Love Our Colleges Week
Last week, was Love Our College Week. Further education colleges from across the UK jumped at the chance to celebrate all the amazing work they do.
The campaign by the Association of Colleges took the opportunity to shout about students successes and brilliant student outcomes. We talked about how we partner with businesses to provide regular real-life work experience for students and supported interns.
Students proud to launch Natspec manifesto
Students and staff visited the House of Commons, in February. They were there to support the launch of Unlocking Potential, Natspec’s manifesto ahead of the expected 2024 general election.
Students AJ and Byron, our Principal Meryl Green, and Director of Learning and Curriculum Development Zoe Wood, took a trip to London to visit the Houses of Parliament.
Natspec is the membership association for organisations that offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The manifesto was launched at a reception at the House of Commons. Learners and staff from across Natspec’s member colleges met with MPs to explain the importance of specialist further education (FE). They also set out some of the policy changes needed to ensure young people with complex needs are able to access high quality specialist provision.
The manifesto calls for three key things:
- Fair access to specialist FE for those learners who need it
- Investment in the specialist FE sector to ensure high quality provision is available to these learners
- A joined-up approach across government departments. So that young people with more complex needs have the support they need to thrive once they leave college.
Supported interns thank work experience providers
Did you know that we offer one-year supported internships which further support students towards their employment goals?
Some of our Shropshire students have progressed to internships with regular work experience placements at local and national businesses. We work hard to partner with companies who offer relevant placements to help students into the area of work that they are interested in. In many cases, these internships lead to offers of paid work after College.
Work Experience and Supported Internships Coordinator Abi Baker thanked all of our partner employers for enabling supported interns to gain valuable work experience.
“Our Supported Interns experience the world of work at regular placements in the community, which they attend with job coaches. As students gain independence we withdraw that support, with a long-term view of allowing them to work independently. The ultimate aim is for businesses to take on our young people as employees.”
We did it! 24-hour Spinathon success
Our charity Derwen Spinathon saw more than 100 students, staff and supporters saddle up on a spin bike through the day and night, covering thousands of miles, and raising more than £5,500 so far!
The Derwen Spinathon started on Friday 2 February at 10am, and reached the finish line at 10am on Saturday 3 February. It was an outstanding team effort which saw phenomenal personal achievements, with everyone working together to raise funds to provide outdoor fitness opportunities and facilities for students and clients with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The event was opened with a grand countdown led by our Chair of Governors K Kimber and High Sheriff of Shropshire Mandy Thorn MBE. Followed by performances from Performing Arts students.
Sports Coordinator Steve Evans and Health & Social Care Trainer Kelli Jones both pedalled for the full 24 hours, even taking part in full-on themed spin classes along the way. These classes were hosted by sports instructor Sian Thomas, who is a qualified spin instructor.
There were exceptional efforts from staff along the way. One staff member who pedalled at super speed for 13 hours, clocked up a remarkable 360-mile distance. This would have taken her from Gobowen to the London birthplace of our founder Dame Agnes Hunt, and back again!
Oswestry artist Doodle Deb decorated the large Reception area windows on Friday, creating a fabulous timeline of the journey including pictures of where spinners would prefer to be! Live music was provided by The Recursives, singer (and Derwen College governor) Mark Lord and Jonathan Roberts.
Moreton Hall School join the Derwen Spinathon
Moreton Hall School supported with their own spin event, with teachers delivering classes and attending meetings from spin bikes. Teacher Abi Plowden, who is a governor at Derwen College, and Moreton Hall Catering Manager Stephen Conroy, who is an industry champion at College, also took part in spin sessions at Derwen College, along with students Orla and Sophie who enjoy work placements at the school.
There were some exceptional student efforts. Four students from Down Syndrome Swimming GB – Dylan, Dylan, Lizzie and Helen – swapped pool for pedals to spin for a total of 16 hours. The have raised more than £800 between them.
Several staff teams also worked together, including the ‘Nurture’ and ‘Therapies’ team who kept a bike going through the night, along with impressive stints from members of our ‘Learning for Life’ and ‘Hospitality’ teams.
A team of staff and clients (long-term residents with special educational needs and disabilities) from Derwen Care also took part.
Money raised will be used to support people with SEND (both students and long-term residential clients) to enjoy extra experiences and opportunities to enhance their wellbeing.
Thank you!
Derwen Charity Fundraiser and Events Coordinator Megan Charman thanked everyone who was part of this grand team effort.
She said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in so many different ways – whether spinning, entertaining, supporting or sponsoring. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have raised more than £5,500 with more money still set to come in.”
