Reaseheath scores hat trick in Young Shepherd of the Year

/in /by

Reaseheath College, agricultural students scored a hat trick by taking the top three prizes at the Young Shepherd of the Year competition, run by the Central Region of the National Sheep Association (NSA).

Tom Bird, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student from Derbyshire, took the top honours with fellow students Rich Bailey from Aberystwyth in the runner-up position and Rob Morris from south Shropshire in third place.

The students proved that they had the all-round skills to make successful commercial shepherds by completing five elements covering all aspects of the industry. These included demonstrating correct techniques in sheep handling, belly clipping, foot care, vaccinating, drenching and all terrain vehicle handling, and a written paper on flock management. They also carried out an EBLEX lamb selection, proving they understand the requirements of the meat market.

Sponsored by Horner shearing, the Texel Sheep Society and Mole Valley Farmers, the multi-skilled competition was held at The Winter Fair, Bakewell Agricultural Centre, last Thursday and attracted entries from across several counties.

As well as collecting a trophy and a cheque, Tom, 18, also qualified for the NSA Young Shepherd of the Year national finals which will be held at the Malvern Three Counties showground in 2016.

He said: “I really enjoyed the competition. It was great experience and certainly something to put on my CV!”

Reaseheath’s Programme Leader for Agriculture Richard Wheeldon is current chairman for the NSA Central region. He explained: “We run this competition annually to encourage and inspire the next generation of shepherds. It is also an opportunity for talented students to showcase their skills.”

 

Career talk inspires travel plans

/in , /by

Adrian Dunn with Level 3 Extended Diploma Agric students Megan Baldwin and Becky Worthington 4mbReaseheath alumnus Adrian Dunn returned to the College to share his experiences of working and travelling abroad.

The former agriculture student addressed our final year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture cohort and discussed how he spent two years building his industry knowledge on a range of farms across New Zealand and Australia. Adrian began his travels in 2002, working on a 580 dairy herd farm in New Zealand and proceeded on to the Australian Outback where he achieved a role as a maintenance assistant on a five million hectare farm.

Adrian addresses agriculture students

Adrian addresses agriculture students

Said Adrian, “Working on the other side of the world was an amazing experience, it gave me a whole new perspective on work and my career. I made the decision to go to New Zealand after listening to an ex-student’s talk when I was at college myself and I wanted to  ‘give something back’ to the current students. I hope the talk gave students a little inspiration to help them take the plunge and travel too.”

Adrian offered students his tips on organising placements, how to get the best out of work experience and guidance on utilising their time effectively whilst travelling.

Combining work placements with travel, Adrian took the opportunity to embark on the famous ‘Kiwi Experience’ tour of New Zealand and spent time exploring some of Australia’s hotspots. On returning to the UK at the end of 2003, Adrian went on to work on farms across Cheshire, whilst also pursuing a part-time role as a youth worker. He now runs his own children’s sports coaching business, A-Star Sports.

Adrian studied at Reaseheath from 1996 to 1999. He initially completed a foundation course and NVQ Level 2 in mechanics, before moving on to complete his National Certificate in Agriculture (NCA).

 

If you would like to give our final year students your top tips on how to make that all-important transition from study to work through delivering a career talk or workshop, please contact Alumni Officer Katie Burt on alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk

 

Agricultural undergraduates hone their lab skills as they get inside science

/in /by

First year Foundation Degree in Agriculture students really got stuck in to investigating the internal workings of the heart and lungs as part of their Agricultural Biology module.

Carefully dissecting hearts and lungs from sheep, pigs and cattle they were able to see first-hand the similarities and differences between species. Detailed knowledge of how body systems work in farm animals is key to understanding their management, particularly with respect to maintaining health and welfare while maximising production.

Even the most squeamish in the group admitted they had enjoyed themselves!

For more information on our Agriculture degree courses visit the Higher Education Agriculture pages on our website.

Reaseheath receives share of £22m to improve engagement work with schools and young people

/in /by

Reaseheath College is set to receive a share of £22 million to continue its work with school engagement networks whose aim it is to increase school children’s access to study within higher education.

As part of the ‘Widening Participation Collaborative Group’ (WPCG), Reaseheath has already undertaken a wealth of activity that falls within the WP initiative and is committed to enhancing the educational experiences of students across the Cheshire region.

The National Networks for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) will deliver a nationally co-ordinated approach to working with schools, universities and colleges to help people access higher education. Local and regional providers of higher education have come together to form the networks, ensuring comprehensive coverage across England.

