Growing partnership with Pili Pala Farm
Horticulture students gained an insight into eco-friendly farming when they visited Pili Pala Farm, in Llanfyllin.
We were invited to the farm by our new industry champion, Tom Edwards.
Tom runs Pili Pala Farm, which is named after the Welsh word for butterfly. The small regenerative farm has a mission to bring new life, increase biodiversity and create a productive haven for pollinators.
Tom and his family moved from the city to start the farm just two years ago, growing a range of fruit, vegetable and flowers using a chemical-free approach. They run a vegetable box scheme and supply local shops, whilst bearing in mind minimal packaging and plastic.
Students had the opportunity to work with Tom at Pila Pala. They explored some of the core skills they have learned in Horticulture.
Horticulture pathway lead Jane Carrington said:
“It was inspiring for students to put into action skills about looking after plants, and have the opportunity to use their skills in a real-life industry.
It turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year so far, but everyone worked really hard despite the temperatures.”
Insight into horticulture
Tom Edwards from Pili Pala Farm said:
“It was a pleasure to have the Derwen college students, and to offer them some insight into a working market garden. It was inspiring to see the students linking some of the theory they had learnt, with the practical elements of horticulture.
“I was especially impressed by their knowledge and appreciation of no dig principles, something that is growing in popularity both in commercial and domestic gardens. Thanks so much Derwen for taking the time to visit us, and we really appreciated your hard work. It would be great to consider a regular student placement at some point in the future, when the farm is fully fledged.”
Student Sophie said she enjoyed the visit and learnt lots. She was very happy to bring a freshly picked cucumber home with her.
“They grow fresh vegetables and fruit like strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes and sweet carrots, and look after wildlife. There are buzzards, red kites and cuckoos. We saw a buzzard.
“I did potting and seed sowing, and learnt about their way of growing. They don’t dig the soil, and weed by hand.
“I’d like to work on a farm, or with wildlife, after I leave College, so the visit was brilliant.”
Read all about … our book competition winners
Derwen welcomed Oswestry poet and author Jan Hedger to College to judge student and staff competitions, which were held earlier in the year for World Book Day.
Book lover Jan visited us to judge the Derwen Design a Book Cover Competition and Extreme Reading Challenge.
Student Peter Davies won the book cover competition with his ‘Universe’ design. Lauren Twomey came second for ‘The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook’. While Catherine Dowling came third for ‘Spaghetti Meatballs’.
Jan commended all of the entrants for their brilliant work, and spent a long time choosing her finalists from more than 30 entries.
She said: “There were some really imaginative entries. I loved the depth of Peter’s Universe, and the thought and fun behind Lauren and Catherine’s entries. Spaghetti Meatballs in particular intrigued me; was it a story or a cookbook?”
Iman Nadeem, from Derwen Ludlow campus, won the Extreme Reading Challenge for students, reading Grandma’s Ways for Modern Days, whilst practising her independence skills by hoovering.
Louis Baker, from Ludlow was second. Freya and Grace, from Derwen Telford site, were third for the photo of them reading His Dark Materials, with Teddy the therapy dog.
The Derwen staff book competition was won by physiotherapist Rachel Morris. This was for her photograph reading ‘Practical Poultry Keeping’ with her disgruntled looking cat.
Second was Zahera Kapasi-Eccleston reading ‘Why Mummy Swears’. Then, third place went to Phil Evans, from Nurture, reading the ingredients on his sandwich!
Thank you to everyone who took part. Vouchers will be going out to all finalists this week.
Stars at Summer Show – ‘Included’
Performing Arts students earnt a standing ovation and rave reviews for a Summer Show attended by a packed out audience of families, friends and VIPs including television professionals.
Students showcased ‘Included’ – a performance about the importance of inclusivity and diversity.
Guests at the show included actor Sam Retford, who has starred in Waterloo Road and Coronation Street. We were also joined by Hollyoaks writer Jayshree Patel and Hollyoaks series producer Philip Dodds.
Television stars backstage
“After a performance like that, we will definitely be talking about how Hollyoaks can continue to represent as diverse and inclusive audience as possible. We look forward to the possibility of working with Derwen College students in the future.”
Looking forward to Natspec Conference
Derwen College is proud to be part of the Natspec Conference 2022, which returns after a Covid-imposed break from face-to-face events.
