A helping hand while ‘moving on’

Keighley College students have been finding out about the support that they can access after completing their studies.

The college invited a range of guest organisations to take part in its Moving On event on Wednesday 2 March.

The day was organised to let Foundation Studies students in particular, along with their parents and carers, talk to the visiting groups about the kinds of assistance that will be available as they progress.

SEND Coordinator at Keighley College, Jeanie Forster, said: “This was all about helping the students find out about the support that they can access once they have finished their time at college.

“It was also a great chance for them to build contacts while seeing what organisations are out there.

“We had the guests set up tables with resources and information and then our students popped in to have refreshments, grab a goody bag and chat to each organisation about what they could offer.

“We have had some very positive feedback from both the participating guests and students about how useful this event was.”

The participating organisations were: School of Rock and Media, AWARE, Hft Bradford, Mencap, People First Keighley and Craven, Mind The Gap, Down Syndrome Training and Support Service Ltd, Focus Autism, Preparing for Adulthood, and Specialist Autism Services (SAS).

Foundation Studies at Keighley College are suited to anyone with disabilities, learning difficulties, or difficulty managing emotions and behaviour.

More information about our Foundation Studies courses can be found here

STUDENTS ‘SHOULD BE PROUD’ OF RESULTS – AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY

The Principal of Keighley College has praised the contribution students have made to their local community – while congratulating their academic achievements.

Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic the college has just enjoyed another successful set of Level 3 and GCSE results, with many students meeting or exceeding their target grades.

Principal Steve Kelly said he was full of admiration for the extra effort that students and staff had put in over a trying 12 months, and their sense of social responsibility.

Achievement in the face of adversity

He said: “This year has been extremely challenging for all students across the country, as well as for those who teach and support them.

“We are very proud of our students and over the past year they have not only completed their studies but helped in their local communities, as well as with their families. 

“I am pleased to say students at Keighley College have been able to gain their vocational qualifications and progress to university, further study or employment. Many have also decided to apply for apprenticeship opportunities in the region.

“The college is open for enquiries and we still have places for anyone wishing to enrol on our courses which start next month and include full-time vocational courses, T Levels, A levels and part-time study.

“We are here to help and would encourage anyone who has questions to contact us by calling 01535 685000, emailing enquiries@keighleycollege.ac.uk or visiting keighleycollege.ac.uk.”

Inspirational husband and wife team

There were many inspirational stories behind the grades achieved by Keighley College students, and especially adult learners, this year. 

Husband and wife Chris and Laura Smith both started at the college after initially being turned down for the Access to Higher Education – Health Science Professions course, as neither had the required GCSE grades for English or maths.

The Head of Service Professions, Kevin Burke, decided to take a chance and offered them each a place anyway. His belief in them was proved well founded as they both went on to work ‘tirelessly’ and pass the course, while also achieving Grade 5s in English and Maths.

Those achievements were all the more remarkable given the fact that Laura and Chris were both holding down a job while studying. They have now each been offered a place at Bradford University, where they will study Nursing.

Overcoming the challenges of dyslexia

Adult learner Katy Currell, meanwhile, has been struggling with the educational challenges of dyslexia for years.

Until recently trying to read longer pieces of text or to write represented a huge challenge to Katy. But that has now, thanks to ‘incredibly hard work’ on her part and specialist support from her English teacher, all changed.

Katy has just achieved a Grade 4 pass in her English Language GCSE, and her teachers also say  they have seen her self-confidence grow steadily as she has progressed.

Students clean up in the community

Twelve Public Services students have been making a difference in the community by taking part in the One Hour Tidy project.

As part of the Kinder Colleges initiative, students are encouraged to become more active within the community and be kinder to the planet. 

The students worked alongside Keighley Big Local’s Shaun O’Hare, a council community warden and a local environmentalist to collect litter from around the college and along Dalton Lane.

Set up by Keighley College tutor, Mark Hargreaves, in collaboration with the Keighley Big Local, the project is a contribution to the national programme, the Great British Spring Clean.

As a result of the project, the students collected 16 refuse bags of litter, an old tyre and a fire extinguisher.

