Keighley College has taken the decision to postpone exams due to take place in January to ensure student, apprentice and staff safety during the pandemic.

The latest government update outlines that GCSE, A level and AS summer exams have been cancelled and will be replaced with teacher assessed grades. However, the decision to run BTEC and other vocational qualification assessments is down to individual institutions. 

Steve Kelly, Principal at Keighley College, said: “Cancelling January exams was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but we felt student and staff safety needed to be our top priority. The message from the government was to ‘stay at home’ to defeat the virus, therefore asking students to attend college and sit exams seemed untenable. 

“To go ahead with the exam series now would be unfair on our hard working students. The stress of the pandemic will undoubtedly affect their performance and probably has affected their preparation, potentially leading to unfair results.

“Although many are disappointed with the move back to remote learning, teachers and students are already well equipped to adapt to distance learning following the first lockdown. We’ve worked hard to enable learners to maintain their communities during these hard times, which makes a real difference to their mental wellbeing. 

“We’re proud to be at the heart of the community and as we move through this challenging time, we want to be able to support the best we can while maintaining the safety of our students, apprentices and staff.”

BTEC and other vocational assessments will be rescheduled later this year, giving students time to plan and prepare.

Foundation Studies student, Bethan Jones, is committed to developing her learning during lockdown. She added: “The support from college throughout remote learning has been brilliant. We all speak to each other daily on Google Hangouts, where we can talk through work and help each other. 

“Our tutors are constantly checking in to see how we’re doing, which really helps with any feelings of isolation. We are set individual tasks which allow us to become more independent while improving valuable skills.”

Keighley College plans to have a mass testing system in place for when students return to college after February half term.

From starting college in 2018, mature student, Claire Jopson, has an inspirational story to tell after overcoming hardships and accomplishing fantastic achievements.

Her determination and eagerness to learn has been admirable, and as a result, she has been recently awarded with Student of the Term.

Inspirational journey

When Claire started her hairdressing course, she was working through some personal problems, but was determined not to let this affect her learning.

“When I first came to Keighley College, I had not long left inpatient treatment for my eating disorder. It’s been something I’ve constantly had to battle with throughout my time at college, but I’m now in recovery and the college has been an incredible anchor of support throughout my journey.

“College has helped readjust my focus and study hard towards my qualifications. The staff have been so supportive and sympathetic, helping me build my confidence and always offering emotional support. 

“I’ve had huge amounts of encouragement and help with work along the way, and the staff have made me realise that my illness doesn’t have to stop me achieving amazing things. My tutor, Clare Ravenscroft, was genuinely committed to my wellbeing and made sure to always check in to see how I was doing.”

Student of the Term

Due to Claire’s impressive resilience and determination, she was awarded Student of the Term.

“I was so overwhelmed to receive this award! I feel very moved with the gesture and I hope this will inspire others with this illness to stay optimistic and show that there is light at the end of the tunnel. My newfound confidence has helped me deliver training at Leeds Beckett University on eating disorders and interventions with students.”

Clare Ravenscroft, Programme Manager at Keighley College, added: “Claire has come on such an immense journey since starting at college. She has overcome some huge obstacles through real perseverance and admirable courage. With 100% attendance, fantastic results and impressive progress, she completely deserves this award.

Passing with flying colours

After passing Level 2 and Level 3 hair, she has achieved a distinction in her first graded beauty practical and is on track for success.

“It had been a while since I properly laughed, but since starting college and making new friends at college I haven’t stopped laughing! I’ve loved seeing other students progress and develop into fantastic hair stylists. I have made some amazing memories which I will forever cherish.

“In the future, I hope to be a qualified hairdresser and beauty therapist, but also continue to provide training on eating disorders and support people on their journey to recovery.”

The government’s national lockdown announcement means working and learning is currently taking place online. This is because of the rising Covid-19 infection rates and this will allow our college to prepare Covid-19 testing for our students.

