Category: College News

Matthew Shackleton, a Chester-based veterinary physio, zoo consultant and animal care practitioner at Coleg Cambria Northop, discussed and demonstrated lameness and enrichment devices at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Branton, near Doncaster.

Joined by Cambria’s Animal Care Coordinator Richard Morrilly, they conducted a morning of theory on physiology and how to spot locomotive illnesses – which restrict quality of life and movement – and solutions on how to prevent them.

Also in attendance were learners from Lincoln College’s Animal Management programmes.

“It was a really good day, we covered a lot and were able to come up with bespoke, practical solutions for the animals while there on-site,” said Matthew, who owns Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy in Upton.

“After discussing locomotive illnesses and diseases – focused on four species, including lionesses and giraffes – we began designing enrichment devices that would encourage certain movements or exercises as animals can face a series of issues, notably arthritis.

“Evidence suggests if practices are detrimental to the animal, it can accelerate deterioration, so encouraging other behaviours can keep that at bay.”

He added: “Cambria was a great support in providing tools and resources for us to do this, and all in all it was a very useful and informative day, hopefully the first of many at zoos and wildlife parks nationwide.”

Matthew is one of the UK’s leading animal physios having worked with zoos in Chester, London, Paignton and more over the last decade.

Richard said having him work with Cambria is a USP for its suite of Animal Management and Animal Care courses, and in turn for wildlife settings across the country.

“Matthew is one of just a small group of people in the UK doing this, so it’s a privilege for us to have him on board,” he said.

“Being a part of the day and helping to create devices in the animals’ own environments was fantastic and will play a big role in enriching their day to day lives.

“We’ve had great feedback already and hope to visit other zoos and wildlife parks in the near future, for the educational value it brings and importantly because it has such a positive effect on the health, happiness and wellbeing of the animals.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

For more on Yorkshire Wildlife Park, visit the website: www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com.

Visit Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy here: Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy | Pets | Zoo consulting | Training (shackletonvetphysio.com).

Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria’s Iâl Restaurant in Wrexham, and baker and pastry chef Ella Muddiman, who also works at the Hafod venue, have been nominated for the Rising Star accolade at this year’s BIA (Baking Industry Awards) ceremony.

The news comes after Naomi, from Mold – whose popular LittleWelshFoodie social media account encourages young people to take up baking – won the Fruit Cake category in Britain’s Best Cake competition, where she was joined by judge Daryl Stephenson, a Cambria work-based learning assessor.

Congratulating the skilled duo – they are two of only three finalists in the category – he said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ella and Naomi for reaching the finals of the Baking Industry Awards and feel truly privileged to have been part of their exciting career journey so far.”

Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria Yale, added: “After opening our Iâl Restaurant with Ella just three years ago we never thought we would have had the success we have had so far, but none of this would have been possible without our dedicated, hard-working team who have developed the brand and gone from strength to strength.

“Having recently introduced Iâl Bakery and welcomed onboard our very own Little Welsh Foodie we couldn’t be prouder than to have two of our Welsh star bakers in the running for the Rising Star Awards.

“On behalf of myself and everyone at Coleg Cambria, a massive congratulations and good luck to you both.”

A Rising Star finalist in 2023, Naomi gained experience over the last 12 months with a week at the School of Artisan Food and another at the Richemont Centre of Excellence in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Judges said her “passion shines so brightly” and lauded her technical and problem-solving ability.

Meanwhile, Ella – the college’s Food Manufacturing Work-based Learner of the Year for 2024 – has gone from strength to strength after starting out as a hobby baker and is determined to help others as a “beacon for positive mental health”.

She has turned her passion into a career with Cambria and recently completed a Level 2 Diploma in Proficiency in Baking Industry Skills. She is due to start Level 3 in September.

The Awards are run by British Baker, a leading publication for the baking industry.

Amy North, Editor of British Baker, said: “The Baking Industry Awards celebrate the people, products, and businesses that make the sector such an incredible one – from artisanal sourdough loaves and the bakers who handcraft them to the manufacturers helping to keep the nation happy and fed, and everyone in between.

 “The Rising Star Award is an incredibly competitive category, and our three finalists exemplify excellence, proving themselves to be talented and passionate individuals. They set a great example for their peers and the wider industry.”

