Winners of last October’s Raw Talent Academy competition have taken part in the second of their workshops to boost their employability and entrepreneurial skills.

Over 450 students applied to take part in the Raw Talent Academy, with the aim of earning an internship with Apprentice winner Lee McQueen or a FTSE 100 listed company.

The workshop, held on Wednesday 11 December at Harrow on the Hill campus, focused on relationships in business and how to write a CV.

Twenty students attended the session, which also dealt with aspects of communication in the workplace.

BTEC level 3 business student Sujit Rai said that the workshops gave him an invaluable insight into the world of business and working: “The training programme has helped me learn a lot about employment and it’s been both fun and helpful.”

Learning Links students at Harrow College have put their creative skills to good use by entering into the Principal’s annual Christmas card competition.

The winner was announced at a ceremony held at the lecture theatre at Harrow and Weald campus on Wednesday 18 December.

Student Kathleen Cato took home first prize for her Christmas card design depicting a warm, homely family Christmas.

Second prize went to Christina Fitzmaurice for her design of a robin in a wintery setting.

Tony Medhurst, Principal at Harrow College said: “It is one of the highlights of my year judging Harrow College’s annual Christmas card competition from designs received from our Learning Links students. We have had some brilliant entries this year. The creativity and skill the students have displayed is outstanding and is great credit to them and also the fantastic support they receive from College staff.”

The Christmas card competition is held every year with the winning design being used on the official Harrow College Christmas card sent out across the world.

Johanne Narayn, LLDD supported learning lecturer at Harrow College said: "Every year the Learning Links students work really hard to produce Christmas card designs of exceptional quality. This year they have excelled themselves. We've had some fantastic card covers that will make the festive period that little bit brighter."

Harrow College staff were recognised for their outstanding achievements throughout the year at the annual Staff Awards at the Harrow Weald campus canteen on Wednesday 18 December 2013.

Over 130 Harrow College staff turned out to celebrate the accomplishments of their colleagues.

Attendees were also treated to a solo performance by Alan Tolhurst, campus supervisor at Harrow on the Hill campus and carols from the Harrow College staff choir. The Divinity Gospel Choir was also invited to attend with a performance including Harrow College students.

Tony Medhurst, Principal at Harrow College said: "I am continually amazed by the work and achievements of the staff here at Harrow College. We come together for the annual Staff Awards ceremony each year to recognise such excellence. As colleagues we work hard to make this College a friendly and exciting place to work and learn and our prize winners embody that spirit. Here's counting down to next year's celebrations."
The full list of winners and nominees are below:

Lecturer of the Year Award
Kathy Fry - winner
Caroline Shepherd
Celia Reece
Shelley Mitchinson

Tutor of the Year Award
Yad Sidhu – winner
George Blay-Kwofie
Kawaljit Chowdhary
Charlie Ridler

Leadership of the Year Award
Beatrice McAdam - winner
Afshan Baksh
Parvaneh Alinaghian
Pippa Newman

Business Support Staff Member of the Year Award
Kay Sanders – winner
Bharti Patel
John Green
Nicola Griffiths

Teamwork of the Year Award
ITS - winner
Maths
Hair & Beauty
Learning Resources

Agency/Visiting Teacher of the Year Award
Lorna Toussaint – winner
Stephen Faulmann
Cameron Walters
Beverley Cornell

Innovation Award
Shelley Mitchinson – winner
Claire Savaryn
Therese Lorphevre
Shelley Mitchinson
Pat Brown

Best Newcomer Award
George Blay-Kwofie - winner
Admira Kijac
Jeevan Chander
Katie Tarrant

Information and Learning Technology
Kajal Patel – winner
Kay Sanders
Michael Moore
Caroline Shepherd

Outstanding Service Award
Mary-Ann Allison – winner
Sarah Appleby
Nick Evangeli
Goli Saiyeed

Students' Choice Lecturer of the Year Award
Ameeta Jethwa - winner
Ellie Zaeni
Gill Watts
Rose French

Students' Choice Business Support Award
Mercedez Virtue – winner
Caroline McNally
Claudette Bennett-Carayol
Ela Shah

The Principal's Excellence/Outstanding Achievement Award
Nick Evangeli

View photos for the Staff Awards 2013 here

Sonny Peart, Business and Travel curriculum manager at Harrow College, will be taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon on 25 May, in aid of charity.

