Hollyoaks stars at Derwen College

An actor and a scriptwriter from popular soap Hollyoaks delighted an audience of performing arts students, when they visited a Shropshire specialist college this week.

Hollyoaks actor Gabriel Clark, who plays Ollie Morgan in the Channel 4 soap, and scriptwriter Jayshree Patel dropped in at Derwen College, in Gobowen, to talk to a captivated audience of students.

The pair answered questions on a variety of topics relating to acting, writing and Hollyoaks. They inspired students and staff, while also entertaining them.

Gabriel, who has acted in Hollyoaks for a year and a half, explained to students how excited and surprised he was to be first told he had the part. “I was on holiday in Italy with my family when the call came. My screen test and auditions had all been virtual, so it was a strange process. I had to get straight back on a plane to start work two days later. I hadn’t even had a chance to meet the cast, so my first line: ‘Hi, Dad’, was the first time I’d ever spoken to the actor playing my onscreen dad.”

Gabriel said he’s always acted, and always liked to tell stories. “Actors are just people who never want to grow up and want to keep on playing!” he said. Gabriel joined Hollyoaks to play a role previously played by a different actor. Though, he said, this didn’t faze him. “I’ve played Hamlet on stage, which has been played by countless actors before. There have been 13 Doctor Whos and seven James Bonds. In some ways it was easier, as a lot of the usual research and background I do for a part had already been done.”

Offering advice on getting into acting, Gabriel said: “You have to accept that you’re never always going to get everything right. Take risks and don’t take yourself too seriously. “Be the best storyteller you can be. Go to the theatre, enjoy film, television, books and art and approach everything with a child-like wonder. “Make your own films, and create your own stories. Nowadays, everyone has a phone so anyone can make their own content and share their own stories. “Always be cheeky and ask and put yourself forward for opportunities. Send directors examples of your work. Or suggest ideas for future themes and ideas. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!”

Writer Jayshree Patel was previously a teacher before taking a creative writing course, and winning a screen writing competition. She has gone on to write 35 episodes for Hollyoaks. Both Gabriel and Jayshree talked about the transferable skills they have learnt in every job they’ve done. While Jayshree was a teacher two year ago, Gabriel was serving pizza in Manchester.

Jayshree talked about transferable skills, and how every job is an opportunity to learn. “I find my teaching skills are really useful in writers’ meeting when everyone’s talking at once and I need to calm everyone down,” she says. “It’s important that whatever you’re doing in life, you do it the best you can!”

Jayshree said how she loves writing for Hollyoaks, and particularly enjoys the fact that the show is often breaking barriers and is a diverse and inclusive place to work. “It’s important to see people like yourself represented on television. It can make a world of difference to someone who feels like they don’t fit in because of their colour, sexuality, disability or beliefs.” Gabriel, who is gay and a proud champion for LGBTQ+ rights, agrees.

“Growing up, I didn’t see many gay actors and thought it would affect my career. I wished I’d had more acting role models growing up.”

Jayshree, who has a daughter who is autistic, said: “I think it’s important, where possible, for an actor who genuinely has that condition to play these roles, rather than someone pretending. “We have an actor and writer who are autistic. Being inclusive is not about doing people a favour, it’s about making the most of everyone’s differing skills and talents.”

Derwen College is proud of the links and expertise gleaned from visiting speakers. This year, Performing Arts students have been lucky enough to have visit from soap and theatre actor Sam Retford who has appeared in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Ackley Bridge. As well as visits from local experts including industry champion Chloe Yeomans from Chloe Elizabeth Dance Company.

To find out more about being a student at Derwen College visit our website.

Performing Arts students in the spotlight

Two of our Performing Arts students demonstrated their stage skills when they took to the stage in a sell-out production of Me and My Girl, in Whitchurch.

Students Anna Redding and Nicole Williams joined the chorus of Whitchurch Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (WAODS) production from 27 to 30 April.

