St Albans - Welwyn - Borehamwood

News and views of all things Oaklands

Winter 13/14 edition

Students steal the show at St Albans Fashion Week

Beauty is skin deep

In the hot seat an interview

Nancy shares her favourite recipes for you to try

Latest sports news from across the campus

Growing futures plus much more

Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year – students show their best side

Welcome to the third edition of College Life magazine incorporating the news and views of all things Oaklands.In this edition we approached our students to share their Oaklands stories, who better to explain College Life than the students that are living it?Therefore, please read on for all of the news across both campuses, student profiles, interviews and some fantastic success stories.I hope you enjoy reading the third edition of College Life and we look forward to keeping you updated through future issues.Zoe Hancock

Principal - Oaklands College

Meet Level 1 Professional Cookery student Nancy Agyekum who has been cooking up a storm in the College’s brand new state-of-the-art kitchens. Here she shares her favourite recipe.

Welcome

Nancy Agyekum Professional Cookery studentJosh Trober Learning for Living and Work studentGerrard Craddock Horticulture LecturerJennifer Burke Fashion studentGerald Matthew Athletics Academy studentCharley Lawrence Beauty studentSarah O’Rourke Access studentPeter Thompson Access studentJazz Nightingale Springfield student

Thanks to our contributors

If you would like to contribute to the next College Life please email ethanie.turner@oaklands.ac.uk

Name: Nancy AgyekumAfter Oaklands: To work in a professional kitchen, but my dream job is to own my own restaurant.Favourite cooking show: MasterChef, Come Dine with Me, oh no wait, it has to be The Great British Bake Off – they’re all too good!Recipe hints and tips: I come from a family that love to cook so I am a pro at rice and chicken. I have always used my intuition when it comes to seasoning, so my tip – even when following a recipe – is to keep tasting, let your taste buds determine whether the dish needs more seasoning.

2 College Life

Prepare the gambas (prawns). Boil the mussels in water and white stock until the shells open. Shell the mussels and retain the cooking liquid.Boil the white stock and mussel liquor together, infused with saffron. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.Sweat the finely chopped onion in a suitable pan, without colour. Add the garlic and the peppers. Sauté the chicken in olive oil until cooked and golden brown, then drain.Add the rice to the onions and garlic and sweat for 2 minutes.Add about 200ml white stock and mussel liquor.Add the thyme, bay leaf and seasoning (get those taste buds working!). Bring to the boil, then cover with lightly oiled greaseproof paper and lid. Cook for 5-8 minutes, in a moderately hot oven at 180˚C.Add the tomatoes, chicken, mussels and gambas. Stir gently, cover with a lid and reheat the rice in the oven.Correct the consistency of the rice if necessary by adding more stock, so that it looks sufficiently moist without being too wet. Correct the seasoning – taste, taste, taste!When all is reheated and cooked, place in a suitable serving dish, decorate with 4 gambas and 4 mussels halved and shelled. Finish with wedges of lemon.

On Saturday 5 October the College held the popular Young Chef of the Year competition for the second year running in the new state-of-the-art kitchens. The competition, which was open to aspiring chefs in years 9 to 11, saw 24 pupils take part in the cook off held at the St Albans Campus. Young chefs submitted recipes to compete in the starters, mains and the popular desserts category and were judged by St Albans Mayor, Cllr Annie Brewster, as well as industry professionals including owner of Lussmans, Andrei Lussman, Johnny Shepherd (Mr. Pud) owner of the The Pudding Stop, and the College’s own resident chef lecturers Mark Sharples and Paul Wood.

The competition attracted students from the local area to further afield including Ware, New Southgate and Hitchin. The young chef’s brought along supporters including teachers from their schools, family members and friends. Taste buds were tantalised by spices and sweet flavours throughout the day and there was a large array of cheers when the winners were announced and presented with their £100 cheque prize.Principal of Oaklands College, Zoe Hancock, commented: “The standard of the competition was outstanding. The College would like to warmly congratulate all of the young chefs that took part and the winners, Sam Bailey for his starter, Emily Rigby for her main and Mollie Swain for her dessert.”