Peart will be running in support of cancer charity Myeloma UK, a cause close to his heart. “I’m running in aid of Myeloma UK because in September my mother was diagnosed with AL amyloidosis, a rare, incurable bone marrow condition in which abnormal proteins which the body cannot break down accumulate in various organs, gradually damaging their function.”

Peart has been training hard in order to tackle the Edinburgh Marathon, a 26.2 mile race in good time.

“I’m hoping to run the distance in under four hours,” said Peart, “and am currently training six days a week, so if you see me on the roads of Harrow, do give me a toot to show your support.”

You can also show your support for Peart by sponsoring him here: http://www.justgiving.com/sonny-peart

Myeloma is a cancer arising from plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies that help fight infection. In myeloma, these plasma cells become abnormal, multiply uncontrollably and release only one type of antibody which has no useful function.

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on providing valuable information and support to people affected by myeloma. It has a strategic partnership with the National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) at the Royal Free Hospital in London, the only centre in the UK specialising in amyloidosis. Myeloma UK is based in Edinburgh, and will have a number of runners raising money by running the marathon in Scotland’s capital.

Over 20 colleges from around the country involved in an educational think-tank will be joining Harrow College to discuss integrated training and development in the fields of Mathematics.

The Intelligent College Network is made up of a group of colleges with advance capability in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Harrow College will be hosting the event ‘Innovative Mathematics Teaching and Learning’ at Harrow Weald Campus on Wednesday 15 January.

Senior managers from colleges working towards the STEM Assured standard will be attending the event.

STEM Assured is used by education and training providers to demonstrate their ability in delivering STEM provisions to their students that meets the needs of business and industry. Covering all aspects of strategy, engagement, delivery, innovation and impact, it ensures a provider’s vocational STEM provisions meets the needs of learners and employers.

Intelligent College Network was launched by the NEF: The Innovation Institute, an independent thought leader, stimulating innovation, supporting scientific and technical capability and driving sustainable growth for the benefit of industry, education and wider society.

Chris Davies, STEM Assured manager at Harrow College said: “Harrow College is delighted to be hosting the Intelligent College Network meeting and very much value being members. Learning from colleges with recognised strengths in STEM subjects will help us keep at the top of our game and move all areas to outstanding.”

Lecturers from the Hair and Beauty department at Harrow College have donated their skills for homeless charity Crisis.

Coron Zammito, curriculum manager of the Hair and Beauty department and lecturers Ellie Zaeni and Sladzhana Dimitrova all volunteered their time over the Christmas period to offer manicures and haircuts to homeless people at the Crisis centre in Camden.

The salon at Crisis helps to boost the self-esteem of people attending the service.

Speaking of her and her colleagues' experience volunteering for Crisis, Zammito said: “It was a fantastic experience. It makes you realise what we take for granted every day and the different reasons why people can end up being homeless.”

Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people, dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.

The Hair and Beauty department at Harrow College are well known for their charitable endeavours. Last year they raised money for groups including male cancer charity Movember, Age UK which helps people in later life and Harrow Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre which helps people in the north west London area with multiple sclerosis to improve their quality of life.

For those who have taken excess to new levels over the holiday period, fear not. Harrow College will be hosting Zumba classes to help you regain your fitness in 2014.

The classes will take place every Monday from 5-6pm at the gym at Harrow on the Hill campus.

The Zumba classes will be run by Rachel Leader and will be open to students for £3 a session and teaching staff at £4 a session.

Zumba is a fitness program that incorporates dance and aerobics to a soundtrack of hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo music.

For more information on the Zumba classes please visit Leader’s website: http://leader85.zumba.com/

Students and staff wishing to take control of their health in 2014 are invited to attend the annual Harrow College health fair.

The first leg of the fair will take place in the canteen at Harrow Weald campus on Tuesday 14 January from 12pm-2pm. The fair will then move to the canteen at Harrow on the Hill campus on Thursday 16 January from 11am-1pm.

There will be a range of external health providers and exhibitors attending the fair including Meningitis Now, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Samaritans, Prostate Cancer UK, Orchid UK, Bi-Polar UK, Mind Harrow, Direction Uxbridge Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, Clinic in a Box, Sexual Health, Scope and Health Watch Harrow.

There will also be advice on offer helping people to stop smoking, as well as Healthy Heart and Heart Start courses.

Information will also be available about healthy eating plans and what sports Harrow College has on offer to help with a healthy lifestyle.

