The_Voice_13

THE VOICE
• NEWS • INFORMATION • COMPETITIONS • TRIPS • ENRICHMENT • STUDENT LIFE
STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE’S STUDENT MAGAZINE
Lots and lots for you to get involved in here at Stoke on Trent College, so… Get Involved!
ISSUE 13
Autumn 2016
College Bake off
Local Youth Democracy Event
Prestigious Health and Wellbeing Award
Talent for Charity
#T4C
NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

THE VOICE - STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE’S STUDENT MAGAZINE
FOREWORD
2
A new student governor has recently
been appointed. Louis Adams, a
Music Performance student based at
Burslem campus, has been awarded
the position after writing a winning
personal statement and then
attending an interview with the
college’s principal and two existing
governors. Louis will take up post at
the next governors’ meeting on 11th
November 2016, joining existing
student governor Scarlett Gauntlett,
who studies Level 3 Applied Science.
A number of improvements have
been made to the college’s
enrichment programme this year.
The sports hall at Burslem is now
ready for use and students can access
sports activities every lunchtime.
There are also four football sessions
each week which are proving to be
popular. Dance sessions are available
at each campus, as per students’
request. We have continued to run
the movie club and have started a
cookery club this academic year.
The Challenge China enrichment
programme will be running again
this academic year. There have been
a good number of applications and
16 learners were selected from Stoke
on Trent College for the Challenge
Programme. The learners are now
raising money for the visit which is
set to take place in June 2017.
Coming up:
14th December: Stoke on Trent
College’s Christmas Carol Service at
Stoke Minster at 1:00pm
8th and 9th December: Auditions for
the College’s student led X-Factor
style student event
16th December: The Students’
Union’s trip to the Trafford Centre
will be taking place
Lynn Tindale
Head of
Learner Services
What’s New?
Hello and welcome
to Stoke on Trent
College. This is the
first edition of The
Voice magazine for
2016/17
This magazine is produced once a
term and it includes lots of articles
about exciting events, enrichment
activities and an alumni case study.
This is your magazine, so if you
would like to write an article or
know of an event that would be
interesting to your fellow students,
please get in touch. This is a packed
first edition with articles about this
year’s fresher’s week, a visit by
Borderlines Theatre Company to the
college and an X Factor-style event
which is being planned by current
students.
There are lots of fantastic
opportunities on offer and
I hope you will make the
most of them. I wish you
all the best for your time
here at Stoke on Trent
College.

THE VOICE - Issue 13 Autumn 2016 3
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM…YOU!
7 ways to have
your say
Student Council
Representatives
Course
Representative
Meetings
Learner
Surveys
Students’
Union
Student
Governors
7
1 2 3
4
Staff Star
Nomination
Compliments
and Complaints5 6
Please take a few moments to nominate a member of staff to help us to recognise their work
and to thank them for their contribution.
Any member of staff at the College can be nominated for a College STAR Award at any time and the
College will recognise its STARS on a monthly basis.
Nominations can be made by any College student or visitor to the College.
Nominations cannot be made by members of College staff.
See reverse for nomination form…
Once complete please hand it in to any reception, thank you.
Cauldon Campus Stoke Road, Shelton, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DG
Burslem Campus Moorland Road, Burslem, Stoke on Trent, ST6 1JJ
T 01782 208208 F 01782 603504 Minicom 01782 603508 www.stokecollege.ac.uk
You Said We DID
Refurbishment is scheduled for June/July
2016 including new flooring with sports
marking.
Learners requested the refurbishment of
the Sports Hall at Burslem Campus
including new flooring.
An Elite Sports Performance Manager
has been appointed.
Learners requested the introduction of
more competitive sports and regular
informal competitions against other
colleges.
Smart Pass introduced allowing learners
to use all local bus services and all routes.
Feedback given by learners on current
college bus service suggests that it has
been underutilised.
New Enrichment offer to be launched in
September 2016 including new and
exciting clubs.
Enrichment consultation gave learners
the opportunity to shape the Enrichment
offer for 2016/17
Two compasses have been purchased.
Learners requested a compass to be
placed in the interfaith prayer rooms at
both campuses in order to establish which
way to pray.
New first floor study zone created in the
Enterprise HUB.
Learners expressed concerns that the
LRC was crowded during peak periods.
Learner Voice…What’s It All About?
We are always trying to deliver the
best learner experience to every
learner who studies with us. This
includes everything from the quality of
your lessons to the selection of food in
our restaurants. In order to maintain
these high standards we need to hear
from…YOU! This may not be
something that you are familiar with,
but your views are very important to
us and we love to hear them. We like
to hear when things are going well, so
if you are having a great time at
college please tell us. We equally like
to hear when things could be better.
If we don’t know about it, we can’t do
anything about it!
How can you get in touch with us I
hear you say? It couldn’t be simpler:
There are ‘7 Ways to Have Your Say’.
A quick and easy way is by using our
‘Listening Trees’. These are located in
main reception at both campuses.
There are blank cards hanging from
the tree, you write your
compliment/concern on the card and
we collect them in and collate the
information.
Another way is through the Student
Council. Each course area has a
Student Council Representative who
attends monthly meetings where we
discuss any issues affecting our
learners. Your Student Council
Representative can also contact Kathy
Jackson (Student Liaison and Wider
Activities Coordinator) at any time and
pass on your views.
The Students’ Union is another very
easy way to raise a concern. Call in to
any of the Common Rooms (Lifestyle
Building at Cauldon and B-block at
Burslem) and speak to the member of
staff. The staff member will then pass
on these concerns and keep you
updated with progress.
We really do value your thoughts
and opinions, so please share them!
Kathy Jackson
Kjack1sc@stokecoll.ac.uk
Mobile: 07796708227