Young Chef of the Year competition

The standard of the competition was outstanding

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News and views of all things Oaklands 3

Serves Four

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‘Gardeners and florists topped the list of happiest workers with 87% saying everything at work is rosy’ 2012 City & Guilds Career Happiness Index

Mention the word horticulture or gardening and for many people this will conjure images of someone working on an allotment or driving a gang mower around the local park cutting the grass or tending the flower beds. Most think about horticulture or gardening as a hobby and not the serious and rewarding career that it is. This dated image has resulted in an alarming skills crisis in the industry that is now threatening Britain’s economy, environment and food security. On 14 May 2013 the Royal Horticultural Society presented a report entitled ‘Horticulture Matters’ to the Government. This was supported by businesses and colleges and called on the coalition government to improve the perception of horticulture and to promote it in both schools and colleges as a serious, rewarding career for talented people rather than it being viewed as a hobby. According to the latest forecast from Lantra, the UK’s Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, horticulture now needs 60,000 entrants to replace the retiring generation of horticulturists by 2020. A survey of 200 horticultural businesses recently confirmed a worrying shortage of skilled professionals. It found that 72% of businesses were unable to “fill skilled vacancies”. Horticulture offers some of the most satisfying and rewarding career opportunities. In 2012, a survey by City & Guilds, the UK’s leading organisation for vocational education, found that 87% of gardeners and florists were the happiest workers. Even in the current economic climate there has been no better time to consider a career in horticulture. Set in over 260 acres of parkland, gardens and woodland, and with over 60 years’ experience in horticulture, Oaklands has a wide range of courses to help you start a career. Courses start from Entry Level 2 and go up to Level 3, we have also developed short introductory courses on organic gardening, learning how to garden, pruning and ‘growing your own’. There are also several horticulture projects currently taking place at the College, including the construction of a new 20-meter glasshouse, the development of a plant nursery and the replanting and redesigning of beds and borders.

So if you fancy being a “happy worker” and don’t mind getting your hands dirty why not check out the College’s array of horticulture courses at www.oaklands.ac.uk

Futures

4 College Life

by Gerrard Craddock, College Lecturer in Horticulture

The Growing Space project has been running for 3 years after discussions between the Welwyn Garden City Free Church and YMCA, Central Herts. Since joining the Growing Space this year, students, who suffer from a range of learning and social difficulties have flourished both academically and personally.The produce from the project goes to a variety of people with those who grow it having first call, some goes to YMCA Space in WGC for lunchtime soups, some is distributed on Sunday mornings in the church and when there are large amounts any spare go to the WGC Food Bank. Allen and Helen Kaye, from the Growing Space project, commented: “There are 14 plots in the

grounds of the church aimed at a broad mix of people including adults and young learners, however the learners from the College this year have by far been the most involved and have done the greatest work for us. We really enjoy the days they come to us and they are a pleasure to spend time with.”Pam Hill, Tutor, commented: “This project has done wonders for our students and to see some of them who have found it very difficult socialising, through a variety of reasons, interact and communicate so well has been wonderful to witness and be a part of. “I would like to say a special thank you to Allen, Helen and Student Support Assistants Cecilia Kirkman, Roz Forster, Amy McNamara and Haley Andrews.”

Name: Aaron Oliver PaulCourse: NVQ Level 2 Diploma in HorticultureBefore Oaklands? I was home schooled until I was sixteen. I did little bits of work experience with my dad during school as well.After Oaklands? I have started my own gardening and soft landscaping business. I do various gardening work including planting, maintenance and turfing.I chose to study the Level 2 in Horticulture at Oaklands because it was local, it has a rich history within the industry and my dad studied Horticulture at the same campus a little while back.

The course helped improve my social skills as well as my horticultural knowledge.I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oaklands and would recommend the course to anyone interested in the horticulture industry, it was a great experience. My tutors were excellent, and overall I was very impressed with the staff and the facilities at the College. My advice to the next cohort of horticulture students is to gain as much work experience as possible, maybe work a little on the days they’re not in college or studying for either a gardening or landscaping company or work in a garden centre.

If you would like to find out more about Aaron’s company or your garden is in dire need of some TLC contact him at a.o.paul@hotmail.co.uk or call 07415 539 157

Where are they now

Futures The College’s Learning for Living and Work students in Welwyn Garden City have been very busy planting and harvesting vegetables as part of the Growing Space project.

