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Foodies and industry experts attended in their numbers to celebrate the release of - London's Lea Valley - Home of Britain's Growing Food and Drink Industry.
Waltham Forest College, in association with Libri Publishing, hosted a book launch event in celebration of the release of author, Jim Lewis' latest book, London's Lea Valley - Home of Britain's Growing Food and Drink Industry.
After visiting Waltham Forest College in April this year, Dr Lewis, who is a passionate advocate of the Lea Valley region, having written several books on the history of the area, recognised the College's commitment to supporting the local community and businesses.
On the night, Dr Lewis said, 'It was a great evening. I was very pleased to see JJ Foods and Bookers attend, two businesses mentioned in the book. I hope this event has helped to bring businesses and the College closer so they can further explore collaborative opportunities.'
Principal, Joy Kettyle, highlighted in her welcoming address the importance of books like Dr Lewis' in showcasing, not only the history of the local Food and Drink Industry, but also recognising the new talent coming through helping to sustain growth.
Some of that talent was on display during a tour of the College's catering and butchery facilities. Catering and hospitality students prepared and served a mouth-watering selection of canapés and treats, accompanied by light beverages.
Terry Larkin, Group General Manager at JJ Foods, said: 'For me it has been a great experience! I'm overwhelmed by the College facilities and what's on offer. The students on the tour were engaged and enjoying the work.'
Some companies with existing links to the College also attended the evening to show support and offer recruitment opportunities for students. Catherine Shennan, Talent Manager at D&D London, said:
'The College has fantastic facilities. I was really impressed with the butchery section. The College's Catering Department is always sending students our way for work experience with many staying on with us in a full-time capacity, so it would be great to explore how we can work with the College to further train our chefs.'
The book is now available for purchase in all good book stores and online at Libri Publishing or Amazon.
Waltham Forest College, lived up to their reputation as the number one college in London for learner satisfaction on the FE Week NICEDX league table, by delivering an exciting two-day freshers' event for new students joining the College.
Approximately 1000+ students, both young and adult learners, were in attendance exploring great deals, fun activities, memberships, freebies and services on offer at the College and within the wider community.
Exhibitors included Krispy Crème, Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre, NCS Challenge, The Blair Academy Dance Group, Pizza Hut, Nationwide, London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), Hope Not Hate, Young People Sexual Health Clinic and more.
The event featured a number of exciting perks such as fuse table and kick-up challenges, pizza slices and doughnut give-a-always, drumming have-a-go sessions and a free re-usable WFC water bottle for every student.
The College prides itself on enhancing the student experience for all learners as reflected in their most recent summer campaign ' Think College Think Experience that attracted students from boroughs all across London.
Director of Learner Services, Marketing and Communication, Amir Ahmed said: 'There can be so much more to student life than studying. At Waltham Forest College we invest in the student experience as well as academic success.
'The sheer scale of student-run, student-led activities that are available, is designed to give our learners every opportunity to try something new, discover new passions and create their futures.'
The College will be welcoming more prospective learners at the up-coming Open Event on Wednesday 6th November 2019, 4.30pm ' 7pm. Visitors can register online at www.waltham.ac.uk and attend for a chance to win a brand new Fitbit Inspire watch. For more information, call 020 8501 8102.
Alumna, Sanah Begum returned for the second year running to inspire students pursuing a medical career with insights into her digital surgical portfolio.
Sanah Begum trekked 3,780 miles from London to Pakistan to document the journeys of patients from pre-op to post-op as they underwent reconstructive surgery for acid burns, cleft lips and palettes and trigger finger. The exhibition aimed to engage aspiring medical students and bring textbook learning to life.
Miss Begum commented; 'I see my surgical images and videography as powerful artwork which was captured all in raw-stage and as authentically as possible. These surgeries are life-changing to the patients and I wanted to raise the profile of medical professionals all over the world and the amazing work that they carry out.'
Local resident, Constance Mcintosh shared her thoughts saying: 'The images are striking and though some may find it unsettling, it challenges the squeamishness of surgical operations, causing many to now think about the importance of health and the medical profession.'
Nursing students visited the exhibition and was amazed by the still images of the life-changing operations and the stories of patients undergoing surgery.
Student, Cristina Tapovet, commented; 'This exhibition was incredible as it got me thinking about the medical detail during operations and the lead up on how patients gear up emotionally, pre and post operation. I felt at one stage that I was in the operating room and this got me excited about entering the profession.'
Marketing Manager, Antoinette Beekye commented: 'It is always refreshing when ex-students choose to come back to the College and share their journey to success. This exhibition opened up real-life dialect between students, the expectations of the medical profession that started encouraging students to think about life after studies' .
