Trip to Parliament to support change

Students Jonathon and Lizzie took a trip to London to help raise awareness of the challenges that young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) face when they leave education.

Student Council President Jonathon and Deputy President Lizzie, visited the Houses of Parliament to support the launch of a project called ‘What Comes After Education for Young People with SEND.’

The project, launched by National Star College and Together Trust charity, highlights the challenges which young people with disabilities can face as they reach adulthood.

Jonathon and Lizzie were invited by Max Wilkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, to hear more about the project first hand. The two charities have worked together for two years to launch the report which aims to share understanding of the barriers and opportunities for young people with disabilities when they leave education.

Jonathon and Lizzie were joined by staff members Tab Crinson and Teri Ann Burgoyne. They heard from a number of speakers including young people and parents and carers about their journey, their challenges and their successes. The project included a list of recommendations for how colleges can work collaboratively, including with local and central government, charities and other organisations, to enable young people with disabilities to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Jonathon said after the event: “It was very interesting listening to other people talking about their problems after college with local authorities and how some parents have had to give up their jobs to support their children, it was really moving.”

Could you help make a difference as a Derwen College governor?

Derwen College, a nationally-renowned specialist college in Shropshire, is offering professionals the opportunity to share their expertise as part of a board of governors that helps transform lives.

Could you help make a difference as a Derwen College governor?

Based at the college’s Gobowen campus, governors provide oversight of and support to the leadership team, and are responsible for approving the college and charity’s strategic direction.

At Derwen College, students aged 16–25 years old with a diverse range of learning difficulties and disabilities, are enabled to reach their aspirations, become more independent and enjoy experiences and opportunities to enrich their lives.

Anyone taking on this highly rewarding role will be expected to attend around six Board meetings, and six committee meetings each year, which are held weekdays in Gobowen, usually from 3–5pm. There are also opportunities to be part of Derwen Charity events, and you’ll receive invitations to see students perform in the ever-popular Christmas and summer shows.

If you have skills and experience that you can bring to governing a complex and multi-faceted organisation, please get in touch. Applications are especially welcomed from qualified accountants and those with experience in care or further education. Experience in the SEND sector would also be a real advantage.

Derwen College Principal and CEO Meryl Green says:

“Our governors and trustees set the mission and strategic direction of the college. They are also responsible for scrutinising the college’s performance. Becoming a Board member allows you to be part of the positive work that Derwen College does with young people with SEND.

“You will gain new skills and experience that can help you to develop your own career. This really is a unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of an award-winning college and charity that make a difference.”

Governor’s experience

Derwen College governor Abi Plowden, who is Director of Learning at Moreton Hall school, in Weston Rhyn, has been a governor for nearly two years. She says:

“Being a governor for Derwen College is a privilege. It is an honour to participate in many events such as student performances and celebrations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

The role offers time to meet staff and students and play an active part in college life, and allows me to utilise the skills I have in my profession and also develop new ones.

“The college offers a comprehensive continued professional development programme. I have been given many opportunities, including learning Makaton. Staff and fellow governors are on hand to answer questions, and full support is given at the start, and commitments are planned far enough in advance to make the role manageable around home and work life.

Derwen College is much more than a further educational college, and I am proud to be part of it.”

For further information email Mark Baker, Governance Professional, at mark.baker@derwen.ac.uk or telephone 01691 661234 extension 359.

Bargain buys in our charity shop sale

It’s sale season at our award-winning Vintage Advantage charity shop, on the Gobowen site. Shoppers are invited to bag a bargain while also supporting students.

The Vintage Advantage charity shop is offering pre-loved bargains with a further 50% off. The January sale runs for two weeks, and is the perfect opportunity to seek out that classic warm winter coat, or kit yourself out with a new gym kit.

Assistant Commercial Development Manager Sharon Jones, said: “After a busy Christmas, we’re excited to launch our half price charity shop January sale. We’ve got plenty of great quality stock from generous donors, including lots of lovely unwanted Christmas gifts.

“We have a good selection of winter coats to keep everyone snug through January and February. As well as some fitness wear to help customers with new year’s resolution to get stronger and healthier.”

The Vintage Advantage charity shop is part of Derwen College’s popular Marketplace, where customers can also visit the Garden Centre and Gift Shop, The Orangery Restaurant, the Walled Garden Café or our mini training hotel, Hotel 751.

The Marketplace raises funds for Derwen Charity. It also provides valuable work experience opportunities for students and supported interns, where they can learn a variety of skills in retail, hospitality or horticulture to support them towards their career ambitions.