Mark organised the project in a bid to raise awareness of environmental issues amongst students.

“As aspiring public servants, our students can learn a great amount from working with members of the community. Projects like these give our students vital real-life teamwork and communication experience, which will also help them to complete their qualifications. 

“Keighley College strives to be a positive force for change within the community, therefore we have a duty to the environment and showcasing the importance of this to students. The feedback from the students was fantastic – they all really enjoyed the activity and learnt valuable communication skills.”

The college is planning many upcoming community projects, including planning a walking route for the Worth Valley Walking Festival, which is designed to raise environmental, physical and mental health awareness in the area.

“We will also be involved in some tree planning with the Environment Agency as part of the biomimetic flood reduction initiatives in the Aire Valley.”

Take a look at the Public Services courses here.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

What is International Transgender Day of Visibility?

31 March 2021 marks the 12th annual International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). This global event takes place to celebrate the success and resilience of trans and non-binary people and raises awareness of transgender rights.

Over the past few generations, we’ve seen a significant increase in transgender movements due to the biases that some people assume about the transgender community. 

Although there are holidays to acknowledge transgender people who have suffered, such as Transgender Day of Remembrance, TDoV highlights the positive elements of what being transgener means and aims to take action in changing the biases of people who don’t understand transgender. 

What is the history?

The day was originally created back in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, who is the head of Transgender Michigan

Rachel asked the question – why isn’t there a holiday to celebrate transgender people? 

While we have Transgender Day of Remembrance to commemorate the transgender people who have died without recognition, Rachel wanted to create a better way to celebrate the lives of transgender people.

TDoV was brought about to help empower trans people, encourage allies to voice solidarity within the trans community and educate people about trans issues.

How can I support?

In recent years, there has been increased visibility of our transgender communities. However, 2020 went on record as one of the most dangerous years for transgender and non-binary people, specifically impacting trans women of colour and youth. Therefore, it’s incredibly important that we help make change.

In order to support the transgender community, we need to learn about the issues that are important to them. Have a read of some transgender FAQs here

It’s good to have an idea of the appropriate terms to use, which can be viewed on the Stonewall Glossary.

Listen to the experiences of trans people like Shash and Roch on what the Gender Recognition Act reform means to them.

Raise awareness of trans rights and help to build understanding by sharing The Truth About Trans with friends, family and colleagues. 

Becoming an ally of transgender people will help change the culture, making society a better place for the community. It’s important to remember the following tips to help you to become a better ally.

You can’t tell if someone is transgender just by looking 

Transgender people don’t look a certain way. You should always be mindful and assume that there may be transgender people in any space.

Don’t assume a transgender person’s sexual orientation

It’s important to remember that gender identity and sexual orientation are two different things. Gender identity refers to our own personal sense of being a man, woman or neither of those binary genders. However, sexual orientation focuses on who we’re attracted to. 

Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or straight.

Listen to pronouns

If you’re unsure on which pronouns to use, listen first to the pronoun other people use when referring to them. If you must ask which pronoun the person prefers, state your own first, such as “Hi, I use the pronouns she and her. What about you?”

Take a look at more tips on how to become a better ally to transgender people here.

How can we celebrate International Trans Day of Visibility?

The Covid-19 pandemic has limited in-person celebrations, however we can celebrate by looking through useful resources.

Hear from transgender people about their experiences here.

TransEDU provides resources for raising trans awareness including posters and workshop materials.

Gendered Intelligence has produced useful information on the issue of bullying for trans and gender variant students in colleges.

The Department for Health has created a guide for young trans people in the UK.

Accessing support

There are many options for support for transgender and non-binary people across the country. 

TransUnite

A database where you can find a transgender support group near you.

GIRES

A charity that hears and gives a voice to trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.

Imaan

A charity to support LGBT Muslims and runs a support group for trans Muslims.

Trans Bare All

An organisation running events and retreats to help members of the trans community explore body positivity, emotional wellbeing and intimacy.

SupportLine

Confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual.