“It was a heartwarming event that I was proud to be a part of. Seeing everyone come together to cheer each other on was amazing. I’m so grateful for all those who came to entertain and support,” she added.
There is still time to support the Spinathon with your donations.
Derwen Charity is now looking ahead to the 10km Challenge on 23 March, and Derwen Fete Weekend on 25–26 May. Please put the dates in your diary.
GB swimmers swap pool for pedals for Spinathon
Derwen’s Team GB swimmers join 24-hour Spinathon, 2–3 February 2024
Four medal-winning swimmers are taking time out of their busy training schedules to saddle up for the Derwen Charity 24-hour Spinathon on 2–3 February.
Students who represent Down Syndrome Swimming GB have pledged to cycle for a combined 12 hours to raise money for Derwen Charity.
Lizzie Allen, Helen Thompson, Dylan Williams and Dylan Hughes, who train with Oswestry Otters, have already raised more than £400 for the charity; their target is £600. Money raised will be used to provide students and clients with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with outdoor fitness and wellbeing opportunities. These will include outdoor gym equipment, a climbing wall and an accessible footpath to encourage students and staff to walk a daily mile.
The Spinathon sees students and staff from the specialist further education college, which has its main campus in Gobowen, take part in the gruelling spin session from 10am on Friday 2 February, through to 10am on Saturday 3 February.
The event has a packed timetable of entertainment to keep our spinners occupied including live music from local band, The Recursives, and a visit from Oswestry artist Doodle Deb who will be decorating the large Reception area windows on Friday.
The entire event will be live streamed, and there’s entertainment through the night, including ABBA, country, musicals and 90s themed music.
Originally launched by sports coordinators Steve Evans and Sian Thomas in 2022, the Spinathon sees fundraisers pedal for a phenomenal 24 hours. This year, Steve will be pedalling for the full 24 hours, while Sian will be running themed spin classes at intervals through the day and night. They are joined on the journey by students, staff and supporters who all pledge to raise money through their own individual challenges, whether that be 30 minutes or the full 24-hour shift.
24 hours for Kelli Jones
Staff include Kelli Jones, Derwen College Health and Social Care trainer, who also helps to provide sport and leisure activities for students and clients. She has pledged to spin for the entire 24 hours.
Kelli said: “It’s going to be a real challenge. I’m hoping that the support of our amazing students, clients and colleagues will be enough to pull us through. Thank you to everyone who has already donated. The money raised will go towards outdoor equipment and opportunities that support our students’ health and wellbeing.”
Fundraisers are asked to donate or raise sponsorship of £10 per hour for the challenge.
Hospitality student and champion swimmer Lizzie Allen, who is also the Student Union Board president, said she was ready for the challenge.
She said: “I’m going to spin for four hours in the Spinathon. As members of Down Syndrome Swimming GB team, we’re looking forward to working together to support Steve and Derwen Charity.”
Derwen College Fundraiser and Events Co-ordinator Megan Charman, thanked Derwen’s sensational swimmers and their families for the amazing support.
She said: “We are so grateful to Helen, Lizzie, Dylan and Dylan for volunteering their time to take part in the charity spinathon. They are all sporty and determined so we know they’ll smash this challenge!”
To support our brave swimmers, you can donate to derwen.me/SponsorSwimmers
Dedicated Oliver inspires £5,000 Derwen Charity donation
Our Walford team are celebrating after receiving a large donation to help students in their training for work.
Emstrey Crematorium, in Shrewsbury, has made a £5,000 donation to Derwen College Walford after being inspired by the arduous work of student, Oliver.
Oliver, a 17-year-old Horticulture student at our Walford campus, enjoys a weekly work placement at the crematorium, working with the staff team to tend to the cemetery grounds.
Crematorium Manager Krystian Ostrowski has been so impressed with Oliver’s work, and that of his support teacher Ruth Braddick, that he recommended that Emstrey Crematorium chose Derwen Charity as one of its annual charities to support. The donation of £5,000 is to be spent to support students, specifically those at our Walford site.
The money has been earmarked for gardening equipment which will support Oliver and future Horticulture students in learning skills to progress them into employment.
Oliver, who is autistic, attends Emstrey every Wednesday, and has learnt many skills which will help him to gain employment after he finishes College. The work has helped him towards reaching his Horticulture qualifications, by allowing him to mow lawns, strim hedges and bushes, and even practice his building and painting skills.
He also learnt customer service and health and safety skills, and must always be mindful and respectful of visitors to the crematorium and cemetery.