TALENT FOR CHARITY #T4C
4
For this Academic Year, I came up
with the idea of a talent show for
charity! Forget X Factor, Britain’s Got
Talent or even Strictly Come Dancing
– this talent show will be created,
produced and even performed by
students from our great college to
enhance the skills that our students
have and use them for a great cause!
To launch this idea, a Planning
Committee has been set up with
students from both Burslem and
Cauldon campuses to bring this idea
for such a good cause to life, which
will support two local charities, Our
Space and the Dougie Mac.
First of all, there will be the auditions
which are scheduled for December,
which will have the fee of £1 per act
and all of the money raised will go to
Charity! So do you think you have
the talent to impress our four
judges? Then come on down and
help us make a difference! Students
are welcome from both campuses!
Finally, the live show will take place
at the Live Nation Theatre at
Burslem Campus in the Spring Term.
The twelve talented final acts that
have been chosen will be performing
live. It promises to be a great night,
with appeal videos from the charities
which the show is fundraising for
and the show being broadcast live on
social media and on the college’s
website.
The Big Spring Talent Show – Alex Gratty, Level 3 Teaching
COME AND JOIN OUR COMMITTEE!
OUR BIG
CHARITY
EVENT!
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITY
AND NOT HAD ANY RESOURCES?
ARE YOU A PASSIONATE PERSON IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN?
DO YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR IDEAS HEARD TO HELP MAKE AN IDEA EVEN BETTER?
We’re looking for hardworking, passionate students to come and join our Big Charity Event committee
from both Stoke on Trent College and Stoke 6th Form college to help us plan and create the Talent
show event all for charity!
IF YOU BECOME PART OF THIS COMMITTEE IT WILL:
• Look great on your CV
• Help you make great friends
• Have your views and ideas heard
• You will be making a difference
• Help with your self esteem and confidence
So, if you are interested and want to join the
committee to plan and help organise the
event then come and speak to staff in
the Students Union for more information.
COME AND JOIN OUR COMMITTEE!
OUR BIG
CHARITY
EVENT!
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITY
AND NOT HAD ANY RESOURCES?
ARE YOU A PASSIONATE PERSON IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN?
DO YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR IDEAS HEARD TO HELP MAKE AN IDEA EVEN BETTER?
We’re looking for hardworking, passionate students to come and join our Big Charity Event committee
from both Stoke on Trent College and Stoke 6th Form College to help us plan and create the Talent
show event all for charity!
IF YOU BECOME PART OF THIS COMMITTEE IT WILL:
• Look great on your CV
• Help you make great friends
• Have your views and ideas heard
• Make a difference
• Help with your self esteem and confidence
So, if you are interested and want to join the
committee to plan and help organise the
event then come and speak to staff in
the Students’ Union for more information.

GET BAKING!
The Cookery Club enrichment has
been launched this year. It was one
of the non-sporty enrichments that
was voted for by learners last
academic year. Learners meet every
Wednesday from 1.30-2.30pm and
have expert tuition from experienced
member of Hospitality and Catering
staff Julie Johnson.
Julie Johnson commented,
‘‘Wednesday is Food day’ at Stoke on
Trent College where learners get the
opportunity to try their hand at
baking & cooking. Our interested
students have so far made, baked,
sampled and cooked a variety of
dishes – some familiar and some a
new flavour they have surprised
themselves with. Our select group is
hosted in the professional kitchen
setting so the opportunity to learn
new skills and try a new activity, have
proven very popular’.
‘Comments range from – ‘I don’t like
pasta’ to ‘wow that pasta dish is so
tasty I will make it again’ and ‘I am so
pleased with myself, it’s my first cake’
that really make a difference and
change attitudes to food. We touch
on the adaptation of our recipes for
future makes and how nutrition can
be considered into everyday choices.
Most importantly the ‘chefs’ have
made new friends and really enjoyed
themselves in this relaxed setting.
Come along and have a go – you will
be most welcome.’
Lamia Pakalniskiene, an ESOL learner
at the college added, ‘I always enjoy
my time in cookery club. We have a
lovely teacher and friendly mates to
make the dishes with. The dishes that
we have been making have been
tastier and tastier each week’.
The Great College “Bake Off”

