This month is Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month (GRTHM). Established in Britain in 2008, GRTHM month raises awareness and explores the history of travelling communities. 

The month aims to tackle the negative stigma and prejudices these communities have faced for centuries. It seeks to educate those about their contribution to society and how we can support them and help them feel included in our society. 

What are the differences between Gypsy, Roma and Traveller? 

There are many differences between Gypsy, Roma and Travellers. Although they are nomadic groups, their communities follow entirely different cultural values. 

Romany Gypsies travelled west from Europe around the 10th and 12th centuries during the Roma migration from India. Romany is the word that Gypsy people in England and Wales apply to themselves, hence the term ‘Romany Gypsy’.

The word ‘Roma’ is used as a term for European ‘Gypsies’. Over the past 50 years, there has been an increase in Roma people in the UK. 

Irish Travellers are said to have migrated to England in the early 19th century. They mainly came to England after the Great Famine in the 1850s and then after World War II. 

‘What Makes a Home?’

This year, the theme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is ‘What Makes a Home?’. Gypsy, Roma and Travellers are known for their nomadic lifestyle, however, some families have lived in houses for generations but maintain their cultural identity and travel seasonally. 

There are many reasons families move into housing. It can be difficult to access vital services such as healthcare, dental care, education and employment, especially those that require addresses.

Some may feel that the move into housing is due to a shortage of available sites for vehicles and stopping places.

The government has recently implemented new laws which make the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller nomadic lifestyle more difficult. People are now at risk of having their vehicle (home) confiscated and facing fines and imprisonment. 

According to Leeds GATE, there are 80 families living on the roadside in West Yorkshire but there are only five dedicated sites for Gyspy, Roma and Travellers to live on, which highlights the few places for the community to settle.

Not only does this affect their way of life, but also affects their mental health with suicide rates being 11% of all deaths in the Irish Traveller community according to the All Ireland Traveller Health Study. 

Their life expectancy from the latest data shows they live around 10 years less than that of the non-Traveller population according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. 

A helping hand

Leeds GATE is an organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in partnership with others in and across West Yorkshire. They are a resource centre that supports Gypsy and Travellers living in Leeds and passing through. 

Leeds GATE will be celebrating GRTHM with a range of events and activities for members of the community. Take a look here. 

Resources

Here are some resources below to learn more about the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. 

Learn more about the history of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers with this animation. 

Tackling inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

This is a House of Commons Committee report with recommendations to the Government. 

Power Of Youth Day, which takes place during Volunteers’ Week, is an opportunity to shout about the incredible contributions that young people are making in their communities, society and the environment. Throughout the day events and celebrations take place across the UK. Leaders, organisations and young people take to social media to celebrate the #PowerOfYouth, recognising the invaluable and diverse contribution they are making to society.  

To those ends, here are a few organisations that empower young people that you can direct interested students towards. 

Environmental action

Over the first week of the new year, Level 3 Public Services students planted 100 mixed trees in Keighley woodland, completing a 1,000 tree planting. Despite the wintry conditions, 30 Holly, 30 Hazel and 40 sessile Oak trees were planted.

The planting project continued earlier this month when 150 trees were successfully planted at Parkside Secondary School, Cullingworth, in a community partnership activity. This brought the total up to 1,000 trees and counting, an incredible piece of ongoing environmental work which those involved in should rightly be proud of. 

Young people in school are often told that you choose a career which you stick with for the rest of your working life. However, this doesn’t have to always be the case. 

Switching gears to a new career as an adult can seem daunting, but the benefits are endless – such as broadening your skillset and following a passion.

Jules Wells did just this. Originally, Jules had worked as a manager for a retail company for many years but decided to start a new chapter studying Access to Higher Education in Health Science Professions at Keighley College, and now works as a course leader for this course. 

Follow your passion

“I worked for a large retail company up until 2013, and left as I felt undervalued due to staffing changes. I had only fallen into retail because it fit nicely around raising my children, so this was the catalyst for me to think again about my future.

“I’ve always had an ambition to work within the health professions industry, so I pursued this passion. My love for human biology became apparent throughout my studies at Keighley College, and the ease with which I was able to teach others in my group.”

Take a gamble

“I had many reservations about changing my career path as an adult. I was stepping down from a managerial role, and therefore financially it was a big gamble as I still had three children and bills to pay. 

“I was also very anxious about studying again after a break of 26 years. Using computers was and still is, to a degree, my nemesis! However, taking a risk really paid off; my experience of studying was excellent and my life has changed for the better.”

Meet new people

“I met some of the loveliest people on my course, some of whom I am still in touch with today. My tutors were amazing too – my biology tutor in particular was inspirational and taught me so much. I feel that much of my teaching style has come from her. 

“Keighley College was a fantastic place to learn as an adult student as the support offered to everyone is excellent, which made the experience so much less daunting than I thought it would be. Building friendships and supporting each other was actually one of the biggest parts for me.”

Stay focused

“Working five days a week, attending college two days a week, raising three children, being a mum, a wife and a student was the hardest thing I have ever done. I managed to overcome this by remaining focused and reminding myself that I was building a future for myself and my family. Hearing my children tell me they were proud of me was all the incentive I needed.”