He even carried on working through the summer holidays while College was closed.
“I love working here”
Oliver said: “I love working here. They are a lovely team. I would love to have a job here one day.”
Krystian said: “Oliver is the first regular work experience student with special educational needs to be offered a placement at one of Dignity’s 45 crematoria.
“We are immensely proud of how well he has done, and his passion and commitment to the role. He shows great initiative and work skills.
“The work that he, and his teacher Ruth, do every week inspired me to put Derwen Charity forward as one of the charities we are supporting this year.”
Derwen College director Natalie Bellis, was pleased to visit Oliver in his work placement, and to receive a cheque from Emstrey Crematorium and Dignity.
She said: “We are delighted to receive such a generous donation from Emstrey Crematorium. Derwen Charity supports people with SEND to reach their aspirations and in their wellbeing, and to gain greater independence and work skills.
“The money will go towards new gardening tools and machinery which the students use in their college-run Leaf It To Us business. This, in turn, will help them progress to greater independence and employment after college.”
Students’ speedwatch campaign
Before Christmas, students Lizzie, Sophie and Helen were interviewed by BBC Radio Shropshire journalist Lauren Baker, to talk about the Student Union Board’s campaign to reduce speed limits on the roads around College.
Lauren also spoke to our Healthy and Safety Manager, Charlotte Kettle, and Personal Development Coordinator, Tab Crinson, about this issue which is impacting students’ travel training and opportunities to get out and about independently.
Students showed Lauren the busy roads which they have to cross to get to the bus stop.
Lizzie is this year’s Student Union president, and relished the opportunity to start her term with such an important campaign.
Tab said: “All three students were interviewed by a BBC Shropshire Radio journalist, talking about the SU’s campaign to address speed on the roads around college. They spoke with confidence about their worries and came up with some great solutions. The girls showed the reporter what it is like on roads around College, and the issues they encounter when accessing the bus stop.”
The BBC feature followed actions taken across College for Road Safety Week, last month. Students teamed up with Cllr Craig Emery from Gobowen’s local Speedwatch campaign, using a speed gun to monitor passing traffic. They also enjoyed a visit from West Mercia Police community team who talked about the importance of road safety.
We were featured on Shropshire Radio and on BBC News.
Well done to everyone involved!
Sparkling success for Derwen Charity Christmas Fayre
Our Christmas Fayre welcomed hundreds of visitors over the weekend, to see Santa, shop at more than 30 craft and food stalls, and absorb the festive atmosphere.
The Christmas Fayre weekend, at our Gobowen campus, was bustling across all of our Marketplace. The Garden Centre and Gift Shop, The Vintage Advantage charity shop and Walled Garden Cafe were extremely well supported with a steady stream of happy shoppers; Christmas trees almost sold out!
Events coordinator and fundraiser, Megan Charman, thanked everyone who visited the Christmas Fayre on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to support the college and charity.
She said: “A massive thank you to everyone who visited our Christmas Fayre over the weekend. We’ve received really positive feedback from stallholders and visitors about the event.
“Lots of happy children visited Santa and Mrs Christmas in their Christmas Kitchen. Children listened to a story and had their photo taken as a memento of their visit.
“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.”
“Next year’s event is already pencilled in for the weekend of 30 November.”
Throughout December, The Garden Centre & Gift Shop promises a sparkly festive welcome. There, customers can buy Christmas trees, Derwen Charity Christmas cards, seasonal plants, wreaths, decorations, and unique gifts and hampers. The Vintage Advantage charity shop will be brimming with yuletide pre-loved treasures including Christmas fashions, gifts and homeware.
Megan is now looking ahead to the college’s next fundraiser, the 24-hour Sponsored Spinathon. This takes place from 2–3 February, so pop it in your diary!
Long serving staff mark four centuries at Derwen
16 of our longest serving members of staff – who have clocked up a grand total of 438 years of service at Derwen College between them – celebrated at a long service event last week.
We were proud to invite staff, who have worked at Derwen College for more than 20 years, to a special event at The Sweeney Hall Hotel, Oswestry, last week. It was a lovely evening which everyone enjoyed.
A total of 19 staff have been with us for more than two decades. We appreciate the dedication of these long serving staff and feel it is so important to recognise their commitment.
The longest serving members of staff are particularly well known around College.
Gardener Tim Mason, who has been with us for 40 years, is always up for a chat and happy to share one of his jokes or cheeky stories.
Receptionist Alison Thomas has been with us for 35 years and is usually the first person that new students and staff meet. She started out as a typist, before training as a teacher. She is now the smiling face and ever-organised person behind our main reception desk.