News and views of all things Oaklands 5

Project Growing Space

At Oaklands it’s not just about the course or programme students have signed up for but about helping them gain extra skills. From self-esteem courses to academic writing and UCAS applications to changing a fuse, all of the ‘Outside the Box’ courses have been designed to give students the confidence for life after Oaklands. So whether it is life skills, personal skills, preparation for life after Oaklands or just a bit of fun students will find it on ‘Outside the Box’ www.theboxoaklands.co.ukAll courses are free and whether students choose one because they plan to set up their own business in the future or because they want to learn how to wire a plug, it really doesn’t matter. What matters is that it is their choice.

Outside the Box course guide has been designed with four clear paths.Life skills These basic skills, including time and money management and staying safe by knowing their own limits, will help students on their path to independent living.Personal skills Goodbye anxiety and stress. These courses have been designed to give students the confidence in their academic workload and much more. Give it a go It’s time to get stuck in. For those students that have always wanted to know how to put up a shelf or get involved in a sport!Life after Oaklands Job. Career. Employability. Students can learn it all in these specially designed courses that will help them succeed in life after Oaklands.

HeLpING yOu tO tHINk ‘OutSIDe tHe BOx’

All you have to do is visit www.theboxoaklands.co.uk, select your desired course and start date, then fill in your student reference number. Done.

Booking onto any of these courses couldn’t be easier.

6 College Life

Have you seen the College’s new look full-time guide? What are your thoughts on its design, layout and content? To let us know your thoughts email marketing@oaklands.ac.uk

NewFulltime guide

get involved!News and views of all things Oaklands 7

In celebration of Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year check out our students’ best selfies.

Name: Charley Age: 19Course: Level 4 Salon ManagementYear: This is actually my 5th year at Oaklands; I joined whilst in year 10 and have gone from Level 1 to Level 4. I am in my first year on this course and I love it.Top tips on choosing a course: Don’t settle, know what you want to do after college and then choose the course(s) that will help you get there. After college: A degree in Business & Marketing and then open my own skin clinic.What are the main skin types that you deal with: Sensitive, dry, mature, combination, oily – there are just so many and to tell you the truth no two are the same. Which is why I love it, I am always learning.

Mondays and Tuesdays: I actually work 3 jobs as well as study at college and on Mondays and Tuesdays I work for a steel company – random I know, but it’s great to keep what I do varied.Wednesday: This is my longest day at college; starting at 10.45am and finishing at 8pm, we have a full on day but I love it and find that I learn so much.Thursday: I’m in college 9am-3pm, clients come in at 10am and we have recently been treating varicose veins. I love working with skin and I must admit that I when I joined Oaklands I thought I would fall into the spray tanning and eyelash extensions (which I do privately by the way) but skin is fascinating and there are so many treatments to learn all to do with the various skin types out there.

Friday: I work in a salon Saturday and Sunday: I work in a spa, Hanbury Manor, in Ware. We cover a wide variety of treatments at Hanbury including body scrubs, body wraps, facials, makeup services and more.

Experience the relaxing environment of the College’s state-of-the-art salon where you can pamper yourself with everything from manicures and pedicures, to facials and full body massages. Other beauty treatments are on offer including nail extensions, hair removal, eyebrow shaping and makeup application and much more.

ThE Oasis aT Oaklands bEauTy salOn OffErs a full rangE Of ExCEllEnT valuE TrEaTmEnTs prEfOrmEd by sTudEnTs undEr ThE ExpErT supErvisiOn Of bEauTy lECTurErs.

After

Before

a peek at my week

Beauty is skin deep

Charley works privately doing eyelash extensions, here are her top tips on aftercare: No oils No waterproof mascara Remove eye makeup with water

on your fingertips Avoid heavy eye makeup Have them infilled every 3 weeks

Before and after shots of eyelashes and varicose vein removal.

After

Before

by Charley Lawrence

To book call 01727 737 604 or email oasis@oaklands.ac.uk* pre-booking is essential. Offer available during Term time only. valid until summer 2014

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OpEn TO ThE publiC six days pEr wEEk

On Friday 1 November the College’s Fashion students showcased their talents at the St Albans Fashion Week catwalk in the St Albans Cathedral.The inaugural event was launched by local fashion entrepreneur, Ellena Ophira, Editor and Director of the Style in my City blog, and attracted over 700 fashionistas.