EXCITING ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
6
Fencing takes place every Tuesday
from 4.30-6.00pm in the Sports
Academy’s main hall at Cauldon
Campus. It is an opportunity for
learners to take part in a sport for
free that they might not have had
the chance to try at High School.
Fencing was one of the original nine
sports in the inaugural modern
Olympic Games played in Athens,
Greece in 1896. It is one of only four
sports that have been featured at
every Olympics since 1896.
The sport of fencing incorporates
agility, strength, coordination,
balance and timing. In fencing,
physical ability is just as important as
having a strong mental edge. The
competitors of a fencing match wear
protective gear including a jacket,
glove and head gear. The sport of
fencing features three different
levels, which are categorised by the
type of weapon used in each level.
The weapons used include epee, foil
and the saber.
Sally Peat, the group’s fencing
instructor commented: ‘At the Stoke
on Trent College Satellite club, we
fence the weapon of epee, which is a
point weapon like the rapier of
olden days used in duels’.
‘We focus on technique, tactics,
strategy and having fun. We have
class lessons, one to one lessons and
fencing bouts. So far we have
attained a good level of skill and the
group works really well together’.
Mario Cillero Marinas, an ESOL
student from the college added:
‘Fencing is a hobby that I really enjoy.
I have developed a range of skills and
knowledge of the fencing positions.
I like the fact that when you fence
you get a rush of adrenaline and get
the sensation of being in real
combat’.
Fencing Satellite Club

LOCAL DEMOCRACY COUNTS!
Four students from Stoke on Trent
College took part in a Local
Democracy Week Youth Event at the
Kings Hall in Stoke on Friday 14th
October. The event was also attended
by a range of schools and colleges
from throughout Staffordshire as
well as local councillors and
politicians.
A keynote talk was given by Lou
Macari, former manager of Stoke
City Football Club. He commented on
the work that he had done on the
foundation and running of the
Macari Centre for homeless people,
which opened in Hanley’s Regent
Road in early 2016. He spoke about
his passion for the city and for
supporting homeless people. He
mentioned that many of those who
were homeless had just been
affected by bad luck and deserved a
second chance.
Later in the event, learners had the
opportunity to visit stands from local
organisations including: The Stoke
City of Culture Bid, European City of
Sport, Stop Smoking and healthy
eating. In the final part of the event
students were able to ask their own
questions to local councillors.
Scarlett Gauntlett put forward a
question on behalf of Stoke on Trent
College students. She asked if road
safety measures could be applied to
College Road, which is next to
Cauldon Campus – this is an issue
that the Students’ Union Exec
Committee have been chasing for
some time. Scarlett was assured that
something would be done about the
matter and was given an email
address to enable her to chase things
up.
Scarlett Gauntlett, one of the
college’s Student Governors,
commented: ‘I found it interesting
finding out what is going on in the
Education Sector and also finding out
how the government/politicians are
helping to make Stoke on Trent a
better place, for example by tackling
homelessness’.
Kathy Jackson, Student Liaison and
Wider Activities Coordinator, added:
‘The event was very well organised
and provided a professional
environment for young people from
the local area to network with
councillors and other services
providers within the area and to
have their say’.
‘It was also really encouraging to see
that the views and opinions of young
people were being taken seriously
and would be acted upon’.
Learners Take Part in Local Youth Democracy Event

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR COLLEGE LIFE
8
Fresher’s Week at Stoke on Trent
College, from 5th-9th September
2016, was packed with new faces,
new activities and exciting
opportunities!
The first week of college life can be a
daunting time for many students
who are finding their feet after high
school. As well as social events such
as quizzes to help students to get to
know each other, there were
technical sessions aimed at getting
the most of the technology the
college has to offer!
Staffordshire Police gave out
guidance on staying safe whilst Intu
Potteries and Flip Out offered
discounts and freebies!
Other organisations that took part in
the two-day event included Stoke
City FC, Lucozade, Ruby Girl UK#,
Youth Services, Staffordshire’s Fire
and Rescue Service, Army Careers and
Staffordshire’s Community Police.
Stoke On Trent College Learner
Involvement Co-ordinator, Calvin
Austin, said: “There were lots of
opportunities for our students to get
involved with something new or to
continue something they have done
before – with like-minded peers!
The essential information students’
gained from this event was delivered
in a friendly and informal manner!”
Trevor Humphreys, Institute of Sports
Performance Manager, said:
“Fresher’s Fayre was an ideal
opportunity for our students to find
out about our Elite Sports
Programme. Whether it’s netball,
basketball, football or boxing –
there’s something for every student
at Stoke on Trent College!”
All in all, Fresher’s Fayre was an
exciting introduction to life at Stoke
on Trent College. Students had fun
and could check out survival tips for
their first term and the road ahead!
Fresher’s Week 2016