Performances were held every evening with a Saturday matinee.

The students, from the specialist further education college near Oswestry, started rehearsals back in September as a regular work placement. They were asked to complete auditions, and sang ‘Once You Lose Your Heart’ to the director and two colleagues. Anna and Nicole were awarded parts in the chorus where they also played maids, cockneys and party guests.

They were put in contact with the group by cast member David Pearce, who is also Hospitality and Food lead at the College for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They were driven to and supported in rehearsals by Abi Baker, Lin Hughes and Shannon Walker. Derwen College Retail students also printed the tickets and banners to promote the show.

Work experience with a difference

Work experience and Supported Internship coordinator Abi Baker thanked the society for their support, and said how proud she was of Anna and Nicole.

She said: “What they’ve learnt from his experience is amazing. I’m immensely proud of them. There was so much to learn, including lines, songs, stage cues, and where to stand on stage. All of this on top of long evenings and late nights. The audition was a brilliant – if nerve-wracking – experience for them too.

“They had to be flexible; transferring their skills from rehearsal space to Whitchurch Civic Centre main stage just three days before the performance, progressing to formal dress and technical rehearsals.

“As well as the performing arts skills, they’ve also achieved other important outcomes such as talking to and working with unfamiliar people. It was lovely to see how involved they both got with the rest of the cast, and how supportive the entire cast were. The final night was an emotional one, with lots of hugs and tears.

“Work experience is an important part of learning for the majority of students and supported interns at Derwen College. The support of community groups and businesses is vital to the College’s mission of enabling students to achieve their future ambitions.”

Curtain up

Performing Arts students from the College came to support Anna and Nicole on opening night, with an additional college trip organised for Friday. Anna and Nicole’s families also came to watch.

Rose Hall, producer at WAODS said:

“It has been a pleasure working with Anna and Nicole, two very talented individuals.  A massive thank you to them! We’d also like to thank the whole of the performing arts department at Derwen College for making the opening night of Me and My Girl a very memorable and special moment. They made for a fabulous and energetic audience and gave us the lift we needed having spent such a long time working on the production. It was lovely to have such energy responding to us on stage!”

Student performer Anna said: “We learnt about all the different roles in the theatre. It was fast moving with lots of people on and back stage. That was sometimes difficult, but brilliant experience. I found it nerve-wracking especially when there were people I knew in the audience. But I loved it especially wearing the party dresses at the end.”

Nicole said: “The hardest part was trying not to laugh at the funny parts! Nigel, who played Bill, was funny and David, who played Gerald. Learning lines was quite difficult, but I loved it all!”

As Performing Arts students, Anna and Nicole are both looking at pursuing their love of acting in the future, whether as a hobby or career.

For more information on learning at Derwen College, or on how to support a student with  work experience opportunities go to www.derwen.ac.uk.

To find out more about WAODS go to www.waods.net.

Derwen College wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Derwen College has been honoured with a top business award endorsed by Her Majesty the Queen.

We have been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity.

Judges for the prestigious national awards, which are recognised for five years, were impressed by our ‘Marketplace’ where students learn work skills in the garden centre, café, restaurant, print shop, charity shop and a small hotel developed in conjunction with Premier Inn.

They also recognised our work with external work placements and how we use technology, such as developing a CV Builder app which allows students to showcase their work skills to potential employers in an accessible way.

Derwen College is one of 226 national organisations to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Now in its 56th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

In a formal letter, a spokesman for the Queen’s Awards said:

“I am delighted to inform you that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation that your company should receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Promoting Opportunity category this year.

“It has been an exceptionally hard few years for businesses and this achievement is testament to the resilience you and your staff have shown through these unprecedented times.

The award will be presented to the College by Queen’s representative Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be celebrating the wonderful success of Derwen College in winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunities.