Derwen Marketplace was recognised in the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity. The Vintage Advantage has also won the Innovation Award at the Charity Retail Awards in 2023 and was shortlisted for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop award in 2024.

Opal is crowned Dance Teacher of the Year

Performing Arts teacher Opal is over the moon to have been named Dance Teacher of the Year, by national dance events company, Audacity.

Opal has supported many of our Derwen Dance Crew (DDC) students to win trophies at dance competitions, so it’s really exciting to see her receive recognition for all her hard work behind the scenes.

Opal also runs her own dance school, Identity School of Dance, in Shrewsbury, where she specialises in classes for children and adults with SEND.

She has coached students and youngsters for solo, duo and group dance competitions in street dance, modern and musical theatre, run by Audacity Events. She has supported children and adults to win many awards, so everyone was proud to see her receive her own accolade. Opal was thrilled to win the Audacity Dance Teacher of the Year Award for her work with Derwen Dance Crew (DDC) and Identity School of Dance.

She was particularly proud to have been nominated by students, parents and colleagues who all wrote compelling statements on why she should be crowned Dance Teacher of the Year.

Opal says: “A parent nominated me for Dance Teacher of the Year, and then many parents and carers, students and staff from Derwen College sent in their nominations of why they think I deserve to be crowned dance teacher of the year. It was heart-warming to read so many lovely comments, especially from students.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard I’d won, as there were hundreds of nominees. I feel extremely proud and lucky. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”

‘Opal you are amazing!’

One parent, whose daughter Chloe attends Derwen College and Identity School of Dance, said: “Opal really does deserve this. Providing opportunities and fun dance classes for so many children and young adults that would never be able to participate. The confidence my daughter has gained from attending dance school is huge. It much more than just dance skills she has gained and continues to shine. Opal you are amazing!”

Performing Arts colleague, Aimee Ingham, also nominated Opal. Aimee said: “The time, love, effort, money, care, passion and work this woman puts into Identity School of Dance is mind blowing. She really does offer so many amazing opportunities for learners with SEND and always goes above and beyond, always puts the students first and they absolutely adore her for it. She regularly works 14-hour days, pouring her heart and soul into everything she does, even managing to find time to direct the Derwen College production of The Wizard of Oz!”

Audacity judges said: “We have had so many amazing nominations for our Dance Teacher of the Year award, and it was an extremely difficult decision.

“Opal received so many lovely and heartfelt nominations, and it’s very clear to see how appreciated she is by her students and dance parents and how very hard she works to bring such amazing opportunities to dancers with SEND. We see ourselves what an amazing job she does. She is such an outstanding and important person in not only the dance world but the SEND world too. The award is on its way this week!”

£25,000 grant to help change students’ futures

Thank you to the Bernard Sunley Foundation for a generous grant which is helping us to refurbish bungalows where students live and learn to be more independent.

Students will be able to extend their skills for the future thanks to the generous £25,000 grant.

The bungalows are part of the Agnes Hunt Village, a small development of residences where students learn skills to prepare them for a more independent life after college, including moving out of home into supported living.

The complex of 28 bungalows were the vision of Dame Agnes Hunt, founder of both Derwen College and The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. It was in 1955, a decade after Dame Agnes’ death, that the first residents moved into the bungalows.

After nearly 70 years of use, the bungalows are being refurbished and adapted to meet the needs of our students.

Director of Finance and Sustainability Andrew Smith thanked The Bernard Sunley Foundation for the grant supporting the refurbishment.

He said: “The Agnes Hunt Village bungalows offer students the perfect step towards a more independent future. As they progress from larger residences to smaller homes with gradually less staff support they are proud to live in their own homes with friends with their friends, taking more responsibility for themselves, their homes and their day-to-day living. Many of our students have been keen and able to progress into supported living after college because of their newfound independence.”

Bernard Sunley Foundation director, Sue Davies said:

“Trustees were very interested to hear about the work that has been achieved to date. We are delighted to be supporting this next phase of works, and wish Derwen College all the very best with the renovations.”

Meet the residents

Students Brendan and James are housemates who live together in one of the bungalows.
James, who is a Horticulture student, says: “I’ve learnt to be independent. I make my own bed and make my own food, and can cook anything, especially pasta.
“I set an alarm on my phone to get to work for 9am, so I’m never late. We share jobs in the house. I do the cooking and Brendan does the washing up. Hopefully, I’ll be able to move into my own home after college.”
Brendan, who is a Hospitality and Food student, says:
“Being in the bungalows has made me more independent and given me a sense of freedom. We are taught ILS (independent living sessions) and also help each other out around the bungalow. Living at college means we’re living and working together 24-7. I’ve learnt lots and met so many lovely people.
“I used to live in one of the bungalows which is now being updated, so a big thank you to the Bernard Sunley Foundation!”