Sandie Petrie, student experience co-ordinator at Harrow College said: “These fairs give students and staff the opportunity to find out information that will support their general health including tips for healthier eating and information regarding drugs, alcohol, smoking and illnesses such as cancer, meningitis and heart disease.  Information from the fairs can be taken home so family members can use the information to improve their general health, too. If your New Year’s resolution is to be healthier then don’t miss this free event.”

In its continued bid to build a sustainable future, Harrow College has taken part in the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for Bees’ scheme.

Harrow College received a pack of 30 saplings from the Woodland Trust, including Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Dog Rose and Dog Wood as part of the scheme.

The saplings have been planted around the periphery of both campuses at Harrow on the Hill and Harrow Weald. It is hoped that once the saplings have grown they will provide nectar to feed Harrow’s local bee population.

Claire Savaryn, estates and environmental co-ordinator at Harrow College said the college was committed to increasing biodiversity in the area.

“Britain has more than 250 species of native bees, all of which play an essential role in pollinating flowers. But these bees are becoming scarce, with fewer wild flowers and suitable nest sites and an increase in pesticide use. Around 25 per cent of our native bees are now listed as endangered species. Harrow College hopes to encourage more native bees on our sites.”

Learning Links students at Harrow College are calling on the rest of the student body to help them raise money for charity Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

On Monday 3 February the Learning Links students will be hosting a bring and buy sale at the canteen at Harrow Weald campus from 10am to 1pm.

The students are asking their fellow peers to donate any unwanted Christmas gifts, toys, books DVDs, jewellery, toiletries and bric-a-brac.

Any donations should be dropped off to Room 801 at Harrow Weald campus.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is a charity that breeds and trains guide dogs that help to provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially-sighted people.

The organisation also campaigns for the rights of people with visual impairment, helps to educate the public about eye care and funds eye disease research.

Harrow College hosted Meet the Professional, an open evening designed for students to learn about the different career paths and range of courses available at the College. 

The event was a great success with over 150 students and parents attending talks delivered by 17 different professionals.

Some of the speakers at the event included Melody Hossaini, CEO of InspirEngage; Dr Toyin Lythe, Paediatric Doctor, NHS; Steve Owen, Relationship Director in Finance, Barclays; Nick Cusack, Banking Lawyer, Freshfields; Vashistha Diwan, IT Account Director, TechMahindra and many more.

'It was an enjoyable and well organised event and was a pleasure to be part of it,' said Vashistha Diwan, IT Account Director, TechMahindra.

Students and parents also had the opportunity to meet curriculum staff and talk through the entry requirements for GCSE, A Levels BTEC, and NVQ and HND courses.

A special thanks to all our speakers:

Sana Kermani, Makeup Artist and Hair Dresser, Sana K;
Cailean Hargrave, Marketing Expert, IBM;
PC Jane Livingstone, Police Officer, Metropolitan Police;
Osman Ghani, Photographer;
Benjamin Smith, Project Architect, Oakman Architecture;
Geoff Schumann, Comedian and Radio Presenter;
Ian Proctor, Chief Reporter, Harrow Observer;
Leo Daniels, Teacher, Whitmore Primary School;
Vashistha Diwan, IT Account Director, TechMahindra;
Dr Myrofora Themistocleous, Clinical Psychologist, NHS;
Nick Evangeli, Physics Technician/Engineer, Harrow College;
Joanne Lever, Nurse;
Melody Hossaini, CEO of InspirEngage;
Dr Toyin Lythe, Paediatric Doctor, NHS;
Steve Owen, Relationship Director in Finance, Barclays;
Nick Cusack, Banking Lawyer, Freshfields;
Teneisha Bonner, Actress/Dancer

Five teams of students from Harrow College and Barking & Dagenham College took part in the Inspiring Enterprise Challenge 2013. Students had the opportunity to participate in a series of enterprise tasks, with a focus on sustainability. This is the third year Harrow College has successfully run the Challenge.

Key speakers on the day included Steve Rawlings, CEO of Lakehouse and Building Lives,
Ernest Kouassi, winner of the Black Youth Achievement Award for Business and Enterprise 2012 and Junior Ogunyemi, author of How to be a Student Entrepreneur.

"The Challenge has been excellent. The speakers were really inspirational and the tasks were very beneficial because they linked to our final pitch to the judges," said Artiola Berisha, who is studying BTEC Level 3, Diploma in Health and Social Care.