The conference, on 21 and 22 June, is the largest specialist event for further education professionals who work with students with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans and/or students funded through the high needs system.
Held in Hinkley, Leicestershire, with a theme of ‘collaboration’, the College is involved in many different roles: as speaker, award finalist, exhibitors and visitors.
Our Student Union Board president, Amy (AJ), will be speaking at the launch of Day 2, via Zoom.
Amy is a Performing Arts student who will talk about how Derwen has improved her independence, taught her performing arts skills, and grown her confidence.
Amy’s Natspec speech
In a sneak peek from her speech, she says:
“I wanted to come to Derwen to improve my independence and to learn about performing arts, as I want to be an actor, singer and dancer (a triple threat!!).”
“My confidence has grown since I started at Derwen, which has helped me to work on loads of projects such as getting the main character role in the Christmas show this year, as Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
“Me coming to Derwen has allowed my mum to get a job – so it’s not just us students that benefit from college’s like Derwen.
“Derwen has also given me great independence skills, and I’ve had more freedom than I would ever have had at home. At home, I wouldn’t go out on my own, but here at Derwen I feel safe, and confident to walk to see my friends, go to my sessions or go for a walk on my own.
“Being the Student Union president, has developed my confidence and diplomatic skills, as well as my communication skills.”
Natspec award finalists
Our Principal & CEO Meryl Green will be attending, along with our Director of Care, Health & Well-being Karen George, and Director of Finance Andrew Smith, who is also Natspec LAs and Commissioning director.
The Natspec Awards winners will be announced on the 22 June, as the finale to the conference. Winners will be announced from eight categories. Derwen is a finalist for the Pathways into Employment award, an award which recognises how we support students into future employment through building partnerships with local and national businesses.
Derwen’s Digital Marketing and Website Officer Helen Edwards will be exhibiting at the conference, showcasing Derwen’s suite of apps which support people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into employment. She will be demonstrating the apps along with Neil Bevan, director of Starfish Labs UK. The suite includes apps to support with vocational training in a hotel or café, one to support with independent living skills, and a CV Builder app.
It’s going to be a busy and exciting two days. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/eDa-hxw8
Bumper attendance at Sponsored Walk and Summer Fete
Hundreds of visitors came to support Derwen College Charity Sponsored Walk, Fun Run and Summer Fete, after a break of more than two years.
The event generated more than £20,000 from sponsorship, raffles, activities, and across our commercial Marketplace.
Students past and present, families, staff, volunteers and the local community all visited the specialist further education college on Saturday, 28 May, for the college’s first ever combined sponsored event and fete.
The sun shone, and the atmosphere was buzzing for the day of fun, games, shopping and food.
The day kicked off with the sponsored 10k, which saw Shropshire students Joe Osborne and Maisy Cadwallader complete their first 10k run. Oswestry pensioner Olive Morris, who has completed the annual walk a record 52 times, joined the throng, single-handedly raising hundreds of pounds for the charity.
A team from West Mercia Search and Rescue carried a stretcher along the route, which started and finished at College.
This was the first year to combine the walk with the Summer Fete. Visitors flocked to the fete which hosted a market of 40 local craft and food stalls, bouncy castles, lots of games and activities.
We also showcased our own food, selling 14 flavours of homemade Derwen ice-cream, and special edition jams and chutneys to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.
Roaring trade across College
The Walled Garden Café, Orangery Restaurant, Garden Centre and Gift Shop and Vintage Advantage charity shop also enjoyed roaring trade on the day.
Many of the stalls and all the outlets remained open on the Sunday, to create a bumper weekend of family fun. All funds raised from the event will be used to support people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who work, learn or live at Derwen.
Our Principal Meryl Green said she was delighted to see so many people visiting the college for the sponsored walk, fun run and fete. She said:
“The sun came out and the atmosphere was just wonderful. After such a long time of not being able to host such big events, it was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves on the walk, and at the fete, taking part in the fun activities and shopping at stalls and in our Derwen Marketplace outlets.
“We would like to thank all our supporters who are generous with their time, their fundraising and their enthusiasm for the work of the college, and also to external stall holders and all our sponsors – the generosity and community spirit was inspiring.”
Beeline to Derwen
There’s a buzz in the air since we received an exciting new delivery – three colonies of bees. The bees will be starring in their own live buzzfeed, BeeTV.