For more on the Baking Industry Awards, visit the website: Baking Industry Awards 2024 – Homepage (bakeryawards.co.uk) and https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/events/meet-the-rising-star-award-finalists-for-2024/693829.article.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

Learners came together at the college’s Sixth Form Centre in Connah’s Quay to celebrate this year’s A Level results.

Among those moving on to a higher education was Rin Sutton, who will study Medicine at Cardiff University having secured an A* in Maths, and As in Biology, Chemistry and the Welsh Baccalaureate.

Ruby Wilson described choosing Cambria as the “best decision” she had made after achieving As in Law, Welsh Baccalaureate and Psychology, and a B in English Literature.

She plans to begin a degree in Law at the University of Leeds, with the aim of one day becoming a barrister.

“Coming to Deeside Sixth has been the best decision for me,” said Ruby.

“The support from the staff and progress coaches has been incredible, as was the opportunity to study Law at A Level, which really solidified my choice of career – thank you all.”

Meanwhile, Emma Leach received Bs in Biology and Chemistry, and a C in Maths, which gained her a place at the University of Nottingham, where she will study Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

Emma enjoyed her time at Cambria – notably the “supportive and happy environment” – which was echoed by Harley Noble, who “could not have hoped for a better sixth form and carers”.

Harley is heading to Edge Hill University after gaining a B for the Welsh Baccalaureate, a C in Business, and Ds in Computer Science, and Media.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on A Level and BTEC results and the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

The Torfaen MS met with learners in Wrexham as they received their grades, alongside Cambria’s chief executive, Yana Williams.

Among those to achieve their dream marks was Rhian Jones, who secured A*s in Chemistry and Biology, and an A in Maths.

Following her “excellent” two years at the college, she will now study Natural Sciences at University College London.

Meanwhile, Samuel Childs received A*s in Maths and Further Maths, an A in Physics and a B for the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

He is off to Lancaster University to begin a degree in Theoretical Physics.

“I owe so much to the staff and all my lecturers, they are absolutely incredible people, and I cannot thank them enough,” he said.

Also heading to a higher education were Matt Smart, a former Darland High School pupil who achieved As in Maths, Computer Science and Welsh Baccalaureate, and a B in Physics, confirming his place at the University of York to study Physics with Astrophysics; and Chester University and a degree in English Literature and History beckons for Ellis Eccleston after he garnered an A* in History and As for English Literature and Film Studies.

Final praise goes to Freya Owen, who progressed from GCSEs with Wrexham Pupil Referral Services (Haulfan) to achieve amazing results and a place at Oxford University to study History of Art.

Freya, from Wrexham, received an A* in Geography, an A in Religious Studies, and an A in Classics.

Admitting she felt “sick to her stomach” ahead of opening her results, she said: “I am so very happy and am so thankful to my sister, my family and friends and everyone at the college for helping me to get here.”

During her visit, Mrs Neagle was also given a tour of the new £14m health and wellbeing complex currently under construction at Yale.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on A Level and BTEC results and the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

Students from Stoke on Trent College are now ready to take the next step in their careers, after receiving their results for advanced level technical, professional and vocational qualifications.

Learners who have recently completed their final year of Level 3 qualifications, were invited to the Cauldon campus on Thursday 15 August, to celebrate their results with teachers and friends. Many will now progress to university or a higher-level Apprenticeship whilst others may enter full-time employment, often with investment from their new employer to provide dedicated training to further enhance skills and some are looking to set up their own businesses.

Higher Education partners Keele and Staffordshire University were both in attendance and joined in the celebrations along with the College careers team and teaching staff who were on hand to support those requiring career or next step advice.  

Large level 3 technical and vocational qualifications are the equivalent to three A Levels.  Students enjoy a more practical approach to learning new skills with industry-related experiences, access to industry standard facilities and state-of-the-art specialist kit provides them with an authentic and professional work environment.  

As the technical College for Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area, the College continues to have outstanding relationships with local and national employers, having forged partnerships with a purpose.

These partnerships provide learners with ‘real-life’ experiences including work experience, ‘live brief projects set by employers and ‘on-site’ visits.

Technical and vocational qualifications offer a fantastic career pathway, with high-quality, future-focused qualifications providing learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to progress into their chosen career.