Among those showcasing designs on the catwalk included retailers Reiss, John Lewis and LK Bennett, and the College’s very own Fashion students, past and present. The College’s students produced 12 looks which made their way down the longest catwalk in the UK including x4 full-circle skirts inspired by the natural world,

x4 shift dresses inspired by space and x4 evening wear pieces inspired by architecture. Students not only blew everyone away with their designs, but showcased their modelling talents and gave up their free time to volunteer throughout the whole week.

I am currently in the second year of my BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion & Clothing course and my eyes have been opened to the hard work it takes to be in the fashion industry. The course takes dedication, but is very rewarding and has given me endless opportunities. Last year we had the chance to show our designs on the catwalk at Old Spitalfields Market for their Fashion Friday event, we also showcased our designs in our End of Year Art, Fashion & Design Show.

This year has already got off to a great start as we were given the fantastic and exciting opportunity to display our designs in the very first St Albans Fashion Week catwalk, we were also able to model on the night and volunteer throughout the week.Every term we are set a different project that has a new brief. Our very first project was to create a full-circle skirt inspired by the natural world. Our second project was to

create a shift dress inspired by space; I decided to take inspiration from the 1960s sci-fi movie Barbarella with Jane Fonda, the lead actress, as my muse. My final project last year was to create an accessory inspired by pop art. The briefs we are given can be interpreted in any way as long as we can link our ideas and thought processes. We are encouraged to think outside the box and to create something unique. That is what I like most about this course, we are allowed the freedom to create something we want and are passionate about.We are told to see everything as inspiration and we are taken on trips to museums, galleries, and abroad in the second year to gather this inspiration. Fashion isn’t a course for everyone but it’s something I am passionate about. Our tutors and teachers are dedicated and also extremely encouraging, the majority have even worked in industry, therefore they prepare us to the best of their abilities. Every day I travel from Luton to come to Oaklands but the journey is worthwhile, as I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.

When it came to choosing my future career, I always knew it would be fashion related...

Visit www.oaklands.ac.uk for more info on the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Fashion and Clothing

by Jennifer Burke, BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion & Clothing student

fashion special

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Students steal the show at St Albans Fashion Week

My name is Jazz and I joined Oaklands’ Access class in September and am always happy and cheerful when I am here. My favourite part of any day is working on my iPad, which I enjoy so much. I also just love being involved in the everyday happenings at college. I come to college four days a week, Monday to Thursday, and have a variety of lessons on my timetable, including Literacy and Numeracy, Drama, Music, News, Keep Fit and my favourite, the Tuck Shop. The Tuck Shop is our classroom enterprise which sells snacks (healthy and non-healthy) to other students (and staff). All of the profits from our Tuck Shop go towards raising

money for a hydrotherapy swimming pool for us and the sport students. I am also really interested in the animals around the College and hope to study an animal care course at some point in the future. My tutor, Jane Warrington, has a beautiful puppy called Nigel who is currently training to be our local therapy dog. Nigel is based at the College and am always excited when he comes to visit.I have progressed so much in the short time that I have been here and have settled nicely into college life. Well that’s it everyone, thanks for reading my College Life experience.

Name: Jazz Nightingale Studying: Access, a new class in Springfield which fully embraces all emerging communication technologies including: iPads, communication tablets and computer programmes, interactive whiteboards, motion environmental tools, switches and other electrical devices to help encourage students to be as independent as possible and then to transfer these skills to other areas of their lives.

Student Profiles Taking a closer look at the lives of some of our students

All of the profits from our tuck shop go towards raising money for a hydrotherapy swimming pool

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I have enrolled on the Access to Health Professions Diploma with a view to developing my career options and becoming a Midwife. Over the years I have had many life experiences that I feel will be beneficial to my future career and I look forward to this change of direction and continuing my life skills.At present I am working for Oaklands College as an LSA based at St. Albans Campus and have held this position since January 2009. My reason for this was to seek a position that would make childcare options easier to manage, as my oldest child was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 4 and subsequently required a place at a special needs school. I felt the role of an LSA would stand me in good stead to learn more about ASDs and how to adapt resources to the requirements young people and adults face today.