We have worked in partnership with WoodMor Foundation to develop a bee-keeping programme which provides work opportunities for our students.
The Derwen Horticulture team have been busy clearing an area which students have dubbed ‘McGregor’s Garden’. Three hives and a beekeeping shed were set up earlier in the year ready for the arrival of the European honey bees.
Matthew Wood from the WoodMor Foundation was instrumental in donating the hives and equipment in order to launch the bee initiative. The bees were delivered more than 100 miles from Camphill, Wakefield, another specialist provider that is already working with WoodMor Foundation.
Matthew Wood visited College several times to offer advice and explain more about the benefits of the Derwen bees project.
The College is in the process of setting up BeeTV to follow the antics of the drones, workers and queen. A camera will be following the bees’ activities 24 hours a day. Soon, you’ll be able to watch our busy little pollinators from the live link on our website at www.derwen.ac.uk
Students Sophie and Courtney have been selected as our student beekeepers. Horticulture student Sophie and retail student Courtney were chosen for their enthusiasm for wildlife and their work ethic towards nature.
Staff support has been supplied by Derwen Garden Centre Supervisor Will Lyon and Management Information Systems Manager Trevor Sharples, who is already an experienced beekeeper.
Will said: “When I saw an advert posted by Raph Taylor, Employability Manager of Camphill for the ‘Becoming a beekeeper’, I just had to get involved. I have always loved honey, gardening and wildlife so this felt like a natural step to take. With Matthew’s enthusiasm and knowledge, not to mention the donation of the hives, I could not wait to get involved.”
The project offers an exciting specialist work experience opportunity in beekeeping, and will bring about Retail, Horticulture and Hospitality opportunities around Derwen honey and beeswax.
Students rock at VIP Hardline gig
Two of our music fan students met their favourite rock star when they attended their first ever gig.
Students Joe Osborne and Ethan Palmer-Barber went to see rock band Hardline at The Tivoli, in Buckley.
The pair were given the VIP treatment with balcony seats, a meeting and autographs with Hardline lead singer Johnny Gioeli, and even a shout out during the gig.
Johnny Gioeli first sent a video message to the superfan students during the pandemic. Johnny is also the vocalist for rock band Crush 40 who have written and performed several songs from the Sonic the Hedgehog series produced by Sega and Sonic Team, including the theme tune ‘Sonic Heroes’.
In his original video message, Johnny said:
“I want to thank you from the heart for your support for loving all of the Crush 40 tunes and for supporting me through my entire career.”
He also promised to try to meet them both in person when he was able. Joe and Ethan are delighted that he has kept his pledge.
Halfway through the gig, he shouted out ‘Where are my Crush 40 guys? Johnny also signed Joe’s Sonic t-shirt and Ethan’s Sonic game.
Watch Johnny’s original video message here.
Coming up roses at the garden centre
Derwen Garden Centre has received a glorious delivery of roses from world-renowned growers David Austin Roses, just in time for summer.
We were delighted to take the delivery, as one of the company’s exclusive stockist partners.
Just last month, David Austin Roses celebrated yet another Gold medal success at Chelsea Flower Show.
Family-run Shropshire business David Austin Roses, based in Albrighton, only allow their exquisite English Roses to be sold at specially selected outlets. We are thrilled to be one of these selected retailers.
We are selling a selection of the roses, priced at £25.99. Varieties include the beautifully named yellow English shrub rose, Tottering-by-Gently, as well as The Poet’s Wife, Boscobel, Queen of Sweden, and the Charles Darwin.
Our Commercial Manager Pete Evans said that the college was proud to have been chosen by David Austin Roses as one their carefully selected stockists.
He said: “It is a privilege to be selected as one of only a few retailers to sell David Austin Roses in Shropshire.
“Our customers love to buy these roses knowing they’re from a local Shropshire business with an international reputation.”
Will Lyon said: “We have all been very excited to receive the first delivery of David Austin roses since we were selected to join their partnership programme. Customers have been excited to see the new roses, which are a fabulous addition to our wide range of plants, shrubs and trees.”
Students on the College’s Horticulture pathway tend to and care for a variety of plants at the Garden Centre. While, Retail and Enterprise students learn valuable business and customer services skills working in the Garden Centre and Gift Shop.
