia in 2016. We are looking for volunteers with all types of skills and will be involved in a range of activities such as reading books to school children, helping build a school, and help support people in a Health Centre and AIDS clinic. If you are up for the challenge and are interested in finding out more, please contact Karen Potter on either (023) 9288 2804 or Karen.Potter@highbury.ac.uk

Join our Health, Care & Early Years department on a trip of a lifetime to The

Gambia next April!

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HE Courses at Highbury College

Did you know that we offer Higher Education programmes, including Foundation Degree and top up Degrees, at Highbury College? The fees we charge for our Foundation Degrees and Top up Degrees, for example, are significantly lower than universities. In addition, our Higher Education students benefit from small classes, individual attention and career focused programmes. Foundation Degrees These are Level 5 qualifications and are equivalent to the first 2 years of a degree programme. A key element of these programmes is the inclusion of significant work placements for students. We currently offer the following Foundation Degrees: Validated by the University of Portsmouth – Travel & Tourism; Hospitality Management Validated by the University of Sussex – Business Management; Business with Marketing Management; Computer Networking; Software Development Top up Degrees Students who complete the University of Sussex Foundation Degrees in Business Management and Computer Networking can top up to the following full honours Degrees respectively at Highbury College (both validated by the University of Sussex): BA (Hons) Business Management and BSc (Hons) Computer Networking HNC & HND Diplomas These are currently offered in Business, Computing, Engineering, and Construction and the Built Environment, mainly on a part-time or block delivery basis. There are plans to offer HNC and HND Diplomas in Media for next year as well. Professional Programmes Level 5 programmes are also currently running or planning to recruit in other areas. These include Human Resource Management, CELTA (for teaching English Language to adults), and Health and Social Care. For more information please contact Graham.Carter@highbury.ac.uk

Monthly offers

Were you aware that Chartwells offer discounts on their products every month, so there is always a deal to be had! Check out the notice boards outside Chartwells today to see what there is on offer!

FAST FACTS

5.43 million An estimated 5.43 million young people in the UK have experienced cyberbullying.

Source : ditchthelabel.org

Higher Education News

HIGHBURY HIGHLIGHTS | Issue 4 7

Source: Metropolitan Police

Source: Stressbusting, Hilly Janes, 2013

Internet safety – What is Internet

safety?

This is How Much Diamond is Extracted from Massive Diamond

Mines

13 tips on how to deal with exam

stress

Source: PetaPixel, Michael Zhang, 2015

HIGHBURY HIGHLIGHTS | Issue 4 8

Not long left now until College breaks up for Summer.....

Now is a great time to job search and think

about what to do next. Are you thinking about getting a job (Full or Part-time),

leaving your part-time job to get your first full time job or even considering an

Apprenticeship? If you have plans to continue studying - either at Highbury College or

going to University, you might be looking for a summer job.

Please let us know how we can help you with

this - CV improvement, practice for interviews, job searching etc.

If you email us directly with a special

request - such as location, type of company, hours required, and then we will make some phone calls for you and see if

we can find the job you really want.

If you have already got a job please remember to let us know to

claim your Congratulations voucher!

CUSTOMER SERVICE, FAREHAM, £16000

Currently working with Lloyds Bank and they are recruiting staff for their Lost, Stolen Card department. Working shift rota and full training will be given of 4 weeks, which is paid.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR, FARLINGTON,

£18,000 plus commission

Candidate must have a degree in Property Development or other construction related degree. Some CAD knowledge an advantage, some work experience desirable with advance IT/SM Office skills, particularly MS Excel. Ideal candidate would be able to work on own initiative to tight deadlines.

TEAM MEMBERS, TEAM LEADERS and MANAGERS, PARK GATE

A large hotel chain is currently recruiting for various roles including waiting staff, bar staff and housekeeping.

ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT ASSISTANT, HAMBLEDON

A family run Insurance firm are seeking an Admin Assistant to provide an efficient administrative support service. Holding a Full UK Driving Licence is preferable as difficult to get to on public transport. Individual needs to be 18+ years old that has experience of working within insurance. Intermediate knowledge of Business, Household and Motor insurance is required and basic understanding of business practice, principles of insurance and methods of controlling/reducing insurance risk and specific law.

ANIMAL CARE LEVEL 2 - PORTSMOUTH

Working with a popular doggie day care business, caring for and walking 30 – 50 dogs per day

CHILDCARE LEVEL 2/3

Working within a nursery you will be assisting with the day-to-day duties within the nursery environment. You must have a GCSE C in Maths and English to apply for a Level 3 apprenticeship

RETAIL LEVEL 2 - EMSWORTH

Working in a soft furnishings business, excellent communication skills required to deal with customers on a day-to-day basis

CUSTOMER SERVICE LEVEL 2 - HAVANT

Working in a wedding/prom dress boutique, excellent communication skills required to deal with customers on a day-to-day basis

SURVEYING LEVEL 3 – CLOSE DATE 26TH MAY - CHICHESTER

Working Mon – Fri 7.30am – 4.30pm, earning £225 per week. 2 year Apprenticeship. Skills required: willing to learn and good time keeping with good communication skills.

ENGINEER LEVEL 3 – CLOSE DATE 5TH MAY – WATERLOOVILLE

Working Mon 8am until 4.30pm earning £192 per week, involved in the design development, manufacture & assembly of customer products. Skills required: logical approach to problem solving, awareness of H&S issues regarding working in a dynamic work environment. Good hand skills & in interest in manufacturing & working on simple a complex mould tools is desirable.