Manage your time effectively

“Completing my course successfully required resilience, hard work and most importantly, time management. I had to ensure I always had enough time to finish my assignments while attending to my other commitments.”

Progress your career

“After completing my Access course, I achieved a first-class honours degree in Biomedical Science at Leeds City College, which was one of my proudest achievements. I dipped my toe in education by working as a science technician in a school, and then spent six months supporting students in my old degree programme – all of which helped me to realise that I wanted to teach!

“I then completed my PGCE in Secondary Science with Biology at Leeds Trinity University, and went on to become the course leader at Keighley College for the very same programme I completed many years ago. I absolutely love seeing students following the same journey I did, and seeing them take the next step in their careers is so rewarding.”

It’s never too late

“My biggest piece of advice would be that it’s never too late, just do it! Once you have made the decision to make a change, you will need to work hard, manage your time, accept help that is offered and enjoy it.

“The biggest benefit of studying as an adult is that you have life experience on your side, enabling you to understand so much more than you would have done at school. You are also there because you want to be and you have a future plan which depends on you achieving your goals.”

Find out more about Access to HE Health Science Professions here.

Local student, Dylan Lightowler, has won the Young Disability Sportsperson accolade for the second time at the Bradford Sports Awards.

After joining Bradford, Keighley and Skipton Disability Athletics Club in 2017, Dylan developed a passion for running, shot put and long jump. He trains three times a week and has his sights set firmly on the paralympics. 

Dylan commented: “It’s an absolute honour to receive this award; I’m so grateful to those who recognised my hard work and training, which I continued to do at home during lockdown. I love running and shot put, so I hope to reach my full potential at the next paralympics and the Special Olympics World Games.”

Currently in his first year of the college’s Foundation Studies – Independent Living course, Dylan is learning how to live on his own. Although he experiences daily anxiety about travelling to college, he has relished the opportunity to become more independent by making the journey on his own and making new friends.

Take a look at the Foundation Studies course details here.

The current year has been an exciting one so far for Keighley College – from featuring in BBC News and Channel 5 broadcasts to hosting globally-recognised TEDx events and teaming up with locally-loved rugby team, Keighley Cougars.

At the centre of this hive of college activity has been the interim and now official Principal, Kevin O’hare. 

As Kevin starts to settle into his new position, we sat down with him to understand a little more about his background, motivations and ambitions for the college.

How did your interest in education develop?

“Whilst undertaking my Fine Art degree, I found myself enjoying conversations with other undergraduates about their work. One peer even mentioned that I would end up teaching, but I didn’t envision it then.

“My first part-time job was as a contextual studies tutor at Hull College in 1992, which allowed me to see real potential in the way in which art seems to touch on so many wider areas, such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, history and politics. It offered a rounded social education for young people and through it, a better understanding of their contemporary world – which really excited me.”

What do you enjoy most about working in education?

“Those moments when students find their spark and can see their true potential. I’ve worked with so many learners who have a self-limiting narrative but then unlock something which opens a much wider view of their possibilities. 

“That shift often happens during the 16 to 19 age period, as students are exposed to the broader complexities of society. To be able to facilitate that changing mindset is a fantastic privilege.”

Who inspires you and why?

“I recently had a conversation with a student during a particularly pressured moment on campus. They said that calm seas never make a strong sailor, which really transformed my perception of that moment.”

What do you think makes a good college principal?

“There are many good principals who have very different approaches to the role and have been equally successful. Some prefer to lead on the basis of facts and data, others focus on building relationships, and others use charisma and assertiveness to achieve their goals. I think a good college principal will have elements in each area. Above all, a duty to the students and their life chances needs to be at the heart of their strategy.”

What does a day in the life of a college principal look like?

“It’s always so varied. I can be representing the college in important local government meetings, discussing curriculum plans with teachers, speaking to students about common room facilities, identifying a building to renovate, giving radio interviews, visiting local schools to deliver assemblies, speaking to the board of governors on a paper I have written and encouraging local employers to take on apprentices – it’s never boring!”

How do you hope to make a difference at Keighley College?

“That’s simple really – I want the college to become known for its student success and I want those students to have loved their time here.”

What do you think makes Keighley College stand out amongst other local colleges?

“The college has such a wide variety of provision – from a pupil referral offer through to study programmes at all levels: T Levels, apprenticeships, Access courses, A levels and degree programmes.

“It’s known historically for its engineering, building trades, health, childcare and beauty therapies. I think the college is most connected to its community.”

What have you been most proud of during your working life?

“To date, it’s been my part in the growth of creative arts education in Leeds over the last 30 years. In the next 30 years, I want to be proud of helping to make Keighley College a truly inspiring institution.”

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

“I still love making art and visiting galleries. I also coach a junior football team and follow Guiseley football club’s rollercoaster journey through the lower leagues. The mix of art and sport is a nice balance of calmness and adrenalin.”

What advice would you give to someone considering a role in education?