EXCITING INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE LIFE

GET ACTIVE... GET INVOLVED!
10
On Friday 4th November a range of
local organisations connected to the
University Quarter Partnership in
Stoke on Trent worked together to
host a local community event based
in and around Cauldon Park and
Stoke on Trent College. This included
a freshly baked bread and cake stall,
local walks, a litter pick, sports and
games in the park and health checks.
The UNIQ Community Event was a
great way to know what is going on
for students like myself out there in
the community we live in. There
were a range of stalls in the Lifestyle
Building that were great for finding
out information. There was also a
lovely cake sale to enjoy.
I personally found it was great to
volunteer to help with the event. The
Community Event was really good for
students whether you're a first year,
third year or on an adult course and
even for visitors to the college.
This is because everyone could learn
about plans for the restoration of
our local park or have a taster of a
new sport, for example.
I found the event really enjoyable as I
was helping out, meeting new
people, running a stall and meeting
customers and students at the
college.
It was also a great opportunity to be
able to build my confidence and
people skills.
UNIQ Community Action Day by Isabel Bickley, Level 3 Business

DISTRACTIONS WHILST DRIVING
Borderlines visit the College with a
Powerful Play about Texting whilst
Driving
Stoke on Trent College students were
educated on possible distractions
whilst driving at a touring
production on 3rd October. The New
Vic Borderlines brought their play
“Message not Delivered” to the Live
Nation Theatre, which explored the
key areas of risk for young drivers.
The citizenship project, which is
funded by the office of the Police
and Crime commissioner as well as
Newcastle under Lyme partnerships,
draws on the expertise and specific
knowledge of important local
partners.
Kathy Jackson, Student Liaison and
Wider Activities Coordinator at Stoke
on Trent College said: “This is a
creative way that our students can be
taught about the problems of
distractions whilst driving. It tells the
story of Daniel, Hannah and Elsie
who are all studying “A” levels at
college. Daniel has received great
grades and is going to Uni. Daniel
and Hannah have been in a
relationship for nearly 2 years.
Life is everything it should be for
these young people until the night
before he leaves to go to University.
The play featured a filmed “incident”
created in partnership with the
police and fire service. Following the
play, there was a participatory
workshop allowing young people in
the audience the opportunity to
interact with the scenes in the
production and identifying changes
that could be made in the behaviours
and decisions of the characters. It
also explored ways in which they
could influence others and be strong
enough to avoid becoming involved
in similar incidents themselves.
The themes of the play used
intelligence gleaned locally
regarding types of behaviour
exhibited by those young people
involved in road traffic collisions.
In particular, the play focused on the
consequence of distraction and peer-
pressure such as the use of mobile
phones and texting whilst driving.
Borderlines Theatre Company - Staying safe on the road

FANTASTIC TALENT
12
Talented Learners Take on
Jesus Christ Superstar at the
Live Nation Theatre, Burslem
Over 50 students from Performing
and Production Arts, Music, Art and
Theatrical Hair and Make-up came
together to produce Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s hit 1970s ‘Rock Opera’ Jesus
Christ Superstar from 20th – 25th
June in the Live Nation Theatre at
Burslem Campus.
This ‘Rock Opera’ has back to back
songs including ‘Superstar’, the
ballad ‘I Don’t Know How to Love
Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘King
Herod’s Song’. It was recently
brought back to popular attention by
the TV talent show ‘Superstar’ which
found the actor to play Jesus in the
2012 Arena Tour of the show.
Charlotte Oxford, Lecturer in
Performing Arts, commented: ‘Nearly
forty Level 2 and 3 Performing Arts
learners came together to produce
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ for paying
public over five nights in the Live
Nation Centre Theatre’.
‘The whole show was a team effort
and would not have been such a
great success without the
involvement from other departments
within the college - the Art students
who created the backdrop, the band
made up of learners from the music
course, hair and make-up provided
by students from the Theatrical
Make-up and Hair students, and not
forgetting the Level 3 Production Art
students who provided all the
professional set, lighting, sound and
costumes. The show was modernised
and set in a refugee camp, as well as
having references to the current
political situation with the inclusion
of parliament and party leaders’.
‘The shows were very well received,
with some fabulous feedback and
over two hundred people enjoyed
watching this energetic and moving
rock opera complete with numerous
dances, enigmatic physical theatre
and some engaging and charismatic
singing and acting’.
Jesus Christ Superstar