Commercial Operative Alfie Jones, who has also been at Derwen College for 35 years, is a former student at College. He can usually be found at the till in the Garden Centre and Gift Shop. If you want to know anything about what’s going on at Derwen, ask Alfie.
Our Principal Meryl Green attended the celebration as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, but also as a staff member who marks 24 years at College.
Meryl, who started at College as Head of Creative Arts before progressing to Principal, read a personal and heart-felt thank you to each individual staff member.
Thank you to all our dedicated staff for their commitment to making Derwen College such an exceptional place.
Staff who attended the long service awards celebration were:
- Sally Tomlinson (20 years)
- Teresa Richards (21 years)
- Carys Hill (21 years)
- Julie Hawkins (22 years)
- Dawn Roberts (25 years)
- Meryl Green (24 years)
- Janet Harris (25 years)
- Ruth Braddick (26 years)
- Lin Hughes (26 years)
- Carys Beckett (27 years)
- Andrew Downes (30 years)
- Julian Bailey (30 years)
- Paul Moss (31 years)
- Alfie Jones (35 years)
- Alison Thomas (35 years)
- Tim Mason (40 years)
Students celebrate success at Derwen Graduation 2023
Our Summer 2023 graduates celebrated achievements in learning, work skills, independence and wellbeing at an emotional graduation ceremony at Lion Quays Hotel and Resort, near Oswestry, on Saturday, 7 October.
Forty former students and their families from across England and Wales, as well as staff, supporters and local dignitaries attended the momentous occasion to celebrate the inspirational achievements of our students.
It was a proud occasion, as students, dressed in their graduation gowns with keepsake Derwen College sashes, marked their time at College with presentations of certificates, with cups and trophies for students who particularly stood out for their learning, commitment or resilience. It was also a chance to hear how well graduates were doing since leaving college, with many already in employment or further training.
Drinks and a buffet lunch were served by our Hospitality students. Entertainment was provided by our street dance team, Derwen Dance Crew (DDC) and sign, song and dance group Derwen on Tour (DOT).
The ceremony was opened by Curriculum Manager Jennifer Fawcett-Jones. Chair of Governors K Kimber made an introductory speech. She praised graduates for the phenomenal progress they made whilst at College, reminding them of much more self-sufficient they have become, and how proud we are of their successes.
Among guests of honour were Mayor of Oswestry Councillor Olly Rose, Gobowen Councillor Craig Emery and Derwen College industry champions – experts in their field who share their knowledge and experience with College.
They included:- Coronation Street and Ackley Bridge actor Sam Retford, Oswestry poet and author Jan Hedger, Rocking Horse Media founder Gareth Thomas, Severn Hospice’s Refresh Café manager Jane Steventon and Sarah Crowther from Premier Inn.
Derwen graduation trophies
Trophies were also handed by special guests. Former student William Chapple presented the William Chapple Cup for Kindness and Consideration; Cameron Kelly presented the Caitlin Kelly Spirit Award, and Paul Dew presented the Neil Dew Cup for Outstanding Student in Performing Arts Award.
Graduation is a chance for former students to come together to celebrate their time at college and talk about their plans for the future. Some graduates have already gone on to jobs, further training or are living independently since leaving College. We look forward to sharing their individual success stories soon.
The event was rounded off with a moving performance of Nathan Grisdale’s ‘Make the World Listen’ by sign, song and dance group DOT, which features the line: “Make the World Listen. You are Amazing!”
As our Master of Ceremonies, Jennifer Fawcett-Jones, said; “Now, graduates! Go make that world listen!”
Special achievement winners:
The Hospitality & food Emma Briscoe cup was won by Finnley Allen.
The Horticulture Frank Matthews Cup was won by Sam Baker.
The Retail and Enterprise Cup was won by Mark Williams.
The Performing Arts cup for Drama was won by Ciara McKenna.
The Achievement in Music Cup was won by Anna Redding.
The Neil Dew Cup for Outstanding Student in Performing Arts went to Joshua Wilde.
The Richard Dodd Memorial Trophy for Learning for Life went to Andy Curtis.
The Outstanding Satellite Students (Walford) award went to Charlotte Adison.
Outstanding Satellite Student (Teflord) went to Josh Carter.
The William Chapple Cup for Kindness and Consideration for Others went to Millie Agnew.
The Caitlin Kelly Spirit Award, recognising resilience, went to Kian Davies.
Overall Outstanding Student of 2023 was Mark Williams.