I have found the Access course challenging but have gained confidence in the nine weeks I have been studying. It is quite intense and although I have made a good effort on my assignments, I feel I have not yet reached my full potential and think once I begin to receive my results I will begin to feel more comfortable with my efforts. The course is well laid out and especially caters for parents who have children at school and nursery.

Even though I feel like a juggler trying to keep all my balls in the air at present, I can honestly say I have never been happier and have had several positive comments from colleagues, family and friends which has given me the determination to make a positive change to achieve my much anticipated midwifery career.

From an early age I have been fascinated by cinema, and have grown an all-consuming passion for the art form that far transcends everyday enthusiasm. It has always been my desire to study Film in some capacity at degree level and continue to expand my knowledge to an academic level rather than just that of personal enthusiasm. I decided that the best way for me to attain my goals, and fulfil my personal ambition was to study on the Access course.

Returning to education at the age of 23 is something that has been a great advantage. I had tried in the past, but acknowledged at the time that I wasn’t ready to fully commit to education amidst the confusion of everyday teenage life.

My experience with the Access course has been nothing but positive, it has allowed me to challenge myself and has reconsolidated my passion for writing, both creatively and academically. Education in an adult environment has been an incredible asset, it has allowed the teaching to be far more natural, comfortable and therefore effective, it has also created a relaxed environment without judgment or prejudice from my peers that has made making friends and socialising effortless and without the usual playground politics. I feel that personal growth and maturity has aided me in how I approach my studies and student life, and because of Access I have every confidence that I will succeed at University and in my future career.

Name: Peter ThompsonStudying: Access to HE Humanities

Josh Trober: How long have you been at the College?Joe Agg: I’m in my 3rd year.Josh Trober: What’s it like being a technician?Joe Agg: It feels great working with students to help them with their work.JT: How did you feel when you were offered this opportunity?JA: I am amazed that I got the role as support technician.JT: What do you like about the job?JA: I am an expert at fixing computers so find it easy to help the students. JT: Will this help you when you move on to another job?JA: Yes, should there be any problems I would be able to fix them as I have had practice. JT: What sort of IT job would you like to get in the future?JA: I would like to continue to work as an ICT tech guy in an office somewhere.JT: Do you prefer desktop or laptop?JA: I would prefer a laptop because you can take it with you.JT: What’s your favourite computer programme? JA: I prefer Microsoft Word because it’s easy to use.JT: What would be your dream IT job?JA: My dream job would be to work in an ICT office with network servers fixing problems.JT: Why?JA: I am very successful in this job and I think I would like to do it 3 days a week.JT: What are your hobbies?JA: My hobbies are playing on computers and making videos for YouTube.JT: Give me an example of what you do while you’re working.JA: Telephoning and emailing ServiceDesk to report computer issues. These include faulty accounts, printer problems for students and wireless issues. I also make resources for the class, for example, help sheets for using blogs, email accounts, creating new folders and warm-up games.

interview

in thehOT SeAT

Hot seat: Joe Agg, volunteer ICT technician for Supported Learning

Firing the questions: Josh Trober, student in Supported Learning

Name: Sarah O’RourkeStudying: Access to HE Health Professions

Film has always been my passion.

News and views of all things Oaklands 11

gained confidence in the nine weeks

University Campus St Albans (UCSA) has officially opened for business with its first part-time honours degree in Business Management and Innovation degree.The Joint Venture offers innovative and affordable flexible part time degree

programmes for people who wish to combine both work and study. Flexible part-time pathways of study have been designed to provide those with busy lives improved career prospects.

Animal Care, St Albans Campus

Women’s Basketball Academy, St Albans Campus Construction Management, WGC Campus

Music, WGC Campus

On October 16 A Level Citizenship students braved the wind and rain to collaborate with St Albans City and District Council in raising awareness of Local Democracy Week. Students, along with tutor Hans Svennevig, manned a St Albans market stall with Nicky Flynn the Council’s Community Engagement Officer and asked passers-by their views and opinions relating to local democracy, the local council, issues that they feel strongly about and what they or young people in general could do to be more involved with democracy.