Key changes are below:

• We have made the decision to cancel all exams to keep our students and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students should not attend college for their exams. 
• Apprentices will be contacted by their tutors/assessors as different arrangements may apply to them.
• When the national lockdown is lifted, all students will return to college in line with our plans for mass Covid-19 testing.

We will provide further information, including details of our mass Covid-19 testing plans, once confirmed. 

If you are a student and have further questions, please contact your tutor.

Find out more information on Keighley College blended learning here.

Keighley College is becoming a central driver for economic recovery in the district, by partnering with local support services to help adults and young people back into work.

The college has launched the Skills Support Hub, a community initiative to signpost those who have been made redundant, furloughed or unemployed to appropriate organisations for upskilling, career advice and building confidence.  

Working with Bradford Council, SkillsHouse, the DWP and local employers, alongside funding from the European Social Fund, Keighley College’s team of experts will identify the needs of each individual and create a talent pool that matches people to relevant employers. 

Steve Kelly, Principal at Keighley College, said: “We’re committed to supporting as many people as possible in our community at such a challenging time. The hub will be based in a Covid-safe environment at Keighley College, where we can identify individuals’ training needs that we can address or signpost to a relevant organisation.

“Our aim is to reach those who have been the hardest hit in the district and encourage them to get back on their feet. We’ll be working with a range of employers such as Platinum Stairlifts and Metalcraft to understand their skills needs, allowing us to provide the best skills support and opportunities for the community.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “It is important news for Keighley, and the wider district, that this new support hub has been set up and we are pleased to be a partner. Covid-19 has had an awful impact on jobs but we are determined to do all we can to help people get the skills, training and support they need to access new opportunities.”

Residents in the Keighley district can access the support hub by emailing skills@keighleycollege.ac.uk, calling 01535 685006 or dropping in to college. 

What better time than January to give your CV some TLC? As we head into the new year, it’s important that we bring with us a refreshed perspective on the world of work.  

A difficult year for many, the past 12 months has seen people lose their jobs due to the pandemic. Whether you’ve become unemployed, been made redundant or just looking for a career change, an excellent CV can make you stand out amongst other candidates. 

Tips for creating the perfect CV

1. Relevance is key: When applying for a role, make sure the experience showcased on your CV is relevant to the job. Always crosscheck your CV with the job description and tailor it to make it clear why you’ll be able to deliver in that role. 
2. Attention to detail: Avoid any spelling or grammar mistakes, as recruiters are likely to judge you for this. Ask someone to proofread your CV and give you constructive feedback.
3. Keep it simple: Be clear and concise. A CV needs to be easy to read and is usually best kept to two pages. Don’t be afraid to take out past experience if it is not relevant to the role.
4. Include a personal statement: Shout out about how your experience relates to the job in an opening statement. Here, you can really showcase your skills and demonstrate why you’re the best person for the job.
5. Add personality: Your hobbies and interests are a great way for employers to get to know more about you. Avoid generic ones such as ‘socialising’ and try to include interesting hobbies that demonstrate dedication or teamwork. 

A survey showed that employers take less than a minute to decide if an application is worth consideration, so it’s vital that your CV ticks all the employability boxes. 

For additional support with application tips, interview guidance and job advice, get in touch with our friendly team at the Skills Support Hub.

The Skills Support Hub is a community initiative to help adults and young people back into work.

Residents in the Keighley district can access the support hub by emailing skills@keighleycollege.ac.uk, calling 01535 685006 or dropping in to college. 

Keighley College student, Tom Waddington, has accepted a full-time role at Acorn Stairlifts following his supported internship.

Tom began working part-time at Acorn Stairlifts earlier this year. He joined the local firm as part of a supported internship; a structured study programme run by Keighley College, enabling young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work. 

For the past nine months, Tom worked on the factory assembly lines, preparing metal work by inserting screws and bolts. His zest for learning and ambitious attitude was recognised amongst the team and the factory manager, Andrew Longthorne, decided to offer him a permanent position as an assembly worker.

