A group of senior students at West London Community College have recently undertaken their biggest challenge yet – running their own market stall in The Pavilion’s shopping centre in Uxbridge, all in aid of Anna Kennedy Online.

Anna approached the staff at the college at the beginning of the year with an offer we couldn’t refuse.The charity would pay for the stall on a bi-weekly basis if we assembled a team of students to produce products and the manpower to work behind the counter.

The students were delighted to have the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience, not to mention safe-exposure to the community.
We opened the stall selling waffles with delicious toppings but quickly realised it wasn’t working so after a brainstorming session, followed by extensive market research, the students decided they would try homemade jams and chutneys.

I’m delighted to announce that this latest line of produce has developed a following of loyal customers and is seemingly flying off the stall.
What started as a one-day-a-week session has now monopolised their timetable to become their major focus. Since opening the students have taken more and more ownership of their Social Enterprise and are now responsible for the finances, monitoring our ever decreasing stock levels, producing more stock, designing advertising artwork, assessing profit margins and inventing new and exciting products.

Our head designer, Ross Lee, has said that the stall has “given me the opportunity to use my artistic talents while designing the posters”.

Whereas sales assistant and chef, Damien Bardou said “the Social Enterprise sessions have improved my confidence and interaction skills with my fellow team members and the public”.

There is no doubting that the hard work and enthusiasm the students give to the session is an incredible advert for the college. An effort the staff team at WLCC are extremely proud of.

Jamie Wilson, Senior Vocational Training Officer
West London Community College

Out team at the market stall

Joey the Pygmy goat has been donated to Hillcrest Oaklands College by the National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton on Trent.

Oaklands offers a variety of vocational learning including ‘Care of Animals’ so Joey will be in good hands!

Joey was one of three Pygmy goats at the National Forest Adventure Farm.
Tom Robinson, National Forest Adventure Farm Director comments:
“We are delighted to have donated Joey to Hillcrest Oaklands College and that our gesture can play a small part in helping a young person develop new skills.”

Graham Hertz,  Headteacher,  Hillcrest Oaklands College comments:
“It’s been great that Joey has joined us at the college Oaklands. All the students here love all the animals and take extra special care when being with them.  Animal Care plays an important part in the therapeutic approach adopted throughout the ethos of the College.

It also contributes towards the Land Based Study qualifications that some of our Students choose to follow. Joey has joined a family of other goats, pigs, sheep and hens so he is in a really happy environment.

He’s already made best friends with Geraldine, one of our other Pygmy Goats.”

Hillcrest Beachlands are pleased to welcome a new young person to the service.
All young people at Beachlands have recently taken part in a full house activity of Laser quest at Action stations in the Portsmouth dockyards.

A great time was had by all young people and staff who are looking forward to going again soon for a rematch.

Kelly Kearn – Team Manger

Beachlands Laser Quest Team

Hillcrest Hayling School have started unit 1 of 6 in the exciting new sports qualification-Sport Leaders Level 1.

Gaining a Sports Leaders UK award or qualification can be a life changing experience. For some of our students it is the first time they have been given the opportunity to play a range of sports and develop thier personal skills.

As well as sport, dance and physical activity the award and qualification helps young people to gain important leadership training. This gives them recognition, a sense of self-worth and empowerment. It also helps prepare them for future employment.

Central to the development of Sport Leaders at Hayling School is the need to support willing students to feel better equipped and confident in their own lives.

Hillcrest Hayling School has developed individual plans for each Key Stage 3/4 pupil to make a contribution to their community by visiting Primary Schools in the local area to set up and teach sports activities. This target of developing new enjoyment of the sport for all can offer fantastic opportunities for the Hillcrest pupils to lead children and adults into living more active and enriched lives.

Jamie Honywood
PE/PSHE Teacher Hillcrest Hayling School

The girls and the staff from Oathill Lodge enjoyed this years holiday in Havens Caravan Complex in Devon.

Days were spent souvenir shopping, swimming in the onsite pool, sunbathing on the beach and crabbing. One of our girls faced her fear and went into the sea! A proud moment!

The girls also took part in more adventurous activites such as rock climbing, abseiling and paint balling.

In the evenings we had lovely meals out and dancing which gave staff the chance to show off thier skills!  There were shows and live bands to keep us entertained.

On the final day of the holiday staff and residents had the opportunity to venture into Paignton Town centre to enjoy the local fun fair attraction and the girls enjoyed their first experience of fresh cockles on the sea front.

Here come the girls!

The Young People from Hayling Island had a great time in Newquay, Cornwall.

We all stayed in a Bunk House in the Middle of nowhere, which was a great experience. We made it down to the beach for two days of surfing and playing in the sea. In the evening we  explored the town and took a trip to Padstow.

On the way home we  stopped for one final adventure- Quad-biking!

Fun was had by all!

Sue Burry, RCW- Hillcrest Hayling Island

Surf's Up!