For more details visit www.uc-sa.co.uk

In the beginning of November the College’s Plastering Level 2 students went to Audley End House in Saffron Walden to see the original Jacobean ceilings and plasterwork finished in 1616, built by the government’s treasurer Thomas Howard (1st Earl of Suffolk). It is believed he embezzled the money to carry this out. The original ceilings and house are believed to be the finest Jacobean examples in the UK. Students then went on to see some work carried out by Robert Adam for the visit of George III also known as “mad king Geroge” and although he never visited, the bed made for him remains. Robert Adam is highly regarded for introducing neo classical/roman plasterwork to the UK in the late 1700s and his work can be found all over the country.The group also visited a site nearby where Bill Sargent, the celebrated pargetter, is carrying out some work. He carried out his apprenticeship at the Herts building college in the 60s as a plasterer, Bill has said he will come to the College to demonstrate the art to students in the winter.

Thing are looking up

What’s going on behind the scenes

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Endless Possibilities

On Thursday 21 November the College played a principal part in helping with the Welwyn Garden City Christmas lights switch-on.Visitors were entertained by the College’s Performing Arts students who took to the stage and rubbed shoulders with the likes of ex-Eastenders star Thomas Law and Dowton Abbey’s

Richard Dempsey. Health & Social Care and Beauty students were also kept busy all night offering free face painting.A great night was had by all and visitors were treated to free Oaklands College ear warmers which were very popular as temperatures dropped.

Dog Grooming Salon, St Albans Campus

Beauty, Oasis Salon, WGC Campus Horticulture, St Albans Campus

Plastering, St Albans Campus

Hardscaping, St Albans Campus

Wolves Rugby Academy, St Albans Campus

Hospitality & Catering, St Albans Campus

Gymnasium, St Albans Campus

News and views of all things Oaklands 13

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Student Sport

Kyle won the Rick Grice Spirit of the Games Award for demonstrating pride in his community by putting his name forward to represent Hounslow at the London Youth Games. He is the first and only member of his borough to compete at the disability athletics competition. Kyle, now in his final year at Oaklands, is part of the College’s Athletics Academy

and has had an eventful year since joining. He is part of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, which provides athletes with grants to help towards the costs of training, travel and equipment. Kyle also took park in the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games this summer, celebrating the memory of the London 2012 Games at the Olympic Stadium.

On Tuesday 10 September Oaklands College student Kyle Powell was awarded with the Rick Grice Spirit of the Games Award at the 2013 Balfour Beatty London Youth Games and Annual Awards evening at BAFTA in London.

On Tuesday 15 October, Sky Sports visited the College to join Paralympic sprinter and new Wolves Athletics Academy student, Olivia Breen, who is targeting gold at Rio in 2016 after claiming bronze with the GB relay team at the London Games.Olivia is being supported by Sky Academy Scholarships to help her dream of winning gold become a reality.

Breen targeting gold So why not check out what a day in the life of Olivia is like by scanning the QR code or visit www1.skysports.com/watch/video/9031365/

London Youth

Games awards

On Tuesday 10 September Oaklands College sports tutor Ryan Wharton was selected as one of the final twelve England players to travel to Crete to compete in the European Minifootball tournament in November.Ryan, who plays for the number one ranked 5-a-side football team in the country, has had a very successful career so far including playing for St

Albans’ first team, reaching the final of the UKs biggest 6-a-side tournament which sees 245 teams a year take part and now his biggest accolade to date, being selected to represent England.Ryan commented: “I am very proud and honoured to have been selected to represent my country, it is a great achievement. I have hopefully inspired my students to work hard at something that they love to do.”

england call up

News and views of all things Oaklands 15

My Name is Gerald Matthew dropping my first ever blog for Junior Athletics. I am a sprinter and my preferred events are 100m and 200m. In September I became a student athlete and proud wolf at Oaklands College. I am 16 years old and have recently completed my first half term studying Psychology, Physics and Law at AS Level.Before joining Oaklands I had a few concerns, however with great advice from Head Coach, Ryan Freckleton, and those close to me, I was able to make the right decision. Studying A Levels has by no means been an easy ride; the transition from GCSEs to A levels was crazy and I am only just getting used to it.