As a specialist provider of higher education, attracting students from across the globe, Reaseheath Colleges’ message is that the land sciences and food futures industries are key to the economic growth of the country and as such offer a wide range of careers.

Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said ‘We have been impressed by the higher education sector’s response to this scheme, which means that vital information about how to progress into higher education will be available to people across England. We set out to establish coverage of state-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges and, through the support of the sector, this will be achieved.’

Reaseheath Plasterers gain industry insight

/in /by

Reaseheath plasterers have been gaining industry tips and experience during their latest site visit thanks to Perkins Plasterers of Stoke-on-Trent.

Perkins Plasterers invited students to visit one of their larger projects, an 80 apartment retirement village site. During the visit, students had the opportunity to see a range of skills and attributes plasterers require for success within the modern construction industry.

All of our plasterers sat through a thorough site induction, which was excellent, as it helped to bring aspects of their health and safety theory module to life.

Due to size of the site, students were able to see apartments at a variety of different construction stages. They were treated to demonstrations of a range of different plastering practices and techniques including floor screeding, metal partitioning, plasterboarding and skimming walls and ceilings.

Students watch as a wall is being plastered

Students also had chance to ask lots of questions, of which they had plenty – in particular for the plasterers of course!

We were also fortunate enough to welcome Perkins Plasterers to our recent construction careers event, held on campus. Members of the Perkins’ team kindly joined other industry representatives, former students and the construction team to discuss construction courses and careers with our visitors.

For more information on our Construction courses visit our website.

Students take notes

Sport helps Reaseheath students get ‘Fit for Work’

/in /by

Foundation and Entry students are benefitting from an innovative project encouraging them to take up active sports for life.

Around 200 students are enjoying dedicated sessions in Reaseheath’s gym and at local leisure centres thanks to a ‘Fit for Work’ programme put together by our Sports and Foundation Departments.

The project aims to make sport more accessible to our foundation and entry students by offering them one hour of physical activity a week. It is hoped that this will encourage the less active to incorporate sport into their daily routine and to enjoy the long term mental and physical benefits of a more active lifestyle.National Lottery and Sport England - Portrait (CMYK)‘Fit for Work’ will run for three years at a total cost of £76,242, almost £61,000 of which has been awarded through National Lottery funding from Sport England, the national body which champions sporting habits among individuals and communities. The remainder is being met by Reaseheath.

The funding application, made through our sports department, was supported by Active Cheshire, the lead body for sport in Cheshire and Warrington, and Everybody Sport & Recreation, which delivers leisure in partnership with Cheshire East Council.

As well as using our own sports facilities, students attend small group sessions at local venues such as Nantwich swimming pool and the Victoria Centre, Crewe.

The project launched in September and is already proving popular, with students gaining confidence in the use of gym equipment and enjoying sports such as boxercise, badminton, volleyball and dodgeball. Two trampolines are also being purchased. Student feedback is used to influence the activities on offer.

There are also plans to involve our own sports students as supervisors and coaches, enabling them to earn teaching hours and work towards sports leader awards.

Foundation lecturer Simon Warman is overseeing the project. He was supported in the initial launch by college sports maker Sarah Ruff.

Sophie Evans, Curriculum Area Manager for Sport, explained: “We believe that this project will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our students, particularly those with learning difficulties and disabilities who often lack the confidence to access physical activity.

“Hopefully these students will be encouraged to follow a healthier lifestyle and that will be helpful for them in their future careers. It fits in well with our aim to increase sport participation across all college departments.”

Alex Fox, a Foundation Countryside student said: “I think this is a great idea. I’ve always wanted to join the gym and now I’ve had an introductory session I’d like to continue and get more active.”

 

RHS students celebrate success

/in /by

Sixty students who gained Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualifications at Reaseheath this year have celebrated their achievements at an awards ceremony.

Mirroring the national trend, around half are professional horticulturists furthering their development while the remainder are career changers and keen leisure gardeners.

Harry and Anne address RHS students

Harry and Anne address RHS students

Reaseheath is recognised as the leading RHS training and examination centre in the north west and students currently travel from as far as the Wirral, Manchester, Bolton and Shrewsbury to attend courses. This year 90 students with a wide age range are enrolled.