Oliver’s Walford journey to work and independence
Oliver is a 17-year-old Horticulture day student at our Walford campus, near Shrewsbury. Since starting at College, in 2022, he has learnt work skills, and become more independent, confident and mature. He is progressing well towards a career in Horticulture (with some DJ-ing on the side!)
Shropshire student Oliver came to Derwen College straight from school, with a clear view of wanting to work in Horticulture.
“I wanted to come to Derwen because it does gardening and I wanted to learn how to use the machines,” he remembers.
He confesses to being a bit nervous when he first started as he didn’t know anyone else. Though he soon found his way around.
“It took me about a week to settle in. Once I got to know everyone it was great.
”Oliver has picked up practical Horticulture skills quickly, and is very capable of using a variety of garden machinery.
“I’ve done a leaf blowing course and I’m learning to use the mowers and power washer,” he says.
Oliver’s skills are put to good use at various gardening-based work experience placements.
He is part of the College’s ‘Leaf It To Us’ enterprise, which works on gardening projects for customers in the community, as well as large-scale projects for clients including Baschurch Town Council.
He also works at Shrewsbury’s Emstrey Crematorium and Cemetery, tending the grounds one day a week, and at Cambrian Heritage Railways, helping to clear and maintain land around the railway track.
In his spare time, he also visits Whitchurch Cricket Club where he helps maintain the ground, strimming and mowing.
Learning vital life skills
At College, he also learns vital life skills such as travel training and home skills to help him to live more independently after College.
“I’m learning how to cook meals and how to keep things clean,” he says.
Oliver has progressed exceptionally well since starting College. He is particularly proud of accolades he has been awarded.
“I won the competition to make a flower planter at Derwen and I’ve been awarded a certificate from Shropshire Cricket for my good work at Whitchurch Cricket Club,” he says.
In his spare time, Oliver likes to DJ. He has DJ-ed at Derwen College Walford parties, and would love to combine his passions in the future.
“I would like to do gardening, maybe have my own company, and do discos as well,” he says.
Oliver’s parents have seen a major positive change in his work and independence
They say: “Oliver has learnt how to use machinery safely, he now has his own petrol strimmer and lawnmower at home. He does our lawns and also mows some of the neighbours’ gardens and helps at the cricket club.
“We have noticed a big improvement in his behaviour; he’s a lot calmer now. He is showing a lot more maturity and is easier to talk to. He has also started cooking meals for himself at home with only a small amount of support.
“He is turning into a young adult that we are very proud of. He’s changed so much for the better, not just for the education he’s received but the improvement in his social skills, his confidence in his own abilities, his maturity and his outlook for the future. This is all down to him and the excellent work from the team at Derwen.
“We always thought Derwen would be the best college for Oliver, but what he has achieved is far better than we were expecting. The future is looking so much better for Oliver!”
We are FE Provider of the Year!
We were delighted to be awarded the Further Education Provider of the Year at nasen’s seventh annual Awards.
The inspiring ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel Birmingham on Friday (6th October 2023), was hosted by nasen – the National Association for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – and supported by official media sponsors, tes. Nasen is a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.
We were recognised as Further Education Provider of the Year in the nasen awards for enabling students to reach their aspirations, regardless of ability, gender, race or sexual orientation. Judges were impressed by our extensive range of opportunities for students to learn key life skills, not only through many wellbeing activities and weekly external work placements, but also at the our unique Marketplace, where our shops, eateries and a small hotel are all open to the public.
We were also commended for Performing Arts’ theatre productions which raise awareness around topics including bullying and kindness, as well as our dynamic Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.
15 other schools, individuals and organisations were recognised alongside us, judged by a panel of leading professionals with a wealth of experience in education and SEND – as well as individuals with lived experience.
Derwen College Personal Development Manager, Helen Owen, said: “We are so proud and absolutely delighted to have won FE Provider of the Year, in this competitive category.
“This award recognises a cross-college team effort, where staff from across care, education, wellbeing and therapies all collaborate to make a real difference to the lives of our students and the wider community. We have a shared commitment to break down barriers and challenge preconceptions around SEND, supporting students to thrive as they move from full time education into the next stage of their lives.”
Chief Executive of nasen, Annamarie Hassall MBE said: “Derwen College should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. We received the greatest number of nominations this year, full of inspiring and deserving schools, colleges, settings and individuals that are working together to make a difference for children and young people.
“All our winners, and those nominated, are true role models for the sector, shaping practice in their setting, whilst leading and inspiring others. They exemplify what is making a difference for learners with SEND and most of all, for inclusion.”
