Archive for category: Reaseheath News

Reaseheath College is set to receive a share of £22 million to continue its work with school engagement networks whose aim it is to increase school children’s access to study within higher education.

As part of the ‘Widening Participation Collaborative Group’ (WPCG), Reaseheath has already undertaken a wealth of activity that falls within the WP initiative and is committed to enhancing the educational experiences of students across the Cheshire region.

The National Networks for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) will deliver a nationally co-ordinated approach to working with schools, universities and colleges to help people access higher education. Local and regional providers of higher education have come together to form the networks, ensuring comprehensive coverage across England.

As a specialist provider of higher education, attracting students from across the globe, Reaseheath Colleges’ message is that the land sciences and food futures industries are key to the economic growth of the country and as such offer a wide range of careers.

Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said ‘We have been impressed by the higher education sector’s response to this scheme, which means that vital information about how to progress into higher education will be available to people across England. We set out to establish coverage of state-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges and, through the support of the sector, this will be achieved.’

Foundation and Entry students are benefitting from an innovative project encouraging them to take up active sports for life.

Around 200 students are enjoying dedicated sessions in Reaseheath’s gym and at local leisure centres thanks to a ‘Fit for Work’ programme put together by our Sports and Foundation Departments.

The project aims to make sport more accessible to our foundation and entry students by offering them one hour of physical activity a week. It is hoped that this will encourage the less active to incorporate sport into their daily routine and to enjoy the long term mental and physical benefits of a more active lifestyle.‘Fit for Work’ will run for three years at a total cost of £76,242, almost £61,000 of which has been awarded through National Lottery funding from Sport England, the national body which champions sporting habits among individuals and communities. The remainder is being met by Reaseheath.

The funding application, made through our sports department, was supported by Active Cheshire, the lead body for sport in Cheshire and Warrington, and Everybody Sport & Recreation, which delivers leisure in partnership with Cheshire East Council.

As well as using our own sports facilities, students attend small group sessions at local venues such as Nantwich swimming pool and the Victoria Centre, Crewe.

The project launched in September and is already proving popular, with students gaining confidence in the use of gym equipment and enjoying sports such as boxercise, badminton, volleyball and dodgeball. Two trampolines are also being purchased. Student feedback is used to influence the activities on offer.

There are also plans to involve our own sports students as supervisors and coaches, enabling them to earn teaching hours and work towards sports leader awards.

Foundation lecturer Simon Warman is overseeing the project. He was supported in the initial launch by college sports maker Sarah Ruff.

Sophie Evans, Curriculum Area Manager for Sport, explained: “We believe that this project will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our students, particularly those with learning difficulties and disabilities who often lack the confidence to access physical activity.

“Hopefully these students will be encouraged to follow a healthier lifestyle and that will be helpful for them in their future careers. It fits in well with our aim to increase sport participation across all college departments.”

Alex Fox, a Foundation Countryside student said: “I think this is a great idea. I’ve always wanted to join the gym and now I’ve had an introductory session I’d like to continue and get more active.”

Our floristry students have been making an impact by decorating one of Cheshire’s finest country homes ready for Christmas.

Managers of Arley Hall, near Knutsford, invited our students to help design and decorate the Gallery in time for the thousands of visitors who pour through its doors in December. The Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma students, who include mature learners and career changers, have decorated the grand staircase, dining hall and library using traditional techniques and materials – some of which are collected from Arley’s gardens.

Twenty-five students have been involved in the project, which is in addition to their course studies.

They visited the venue last month to get a full understanding of requirements and worked out their designs at college. A giant Christmas tree was one of the most important tasks.

Course Manager Fiona Davies said: “The students have been working in teams on a grand scale  with the aim of  creating a real impact. This has really challenged their creativity as well as giving them valuable experience of working on a public event.

“One of their greatest challenges has been working with and around the furniture, much of which is irreplaceable. They have also had to choose materials that will last for the whole event.

“It has been an excellent opportunity for them to become involved in commercial practice. They have also very much enjoyed working in such a beautiful and grand setting.”

Arley Hall’s annual Christmas Floral Extravaganza opened on Saturday and continues until Thursday, December 11. Admission is £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

 On Monday December 8 and Wednesday December 10 visitors can see the hall by candlelight between 6pm and 9pm and enjoy carols. Admission is £9.