STARS OF OUR FUTURE

FAR MORE UNITES US THAN DIVIDES US
14
On Tuesday 15th November Stoke on
Trent College hosted a Unity Prayers
event at its Cauldon Campus.
Residents from the local area,
community leaders and students took
part in the event which aimed to
bring together people of all faiths
and none. The event was led by Rev
Sally Smith and the City Central
Mosque. It included guest speakers
including Hanley YMCA Chief
Executive, Danny Flynn and Angela
Glendenning, who has been involved
in race relations since the early
1990’s.
The prayers highlighted the multi-
faith work that is taking place within
the community as well as local and
national counter-terrorism initiatives
which aim to prevent terrorist
atrocities such as the Nice terror
attack in July 2016 and the Brussels
bombing in March 2016.
Lynn Tindale, Head of Learner
Services at Stoke on Trent College
and a member of the College’s
Safeguarding Team said: ‘Stoke on
Trent College were really pleased to
host this event as we pride ourselves
on being a truly inclusive college
where individuals from all faiths and
of none can study in a safe and
secure environment. We are at the
heart of our city community and
value the diversity which our unique
location brings, serving and meeting
the needs of all of our learners’.
PC Victoria Barker of Staffordshire
Police’s Prevent team said: ‘When
Father Jacques Hamel was tragically
murdered inside his Catholic Church
in Saint-Etienne, the community
response there was not one of blame
and segregation and culture/faith
tension, it was quite the opposite,
and it was a calling for tolerance and
peace. This gathering was a strong
show that we can all live, work and
play alongside each other and learn
positives from differences. This sends
a strong message to those who want
to cause damage and destruction by
means of segregation that they are
weak and that cohesion will stand up
tall”.
“I really enjoyed attending the Unity
Prayers event at college. I felt really
welcome and got to meet members
of local religious communities. The
buffet, which was made by Catering
Students at the college was
amazing”
Shther Aldeka
L3 Sport
Unity Prayers Event at Stoke on Trent College

BEING HEALTHY
Stoke on Trent College has been
recognised with an award for its
excellence in the health and
wellbeing of its students: The ‘Stoke
on Trent Excellence in Health and
Wellbeing Award’.
The college was one of the first in
the country to secure a ‘Healthy
Further Education College Standard’
in 2010, and its continued work in
the development of the learners’
health has gone from strength to
strength.
The main themes of the award are
healthy eating, physical activity,
mental health and emotional
wellbeing, alcohol and drugs misuse
as well as sexual health.
To achieve the award the college
demonstrated a commitment to
continuous improvement and
consistency in the range and level of
health support services for its staff
and students – as well as its work
with local health support services and
organisations.
It also highlighted how it actively
engages learners in the promotion of
health and well-being, which in turn
leads to increased performance and
achievement.
Luan Mountford, Stoke on Trent City
Council’s Co-ordinator for Health and
Wellbeing in Education said, ‘The
college obviously cares about the
health and wellbeing of all their
students and staff alike, clearly
carrying out the plans they have,
encouraging good health and
wellbeing for all’.
Lynn Tindale, Head of Learner
Services at Stoke on Trent College
said: ‘At Stoke on Trent College we
are proud of the way we support
health and wellbeing with schemes
such as smoking cessation and STAR
(teenage pregnancy) running
throughout the year. Our learners
have access to internal services such
as counselling and mentoring in
addition to external services, many of
whom do weekly advice clinics across
our campus. We have a full time
health and wellbeing officer who co-
ordinates our learners’ needs’.
Students are also engaged as ‘Health
Champions’. Tom Middleton who is
studying Level 2 Public Services said,
‘Being a Health Champion allowed
me to meet with other students as
well as raise money for different
campaigns. This has not only given
me the opportunity to work with
great people, but also organise
events to raise awareness’.
The food options that the college’s
students have access to is paramount
to the award’s success. Stoke on Trent
College Catering and Retail manager,
Dawn Vincent said: “I am proud to
serve our food to our learners and
staff. Healthy options at the college
are also a cheaper option,
encouraging students to make
informed choices when they eat”.
Lynn Tindale added: “We are really
committed here at the college to
developing high quality Health and
Wellbeing Services for our students.
“We work in partnership with other
local and regional health services,
local authorities and the voluntary
sector to access the best possible
services in house.
“The Health and Wellbeing of our
staff and students is paramount, and
these services improve not only the
quality of life, but also students’
performance and achievement too.”
Stoke on Trent Excellence in Health and Wellbeing Award