“Judges for these awards look into every detail of your nomination as they want to absolutely certain they make a good selection. It makes me so pleased that we have four businesses in this county that have reached the required standards, and particularly one this is so inspirational in providing such a happy learning environment to so many young people.”

Principal Meryl Green from Derwen College is invited to attend a Reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH the Prince of Wales in July.

We are so pleased to add this award to many others we have been shortlisted for, or won, for 2021 and 2022. In the last year, we’ve won Specialist College of the Year in the TES FE Awards and a NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) Award. We are also shortlisted in the Aico Awards and the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards.

Meryl Green said: “Derwen College is having an exceptional year for awards; for our educational and care provision, and for our business ‘Marketplace’. To receive this very special award, endorsed by the Queen, during her Platinum Jubilee’ really is the icing on the cake. We are very proud to receive this distinguished award, and would like to thank all our staff, students, families, and the community who support our College, our Charity and our Marketplace.”

 

Providing plants for Gobowen Station

Our Garden Centre team were delighted to provide £1,000-worth of plants as part of a project to brighten up the local railway station.

We supplied plants to Kier construction company, who are contracted by Network Rail to deliver improvements at Gobowen Station.

James Palmer and Jordan Price and from Kier visited the college. We were able to advise on perfect plants for the station grounds. Plants chosen included roses, clematis and a selection of fragrant herbs.

Kier are committed to supporting inclusivity in the workplace. So were pleased to be able to buy their plants from us. Horticulture students at the College work in the Garden Centre in weekly work placements in preparation for work after College.

As you may know, our Hospitality & Food students already work at the Station Café at Gobowen Station. They work in the cafe a partnership with Severn Dee Travel.

Derwen Commercial Development Manager Pete Evans, said the College was very happy to be able to advise on and provide planting for the station.

He said: “We have a long-running partnership with Gobowen Station, and are delighted that Kier – a business who share our ethos of inclusivity and diversity – have chosen us to support with the planting at the station.”

 

Student Union Board visit London

Our Student Union Board representatives visited the Houses of Parliament in London. The trip was to find out for themselves more about the UK’s democratic process.

Student representatives took an overnight trip to the capital. They went to discover more about the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall.

Students also enjoyed a performance of the musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre. This was followed by a meal at Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, before spending the night in a youth hostel.

At Derwen, students are supported to develop discussion, negotiation, decision making and problem-solving skills. One representative and at least one deputy representative from each department, house and satellite site sit on the Student Union Board. Members of the board are democratically elected by students every October.

At the weekly Student Union Board meeting, students described how they thoroughly enjoyed the trip. They had clearly learnt a lot about how parliament works.

Dan (Freshers Rep) said: “It was awesome! It was an amazing experience to see Westminster, and hear some of the history. Henry VIII played tennis in the Great Hall!”

Aaron (BAME representative) said: “We saw the speaker. Everyone has to take their hats off for the speaker. This is because in the old times, the speaker worked for the king.

Amy (Student Union President) added: “Mamma Mia! was really funny. It was an hilarious show, with very good acting.”

Independence & Personal Health Manager Helen Owen said: “We were really proud of how students had their bags packed and ready to go for 6am.

“It was great to hear how much they had all learnt about how parliament works. Also, to see students from different pathways and different campuses, supporting each other. There were definitely some new friendships forged.

“We were very proud of that all of our students were such brilliant ambassadors for the College.”

Skills competitions for Hospitality students

Hospitality & Food students took part in Housekeeping competitions in our training hotel, Hotel 751, this week, for National Careers Week.

Hospitality students who do work experience in Hotel 751, were given 30 minutes to complete a skills competition to clean and replenish a desk and condiment tray.

The skills used are those required by housekeeping staff of Premier Inn and help prepare students for work at Premier Inn or other hotels. Students were supported if necessary by teachers Gemma Comerford and Katie Roberts.