A team of learners representing Barking & Dagenham College called 'I'm Possible' won the Challenge. They received a trophy and £250 towards developing their winning social enterprise idea.

The five teams were judged by a panel which included Judith Abbott, Director of Finance and Resources - Harrow College, Ali Golds, Managing Director - Operation Enterprise Ltd and Ash Verma, Chairman - Gateway Business Consultants Ltd.

"The students really enjoyed the event and were fully engaged. Guest speaker Steve Rawlings was really impressed by the winning team and has agreed to work with them to develop their idea further," said Pat Brown, Head of Department.

"Their idea focuses on helping today's youth develop entrepreneurial skills in a positive way. This will be achieved by mentoring and supporting them to take their ideas forward".

The other participating teams were also offered support from the judges to develop their ideas.

Students at Harrow College have been given an insight into what it would be like to have a high-flying career with Virgin.

Level 2 and 3 Leisure and Tourism students attended a talk given by Maggie Longstaff, senior cabin crew member at Virgin, at the Lecture Theatre at Harrow Weald campus on Thursday 16 January.

Longstaff offered Harrow College students an insider's view into what life is like working with an organisation such as Virgin.

She also revealed the dedication, communication, customer service and teamwork skills involved in working as cabin crew for the internationally recognised and respected brand.

Speaking of why it was important for Virgin to reach out to students, Longstaff said: “Virgin is a brand that is recognised for innovation and creativity. We like to have people working for us that are enthusiastic and bursting with new ideas. Reaching out to students with talks like this is an ideal way to promote the Virgin brand and attract some new recruits to the organisation.”

Lee Janaway, head of department for Business, English, Media and Health Studies said the talk gave the Leisure and Tourism students a clear indication of what they need to consider when applying for work in the aviation industry. “Maggie provided the students with a great insight into working as cabin crew for Virgin, detailing the job role, application process and cultural experiences gained.  A clear emphasis was given to students on gaining experience of customer service, something that the Virgin brand clearly prides itself on.”

BTEC Level 1 Performing Arts students have performed a stage adaptation of writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah’s book ‘Face’.

Over 50 members of the public watched the performance, which took place at the drama studio at Harrow Weald campus on Monday 13 January.

‘Face’ is a story set in 1999 about a teenager called Martin who suffers facial injuries in a joyriding accident.

The novel was adapted into a play by Zephaniah and playwright Richard Conlon.

Mary Ling, head of curriculum for media and humanities said that the play at times posed a challenge for the students. “As the play is an ensemble piece, with all 20 actors on stage at all times, all the students had to work very closely together to create a real pace and excitement for the action and build trust in supporting each other. But in the end it was all worth it. The audience gave an enthusiastic response and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”

Wednesday 17th April saw the official launch of the Hackney Building Lives Training Academy - a true collaboration of partners: Hackney Homes, Harrow College, Manor House Development Trust, Lakehouse, Mulalley and Mansell plus many other construction companies and subcontractors.

This partnership has transformed a disused, run down community centre into a multi-skilled construction training academy within the heart of the Summit Estate, Stamford Hill.

It has already helped build the lives of 50 previously unemployed local people aged 16-65, by providing 12 weeks pre-apprentice training and supporting them into paid apprenticeships within the construction industry. And it will continue to offer 50 paid apprenticeships every year. Building Lives is a registered Social Enterprise and Community Interest Company that brings partners together to get local people from deprived communities into sustainable construction apprenticeships.

Before officially launching the Academy Ken Livingston left his hand print in plaster, along with representatives from all the organisations involved – cementing the partnership. Ken said 'One of the mistakes of the last forty years under all governments is that schooling has focussed solely on getting kids into University, but barely half of all kids will actually make it there. Education has a duty to provide a range of skills and opportunities that lead to jobs. I'm delighted that an entrepreneur like Steve Rawlings has stepped in with the Building Lives model to do just that. And very I'm proud to be here launching this new Hackney Academy.'

Stories from apprentices showcased how Building Lives has helped turn their lives around. Teswane, 18 who was also featured in London Tonight said 'Before this I didn't really know what I wanted to do and I was unemployed for almost a year. Building Lives is kind of a life saver.' Zoe, 23 said 'Building Lives does exactly what it says it does. Now I get to see my daughter a lot more and my time keeping has really improved.'

Tommy Walsh commented that starting as a builder who grew up and still lives in Hackney, he's really pleased to see an academy like this open, giving ordinary local people the opportunity to get into construction.

