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Student zombie make-up

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The students worked for Zombie Earth to provide the make-up for actors who ran around streets near the Custard Factory in Birmingham to `infect' the public who paid to take part.

 
Jeanne Law, Beauty Lecturer at Halesowen College, said: “The students worked really hard and their make-up zombie effects were great.
 
“They all enjoyed it and the director was really pleased with the end result. This is a big event which takes part in major cities and this is the first time it was held in Birmingham.”

Nativity costume extravaganza

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The group of fifteen second year students gave a fresh look to costumes for Mary, Joseph, shepherd, stars and angels.

 
The students put together a production line with teams of designers, marketers and pattern cutters.
 
Student Rachel Comrie, project director, said: “This live project has helped us to see the true way the fashion industry works with real deadlines and real problems to solve. It has also helped us to understand the importance of the customer in the design process.
 
“We have really enjoyed pulling together as a group to make this work.”
 
Natalie Johnston, Course Leader for Fashion and Textiles at Halesowen College, said: “We are working very closely with the school on this very exciting project and it is going really well."
 
The group will also be designing costumes for the school’s Easter Passion play which includes Jesus, Judas, Peter and Pontius Pilot.
 
The school is funding the project through their Home/Parent Association.

Daniel swims to success

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The 16-year-old who is on the Foundation Studies course at the College has been swimming for the last nine years.

 
He has competed in a range of competitions all around the country and swims various strokes. Daniel trains at King Edward School, Birmingham, and Langley Swimming Baths.
 
He also takes part in the British Gas Open Disability Short Course National Championships.
 
Daniel said: “I really enjoy swimming, it is a great hobby and it keeps me fit. I am delighted to have got so far in these competitions.”
 
Lynn Broadhurst, from Halesowen College, said: “We are all really proud of Daniel and his swimming success. He is a hard worker both in and out of the pool.”

Fantasy make-up

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The students take part in five group skill events throughout the year and have two to three weeks of planning and practice, then complete a full look for the chosen theme.

 
They are scored on planning and preparation, health and safety, the application and overall interpretation.
 
Jeanne Law, Beauty lecturer at Halesowen College, said: “The fantasy theme has worked really well and all students were extremely creative.
 
“We like to run these assessments as little competitions with prizes and it helps keep everyone focused and working as a team. It also gives the students the chance to put into practice their skills and studies.”

Sport inspire week

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Adam was the Wheelchair basketball captain at the Invictus Games and a Pride of Britain Winner this year.

 
There were also guest speakers from BUNAC, the University of Worcester and Newman University talking about sports related degrees, interclass sports tournaments, wheelchair basketball sessions and Rob Preston, guest speaker from 24/7 fitness.
 
Rebecca Morgan, Senior Tutor for Sport said: “The students had a fantastic week taking part in a range of different activities.
 
“Adam Nixon was an inspiring man and we were proud to welcome him to Halesowen College.”

College Open Day this Saturday

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The Whittingham Road Campus will be open from 10am until 2pm.

 
Visitors will be able to see and learn more about the different levels of courses available, how students can progress and the university options open to all.
 
The newly built University Centre provides further outstanding learning resources for 19+ students undertaking High Education and Access programmes.
 
There will also be an exciting range of College competitions which will give visitors a real taste of College life. Students in catering will take on the challenge of a `Bake Off’ and Masterchef.
 
Forensic Science students will be busy analyzing evidence in a simulated crime scene and there will also be a media and film-making competition, a music busking contest and Hair students creating the best prom hairstyle.
 
Alex Griffin, Student Experience Director at Halesowen College, said: “There are so many exciting options available to students now at Halesowen from our outstanding range of 16-19 courses to our highly successful Access, Higher Education, and Apprenticeship programmes. Come along and learn more about the exceptional range of courses we have on offer.”
 
Thousands have flocked to the College’s previous Open Days, seeing record numbers of potential students through its doors.
 