PLUMBING LEVEL 2 – WHITELEY

Working Mon – Fri min 30 hours. Hourly rate min £2.73, increase to £3.30 in October 2015.

BEAUTY LEVEL 3 – SOUTHSEA & LEIGH PARK

Working within established businesses, undertaking various tasks, liaising with customers and providing quality customer service.

BUSINESS LEVEL 2 – SOUTHSEA

Working within a family owned Property Management Company, undertaking a Business Admin role supporting the current staff. Excellent pay of £10,000 per annum.

BRICKWORK LEVEL 2 – HAVANT

Normal brick and block work, Mon-Fri (weekends optional). Own transport ideal but not essential if can make pick up point. Hourly rate £6-£10 per hour for the right candidate.

The REED NCFE Team at Highbury

Bex: 02392 328 808

Johanna: 02392 328 728

Ali: 02392 328 757

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CLEANER, FAREHAM, GOSPORT, WATERLOOVILLE, PETERSFIELD

Working for a cleaning company, they are looking for Part Time permanent staff. Own transport is required but not essential. You need to provide 2 written references, proof of ID and 2 passport-sized photos.

2 X WAITRESSES, PORTSMOUTH

To work various shifts, so need to be flexible and adaptable. Zero hours contract but will be working 2/4 shifts per month. Pay is more than minimum wage. Need to be 18 years old to apply

HAIR STYLIST, HAYLING ISLAND

Initially minimum wage

Working with a salon requires a qualified Level 3 Hair Dresser to start on a Part Time basis initially (Fridays and Saturdays) extending to a Full Time once the stylist has built up their client base. Barbering experience would be ideal but not essential.

BAGGAGE HANDLERS, PORTERS, MEET AND GREET AND CHECK IN RECEPTION STAFF - £6.50 per hour plus tips

Portsmouth Docks on various shifts when the cruise ships are in. Laying bags in different areas, taking baggage to customers’ cars, check passports, support customers complete health questionnaires and taking tickets. Must be 17+ years of age to apply, passport or Full Birth Certificate, proof of NI Number i.e. letter from Inland Revenue, wage slip, P60 or P45. Proof of address, clear criminal record and references for last 2 years.

2 x CATERING STAFF, SOUTHSEA

Minimum wage

Well known tourist attraction in Southsea you will be working in the kitchen preparing food and serving food to customers.

VISITOR SERVICES, SOUTHSEA

Minimum wage

Well known tourist attraction you will be working on reception meeting and greeting visitors and working with children’s parties.

BENCH HAND, PORTSMOUTH

Working in a workshop making cabinets, the role would suit a L2/L3 Carpenter. Full training will be given.

BAR, WAITING STAFF AND BANQUET STAFF, SOUTHSEA

National Minimum Wage for first 3 months probation

Large hotel In Southsea with various roles available, serving food and drink to hotel guests and at functions. Set up for events and attend regular training sessions. £7+ph after probation dependant on candidate abilities.

CHEF, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

£7 - £9 PER HOUR

Working for a catering company based in Portsmouth and they produce street food at festivals and at local farmers markets, across the region. They are a quirky fun brand and trying to give the traditional bubble and squeak a re vamp. Ability to work weekends and some evenings – role will be over summer as working at festivals. Responsible for all aspects of food preparation – from peeling to cooking and serving customers. Ideally will need to be able to drive car or moped to get to locations.

CROWD SAFETY OFFICER, VARIOUS EVENTS

Working at various festivals, music concerts and events, Role includes ticket checking, gate entry locations, and front of stage pit barriers, information points, wristband check locations and back stage areas. Candidates must be 18+

WAITERS, GENERAL ASSISTANTS, BARISTAS, KITCHEN PORTER, BAR STAFF, GOODWOOD

£4.75 per hour £7.20 per hour (Over 18s)

Working at Goodwood at various events from March through to November. Shifts vary from 8 – 12 hours in length.

Ability to communicate well and provide excellent customer service at all times.

TEAM MEMBERS, TEAM LEADERS and MANAGERS, PARK GATE

A large hotel chain is currently recruiting for various roles including waiting staff, bar staff and housekeeping.

MACHINE OPERATOR, FARLINGTON - £7.50 PER HOUR

Working on a wood preparation machine. Suited to student undertaking an Engineering or Carpentry course. Full training will be given. Will be required to operate a CNC Router machine.

CATERING ASSISTANT/SOUS CHEF, OLD PORTSMOUTH

Currently working with a public house that would like to recruit a catering Assistant/Sous Chef.

BOAT HIRE ASSISTANT, PORTSMOUTH - £6.75 + holiday pay

Working weekend, bank holidays and school holidays operating and maintaining boats at a high end attraction in Portsmouth Dockyard. Seeking pleasant, honest young people who have common sense and a desire to be helpful. Technical skills are useful. Hours are 11am – 6pm but may vary.

TRAINEE BENCH JOINER, FARLINGTON – NMW For Age

Basic bench joinery work such as producing door frames, fitting ironmongery and wrapping for despatch. Carpentry experience a must, own tools desirable but not totally essential. 1

The REED NCFE Team at Highbury

Bex: 02392 328 808

Johanna: 02392 328 728

Ali: 02392 328 757

HIGHBURY HIGHLIGHTS | Issue 4 10

EDEN Hair & Beauty Salon

Contact us on 023 9288 2860 (City Centre) and 023 9232 8965 (Highbury

Campus) or email us: Eden.Salon@highbury.ac.uk