“Education needs kind and selfless people who can see the transformative power of learning for others and themselves. I’ve always loved the James Madison quote: ‘Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.’”

Read more about Kevin’s appointment here.

Our Interim Principal Kevin O’Hare has been appointed as the new Principal of Keighley College.

Kevin took over from the college’s former Principal, Steve Kelly in December last year.

As interim Principal for the last four months, Kevin has made a positive impact in building relationships with both students and staff, which has contributed to, and is enhancing the college’s culture and presence in the community.

He has also played a key role in the college’s recent successes, such as hosting Keighley’s first ever TedX event. There has also been significant progress across the education institution’s A level, special educational needs and disability (SEND) and high needs provisions.

Kevin said: “What a brilliant four months I’ve had at Keighley College. I’m so pleased that I can continue on this positive journey with students, staff and the local community.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the aspirations of our young people at college. They have both embraced and made me feel welcome. It’s clear that our students have huge potential and I’m looking forward to leading the Keighley team to help deliver the best learning outcomes for them.

“I look forward to driving our culture of providing exceptional, responsive and life-changing education, skills and experiences for individuals, businesses and communities. This means ensuring that students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to the next level, be it higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.”

Kevin has worked in the FE sector for 29 years. During this period, he has undertaken roles at every level of the curriculum. He has taught from entry to degree level, and has led, written and quality assured programmes across vocational, academic and apprenticeship programmes.

He joined Leeds City College, which is part of Luminate Education Group, in 1992 when there were limited options for creative learners in Leeds. With a small number of learners he helped establish a programme which has grown to include 850 learners over a range of subject areas.

He has an outstanding track record as a leader in education with a particular interest in Creative Arts and Digital programmes; his previous role was Head of Visual and Digital Arts at Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus.

Kevin sits on a number of professional boards and governing bodies, including as a Director of East Street Arts, and has worked with local organisations such as Games Republic, The Tetley, and Leeds Playhouse.

Budding games designers from Keighley College have been getting top tips from some of the giants of the industry.

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Games Design and Development students got the chance to talk to leading figures in the sector when they visited the Yorkshire Games Festival in February.

The week-long event, held at Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum, is an annual extravaganza that celebrates games culture, design and production.

The festival also includes Game Talks days, featuring workshops, masterclasses and special guests, which are designed to boost the employability prospects and knowledge of aspiring designers.

Representatives from two of the UK’s biggest developers – Rocksteady, the team behind the Arkham series of Batman games, and Team 17, creators of Worms – were among the speakers.

An inspiring day out

Keighley College Games Design lecturer Adil Hussain said: “We had a very good turnout, with 17 of our students going along. They heard talks from the guest speakers that covered all aspects of the game design industry.

“The learners had an amazing time listening to professionals giving them tips on the design and development of computer games, and inspiring them about their future careers.”

Women in Games Ambassador, Bex Betton, also spoke to the students  about work experience opportunities in the industry, and the pros and cons of taking unpaid roles.

Adil added: “Some students had never been to the National Science and Media Museum before, so they also enjoyed the chance to explore as there were a lot of interactive areas, including an arcade with retro games.

“This trip was a positive experience for them which was great both educationally and for their mental wellbeing.”

Keighley College students have been snapping up the chance to enjoy a fully funded work experience adventure in the United States.

We have teamed up with Camp America to secure dozens of camp placements, for students aged 18 or over, in the States this summer.

More than 40 students have now signed up but more places are still available for anyone who applies by 17 April.

The experience is designed to hone students’ employability skills while giving them a chance to enjoy a different country and meet new friends.

All travel, accommodation and living costs will be covered on the trip via £5,000 of student funding from the Turing Scheme.

To find out more click here. A snapshot of what life on a Camp America placement is like, meanwhile, can be found here.

Although returning to education as an adult can seem like a daunting prospect, there are endless amounts of benefits to sharpening up your study skills beyond the age of 19.

We spoke with adult learner, Sahresh Akhter, who studies GCSE English and Maths at Keighley College, to discover the top reasons to study as an adult.

Meeting new people

“Before returning to learning, I was stuck at home and suffered from severe depression. I was keen to go out in different settings and meet new people. I’ve met so many fantastic teachers and peers through college, who have really supported my personal growth.”

Inspiring staff

“The teaching and non-teaching staff are an inspiration to me. Most of them are female, who are all empowering, hard working and supportive.

“I received fantastic support from the college’s community employment coach, Betts Fetherston, who worked with me to find the right university course and apply for it.”

Flexibility

“Achieving a work-life balance can be achievable as an adult learner. I have a son, and due to the flexibility of my course, I can work my studies around him.”

Personal growth

“After starting my course, I noticed how much confidence I had gained. My self-esteem improved and I learnt how to manage my time effectively.”

Increased opportunities 

“Gaining qualifications as an adult opens up many exciting job prospects. I’m incredibly proud to have been offered a fully-funded scholarship to study Advanced Practice in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution at the University of Bradford.

“In the future, I’d love to work for the United Nations on women’s rights in developing countries and promoting higher education for women.”

Find out more about adult courses at Keighley College here.