As a charity, we rely on grants, donations and sponsorship to provide additional support and extra-curricular activities for students.

Thank you K – Chair of Governors to step down

Derwen College Chair of Governors, K Kimber, is to hand over the reins in 2025 after more than 12 years at the helm.

In July 2025, after more than 12 years in the role, our Chair of Trustees, Mrs K (Kathleen) Kimber, will be stepping down. K is going to remain as a trustee.

Meryl Green, Principal and CEO said: “K has been a wonderful Chair and a huge support to the college and to me personally in my role. I am delighted that K is going to remain on the Board as a trustee, so that we will continue to benefit from her valuable and much-appreciated contributions to the governance of the college.”

K joined the Board of Derwen College as a trustee in 2005, and was appointed the Chair of the Trust in 2012. Since that time, K has transformed governance at the college, leading on significant changes and improvements to this key part of the organisation. K, a former Principal in a further education college herself, has always kept the students and the clients who live at Derwen College very firmly front and centre in her work, leading the Board.

K said: “It is a privilege to serve and support all who learn, live and work at Derwen College. We are constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of our students and regulatory frameworks; nothing much seems to stand still! We are proud that we continue to be trailblazers and winners of the highest national awards.”

In readiness for when K steps down in July, the Board is undergoing a process to consider and elect a successor to take on the role of Chair effective from 10 July 2025. It is expected that the Chair-elect will be confirmed in the Spring. They will have the support of all the Board and the Senior Leadership Team to fulfil the role effectively, and to achieve a smooth transition to the new leadership of the Board.

Fun and fundraising at the Christmas Fayre  

Christmas came early to the Marketplace, as our annual festive fayre attracted hundreds of visitors and raised funds for Derwen Charity.

The Derwen Charity Christmas Fayre at our Gobowen campus, was a feast for the senses, featuring seasonal sights, sounds, smells and flavours.

Children enjoyed stories, chat and gifts from Santa and Mrs Christmas in The Orangery Restaurant grotto. They also took part in face painting, crafts and writing letters to Santa.

Visitors enjoyed festive food, mulled wine and hot chocolates at the Walled Garden Café and stalls; shopped the wares of many talented local producers and crafts people; and won prizes at the tombola stalls. Christmas tunes were provided by Porthywaen Silver Band.

A big Christmas Fayre ‘thank you!’

Derwen College events coordinator and community fundraiser Megan Charman, thanked everyone who came along to create a joyful seasonal experience and support the college and charity.

She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Christmas Fayre on Saturday. The atmosphere was great with many happy visitors and busy stalls.

“Lots of smiling children visited Santa and Mrs Christmas in The Orangery Restaurant, listened to a story, and shared their Christmas stocking wish-lists.

“We were pleased to see lots of customers buying festive gifts, and are grateful for all the donations made over the weekend. All profits go to Derwen Charity, which supports students and clients with special educational needs to reach their aspirations and look forward to a more independent future. So, thank you to everyone.”

The fayre was a wonderful way to kick off Christmas at the college’s Marketplace. From now until 20 December, The Garden Centre & Gift Shop promises a sparkly festive welcome, with the sale of Christmas trees, Derwen Charity Christmas cards, seasonal plants, wreaths, decorations, and unique gifts and hampers. The Vintage Advantage charity shop will be brimming with pre-loved yuletide treasures including Christmas fashions, gifts and homeware.

The Walled Garden Café is open for festive bites and drinks until 19 December and The Orangery Restaurant is serving its Christmas lunch menu on weekdays until 19 December (booking is essential by telephone at 01691 779213).

Find out more about the Derwen Marketplace and our upcoming charity events on the website

 

 

Hospitality workshop curries favour

Delicious smells wafted out of the Derwen College Food Centre when students cooked up a curry with a visiting guest chef.

Sean Nolan, chef at Howard’s Restaurant, at Coed-y-Dinas, in Welshpool, visited the college to share his skills and expertise with Hospitality and Food students.

Sean delivered two catering workshops with Hospitality students Marcus and Ollie, Kyle, Helen and Emily. He demonstrated chicken and vegetable curry with steamed rice. He talked to them about nutrition, portion size, food hygiene, and offered some handy cooking tips and techniques.

Sean said he enjoys passing on his skills, teaching the next generation of chefs.

“Working with young people is inspiring. They’re so imaginative and creative.”