Miss Begum will continue to volunteer in medical projects overseas and will continue to work with the College to empower students to enter the sector.
Students from the Leyton Orient Trust College Study Programme were invited to The Breyer Group Stadium on Tuesday 17 September. The students watched the match against Crew Alexandra and had the opportunity to take part in pre-match and half time activities.
Selected students from the Level 1, 2 and 3 Diploma in Sport courses were invited to be flag bearers before the match, and take penalties on the pitch at half-time in front of a crowd of 4,289 fans.
Waltham Forest College Principal Dr Joy Kettyle and Deputy Principal Stella McManus joined Leyton Orient Chief Executive Neil Taylor and Head of Education Andree Selner, teachers and students for a photo on the O's pitch.
Andree Selner, Head of Education at Leyton Orient Trust said: 'Evenings like this, especially at the start of term, are a great opportunity to motivate and inspire our learners. We're able to provide this unique experience through our close partnership with Leyton Orient Football Club. This is also a great chance for us to welcome our partners at Waltham Forest College and celebrate another successful year working together.'
Over 600 students sat GSCE maths and English exams, with many also taking vocational qualifications designed to help them progress onto their chosen career.
Waltham Forest College is extremely pleased with the GCSE grades students have achieved this summer and thrilled to report an improvement in comparison to last year's performance.
Deputy Principal: Curriculum and Quality, Stella McManus said; 'We're so proud of our students celebrating their amazing achievement today. Not only is it proof of our students' commitment to succeed but it also reflects the high quality teaching and learning that takes place here at the College.'
She also commented: 'We've had some great success stories and we're very happy to see so many of our students progressing to higher level of study which includes progression onto university, apprenticeships and into exciting careers.'
BTEC student, Hadi Naboulsi, who studied Vehicle Maintenance alongside his maths will now be progressing to Level 2 after passing his exams. He said: 'I'm really excited about my results today which means I do not have to-do any more retakes. The College has helped to prepare me well for the next stage of my career.'
The College offers the opportunity for many adults to improve their literacy and numeracy skills and mother of three, Xiaoli Wang, celebrated with her children by her side after achieving a top grade 9 in her maths exams.
Mrs. Wang said; 'I cannot stop smiling; I will be using this day as a milestone in my life to inspire my kids to be successful in the pathway they wish to choose. I have the top grade and it's all thanks to the staff at the College.'
Another student, Yue Lin, will now be progressing to Accounting Level 3, after receiving a grade 7 in her GCSE maths. She said: 'I choose Waltham Forest College as a place to study to improve my career prospects. The teachers supported me extensively and I look forward to progressing to the next level of my course.'
Access to Social Sciences student, Lucia Monte, had a lot to celebrate today after discovering she had passed her maths exams just hours before commencing her first day in employment at a care home.
She said: 'It's been an overall great experience for me. I couldn't have asked for a better environment to create my future. My tutors have supported me all the way through my studies to securing employment and having another shot in passing my exams'
Waltham Forest College is now enrolling on all course starting in September 2019, and offer a range of options, no matter what GCSE results you achieved. For more information or to enrol please pop into Waltham Forest College or for more information visit www.waltham.ac.uk
The College awarded its exclusive recruitment contract for the provision of temporary and permanent staff to Morgan Hunt, a specialist recruiter to the public sector.
The contract was awarded through a tendering process with the Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC). The CPC is a purchasing group designed to ensure organisations including Further Education Colleges can engage with suppliers who have already proven themselves to offer best value for money, provide efficiencies and demonstrate sector expertise.
Morgan Hunt has a long track record in attracting and finding professionals for Further Education institutions. From operational roles to academic and senior positions. This heritage and deep understanding of hiring for staff across all grades and functions was important for its appointment on this occasion.
The College has an enviable reputation as one of London's most successful colleges and in its most recent Oftsed inspection, the College was judged to be ' Good' in all that they do. It was important therefore to continue to access the best staff to uphold their great status and continue its journey to ' Outstanding'.
Luke O'Neil, Education Director at Morgan Hunt, said; 'Our recruiting and sourcing teams are not only working to ensure we attract those with the required skills but we are also mindful that we meet the important requirement of ensuring the institution remains as an ' inclusive college'. We work to attract candidates from neighbourhoods in the proximity of the College to reflect the diverse nature of the local community' .
Lynne Griffin, HR Executive at Waltham Forest College adds 'Employees are central to our organisation and having the right people in place, underpins our success. Our mission is to deliver outstanding technical and professional learning, which raises aspirations, develops skills and creates futures. Partnering with a specialist recruiter empowers us to efficiently and proactively attract talented people to our organisation' .