Derwen College Garden Centre has a lovely range of summer plants available and is open every day between 9am and 4pm. Please do drop in and visit.
Derwen Digital ROCKS!
Two of our students will be meeting their favourite rock star when they attend their first ever gig on Friday.
Students Joe Osborne and Ethan Palmer-Barber are going to see rock band Hardline at The Tivoli, in Buckley.
Lead singer Johnny Gioeli has arranged to meet the two fans for photos and videos before the gig. Joe is even hoping to get the chance to do a quick audio interview with Johnny for the new student podcast ‘Break Time Chat’, created in Digital Skills.
Johnny Gioeli sent a video message to the super-fan students during the pandemic. Johnny is also the vocalist for rock band Crush 40 who have written and performed several songs from the Sonic the Hedgehog series produced by Sega and Sonic Team, including the theme tune ‘Sonic Heroes’.
In his original video message, Johnny said:
“I want to thank you from the heart for your support for loving all of the Crush 40 tunes and for supporting me through my entire career.”
He also promised to try to meet them both in person when he was able. Joe and Ethan are delighted that he has kept his pledge.
Derwen’s Digital Skills sessions cover the essential digital skills framework of: using devices and handling information, being safe and responsible online, transacting, communicating, and with particular focus on creating and editing.
Digital Skills at Derwen is involved with all the pathways, while also giving the students the ability to transform some of their unique and exciting ideas into audio/video/photographic projects for everyone to enjoy.
“In the digital age that we now live in, the ability to create using audio, video, and photography have become essential skills in both communication and promoting oneself, no matter what area of work/hobby you are engaged with.”
Teaching the magic of Makaton
Derwen College tutors helped to spread the Makaton magic when they attended a national magician’s conference in Shropshire.
Makaton tutors Julie Hawkins and Jessie Vaughan delivered a signing session to magicians at Trix in the Stix.
The event was held at Lion Quays Waterside Resort in Weston Rhyn, this week.
The Makaton sessions were requested by children’s entertainers at the event. They recognised the value of using Makaton signs and symbols to support children’s understanding and communication.
Derwen College is Makaton friendly with an expert Makaton training team including Senior Makaton Tutor Julie Hawkins.
This was the 10th annual conference and featured entertainers from across the country and even one from Germany.
Julie and Jess attended the event to offer a taster session. They taught 20 common basic signs and symbols. They also taught 14 specially requested signs, including ‘magic’, ‘magician’, and ‘supersonic sausages’!
Derwen College is incredibly proud to be officially Makaton Friendly, offering students a helping hand to communicate. We believe it is vital that students are understood, and that they should be given every opportunity to communicate their feelings and needs.
Makaton signs and symbols support communication and increase understanding between students, and between students and staff, helping to extinguish some of the frustrations that students feel at not being understood.
Makaton also allows staff to better explain what is expected of students in their work area, residence or free time, and to recognise and communicate quickly when there is an issue.
As a College, we are proud to be able to offer Makaton expertise. Julie is a Senior Makaton Tutor, and has a team of Regional Makaton Tutors and Local Makaton Tutors. All staff complete basic Makaton training as part of their CPD.
All the right moves in street dance competition
A street dance crew from a specialist college in Shropshire, earned medals and trophies galore at a dance competition in Wolverhampton against 19 other dance schools.
Derwen Dance Crew (DDC), made up of talented students from Derwen College, near Oswestry, entered the Audacity dance competition in Cannock.
The team performed as a group and with individual performances, impressing a sold-out audience who were all on their feet enjoying the show.
The competition at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, on Sunday saw students Anna Redding, George Weston, Megan Probyn, Georgia Bennett-Lockey, Tom Newton-French and Nicole Williams receive individual and group trophies. Derwen Dance Crew came second in the SEN Street Dance Crew, and the crew won many individual awards.
Megan, who was competing in her first DDC competition came first in the 18+ Contemporary Beginners and second in Freestyle Street Dance. Nicole won first in Contemporary Intermediate, Tom was first in the Street Solo Beginners and Anna was first in Street Solo Intermediate.They have now qualified for the Championship 2023.
Performing Arts teacher Opal Trevor said:
“I am incredibly proud of all of them. The comments from other dance schools and parents were phenomenal. This is what dance is all about; celebrating, equality and diversity.