Altogether the College has spent £20m upgrading facilities over the last few years, which has included three new state-of-the art teaching blocks for Health & Social Care, Animal Care, Science, IT, Travel & Tourism and specialist teaching accommodation for students with learning difficulties.
 
There is also a new all-weather sports pitch, a fitness trail and an outdoor gym.
 
Halesowen College offers the widest range of courses in the area, ranging from entry level to Foundation Degrees and enjoys an excellent reputation, record breaking results and an outstanding campus.

Success by numbers

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This prestigious challenge is aimed at able 16-19-year-olds and attracted over 81,000 entrants from across the UK. The entries are graded Gold for the top 10%, Silver (20%) and Bronze (30%).

 
Reece Meek and Cameron Kemp, won Gold, Davide Bernardi was awarded Silver and Emma Cooper, Qais Miran, Holiday Fisher, James Stanley, Sylwia Litwa and Bethany Whittall won a Bronze award.
 
Approximately 4,000 of the top students are invited to sit one of the follow-on competitions and Reece Meek was invited to sit for the Senior Kangaroo.
 
Dr Richard Jones, Head of Mathematics at Halesowen College, said: “I am so pleased to see our students doing well in this award and praise all their efforts. Well done. Congratulations to everyone.”
 

Young Chef Comp at College

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Megan, aged 13, from Wordsley School, cooked a very tasty turkey and potato curry, using fresh ingredients.

 
Runner-up was Francesca Fletcher, from Earls High School, who cooked a chicken and chorizo dish.
 
Twelve young people took part in the contest.
 
The task was to plan a two course healthy meal (starter and main course) for two people, costing less than £11.
 
The local heat was sponsored by Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club and is in association with Fillippo Berio.
 
The competition was open to young people in full time education aged between 11 and 17 on 31 August 2014.
 
Megan will now be taking part in the district heat will be held on Saturday 28 February at Rugby College.
 
Elaine Cammies, Community Participation Director at Halesowen College, said: “A big congratulations to Megan and Francesca on their preparation and food.
 
“It was a difficult choice for the judges and all the entrants were very skilled in the kitchen. I was bowled over by the skills pupils had and the quality of food they prepared. Everyone had a great time and it was an enjoyable afternoon for all involved.
 
“There was a real air of excitement at being involved in the competition and they all really enjoyed working and cooking in a professional kitchen.”

Litter Campaign Winners

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Further to recent announcements about a new litter campaign around college, these two considerate individuals were seen picking up litter and disposing of it by one of our covert litter spotters

Alex Griffin, Student Experience Director, said: “I am proud to recognise these excellent students as setting an example to others and highlighting the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment at our College.

 
"Let’s keep College tidy!"

Nominees for Dudley Youth Awards

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Dereece Leigh-Gale has been nominated for the Inspiration Award for his various successes in the Performing Arts, including being chosen to perform in the Lord of the Flies at Birmingham Hippodrome.

 
Hamza Ahmed, who is studying A level Government and Politics and Law, has been nominated for the Sport Award for his success in cricket; he is now playing for the Under 19s at Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
 
Both students will be attending the award ceremony at the beginning of March.
 
Tia Chand-Corey and Hannah Davies have also been sent a certificate of recognition for their successes during their time at Halesowen College. Tia, who is studying Fashion and Textiles, has been recognised in the Inspiration Award category and Hannah, who is studying Business, for the Contribution to College Award.
 
Alex Griffin, Student Experience Director at Halesowen College, said: "It is fabulous that the talent and commitment of our students has been recognised and we are incredibly proud that they are receiving these prestigious awards."
 
The 2015 Dudley Youth Awards ceremony is being held on Friday 6 March at Stourbridge Town Hall.

Disney trip for IT students

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The group learnt about the ICT behind the Disney web and the control systems behind the popular rides in the park including Space Mountain and Rockin Rollercoaster.

 
Then after a day in the park they were challenged to design their own themed rollercoaster and present it to Disney judges.
 
One team designed a Disney classic Fantasia ride which included aquarium animations and a 30ft spiral climb and drop.
 
The other team based their ride on the film Frozen and included 3D animatronics, a frozen ice rink and log flume.
 