Andrew commented: “Tom is a bright spark who has brought admirable enthusiasm and infectious positivity to the team. While on his internship, he showed real commitment and extra willingness to every aspect of his role. 

“He had a trial working the production line and performed fantastically, so we thought he would be perfect for a permanent role with us. In his new role, Tom will be responsible for producing the finished components for the staircase rail system.”

Tom has been on the supported internship programme for three months. As part of the initiative, he regularly works with Keighley College job coach, Shameem Koser, to develop his employability skills.

Shameem added: “We’re incredibly impressed with Tom’s progress at Acorn Stairlifts, who play a key role in providing life-changing opportunities for our students. Our supported internship programme is essential for developing important life and work skills, preparing our students for the workplace.”

Keighley College is a further education provider offering a range of courses, apprenticeships and internships. To find out more about the supported internship programme, visit keighleycollege.ac.uk.

Keighley-based couple, Laura and Chris Smith, have always had an ambition to work in the healthcare sector. 

The recent pandemic gave them time to reflect on their career aspirations, realising they wanted to pursue their passion and study an Access to Health Science Professions course at Keighley College.

Choosing a college

When deciding on a college, Laura and Chris knew Keighley College was the perfect match for them.

Laura said: “As we live locally, we’re aware of the college’s great reputation so we knew this would be a good fit for us. After researching various courses, we thought the Access course sounded really interesting and engaging. As we both hope to go to university, this course provides us with all the tools, knowledge and skills needed to progress to higher education.”

Course highlights

The Access course allows students to study a range of health and science topics while gaining practical experience.

Chris commented: “The course is incredibly varied with many fascinating subjects, such as infection and immunity, control and coordination, complementary therapies, chemistry of drugs and psychology. These topics allow me to have a detailed, well-rounded knowledge of healthcare, giving me the perfect headstart for a nursing career.”

Laura added: “So far, the course has been amazing. As we are only studying three days a week, the course allows for flexibility around family commitments. Although it’s sometimes difficult to juggle work, family life and studying, the tutors have been exceptionally helpful by equipping us with all the tools we need to manage our work.”

Future plans

When they complete the Access course, Laura and Chris hope to study healthcare degrees.

Laura said: “I have always wanted to pursue a role in midwifery, which I hope to do when the course finishes in July. It’s been fantastic studying with each other on the course, as we’re able to support, inspire and motivate each other.”

Find out more about Access to Health Science Professions, as well as other Access to Higher Education courses here.

A champion of adult education, body positivity and mental health, Jane Dyminski leads the way in inspiring others to achieve their dreams and overcome challenging times.

Currently studying Level 2 Adult Hairdressing at Keighley College, we spoke to her to find out more about her inspirational story of setting up her own wig shop.

What is your experience of being a mature student?

It was really hard to come to college because I’m 45 years old. Previously, I was in dentistry for 30 years so making this career change was a big step for me. The main battle I faced was having no hair; I suffer with alopecia and wear wigs most of the time. Both of these factors acted as real tough barriers for me to overcome, but I’m incredibly glad I did. The young people weren’t as intimidating as I initially anticipated, everyone was so friendly and made me feel very welcome.

What do you enjoy about the course?

I love learning – I was worried that I may be a slow learner due to being out of education for so long, but the tutors are incredibly thorough and knowledgeable, making it easy to learn.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the social aspect. Being a mature student, the young people often approach me with questions and I’m always delighted to be able to help them.

What inspired you to take this course?

I got alopecia when I was only 24 years old – all my hair fell out and I discovered how challenging it was to find good quality wigs. It had always been a dream of mine to set up my own wig shop, so I made the leap of faith and opened the doors of Big Wigs!