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
16
Health Champions Update
Shannon Anthony
Level 3 Public Services
This year we have recruited 13 Sports
and Health Champions to participate
in promoting Health and Wellbeing
issues across college. The training
was in two stages. Shannon Louise
Anthony has shared her experience
of the training and why she decided
to be a Health and Sports Champion
this year.
For the first part of the training we
went to Fenton Manor. When we
first got there, we got to know
everyone by playing ice breakers.
While we were there we did
different sport activities. We learnt
games primary school children would
like. We did this so we could go to
primary schools in the future and
play the games we learnt.
The second part of the training was
based at Stoke on Trent College. We
did drug, sexual health and mental
health awareness. All of this is so
interesting and you get to learn
things you never knew.
You get to learn about drug
awareness. You learn about the
effects of the drugs. what quantities
you need for them to work. We
learnt about what kind of people
take drugs and why they take them.
For sexual health we learnt about all
the different STIs and STDs. We
played a game with dominos and
had to match all the sides up with
the correct answers. We played Bingo
and Charlotte, the Sexual Health
Team Leader, read out questions and
we had the answers. Whoever won
got a prize.
When we did the mental health
session we learnt about all the
different types of mental health
problems and who it effects and how
many people it effects.
I gained alot by doing the Health
Champions training. I gained alot of
confidence by meeting new people
and having to work with people who I
have never met before. I gained new
friends. I also gained experience of
doing the activities. I have gained a
wide knowledge of drug awareness,
sexual health and mental health.
I wanted to do Health Champions
because, not only is it something
positive to put on your CV, but I will
also enjoy the experience of doing it.
I’ll meet new people and it will boost
my confidence. My friends did it last
year and they told me it is a good
thing to do. They got to raise money
for some deserving charities. For
example:
• Breast cancer
• Mental health
• Poppy day
• HIV awareness day
• Children in need
This year I will be able to raise money
for these charities and it will be great
to experience it.
I am most looking forward to doing
different activities to raise money for
different charities. I have done a lot
of fundraising activities when I did
the college’s Challenge Poland
Programme, so I know how to make
money via fundraising.
Doing Health Champions is a brilliant
experience, you will meet new
people and learn new things. It is
definitely something I would
recommend to others!
Sport and Health Champions

GETTING THE RIGHT SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT
- Simon Says -
What is Academic Stress and How to Manage it
Although some amount of
stress can be useful, too much
can lead to poor results!
So what is the answer?
Ok, let’s look at how stress might
affect you when doing college work.
You may have heard of the “fight or
flight” reaction?
Flight or fight is the body’s reaction
to being scared (it’s a natural
reaction). The body prepares itself
for facing the danger or for running
away from it and your body
chemistry changes. This can occur
when you are faced with something
you feel is threatening, real or
imagined. For example: being
behind with your course work or
worrying about exams.
Some of the physical feelings that
may accompany ‘flight or fight’ are:
• Dry mouth
• Rapid breathing
• Heart pounding
• Palms sweating
• Butterflies in the stomach
• Tense muscles
Sound familiar?
Frequently thinking of scary or
unhappy thoughts (negative
thoughts) about present and future
situations will affect the way that
you feel and can result in stress.
Some negative thoughts are not the
reality of the situation but are made
up and these can result in negative
thinking patterns which include:
Making out things to be worse than
they really are. For example “I failed
an exam (or an assessment), I will
never pass this course, I might as well
leave!”
All or Nothing thinking. “I must be
successful at all times, or else I am a
failure!”
Thinking that a past event is going
to happen again “I failed my last
exam (or assessment) …I am never
going to pass future exams (or
assessments).” The person then sees
themselves as a failure.
Thinking things will last forever. Not
forgiving yourself for making a
mistake – “I’ll never live this down.”
Surviving academic stress
Negative thinking patterns can be
changed, it takes awareness and
practice replacing negative thoughts
with more positive and optimistic
ones.
If you feel stressed in the exam or
assessment and you can’t fight it off
easily, practice the following and
then use it in the exam or
assessment:
1. Stop.
2. Feel both feet firmly on the ground.
3. Close your eyes if this is ok for you.
4. Relax your shoulders and arms, jaw
and cheeks.
5. Count a few deep breaths out.
6. Calm for one minute.
7. Think of your name, write it down
and then slowly return to the task.
Make friends with the task.
Remember that leaving the exam or
assessment room is pointless. It’s just
a feeling of wanting to escape (take
flight) which will pass. After the
exam or assessment there is no need
to check out what other people did.
This can make you anxious about
your own answers and what you did.
Go home, relax and have some fun!
Also:
Exercise releases chemicals in your
brain that makes you feel good.
Regular exercise develops your self-
esteem (makes you feel good about
yourself) and helps you concentrate,
sleep, look and feel better.
You don’t have to be super-fit or do
super-strenuous exercise to get the
physical and mental benefits.
Getting support
The College is committed to ensuring
that all students receive the very
highest level of support. It's
important to remember that should
you need help or support, there are
plenty of options available. A good
first port of call is your personal
tutor. If they can't help you with your
problem they'll be able to point you
in the direction of someone who can
e.g. mentors or the Counselling
Service.
You can contact the college
counselling service.
By phone: 208208 Ext 3430
or email:
counselling@stokecoll.ac.uk

HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY
18
Exercise and Mental Health
Everyone knows that exercise is good
for your body - but did you know
that it's important for your mental
health too?
Scientists have discovered that
exercise makes your brain release
chemicals that make you feel good -
the same chemicals that you get from
antidepressants. For mild depression,
research shows that physical activity
can be as good as antidepressants or
psychological treatments like
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
How much exercise?
For good mental health, you should
aim to do at least 30 minutes of
moderate exercise, five days a week.
Don't panic - this isn't as bad as it
sounds! The key word here is
moderate.
Moderate exercise means you're
working hard enough to raise your
heart rate and break a sweat, but
you can still talk. It could include
things like:
• walking the dog
• riding your bike
• skateboarding or roller-blading
• walking to college instead of
getting the bus, or getting off a
few stops early.
You can do it as one 30-minute
session, or break it up into shorter
10 or 15 minute sessions. Choose
something you enjoy - if you hate it,
you won't stick to it. Find something
that fits into your day and is right for
you.
Of course, when you're feeling
down, exercise is often the last thing
you feel like doing. That's why it's
useful to exercise with a friend, so
you can motivate each other. Set
goals and measure your progress, so
you can see the difference it makes.
Focus upon Mental Health

CHARITY EVENTS - AUTUMN TERM
We are excited to be back after our
long summer break. We extend a
warm welcome to our new as well as
our returning children to the nursery
and take pleasure in getting to know
them and their families.
This year sees the end of our 3 year
growth plan, increasing our numbers
to 67 placements per day. To
accommodate the growth plan we
are delighted to welcome our 3
newest members of staff to the
team: Sarah Chell, Kym Archbold and
Jolene Duxbury.
Dougie Mac September 2016
We have already been busy with our
involvement within the local
community raising money for
Douglas MacMillian. Through our
cake sale we raised £66.48 for the
charity.
‘Open Door’ Charity October 2016
October saw us collect Harvest
Festival for local charity ‘Open Door’.
Children and their parents kindly
donated non-perishable foods.
Children from the Bumblebee and
Butterfly Rooms then delivered the
Harvest Festival to the charity
themselves.
Children in Need November 2016
November will see us dress up for
BBC ‘Children in Need’, and do a mini
bake sale to help raise money for
children and families less fortunate
than ourselves.
In December we will be celebrating
Christmas with a range of fun
activities for children to participate
in. We have arranged a visit from
Santa Clause to coincide with our
Christmas party day on Wednesday
14th December.
Nursery Update

The group for former students to stay in touch.
Stoke on Trent College Alumni is a group set up for former students to stay in touch with each other and the College.
Alumni members will receive a range of benefits including access to a vibrant online community, College newsletters,
invitations to special events and the opportunity to share experiences with current students.
If you are a former student of the College and would like to join the Alumni Network please contact:
Kathy Jackson | Email: Kathy.jackson@stokecoll.ac.uk | Phone: 01782 208208 ext 3229 | Mobile: 07796 708227
You can also sign up on the college’s alumni page: http://www.stokecollege.ac.uk/about-us/alumni/
Alumni Case Study – Chelsea Haddon
At just 22, Chelsea Haddon is an Account Executive with one of the country’s leading marketing companies. Based in
Stoke on Trent, Lesniak Swann combine the best in strategy, branding, advertising, website design, digital marketing
and direct communications.
Chelsea provides support to the Account Managers, helping to manage client accounts and support in the delivery of
projects. She has been instrumental in supporting the development of our own college website www.stokecollege.ac.uk.
Chelsea, from Bentilee, started work as an Apprentice at Lesniak Swann straight after leaving St. Thomas Moore
Catholic College, and has been supported by her tutors at Stoke on Trent College throughout her NVQ. “Karen, my
tutor, has always been helpful!” said Chelsea. “Right from the start she was there to guide me and the course helped
my confidence grow within the workplace”.
Chelsea chose to take the Apprenticeship route so that she could earn while she learnt! It also meant that she could
stay locally and the convenience of having a tutor visit the workplace meant her studies enhanced her working
environment.
During her Apprenticeship Chelsea was promoted to Account Executive at Lesniak Swann, something she feels
wouldn’t have happened without the interesting way her NVQ showed her to develop her skills.
“Although I didn’t go into the college as such, I always knew there were people to help and guide me, and the
facilities are good with lots of things to do!” said Chelsea.
“Most of my course was distance learning – but that meant I could continue with “real” projects during my learning”.
Chelsea recently completed her Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration, and is currently studying for her CIM
Professional Certificate at Staffordshire University. Her overall dream is to become an Account Manager and stay in
the marketing industry.
Chelsea would definitely encourage others to follow in her footsteps on the NVQ Business and Administration course.
“The Work experience of an Apprenticeship is invaluable!” said Chelsea, “I would certainly recommend them as you
can learn real world skills whilst learning in the workplace”.
When she’s not at work, Chelsea enjoys keeping up to date with the latest industry news and spending time with her
friends.
Employer Acknowledgement.
Chelsea is highly motivated and has developed her skills whilst working at Lesniak Swann.
Initially recruited as an Administrative Assistant in 2013, Chelsea began her Level 3 Business
Administration Apprenticeship in 2014, and has since completed the course. Chelsea
progressed through her Apprenticeship; her hard work, attention to detail and rapport with
clients led to her being promoted to Account Executive. She now assists senior colleagues in
their work and also manages her own clients and additional duties. With the support of the
College, Chelsea has been able to develop and learn new skills. This has increased efficiency,
and reduced the time account managers and directors spend briefing and managing work in
the studio. Chelsea has been able to take a full brief directly from the client and help to
manage the work within the business, allowing account managers and directors to focus on
the account – which has several benefits for the business including time and cost saving.
Stoke on Trent College Alumni
STAY IN TOUCH
20