The Disney judges praised both teams for their presentation skills and ride ideas.
 
Antoinette Pennington, ICT A Level Course Leader at Halesowen College, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure taking them to the ICT conference and so proud of all of them as ambassadors of the College.
 
“The Disney judges were so impressed with the teamwork, confidence and originality of the presentations and we were very privileged to work with them.”

Barbering jobs and apprenticeships

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Nathan Wood has been successful in getting an apprenticeship at J&Rs in Stourbridge and is completing his Barbering certificate at College.

 
Nathan is hoping to open his own business in the future and said: “The course at Halesowen is great and I’ve really enjoyed the teaching and atmosphere.”
 
Charlie Clarke, aged 22, is now working as a trainee barber at The Stylist in Oldbury after having a change of career. Charlie started working at a Porsche garage and came to College to do the part-time course.
 
Charlie is hoping to work abroad in future years and is really glad he learnt this new skill.
 
Tom Brown was working as a butcher before coming to College to study barbering. He is now working at BS2 Barbers in Wombourne.
 
Maria Ling, from Halesowen College, said: “All three students have worked so well and I am so pleased they have been so successful.
 
“Both our full-time and part-time courses are very popular and are ideal if you are looking to start a new career.”

College Open Day Experience

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An exciting range of College competitions are planned which will give visitors a real taste of College life, along with various A level subject introductory sessions taking place to showcase particular curriculum areas to parents and prospective students
 
The College’s Whittingham Road Campus will be open from 10am until 2pm.
 
Visitors will be able to see and learn more about progression through our outstanding range of 16-19 courses from entry level to HND and the university options open to all.
 
The newly built University Centre provides further outstanding learning resources for 19+ students undertaking Higher Education and Access programmes.
 
Alex Griffin, Student Experience Director at Halesowen College, said: “The College is open to all so come and meet our talented students and staff teams and explore the exceptional range of courses we have on offer.”
 
Thousands have flocked to the College’s previous Open Days, seeing record numbers of potential students through its doors.
 
Altogether the College has spent £20m upgrading facilities over the last few years, which has included three new state-of-the art teaching blocks for Health & Social Care, Animal Care, Science, IT, Travel & Tourism and specialist teaching accommodation for students with learning difficulties.
 
There is also a new all-weather sports pitch, a fitness trail and an outdoor gym.
 

Halesowen College offers the widest range of courses in the area, ranging from entry level to Foundation Degrees and enjoys an excellent reputation, record breaking results and an outstanding campus. 

Elephant award for Megan

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 Megan completed her BTEC Level Three in Animal Care in 2013 and then worked at West Midlands Safari Park before moving to Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent.

 
The 19-year-old from Stourbridge has been working with the largest African elephant herd in Europe as an intern at Howletts and was presented with the award during the Aspinall Foundation Annual Awards for staff. 
 
The awards celebrate the work of staff at Aspinall’s two parks - Howletts and Port Lympne.
 
Megan works with seven other staff members to maintain the thirteen animal herd who each know their own name and have special dietary requirements.
 
She said: “They all have real personalities and after three months they are friends and I chat with them every day.
 
“I have worked hard to achieve my dream and I would like to thank everyone at Halesowen College who has helped me on my way.”
 
Alison Gwilliams, from Halesowen College, said: “A massive congratulations to Megan and we are all so pleased she is starting a career she clearly loves and is doing extremely well.”

Michelin star work experience

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 Two former students, Luke Tipping and Stuart Deeley, are enjoying successful careers as chefs at Simpsons Restaurant in Edgbaston, Luke as the Chef Director and Stuart as Chef de Partie.

 
Stuart will be returning to Halesowen College to do a cookery masterclass during which he will cook dishes from the Simpsons menu in front of students. He will also be talking about his chosen career path and answering questions from students. 
 
For many years Halesowen College catering students have had the opportunity to be placed on work experience at Simpsons Restaurant and Zerline Long, who is currently studying her City & Guilds Level 3 VRQ Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery, will be starting her placement in April.
 