After completing a wig-making course, I learnt how to create my own bespoke wigs for my clients. I have always wanted to attend Trevor Sorbie’s wig cutting course, who set up the charity ‘My New Hair’ for his sister who had cancer. To complete the course, you need to be a Level 2 Hairdresser, so this is where my journey at Keighley College began. The course has really shaped my career path – I’ve discovered how much I love hairdressing and my end goal is to be a hairdresser and wig maker.

Is there support for other people experiencing similar challenges?

I run a support group once a month called ‘Friends of Hair’ for anyone experiencing hair loss. Regardless of people’s gender, hair loss can be a devastating confidence knock. The group provides a safe and comfortable environment, where people can discuss their experiences and get support.

How do you promote body positivity?

I use my social media to champion positive body images. Since I set up an Instagram page, I’ve got over 1,000 followers and I’ve also created a blog and website. Many people have found my story and platforms really inspiring – I’ve had messages from Cornwall to America commenting on how I’ve helped transform people’s confidence.

Being different is ok and that’s a message I’m truly passionate about. Social media can often make girls feel as if they’re not good enough, so it is incredibly important for me to show them that it’s good to be unique through posting photos without my hair.

What challenges have you faced?

Attending college as a mature student with no hair was really intimidating. I made sure to change my wig every week so the students got used to seeing different colours and styles. One student told me how nice my hair was – she was so surprised when I told her it was a wig! It was really nice to break the ice and talk openly about my alopecia.

I’m a real advocate of mental health and having alopecia can really affect anxiety levels. It’s important to keep positive and work for something you feel passionate about. It’s great to see so much mental health support within the college.

How does it feel knowing you’ve helped others?

I really like it. I’m trying to spread the word and I really enjoy helping people feel good about themselves. I felt so rubbish for so long at the early stages of alopecia that I wouldn’t want other people to feel like that and I am doing everything I can to empower people.

For more information on Keighley College’s hairdressing courses, click here.

The government has made the decision to cancel the 2020 summer examinations. We realise there will be a lot of unanswered questions as the guidance is quite limited at this stage, but we wanted to share with you what we do know or expect to happen.

This information is applicable to the summer exams for GCSEs, A levels, BTEC and some other equivalent vocational qualifications. Other qualifications’ awarding bodies may require students to sit an exam and/or assessment at a later date.​

Students will be awarded grades which fairly reflect the work they have put in. Please rest assured we will be doing everything we can to ensure that each student is awarded the grade they deserve in recognition of their hard work. It is clear from the announcement that every effort will be made to make sure that students will not be disadvantaged and will be able to progress as appropriate, to the next stage of their lives. 

Teachers will be asked to submit judgements about the grades students would have received if exams had gone ahead. This judgement will be informed by a range of evidence and data which could include; 

• A wide range of assessments completed by students over the course of the year 
• Mock examination grades 
• Class work and coursework

This will then be combined with prior attainment data and expected pathways to produce a calculated grade that is fair and expected. We will work closely with the exam boards to ensure that every one of our students achieves the right outcomes based on what is fair and reflective of their performance. This is important for adult learners or students who have only been studying their subject in this academic year.

For those who have exams as part of a vocational or technical qualification, some units will have already been assessed and completed. These will be important evidence in informing the final awarded grade. We will follow the guidance and work with the awarding organisations to ensure there is a flexible and pragmatic approach, so these students are not disadvantaged in any way. 

It is intended that students will be awarded their calculated grades before the end of July. Be reassured that grading and certification will look the same as in previous years.

Where students feel that their calculated grade does not reflect their performance, the option to sit an exam at the earliest reasonable opportunity will be available, or in the summer of 2021.

Students should continue with their remote learning as planned and supported by their teachers. This will make a difference in readiness for their next steps, and in completion of any assessments that may be used to inform the calculated grades. You should contact your tutor/s if you need any support.

We would like to offer assurance that although our ‘in college’ normal way of working has been interrupted, you can still apply for your next steps at college. We are doing different types of (safe) interviews and you will hear from us in due course. 

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all our current students and meeting those who are yet to join us, as we plan for the new academic year ahead.