Competitors were expected to take away dirty crockery, to know which cleaning equipment and chemicals to use to clean and sanitise the desk, empty the bin, and how to correctly and tidily set up the condiment tray, menus, cups and glasses.

The competition was judged in strict competition conditions by Work Experience Coordinator Abi Baker and Hospitality teacher Yvonne Daniel.

Students Brendan, Patrick and Amy took part.

Amy said: “The judges had messed up the desk to make it difficult! It was good experience. I wasn’t nervous and knew most things without help.”

Judge Abi said: “They all did really well, and demonstrated how they can work independently in our training hotel to industry standards.”

Yvonne added: “It was good to see that all three students have shown progression within their housekeeping skills.

Curriculum Manager Jen Fawcett-Jones stressed the importance of competitions for developing students’ work skills. She said:

“In-house and external competitions are held across all pathways and provide valuable experience to our students, and the opportunity to showcase their learning and skills.”

The College’s Hotel 751 is a three-bedroom training hotel which was created in a partnership with Whitbread owned Premier Inn. Students learn in the training hotel, before progressing to external work placements at Premier Inn and other hospitality environments. Currently, 21 of our former students are now employed by Premier Inn.

 

Don’t Screen Us Out

Our Performing Arts DC Theatre Internal Work Experience group welcomed students and staff from across the College to join them for a performance to raise awareness of the #DontScreenUsOut campaign.

Students took part in a powerful performance to stand up for what they believe in and raise voices against what they think is an outdated and offensive law against people and families with learning disabilities.

The performance was held in the run-up to World Down Syndrome Day, which we celebrate on 21 March.

The audience were taken on an emotional journey, which showed just what our students, and all young people with special educational needs and disabilities can achieve given the right support.

Our Principal Meryl summed up what the entire audience was feeling with this ‘review’. She said:

“Just to say what a fantastic performance students put on today – ‘Don’t Screen us Out’ – I loved it!

“As ever, with Performing Arts, it took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It was really slick and well performed but also hard hitting in terms of the subject matter. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the singing – brilliant!”

“A huge ‘thank you’ to the Performing Arts team for your unfailing creativity and enthusiasm!”

Careers Week competition

For National Careers Week, we held a college-wide Careers Week Competition, where pathways were invited to create a notice board detailing their links to the world of work.

We had some super entries demonstrating how we are supporting students into employment after College.

The eventual winners were our Ludlow campus, with Performing Arts in second place, and Horticulture achieving a Highly Commended. Thanks to staff and students who took part. The competition was judged by our governors who were impressed with all the entries. Here’s just some of the feedback for our winning entries:

1st Place – Ludlow

The concept was captured extremely well. Great links to development that focused around ‘hopes and dreams’. This display was extremely inventive and displayed an impressive amount of handmade aspects. It was clear this display was student generated, we appreciated both the vision and attention to detail. The quote that stood out from the presentation was ‘sailing towards our future lives’

2nd Place – Performing Arts

Clear concept displayed with the focus of traveling around the world of work. Interactive lifting flaps were inviting. Clear skill identification was evident alongside great links to life after college. The inclusion of ‘top tips’ was creative and again inviting those to explore more.

Highly Commended – Horticulture

Inviting design that linked to the area. Good range of possible sectors to explore post college as well as living aspects.

Learning life skills at Ludlow campus

Students at our newest Ludlow campus have achieved Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, excelled in skills competitions, and have exhibited their artwork at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.

These phenomenal achievements are on top of their vocational learning and training in Business & Enterprise, and internal and external work placement opportunities.

The staff at Ludlow are proud to enable students – from mainstream or specialist schools – to be themselves, guiding them to be more confident, independent individuals, and to reach their aspirations. Derwen is a ‘ place of possibility’.

Derwen College Ludlow, at Eco Business Park, provides Business & Enterprise training, qualifications and work experience opportunities to young people from south Shropshire and the surrounding counties. Students learn business skills in customer services, money handling, sales and marketing skills, and also develop skills in independence, health and wellbeing.