Lynne further comments; 'As a centre of learning and being amongst the top 3 biggest employers within the borough we have an active role to play by offering our students and employees access to opportunities that are both inspiring and beneficial. The College is a great place to work with benefits that appeal to people with different motivations and life circumstances. We work to enhance our employees' personal development, health, wellbeing and finances. After all, we are located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest who has been awarded the first ever London Borough of Culture, from the Mayor of London' .
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Waltham Forest College Higher Education and Access students celebrate in style as they embark on the next steps as graduates.
The College held its 16th Graduation Ceremony on the 11th July and the auspicious occasion transformed the campus into a lavish venue, attended by friends, family members, College governors and staff. Approximately 150 students graduated from higher education and Access courses and celebrated in style with their ' I Did It' attitude.
Special guests at the graduation ceremony included The Worshipful Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Christopher Robbins CBE, Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith and guest performers which included the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent, Colin Thackery and The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), who performed during at the Brit Awards this year and supported acts such as the 1975 and Pink.
Guest speaker, Lou Mycroft took to the stage as she inspired the audience with her message themed ' Joy'. Lou, a facilitator, writer, public speaker and working-class single parent from South Yorkshire commented during her speech saying: 'You've got to look inside yourself to find your silver lining sometimes. I hope you can always carry-on in the joy of tonight's celebration' .
Principal, Dr. Joy Kettyle said; 'This is the pinnacle event of the year where everything we have all worked towards comes together. There is nothing I enjoy more than celebrating great achievements and today I am proud to be able to congratulate all our graduates and their remarkable journey.'
Students shared their stories on how they overcome personal barriers to learning and how the College has supported their journey to pursue the next stage of their career.
Students' Union President and valedictorian, Nancy Kuforiji delivered a powerful and emotional speech, she said: 'This is not just a graduation ceremony but a dream that has taken me 15 years to pursue. Unfortunately, I never had this opportunity when I was younger for reasons beyond my control. Waltham Forest College gave me a second chance to improve my life-chances and today I can confidently look back and say it was one of the best decisions ever.'
Nancy, concluded her speech by saying: 'Congratulation to all of us all for making it this far; also a greater well done on the ability to bounce back on your feet despite all the obstacles and challenges faced when making that crucial decision to further our education' .
Waltham Forest College has demonstrated a consistent improvement in the achievement of its students since 2016, with achievement for HE reaching the highest this year at 90%.
Waltham Forest College is amongst a handful of organisations that have not made the new register for the Office for Students which acts as the regulator for the higher education sector in England.
The College which serves predominantly the north east of London attracts just under 5000 learners per year and has a small but growing provision for higher education with a current cohort of 56 students.
After an exhaustive waiting period, a final decision was shared with the College and was notified as the next casualty in OfS's new registration process.
Data as far back as 2014 was used to form the final outcome. Unfortunately, the college was still on the road to improvement at that time. With key changes in leadership appointments over the last four years, Waltham Forest College has demonstrated a consistent improvement in the achievement of its students since 2016, with achievement for HE reaching the highest this year at 90%.
Principal, Dr. Joy Kettyle said; 'Whilst our higher education provision is small, we are disappointed with the final outcome. The London Borough of Waltham Forest is very diverse ethnically and socially and amongst the top 10 per cent most deprived in the country, the OfS have failed to fully appreciate the challenges some of our students face and their personal journey to overcome them' .
Dr. Kettyle said 'Our achievement rates this year is something we are proud of and we remain fully committed to supporting our students in making the transition onto other institutions to continue higher levels of study' .
The College held its 16th Graduation Ceremony on the 11th July and the auspicious occasion transformed the campus into a lavish venue, attended by friends, family members, College governors and staff.
Students shared their stories on how they overcome personal barriers to learning and how the College has supported their journey to pursue the next stage of their career.
Students' Union President and valedictorian, Nancy Kuforiji delivered a powerful and emotional speech, she said: 'This is not just a graduation ceremony but a dream that has taken me 15 years to pursue. Unfortunately, I never had this opportunity when I was younger for reasons beyond my control. Waltham Forest College gave me a second chance to improve my life-chances and today I can confidently look back and say it was one of the best decisions ever.'
Nancy concluded her speech by saying: 'Congratulation to all of us all for making it this far; also a greater well done on the ability to bounce back on your feet despite all the obstacles and challenges faced when making that crucial decision to further our education' .
Special guests at the graduation ceremony included The Worshipful Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Christopher Robbins CBE, Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith and guest performers included the winner of Britain's Got Talent, Colin Thackery and the London Community Gospel Choir.