“This was an excellent opportunity to compete in a competitive event, showcasing some brilliant performance skills!
“On the morning of competition they were told that team member Amy had Covid so couldn’t compete. As superstars, DDC changed their whole set including transitions and remembered everything when performing on stage this is pure professionalism. It was wonderful to be part of a such an inspirational event.
“Unfortunately this was DDC’s last time competing together as many of the dancers are now in their final year at college and will be moving on to their next chapters in life which is very exciting!”
Megan, from Stoke, loved being part of her first dance competition with DCC, supported by family who came to watch.
She said: “Since I’ve been part of DCC, I’ve built confidence, so I didn’t feel nervous. I made my parents cry. They were so proud!”
Megan’s mum, Sarah Probyn, said: “We had the most amazing day, and words cannot come close to describing how proud we are. The whole group was amazing and every student is an absolute inspiration to everyone who was in that room and lucky enough to see their performance.”
Anna, from Shropshire, who will be going on to start a supported internship at College, in September, said:
“I was mostly surprised when I got first place, and a bit starstruck! It was nice when saw the crowd were on their feet, and cheering! It was brilliant. My mum and stepdad came to watch, and were really proud. They were cheering really loudly.”
A spokesperson for Audacity said: “Wow, what a day! 19 schools and a whole lot of talent on that floor. It was our biggest event to date. What a beautiful set of routines and costumes we got to see, you really all went full out!
On Sunday, the crew will be visiting West Midlands Showground, in Shrewsbury, to perform at and enjoy a Charity Fun Day and Car Boot in aid of Little Rascals Foundation Charity.
Performing Arts is one of the pathways available to students, aged 16-25, at Derwen College.
Visit the website at www.derwen.ac.uk for further details.
Students take on running challenge for Derwen
Students taking part in their first ever 10-kilometre race will be among hundreds expected to challenge themselves on our Derwen College Charity Sponsored Walk and Fun Run on 28 May.
Students Harry, Joe and Maisy have been training to run the Derwen Sponsored Walk and Fun Run.
Retail student Joe and Hospitality & Food student Maisie have been part of a new Couch to 10k Club set up especially for the occasion, and this will be their first ever 10km run. Horticulture student Harry will be swapping his wellies for trainers to run the course in record time.
Joe said: “We’ve trained really hard, running with Sports Instructor Sian Thomas every week. We can’t wait to complete our first 10k. It’s going to be hard, but we can do it, even if we have to walk some of it!”
We’re also excited to have a first ever team entry for the Sponsored Walk. Members of West Mercia Search and Rescue will be carrying a stretcher and patient on the 6k version of the walk route. Six members of the Search and Rescue team, headed up by their Fundraiser, Andy Neale, hope to raise funds for Derwen College Charity and their own service for their efforts.
For the first time ever, this year’s walk will be combined with the Summer Fete, with both events taking place on 28 May from 10am. We’re excited to be welcoming visitors to the our Derwen College campus in Gobowen, for what will be a fun-packed event for the whole family to enjoy. All funds raised from the event will be used to support people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who work, study and live at Derwen.
As well as a great 10k sponsored walk and fun run, which starts and finishes at College, there will also be a summer fete taking place at the campus. Entertainment will include a bouncy castle, games and activities, and a food and craft fair featuring some of the best local artisans.
We’ll also be showcasing our own food, and for the occasion will be selling over 10 flavours of homemade Derwen ice-cream. Also on sale will be special edition jams and chutneys to mark the Queen’s Jubilee. The Orangery Restaurant will be serving scones and home-made jam.
Derwen College fundraiser Anna Evans said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome supporters, students and the whole community back to our ever-popular Sponsored Walk and Fun Run.
“It’s particularly exciting to see students like Harry, Joe and Maisie working hard to get fit and raise sponsorship for Derwen Charity.
“We’re really happy that the West Mercia Search and Rescue team are involved in a team challenge, and are hoping that other local businesses and some of our staff might be inspired to follow suit.
“We’re hoping to see a record number of walkers and runners signing up, as well as lots of shoppers and visitors coming along to enjoy the fun. Ultimately, we also hope to raise lots of money for Derwen College Charity.”
More information about the event, including registration for the walk, is available via the Derwen College website or by calling us on 01691 661234.