Two students have recently been awarded their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, a challenging award were young people take part in expedition, volunteering, a skill and physical activity. Iman and Jeff demonstrated the commitment, hard work and teamworking skills necessary to achieve this inspirational award. Iman and Jeff were part of a group of students, who braved gruelling treks through Shropshire and the Welsh borders countryside, facing inclement weather and blisters along the way. They were presented with their certificates by Satellite Manager Peter Leddington.

Earlier this year, a team of students showcased their business skills when they entered World Skills UK virtual competitions. The Ludlow team won a Bronze medal in the Media Foundation Skills competition for a media campaign focused on the theme of Respect. The students conducted research, and produced and marketed a board game. As finalists, they were announced on Channel 4 by television presenter Steph McGovern, live from the ‘Steph’s Packed Lunch’ studio.

Students also held an Art Exhibition at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms. The exhibition featured 28 exhibits produced as part of their wellbeing sessions. Feedback from visitors, including students’ families and friends was overwhelmingly positive.

A visitor (and parent) said:

“I was really impressed with the quality of the work that the Derwen students produced. The pieces were beautifully presented, finished to a very high standard and the interpretation notes by each piece added to the impression that they were unique to each artist and had taken a lot of thought and effort.

Louis was very proud of his work and that of his fellow students. It was also very rewarding for him to see members of the public admiring the work as well. To achieve such a high standard of work and have his work exhibited in a public space alongside that of other artists meant a lot to him.”

Derwen College Ludlow enjoys a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Discovery Centre. The Centre sells gifts, products, cards and seasonal hampers created by business students. Most recently, their Mother’s Day hampers have been particularly popular.

Student Louis, also attends the Centre as external work placement every Friday. Jeff works with the Onny Meadows Wildlife Volunteer Group, led by Ian Cheeseborough.

Louis loves his time with the Onny Meadows volunteers. He says:

“They always welcome and support me. I’ve learnt skills like how to use a bow saw, coppice trees and identify different animal calls, including the Moor Hen.

“I love the outside environment and am happy to work there.

One of his fellow volunteers confirms that the feeling’s mutual. She says: “my volunteering is enriched by having Louis in the group.

Fellow student Jeff, has a placement at Shropshire Museum Collection Centre, based in Ludlow Library. As part of his role, he inputs data and scans and catalogues historical documents.

He says: “I feel that this work is showing my skills. I am interested in working in ICT in the future, and feel that I’m making great progress towards that goal. It’s a fantastic experience.”

With a smaller cohort and a bespoke timetable, Derwen College Ludlow is able to support students with a wide variety of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), autism, and challenging behaviours.

The College campus, which moved to Ludlow last year, has seen learners who previously felt anxious or uncomfortable at school or college, develop into self-assured adults, ready for employment or further training, and a more independent future.

Louis enjoys his time at College, and is proud of what he has achieved.

He says: “I have fun at College and can’t wait to tell my parents what I’ve achieved that day. They are proud of me, and I feel proud of myself.”

Saddle up for Derwen’s Spin-along Spinathon

Our staff and students are getting ready for a gruelling cycle challenge to raise funds for Derwen College Charity.

Derwen College sports teachers Sian Thomas and Steve Evans will be leading the Spinathon pack, and have challenged themselves to a punishing 24 hours non-stop session on spin bikes.

Their Derwen Charity challenge takes place in the main reception area of Derwen College, in Gobowen, on 1 April, starting at 12 noon.

Spectators, supporters and other spinners will be joining them for this event, which is a first for the further education college for 16-25 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities.

Sian and Steve have been busy recruiting other staff members, students and local sponsors to join them as they spin their way through the 24-hour challenge. Each person taking part will be embarking on their own personal challenge; some will be aiming to spin for an hour, others have committed to far longer sessions on the bike. Their aim is to raise funds and lend some moral support to Sian and Steve. Money raised from the challenge will be used to purchase bespoke sports equipment for people with learning difficulties and disability to use.

