insideKENT Magazine Issue 40 - July 2015 | Page 137
EDUCATION
New £2.9M facilities at East Kent College unveiled
New facilities have been officially opened at East Kent College in Dover after an investment of almost £2.9
million transformed the campus.
The new skills and training facilities will provide
industry-relevant learning environments to support
the district’s young people into new careers.
Students in the Engineering Centre will be making
use of the latest mechanical, electrical, pneumatics
and robotics equipment, while the Hospitality
Training Facility features an air cabin and checkin customer service facility and a reception desk,
enabling students to practice customer service
skills.
Speaking at the opening, which was sponsored
by RAP Interiors, Graham Razey, principal of East
Kent College, told an audience of councillors,
local employers and VIPs: “We’ve worked hard
to create a campus that will benefit the business
community here in Dover, as well as young people
seeking fresh opportunities. Our vocational training
space has been designed to develop future
employees armed with the skills the local economy
really needs.”
For those studying computing, there are three
suites decked out with high-spec IT equipment
while the automotive area includes industry leading
Dover Campus Principal, Victoria Copp-Crawley
Level 3 facilities, enabling learners to experience
real work-related activity.
The Plumbing Centre has been equipped with
practical workshops and classrooms while those
studying hairdressing will train in two professional
salons.
Dover campus principal, Victoria Copp-Crawley,
said: “Each specialist area has its own floor in
the main building so students can immerse
themselves in their studies. We are now keen to
continue developing relationships with local
employers who can provide us with industry
knowledge and ensure we are sending students
into the world with the skills they need to be
employable..."
The campus currently has 350 students, of which
240 are aged between 16-18 years, but East
Kent College plans to cater for 500 learners and
apprentices in the future.
For more information, visit www.eastkent.ac.uk.
Dover Museum visit for
Northbourne Park school
children
This May, Year 3 and 4 children from Northbourne
Park School were treated to an exciting morning of
Anglo-Saxon based activities at Dover Museum. The
children each tried their hands at making a clay
‘Beowulf’ face. The end results were outstanding as
they had all listened carefully and followed the
instructions to the letter.
L-R - Sophie Jarvis (Head Girl); Callum Noble (Head Boy); Amy Kehoe (Deputy Head Girl);
Mrs Kim Stoner (Principal); and Joshua Davenport (Deputy Head Boy)
St. George’s Church of
England Foundation School
celebrates Ofsted report
The children also had a chance to reinforce
their learning about the Anglo-Saxon's
way of life by sniffing a turn shoe and
imagining eating from a wooden bowl
using horn implements. The Dover
Museum educational team was
enthusiastic and imparted its knowledge
in a very lively and age-appropriate
manner. The children left the museum brimming with facts after this fun
learning experience.
St. George’s Church of England Foundation School,
in Broadstairs, is celebrating following an OFSTED
visit led by an HMI Inspector.
The Inspectors concluded that St. George’s Church of England Foundation
School is a good school with outstanding aspects. The report stated: “The
inspirational headteacher and senior leaders have a compelling vision for
an inclusive school with high expectations for every student. The staff share
this vision and, as a result, a caring ethos of support and learning permeates
the school. Within this culture, students behave well and are keen and able
to succeed.”
During the same month, Year 5 from Northbourne Park School spent another
fantastic morning delving into life in Dover during World War II. It got to grips
with many everyday items from that time including all-in-one underwear and
smelly soap! The pupils very ably re-enacted scenes from Goodnight, Mr
Tom, showing deep empathy with the characters and an individualistic
interpretation of each scene. This class are notably theatrical and responded
marvellously to Ian, the Drama coach. Another very worthwhile visit to Dover
Museum!
Mrs Stoner, principal, welcomes the report and says: “The report is a
reflection of the determination and commitment of everyone who is involved
in the St. George’s Learning Community who truly wish to make a difference
and provide life-changing opportunities for all.”
Christie Riley, Head of History
www.stgeorges-school.org.uk
www.northbournepark.com
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