GET ACTIVE... GET INVOLVED!
College Students represent
Stoke City FC at Wigan Youth
Zone by Jack Keates, L3 Sport
I was delighted to be selected to
represent Stoke City FC after
attending weekly sessions in the
Sports Academy at Cauldon Campus
as part of the cross College
Enrichment Programme. I was really
pleased to participate in the 5-a-side
tournament at Wigan Youth Zone
playing against multiple teams such
as Manchester United, Liverpool,
Blackpool and Blackburn.
I felt that the experience of going to
Wigan Youth Zone and playing
helped me to develop as a player
because I was able to play against
different players and abilities in a
different environment.
The team performed very well
considering that it was the first time
that we played together as a team.
We beat Manchester United, 3-1 and
Blackpool, 2-0 but we lost against the
eventual tournament winners
Liverpool.
As well as the matches we got to
take part in indoor tennis, table
tennis and basketball in between
matches.
One of the highlights for me was
getting a free Wigan Athletic match
ticket which I was able to give away
to a young fan!
Stoke on Trent College students represent Stoke City FC at Wigan Youth Zone

BE THE BEST THAT YOU CAN BE
22
Stoke on Trent College has added
former Harlem Globetrotter Shawn
Jamison to its coaching staff, within
its new Institute of Sport. The 6 foot
8 inch Basketball player has joined
the team as Head Coach from
September and has already coached
the team to a string of wins.
With over 20 years’ experience in the
game of basketball, both as a coach
and as a player, his career also
includes NBA experience with the Los
Angeles Clippers. Shawn began his
first head coaching position with the
Loughborough Cougars women’s first
team at Loughborough University in
2008 and went on to coach the
Walsall Wizards. In 2009 Shawn
started a company called Hoop Skills
delivering professional and quality
coaching in communities and schools
and is head coach with the Hoop
Skills Stoke Basketball club.
Basketball coach Shawn Jamison said:
“I’m delighted to be part of this new
initiative at Stoke on Trent College.
It’s all about giving back – the
Globetrotters taught me that!
Seeing the smile on a youngsters face
when they achieve makes all the
hard work worthwhile. We have
some great players, not only in Stoke
on Trent and Staffordshire but across
the country. Students are travelling
from as far as London to join the
academy and continue their post 16
education in Stoke on Trent.”
The Institute of Sports Performance is
available to every student in the
college, not just sports students, and
is based within the fantastic sports
facilities at the college which
includes:
• Sports Therapy Rooming
• Sports Science Laboratory
• Fitness Suite with resistance, free
weight and strength and
conditioning areas
• Full size sports hall
• Dedicated sports teaching
facilities
The new Institute of Sports
Performance is a core part of the
college’s new commitment to being
one of the top sports institutions
within the region, and will be
working very closely with partners
such as staffordshire university’s
TEAMSTAFFS Elite programme, and
the European City of Sport Team,
alongside key commercial partners.
Focus on the new Institute of Sports Performance

WORK HARD AND ACHIEVE

Tuesday 4.30pm-6pm
Sports Academy, Cauldon Campus
ARCHERY
Why not come and try this exciting activity
with fully qualified instructors.
Learn how to hold a bow and arrow correctly
and hit the targets from a range of distances.
All equipment is provided.
For more information contact Kathy Jackson on 07796708227/
Roberta Fontaine on 07786114028 or visit the Students’ Union.

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