Guy Marston, Chef Lecturer from Halesowen College, said, “We have built valuable links with Simpsons over the years and so far this year six students have been on work experience placements there.
 
“Luke and Stuart were both students at Halesowen and it is great to see the different generations helping and learning from each other.”

Dog training session for students

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 Two agility dogs and their trainers, Lauren Morgan with Deafer and Luanne Ellis with Reg, came into College to demonstrate to students.

 
Students saw the training techniques used for obedience and agility work and how the processes involved complement their teaching in animal training and animal behavior.
 
Reg is an agility beginner and Deafer trains at competition standard and has recently requalified for Crufts 2015.
 
Julie Nightingale, from Animal Care, said: “The students really enjoyed the session which will help them with their theory and practical tasks for their assignment.
 
“Thanks to Lauren and Luanne for giving up their time and coming into College.”

Film red carpet success for student

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 The film called Anybody’s Child had its official red carpet premiere at the Showcase Cinema, Dudley, at the end of last year.

 
It is a short educational film informing families and young people of the signs of sexual exploitation. It has been sent to every school in the UK and was produced by ChatBack Productions, which is a film production company made up of looked after children.
 
The film follows the character of 14-year-old Charlie Owen who gets exploited by her older boyfriend Dan Harris, played by Lewis.
 
Lewis said: “I loved every second of making the film but portraying the character of Dan was terrifying. I hated the character and it opened my eyes.
 
“I’m sure people who have watched the film with also hate Dan as that is the only way people will notice the signs and dangers of sexual exploitation so people can do something about it. My dream outside this project is to bring families together so parents and siblings will notice the warning signs at the beginning and prevent the hurt and danger before it even starts.”
 
Kurt Cook, Drama Lecturer at Halesowen College, said: “Lewis is studying A level drama at College and it is great to see him putting his skills to the test. This is a fantastic project and will give Lewis some essential experience for the future.
 
“We are very proud of Lewis and his outstanding performance in such an emotive piece. The film tackles a very sensitive issue that will raise awareness and hopefully offer support to so many people.”
 
A follow-up to the film is already in production: more details on ChatBack

Barbering demonstration

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 Erik is one of the judges for the British Barbers Association competition, which the students will be entering, with the final taking place in May at the NEC.

 
He is also the master educator for the British Barbers Association and holds seminars around the globe where he talks about and demonstrates his 29 years of experience.
 
Paula Evans, from Halesowen College, said: “It was great to welcome Erik to the College and our students got a lot out of his demonstration and talk; it was very inspiring.”

Tourism links

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 Former student, Julie Butler is the manager for the Thomas Cook branches in Halesowen and Stourbridge.

 
Travel and Tourism students at the College can take work experience placements and there are also plans for a referral service to be managed by students on special offers, plus a link with the College Over 50s group.
 
Samantha Little, Senior Teacher at Halesowen College, said: “This is very exciting for the College to forge these links with Thomas Cook. Students will be able to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom and improve their customer service and other valuable skills.”
 
Julie is pictured with Carlia Goode, who won the first prize of £50 Love to Shop vouchers for her display of the Cabin Crew flashmob dance during the College Open Day. 

Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Apprenticeships

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The project launched for an initial term of January to June 2015. The long-term project target is to increase female participation in advanced and higher level apprenticeships by 30 per cent over a three-year period, addressing the current gender imbalance.

We are working with local employers to celebrate the success of women in STEM industries and promote strong role models to inspire and support future students. Inclusion is key, and the project is centred around our Careers function with advisers challenging stereotyping and offering advice and practical support to students with a range of different protected characteristics with an emphasis on gender.
 
The objective is to ensure that students feel confident to secure progression pathways. To achieve this, we have conducted group workshops and one-to-one sessions to build students confidence and support the application process. We are also linking with schools and working closely with employers in scientific and technological industries to challenge gender stereotypes. 
 
If you are interested in a STEM apprenticeship, please click on the links below for more information or contact College Careers.
 
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