Howard’s Restaurant offers students work experience placements at Howard’s every Friday. Helen will be starting a weekly placement there in the spring term.

Helen said: “I’ve really enjoyed practising my prepping and cooking skills with Sean. I would like to be a chef in the future, and am looking forward to starting work with Sean at my placement at Howard’s after Christmas.”

Bronze Skills medal for Hospitality student Ru

Hospitality and Food student, Ruaridh, has qualified for a national catering competition and achieved a medal placing for his Italian-themed menu.

Ruaridh, known as Ru, was awarded a Bronze medal at the World Skills Foundation competition in Manchester. The annual World Skills Foundation competitions are the opportunity for students to showcase skills in a range of vocational subjects.

Ru made it through qualification rounds to join the catering skills competition finals. The first round was an online test, he then made it through to the national qualifiers, where he cooked in the college’s commercial kitchen while being watched by judges over Microsoft Teams. His skills impressed the panel enough to qualify for the national finals in Manchester on 22 November.

Ru was accompanied to the competition in Manchester by Hospitality & Food pathway lead David Thompson-Pearce and teacher George Taylor.

Competitors were required to prepare and present two portions of two separate brunch dishes with a European theme. Ru opted for an Italian menu to reflect his love of the country, and focused on dishes suitable for vegetarians.

His dishes were:

Italian Brunch Bruschetta: Toasted sourdough, goat’s cheese, scrambled egg, sundried tomatoes, basil, rocket, olive oil, Balsamic vinegar

Vegetarian Antipasti Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, pesto marinated mozzarella, Ricotta and spinach tortellini, basil, roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, garlic and chilli olives, rocket, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan shavings.

The competition showcased the abilities of over 400 of the UK’s most talented apprentices and students across more than 40 disciplines.

Ru, who is from London, said: “It was a long but brilliant day. I chose my menu because I love Italy and the food there. I enjoy visiting Italy on holiday with my family and have learnt to speak some Italian!”

David Thompson-Pearce said: “The finals saw more than 400 young people from across the UK compete in a series of vocational challenges to be named the best in the UK.

“We’re so proud of Ru. To qualify for the World Skills UK National finals was a fantastic achievement, and then to come away with a medal was outstanding.

“He demonstrated his menu planning and catering skills, remaining calm and collected in a high pressure competition environment. He represented Derwen College and our Hospitality and Food department brilliantly, and we are all incredibly proud of him.”

Find out more about our vocational pathways.

A forest for the future thanks to students and staff

Our Horticultural team have been busy supporting a green initiative to bring more trees and wildlife to a Wrexham community.

Students and staff have joined forces with local schools and volunteers to plant 300 hedging plants and trees, at Plas Kynaston football ground, in Cefn Mawr. The pitch, known locally as The Muga, is the official home of Cefn Albion Football Club.

Nursery and Production Manager Paul Moss and client Anton Berry have been planting at the community ground all week. They have been working with students, overseeing the planting of Spindle trees, hazel, holly, and beech as well as fruit trees including apples, pears, damsons, plums and greengages. Further planting includes snowdrops, bluebells and wild garlic.

The Cefn Community Council project, funded by the Cadwyn Clwyd & AVOW Prosperous Communities Wrexham Key Fund, demonstrates the council’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Andrew Ruscoe, Cefn Community Council’s Community Development Officer said:

“It has been an honour to support and develop Vice Chairman Councillor Derek Wright’s brainchild of establishing a Forest School at the Plas Kynaston Muga. When our football pitch was extended, some trees were removed. We wanted to ensure that the area was replenished by creating a forest area that can be used by local people and that will encourage wildlife. These trees will not only provide cleaner air and a haven for wildlife but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

“Having previously worked with students and staff at Derwen College, I knew I could rely on their expertise to work together for the good of the community. Beyond just planting, this project is about fostering environmental awareness, teamwork, and pride in creating something that will grow and thrive for years to come.”

Working with the community

As well as local schools, volunteer workers have included David Roden, Community Champion at Tesco, Cefn Mawr.

Paul Moss said: “It’s been a busy week working with our students and with children and staff from nearby schools. We’ve even had volunteers from the local Tesco come to help. We are proud of the partnerships that we have forged with the local community which also offer valuable work experience to students who are looking to work in Horticulture in the future.

“Everyone has worked so hard. Even the snow hasn’t put us off. We’re a hardy lot!”

Trophies galore for Derwen Dance Crew

Performing Arts students are dancing for joy after winning trophies and medals at a street dance competition.