Reaseheath offers separate theory and practical qualifications at both Level 2 and Level 3. Once both awards are achieved they convert into a well respected RHS Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

RHS students complete a minimum of 430 learning hours to achieve the diploma. Apart from attending lectures they take part in practical activities in the college grounds and also play a key role in building our show gardens at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

They also enjoy trips to outstanding local gardens and many will join a study tour of the leading gardens and horticultural centres in Holland next Spring.

Congratulating the students, Curriculum Area Manager for Horticulture Sarah Hopkinson said: “These qualifications demand a lot of individual input and the final exams are very stringent. This is why they are so well recognised and respected in the industry. You and your lecturers have put in tremendous effort and you should all be very proud of your achievements.”

RHS Master of Horticulture Harry Delaney, who taught the students before recently retiring, also attended the ceremony.

Reaseheath offers the RHS Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in Horticulture (theory and practical) as weekly daytime courses and an additional RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture (theory only) as an evening course.

For further details visit the RHS pages on our website or contact Course Manager Anne Harrison anneh@reaseheath.ac.uk.

 

 

Florists create festive designs at Arley Hall

/in /by

Deb Kenny (rhs) and Rachel Collinson-Fletcher L3 Dip Arley Hall prepOur floristry students have been making an impact by decorating one of Cheshire’s finest country homes ready for Christmas.

Managers of Arley Hall, near Knutsford, invited our students to help design and decorate the Gallery in time for the thousands of visitors who pour through its doors in December. The Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma students, who include mature learners and career changers, have decorated the grand staircase, dining hall and library using traditional techniques and materials – some of which are collected from Arley’s gardens.

Twenty-five students have been involved in the project, which is in addition to their course studies.

They visited the venue last month to get a full understanding of requirements and worked out their designs at college. A giant Christmas tree was one of the most important tasks.

Course Manager Fiona Davies said: “The students have been working in teams on a grand scale  with the aim of  creating a real impact. This has really challenged their creativity as well as giving them valuable experience of working on a public event.

“One of their greatest challenges has been working with and around the furniture, much of which is irreplaceable. They have also had to choose materials that will last for the whole event.

“It has been an excellent opportunity for them to become involved in commercial practice. They have also very much enjoyed working in such a beautiful and grand setting.”

Arley Hall’s annual Christmas Floral Extravaganza opened on Saturday and continues until Thursday, December 11. Admission is £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

 On Monday December 8 and Wednesday December 10 visitors can see the hall by candlelight between 6pm and 9pm and enjoy carols. Admission is £9.

Students and staff spread the joy of Christmas across the globe

/in /by

Reaseheath College students and staff have been helping to spread the festive spirit by filling shoeboxes with gifts and treats for Operation Christmas Child.

Students and staff from across the College rallied together and packed 86 shoeboxes, which were delivered to the Nantwich Operation Christmas Child distribution centre, by our College Chaplin, Drew Walker. Particularly commendable effort was made by our construction department who collected enough essentials to fill 20 of the boxes – 10 for boys and 10 for girls.

Group of students filling boxes with gifts

Organised by the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse, the shoebox appeal encourages participants to fill empty shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and other useful items to donate to children across the world living in challenging circumstances. The charity has brought Christmas cheer to over 100 million children in over 130 countries since its establishment in 1990.

Said Drew: “It was a privilege for me to represent Reaseheath College and see for myself all the hard work that goes into the sorting, packing and shipping of over 9000 shoe boxes from around the Crewe and Nantwich area.

“It is humbling to see that over 9000 children will receive a Christmas gift this year who would normally go without.”

OCC1

Reaseheath Conservation Society go Orange for Orangutans

/in /by

Go Orange 2This October the Reaseheath Conservation Society took part in raising money for Chester Zoos charity campaign Act for Wildlife: Go Orange for Orangutans.

The society held two pub quiz nights in the student bar on the 27th October and 10th November, both events were a huge success with the students, society and bar staff. Members of the Conservation Society helped with the creation of decorations and advertising of these events, as well as helping to run the event. Money vouchers were presented to the winning teams on each night which were to be spent at the student bar.

Go Orange 3Altogether the Conservation Society managed to raise £202.52 for Go Orange which will go towards planting and protecting 20 trees in the Borneo Rainforest. The money was donated to the Chester Zoo development team by hand and was given a personal thank you letter, certificate and donation picture opportunity around the Orangutan enclosure at Chester Zoo.

If you wish to get involved in any of the Reaseheath Conservation Society events or just see what the society is about then please go onto or Facebook page, follow our blog on Tumblr or attend the meetings every Tuesday at 4.30 in the lecture theatre.