An important step for me over the last few months was going from being a student and an athlete to becoming a student-athlete. This may sound insignificant but having the two elements tightly wound into a hectic schedule is an opportunity I am glad to have been

granted. Ryan has made it very clear to us - student first athlete second, which is understandable as athletics can be a very short career and sometimes may not go according to plan.My last couple of seasons have unfortunately been a true reflection of this; I have gone through every injury in the book, head to toe, one after the other, with no letting off. Despite this and having practically no winter training I managed to make the finals of English schools this year (against all odds). Going to Birmingham and competing at the Alexander Stadium, was a big achievement for me and has probably been the focal point of my year so far, despite the fact a few niggling problems hindered my performance in the end.Training at Oaklands and at my home track in Luton has been tough; winter training isn’t a walk in the park for anyone. As athletes we may all go through our highs and lows or in my case, get off to a slow start, but we are all committed and willing to give it our all. So I aim to attack the next few months developing physically and mentally; and with the help of everyone at Oaklands I hope to come in to next season stronger than ever ready to surpass limits and strive for greatness.

I hope to come in to next season stronger than ever ready to surpass limits and strive for greatness.

Blog entry for Junior Athletics by Gerald Matthew

student first athlete second, which isunderstandable as athletics can be a very short career

To recognise success you must endure failure

For more athletics students’ blog entries visit www.juniorathletics.co.uk

Oaklands College goes the extra mile with sports

St. Albans Campus Smallfordhatfield RoadSt Albansherts AL4 0JA

Welwyn Garden CityThe Campus Welwyn Garden Cityherts AL8 6Ah

BorehamwoodKinetic Business CentreTheobald Street Borehamwoodherts WD6 4PJ

Advice Centre Call: 01727 737000 Email: info@oaklands.ac.uk

www.oaklands.ac.uk

On Wednesday 19 June Oaklands College held their inaugural South Hertfordshire Children’s University Graduation.The evening saw over 80 pupils from seven primary schools including, Cunningham Hill Juniors, Green Lanes, Howe Dell,

Margaret Wix, Mount Pleasant, Park Street and Redbourn Juniors, all graduate with accolades ranging from bronze awards to gold certificates.The South Hertfordshire Children’s University, led by Oaklands College and West Herts College, is part of a

national network encouraging children between the ages of seven and 14 to explore a wide range of opportunities and learn new skills.The innovative scheme, which rewards the participation in out-of-school activities, has inspired young people to learn more.

Children’s University Graduation

National Apprenticeship Week Monday 3rd - Friday 7th March

Steam Rally Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June St Albans Campus 10.00am - 5.30pm

Adult Learners’ Week Saturday 17th - Friday 23rd May

Oaklands & WGC Food Festival Saturday 17th May Welwyn Garden City Town Centre 11.00am - 4.00pm

Riding for the Disabled Association Regional Qualifier Sunday 11th May St Albans Campus 9.00am – 4.00pm

A Level end of Year Show - Private View Friday 6th June St Albans Campus 6.00pm - 9.00pm

School World Games Friday 13th June 2014 St Albans Campus 10.00am - 2.00pm

Summer Fayre Sunday 15th June 2014 St Albans Campus 11.00am - 5.00pm

Art, Fashion & Design end of Year Show Friday 13th June 2014 St Albans Campus 6.00pm - 9.00pm

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Lambing Day Sunday 9th March St Albans Campus 11.00am - 4.00pm

Datesfor the diary

The free to enter event, held at the picturesque St Albans Campus, included a fun fair, inflatables, food stalls from around the world, live music, horseball and much more.Oaklands College students and staff added to the highlights of the day with an Art, Fashion and Design show, habitat and animal care tours, pony rides, tank rides, construction games, face-painting, performances from the Music and Performing Arts students, as well as the popular sheep shearing demonstrations.Marquees held stalls selling everything from hand painted glass to jewellery and homemade fudge to spicy chutneys. Also on display

were a number of local charities using the opportunity presented by the College to raise much needed funds. These charities included Willows Foundation, Royal Marines Association, Riding for the Disabled Association, Wild Life Rescue and Ambulance Service, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Royal British Legion, Chariots for Children and The RLNI.Crowds were also drawn to the falconry displays, the stilt walkers, sporting games, Zumba demonstrations, steam train rides and the dare devil children’s entertainer Rob Kilburn, who wowed with his fire eating displays.

Record crowds enjoy all the fun of the fayreOn Sunday 9 June, over 7,000 visitors celebrated summer at Oaklands College’s annual Summer Fayre.