Students Luke Hodges and Izzy Smith are just two of the students who will be joining the challenge. Izzy will be attempting to cycle for one hour, which will be a huge milestone challenge for her and Luke has already managed to raise £100 in donations.

Thanks for your support

Local companies from across Shropshire have also pledged their support for the challenge with some notable donations, helping to bring the fundraising tally up to £1000 already. The target is £5,000.

PAS North West, Tanat Valley Coaches, Zest Ladies, Nyke Energy and Lion Quays Spa have all supported the event with donations, raffle prizes and lending equipment for the event.

Sian said: “We are very grateful for the wonderful support our sponsors and donors have given to the event – they have helped us to kickstart our fundraising with very generous donations and support.

“There are still opportunities for more local companies to get involved and support our spinners during this challenge, we would love to hear from anyone who would like to support our challenge.”

For more information about how to support this event, please contact Derwen College on 01691 661234 or visit the on-line donations page.

Branching out to complete planting project

Our Leaf It To Us team, from Derwen College Walford, were delighted to finish a planting project in Baschurch, after a frustrating two years of delays.

Students on the Walford site’s Horticulture pathway run ‘Leaf It To Us’, a gardening and groundswork business which provides meaningful work experience in the local community.

In autumn 2019, they were approached by Baschurch Parish Council to assist with planting some hedging in the playground off the Wheatlands housing development in Baschurch. The saplings were kindly provided be Woodland Trust.

Plans were, unfortunately, postponed because Covid-19 restrictions, but are now back on track, more than two years later.

Leaf It To Us Co-ordinator and Learning Support Assistant Dan Foster explained the delay and expressed their delight in finally being able to finish the project. He said:

“Lockdown put a stop to planting, and the stock was heeled in and stored. By the time we were allowed back out, it was completely the wrong time of year for planting bare root stock. It’s only now that we have the right time, pairs of hands and conditions to plant.

It’s nearly two years down the line, and we are proud to announce that we have bigger plants and a mixed woodland hedge in. We are very happy to be back out working in the community, and have a busy year ahead.”

Leaf It To Us have previously held work placements with Baschurch Parish Council, Whittington CE Primary School, and Ellesmere’s The Jebb Garden. They are also currently working on a new Waterside Garden at Derwen College in Gobowen.

Derwen – Changing lives in Kuwait

Last week, Principal Meryl Green and Head of Curriculum Zoe Wood visited the Middle East.

They were invited to offer their expertise and experience to support a brand new specialist college opening across the globe.

They were asked to share expertise gained at Derwen; expertise which will transform the lives of people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the world.

The College is working with the Kuwait Society for the Handicapped (KSH). KSH are developing the country’s first ever specialist further education college for young people with SEND.

Therefore, Meryl and Zoe were invited to visit the new purpose-built specialist college in Kuwait. The college opens in September.

The visit marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with KSH. Led by Meryl and Zoe, Derwen will aid the design and implementation of specialist vocational and independence programmes. These programmes are tailored to meet individual support needs.

‘We look forward to sharing our expertise to enable young people with SEND to achieve aspirations.’

Meryl Green said,

“We are proud to be supporting KSH in developing the vocational curriculum for this ground-breaking new college in Kuwait.

The vision and ambition of the team at KSH has been superb. It’s been a privilege to experience that first hand. We look forward to sharing our expertise to support them in enabling young people with SEND to achieve their aspirations. I am sure the new college will be a huge success.”

Meryl and Zoe were delighted to also meet the British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis. She was interested to hear about the exciting project, and how a well-established, British organisation is lending its expertise.

Derwen College visited along with Neil Bevan of Starfish Labs. Starfish work with Derwen to develop award-winning apps. These apps have already supported people with learning difficulties and disabilities towards employment.