Steve Rawlings, CEO and founder of Building Lives and Lakehouse grew up in the East End and started as an apprentice 40 years ago. He commented 'I'm so thankful to all the partners involved. Together we really are building lives. This model works and I'm going to take it to every London borough.'

Harrow College has hosted a talk for prospective and current students to show them the HE possibilities the college has to offer.

HNC and HND students attended the talk at the conference room at Harrow Weald campus on Wednesday 22 January.

The event gave prospective students a feel for studying at Harrow College at HE level.

Students were invited to discuss their education needs and the wide range of courses that Harrow College has to offer.

They were also informed of the college’s links with its partner Coventry University and how students could progress onto BA, post-graduate and Masters courses with the university.

John Lopez, HE and international manager at Harrow College said that careers events were essential in letting students know what educational paths were available.

“We have many students that wish to progress on their courses but stay within a great educational institution such as Harrow College. This talk allows us to give those students, and prospective ones, an insight into what HE learning will be like here. It also gives students the opportunity to discuss their futures with a dedicated careers advisor and a chance to ask the questions that matter to them.”

Students and staff enjoyed a number of sustainability activities during Harrow College's Green Travel Day on 23rd April. The London Borough of Harrow, Westtrans, Dr Bike and Cycle King all took part in promoting a number of sustainable methods of travel. Cycling was highlighted as the most enjoyable way to travel with zero carbon emission.

"We hope to encourage students and staff to cycle to the college more frequently," said Claire Savaryn, Environmental Co-ordinator.

A mobile mechanic from Dr Bike, a national organisation, offered free bike check-ups to students and staff. While Cycle King, a local bike shop offered a number of generous discounts on bicycles and accessories.

The bike simulator challenge proved a popular activity with students competing to see who could cycle the fastest 1km.

Harrow cycle maps and details on the London Borough of Harrow free cycle training courses were also distributed.

For more information on this story please contact Claire Savaryn by email on csavaryn@harrow.ac.uk

Lynsey Lyons a BTEC Level 3 Beauty Therapy student was selected from her cohort to travel to Thailand to study Thai massage for two weeks in Bangkok's' award winning Sukhothai Business School.

Following a successful presentation outlining how she would benefit from the trip, she was accompanied by Coron Zammito, Curriculum Manager for Hair and Beauty and students and staff from Aylesbury and Barnet College in February 2013.

'It really was an amazing experience of a lifetime visiting Thailand to study Thai massage. I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge about Thai massage in a 60 hour recognised course. This included the Anatomy, Body stretching, Ethics, traditional Thai pharmaceutics and Herbal preparation of Thai massage,' said Lynsey.

The trip was organised by a company called World City Links, a partnership organisation that develops relationships between the world cities of London and Beijing.

Coron Zammito also took part in the learning and said: "I enjoyed the Thai massage course and hope to teach it here as a course next year. Thailand is a fantastic place and we managed to live a Thai lifestyle, eating their food, sharing their college and meeting some really wonderful Thai people".

"Lynsey was great and she was a shining example who represented Harrow College with professionalism," Coron added.

Harrow College is delighted to announce that it has reduced its carbon footprint by 5.6% for the year 2013.

As part of its Five Year Carbon Management Plan, Harrow College intends to reduce its carbon emissions by 25%.

Since 2010 the college has reduced its emissions by a staggering 22.9% through a series of initiatives and programmes carried out throughout the college.

Claire Savaryn, estates and environmental co-ordinator at Harrow College said: “We are very close to reaching our target of 25% reduction in carbon emissions. But we can only do it with the help of all teaching staff and the whole student body. Please do continue to ‘switch off’ as you leave rooms in order to help us achieve this goal.”

Harrow College was one of the first general FE colleges to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard.

The college was re-certified for the Carbon Standard in 2013, with an independently verified decrease in carbon emissions of 17.3% from 2010 to the end of 2012. The college also received a high competence rating of 83.4% for its performance in carbon management, governance and responsibility in response to climate change.

Harrow College students spoke to representatives from over 25 different universities at the annual Higher Education Fair in April.

"It really was a fantastic opportunity for our students to talk informally with university representatives right here on campus and find out about the range of Higher Education opportunities available to them," said Jo Whitehead, Senior Careers Advisor.

Universities who attended the event include: King's College London, University of Roehampton, Arts University Bournemouth, Plymouth University and Brunel University London.

The students commented that the fair was very informative in helping them understand the options available to them.