LGBTQ+ Society

As a student at Keighley College, you have access to the Luminate Education Group FE colleges LGBTQ+ Society, which provides a safe space or those who identify as LGBTQ+ to be fully themselves without fear of judgement, criticism or discrimination. The society also welcomes straight allies who are encouraged to attend events.

If you’d like to get involved, visit this page to see what’s going on.

We also have a LGBT+ Forum for staff. Get in touch with Lisa Jordan if you’d like to find out more.

STUDENTS ‘SHOULD BE PROUD’ OF RESULTS – AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY

The Principal of Keighley College has praised the contribution students have made to their local community – while congratulating their academic achievements.

Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic the college has just enjoyed another successful set of Level 3 and GCSE results, with many students meeting or exceeding their target grades.

Principal Steve Kelly said he was full of admiration for the extra effort that students and staff had put in over a trying 12 months, and their sense of social responsibility.

Achievement in the face of adversity

He said: “This year has been extremely challenging for all students across the country, as well as for those who teach and support them.

“We are very proud of our students and over the past year they have not only completed their studies but helped in their local communities, as well as with their families. 

“I am pleased to say students at Keighley College have been able to gain their vocational qualifications and progress to university, further study or employment. Many have also decided to apply for apprenticeship opportunities in the region.

“The college is open for enquiries and we still have places for anyone wishing to enrol on our courses which start next month and include full-time vocational courses, T Levels, A levels and part-time study.

“We are here to help and would encourage anyone who has questions to contact us by calling 01535 685000, emailing enquiries@keighleycollege.ac.uk or visiting keighleycollege.ac.uk.”

Inspirational husband and wife team

There were many inspirational stories behind the grades achieved by Keighley College students, and especially adult learners, this year. 

Husband and wife Chris and Laura Smith both started at the college after initially being turned down for the Access to Higher Education – Health Science Professions course, as neither had the required GCSE grades for English or maths.

The Head of Service Professions, Kevin Burke, decided to take a chance and offered them each a place anyway. His belief in them was proved well founded as they both went on to work ‘tirelessly’ and pass the course, while also achieving Grade 5s in English and Maths.

Those achievements were all the more remarkable given the fact that Laura and Chris were both holding down a job while studying. They have now each been offered a place at Bradford University, where they will study Nursing.

Overcoming the challenges of dyslexia

Adult learner Katy Currell, meanwhile, has been struggling with the educational challenges of dyslexia for years.

Until recently trying to read longer pieces of text or to write represented a huge challenge to Katy. But that has now, thanks to ‘incredibly hard work’ on her part and specialist support from her English teacher, all changed.

Katy has just achieved a Grade 4 pass in her English Language GCSE, and her teachers also say  they have seen her self-confidence grow steadily as she has progressed.

KC adult learners Laura and Chris

Students clean up in the community

Twelve Public Services students have been making a difference in the community by taking part in the One Hour Tidy project.

As part of the Kinder Colleges initiative, students are encouraged to become more active within the community and be kinder to the planet. 

The students worked alongside Keighley Big Local’s Shaun O’Hare, a council community warden and a local environmentalist to collect litter from around the college and along Dalton Lane.

Set up by Keighley College tutor, Mark Hargreaves, in collaboration with the Keighley Big Local, the project is a contribution to the national programme, the Great British Spring Clean.

As a result of the project, the students collected 16 refuse bags of litter, an old tyre and a fire extinguisher.

Mark organised the project in a bid to raise awareness of environmental issues amongst students.

“As aspiring public servants, our students can learn a great amount from working with members of the community. Projects like these give our students vital real-life teamwork and communication experience, which will also help them to complete their qualifications. 

“Keighley College strives to be a positive force for change within the community, therefore we have a duty to the environment and showcasing the importance of this to students. The feedback from the students was fantastic – they all really enjoyed the activity and learnt valuable communication skills.”

The college is planning many upcoming community projects, including planning a walking route for the Worth Valley Walking Festival, which is designed to raise environmental, physical and mental health awareness in the area.

“We will also be involved in some tree planning with the Environment Agency as part of the biomimetic flood reduction initiatives in the Aire Valley.”

Take a look at the Public Services courses here.

Students clean up in the community