Pari Arian achieved Distinction in an Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production Technology and is going on to study Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University, and said:

“This was the result I was working for, it’s just nice to have it on paper.

“I’ve had a message from Nottingham Trent University to say I’ve got my place, to study computer science. I hope to work in games and the technical side and be the project lead for the biggest games.

“I’m happy I got to experience College and have so many opportunities, and if I had a friend who was looking for a College I would definitely recommend Stoke on Trent College because of the options and opportunities you have and the whole student experience.”

Lewis James Hindmarsh achieved D star, DD in Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment, is going on to a Degree Apprenticeship at world-leading engineering firm Atkins Realis and said:

“The result was even better than I was expecting and it was more than good enough to get onto my apprenticeship.

“I’m going on to do a Degree Apprenticeship in Construction Project Management. I’m hoping to go onto Programme Management, let’s see what the future holds.”

Lisa Capper MBE, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College said,

“2024 has been another fantastic year for learning here at Stoke on Trent College. We are very proud of our results and the hard work of our learners and teachers in achieving this. Our learners have gone above and beyond, securing places at top universities across the country, higher level apprenticeships, employment into chosen professions and in some cases, starting their own businesses!

“We are extremely proud of the results all of our learners have achieved and wish them every success in their future careers.”

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

BTEC Level 3 and T-Level results were received by thousands of students on Thursday.

Shipley College have been celebrating student successes in T Levels and BTECs  by catching up with some students on Results Day to find out how they had done and what their plans for the future are.

Student Ruby was thrilled with her triple distinction stars in Games Design! She said that seeing her grades on paper has calmed her nerves.

Ruby is planning to take a year out before going to university and deciding what she would like to study.

“Comic creation is a big passion of mine and being able to work in the games industry as well. Hopefully after university, I will be on the path of getting the job I really want.”

Shannon, one of our Creative Media students, also received a Triple Distinction in Creative Media. Shannon said that her course at College  was brilliant and her plans are now to go to Leeds Arts University to take a degree in photography.

Twins Sophie and Molly (pictured) both got Merits in their T Levels! Sophie studied T Level Education and Childcare and Molly studied T Level Accounting.  Sophie is going to study Primary Education at university and Molly is progressing onto an apprenticeship.

Well done to all our students receiving their results today! We are proud of you all.

Gower College Swansea is proud to announce another year of outstanding achievement, with students celebrating impressive A Level and vocational Level 3 results for 2024.

This year the College has seen a rise in its overall A Level pass rate, which stands at a remarkable 99%, with 1164 individual exam entries. Among these, 33% of grades awarded are at A*-A, 60% are at A*-B with a continued improvement in our A*-C grades which stand at 84%, reflecting the high standards of achievement at the College.

The overall pass rate at AS Level is very strong and stands at 95%, with 72% of grades awarded at A – C and 51% being awarded at grades A – B. There were 2013 separate exam entries for AS.

The College’s vocational results are also very strong again this year and have shown an increase, with an impressive 99% pass rate across Level 3 Extended Diplomas. Among these high achievers, 37% of students achieved at least one Distinction and 10% of our learners attained the top Distinction* grade.

These results underscore the College’s commitment to providing high quality vocational education, ensuring our learners achieve high standards and success.

“We are really delighted with these results, which are a real reflection of the hard work and dedication of our learners during their time at College,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “It is also, of course, a huge testament to the dedication of our staff who are tireless in their support of our learners both in and outside of the classroom.

“We are delighted that we have maintained our very high overall pass rates at A Level and AS Level for another year.

“Equally our vocational students have delivered outstanding results particularly in the areas of Esports, Creative and Performing Arts, Applied Science, Business, Engineering and Health and Social Care.”

“I really hope everyone got the results they expected and needed to move onto their next step but, if you didn’t, please don’t worry. We are here to help. Come and talk to us – we have dedicated staff to provide personalised advice and guidance for learners.

“For example, we offer a range of Higher Education courses in subjects such as Esports, Business, Accountancy, Science and Sport and we also provide employability support to those who wish to enter the workplace following completion of their studies. We also have lots of apprenticeship pathways on offer. Gower College Swansea remains committed to helping every student achieve their full potential and succeed in their chosen pathway”.