Derwen Dance Crew (DDC) took part at Audacity Ultimate Dance Competition in Cannock on Sunday, 10 November, where they competed in team categories, solos and duos in the styles Contemporary, Street and Musical Theatre Jazz.

Our talented crew included many new members who had never attended a competition before. Despite this, they achieved high placings and medals galore, including several first places in beginners and intermediate categories. They were delighted to do so well and buzzing with excitement that they qualified for the national championships in Bristol in February 2025.

The group won Gold (1st place) for their Musical Theatre performance of Revolting Children from the musical Matilda, and Silver (2nd) for their group Street Dance and Contemporary performances which qualified them for the Championships.

Well done to students Dan Bridge, Thomas (T) Walpole, Zara Ootam, Joe Symonds, Marcus Unger, Mia Hales, Hannah Morrell, Lucy Morris, Luan Sinclaire and AJ Marsland.

Students were thrilled to be part of the competition

Zara said: “It was busy and noisy, but I was happy and felt like a pop star.”

Marcus said: “When they called my number up and I’d won first place, it felt amazing. I was so happy I leapt across the room. The judges said it was the best celebration they’d seen all day!”

‘T’ looked the part with some fabulous street dance trousers designed and made by his mum. His parents came from Buckinghamshire to watch him, and were thrilled to see him win second and fifth places.

Hannah said: “Winning was nice, but it was all about taking part. We all felt proud to enter and be part of such a brilliant competition. It was a really good day!”

‘Derwen Dance Crew is a big commitment’

Dance teacher Opal Trevor praised students for their hard work and professionalism.

She said: “Being part of Derwen Dance Crew is a big commitment which takes a lot of rehearsal time and effort, and an expectation that students arrive for sessions and competitions prepared, dressed appropriately and with a professional attitude.

“It was a long day, where some students took part in up to seven different competition categories. For many this was their first ever experience of a competition, so it was nerve-wracking for them, but they absolutely smashed it. DDC were an absolute credit to Derwen College, and to win so many awards made the day even more special – we’re going to need a bigger trophy shelf to put them all on. I’m very proud of them all.”

Students will now look ahead to competing at Audacity’s national finals in Bristol in February 2025. In the meantime, they also have rehearsals and performances for the Oswestry Lights Switch On taking place on 21 November, a performance at Condover College on 2 December, and the annual Derwen College Christmas Show on 13 December.

 

Meet our Student Council for 2024–25

Our newly elected Student Council were given their official hoodies, ahead of the first meeting last week.

There are still a few left to hand out, but most of our representatives were proud and delighted to try on their bright red tops.

This year’s Student Council President is Jonathon Wiltshire, with Lizzie Allen as his deputy.

Each October, students vote for who they want to represent them on the Student Council. Students vote for one representative from each accommodation and each pathway, including our satellites sites. Students also support specific groups of people: Wellbeing rep, LGBTQ rep, Welsh rep, EDI rep, and Freshers rep.

The student council are there to ensure the voices of all our students are heard. They meet together once a week, and meet with the Senior Leadership Team and governors once a term to discuss issue and ideas about College.

This year’s Student Council are:

Jonathon Wiltshire – Student Council President, Retail Rep

Lizzie Allen – Student Council Deputy President, Hospitality and Food Rep

CJ Haughey – Secretary, Acorns Rep          

Luan Sinclaire – LGBTQ Rep, Performing Arts Rep

Byron Davies – Welsh Rep, Bungalows Rep

Jessica Jump – Wellbeing Rep, Juniper Court Rep

Dylan Morris – EDI Rep, Kendall Court Rep

Benjamin Braybrook       Fresher Rep

Sam Gold – Horticulture Rep

Brodie Wise – Cadbury Rep

Kailand Lee Cummings – Corner House Rep

Edward Sallin – Learning for Life Rep

Iwan Bosley – Nurture Rep

Brayden Williams – Walford Rep

Jacob Ackroyd – Telford Rep

Tbc – Ludlow Rep     

The Council’s first job is to help organise and raise awareness of the students’ Children in Need Cycle Challenge on Friday.

Then, Derwen College will be hosting the Natspec Parliament meeting for Wales and West Midlands, as a hub for independent specialist colleges in the region. We’ll be welcoming staff and students to attend the Student Voice Parliament to share ideas and discuss ideas on how students want to be supported to prepare for life after college.

Other activities include promoting our monthly Inclusive Club night at Ro-Loz in Oswestry and Christmas Jumper Day.

Then next term, they’ll be visiting Parliament, at the Palace of Westminster, in London, to develop their understanding of democracy.