June 2023
TCV have been carrying out conservation work along the river to prepare the riverbanks for the reintroduction of water voles.
One way of preparing the banks for the voles is by removing Himalayan Balsam, an invasive plant which was first introduced in the UK during the Victorian era thanks to its pretty flowers.
However, the plants grow vigorously, especially close to water courses smothering native species. This means the voles and other small mammals, especially water voles, are vulnerable to predation through lack of native plant cover and reduced food sources.
Arif is proud of his student's hard work and motivation to help the conservation team, saying, “The students really enjoyed being out in the forest and riverside removing the Himalayan balsam.
“They got a great sense of achievement from clearing a large area of the riverside and from using the tools to clear pathways of briar and other intrusive weeds. All the students found this to be a peaceful release from the stresses of the classroom especially as the weather was fantastic.
“We have attended 2 of 3 sessions at Crane Park and am in discussions with TVC to explore further opportunities volunteering at an additional site as well as to progress one of our students to a bootcamp with TVC, aimed at training them for a career in parks and countryside maintenance.
“TVC are keen to receive volunteers to work over the summer at Avenue Park in Cranford on a similar project.”
The team have one more week of conservation work until the area is ready for the vole's release.
TVC works with people across the UK to curate healthier, cleaner and healthier communities.
Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) is really proud to celebrate an accomplishment of one of our Alumni students, Debi Schofield nee Chaudhuri, for publishing her very first book!
Debi studied her A Levels at RuTC from 1986 – 1989 and after this, studied an undergraduate and postgraduate degree at Stirling University in marketing and public relations respectively.
Following her time at university, Debi went on to have an interesting and varied career, having spent the last 15 years working as part of teaching support staff for primary schools in south-west London.
Before this, she spent nine years working at a dating agency and working for a television company.
Most recently and to great excitement, Debi has published her first children's book for 6–12-year-olds, titled 'Tommy and the Golden Apple'. The book centres around young Tommy and the bad choices he makes which affect everyone around him.
Debi will be giving part of her royalties from the book to the CBM (Christian Blind Mission) charity who do an extraordinary amount of amazing work for people with disabilities.
Debi looks back on her time at RuTC very fondly, professing her praise for the college, “I visited the college with my son a few months back and remembered fondly the old building where I spent many happy times ... the new building is fantastic!
“When I was 16 I went to Lady Margaret School in Fulham. In those days, it was easier to stay at your school to do A levels, but I was one of the only girls to decide to go elsewhere.
“Deciding to go to Richmond upon Thames College helped to lay the foundation for everything that followed and broadened my mind and experience, it was a great decision!”
Click here to buy Tommy and the Golden Apple.
See below for some illustrations from the book.
We will be joined by AFC in an effort to promote our fantastic joint course, RuTC & AFC's Elite Football Academy, Mens and Womens Football Development programme!
The Dons will have a stand at the event, in which staff will be on hand to discuss AFC Wimbledon and HRUC Men's Football Development programme and Women's Football Academy.
They shall also be running an exclusive competition that gives entrants the chance to win a shirt signed by our first-team squad. Simply enter by filling out one of the forms provided at our stand!
Students enlisting for this course will benefit from our elite coaching and games programme, utilising the expertise of AFC Wimbledon Academy and our successful Women's team and staff.
In addition to this course, the Club will work closely with the college to develop work placement opportunities for those seeking careers in the industry to do with marketing, media, event management, commercial business, retail and catering and hospitality.
RUTC & AFC Wimbledon Elite Football Academy Men's & Women's Football Development Programme
On 21 April 2023, 12 students and 3 members of staff from various Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) flew to Tanzania to meet the team from Challenges Abroad.
Challenges Abroad is a programme which is part of the Future Sense Foundation, a registered charity that supports community development in some of the poorest regions of the world.
Aligned with the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, it is committed to implementing long-term programmes with a specific focus on education, health, and livelihood support.
Upon arrival at the Arusha airport the students met with the Challenges Abroad team who took them around the local area showing them the nearby sites of interest.
Over the next fortnight, as well as discovering Tanzania, the RuTC students developed and delivered workshops for the local school children, of Arusha River primary school.
Arusha River primary school has over 1000 students and only 15 teachers so the arrival of RuTC students to lend a hand was very welcome.
The RuTC students worked hard during their two-week placement at Arusha River primary school, teaching English to students, as well as playing games, delivering various lessons, and supporting teaching staff with their classes.
On the weekends, the students visited cultural centres, libraries, coffee plantations, local markets and more.
Overall, they had a well-rounded experience in Tanzania, balancing work and leisure to ensure a great time was had.
May 2023
This week, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) has been supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, where the theme of the week has been anxiety.
The week has provided an opportunity to destigmatize mental health challenges, encourage open dialogue and offer support and resources.
For our staff and students, we wanted to highlight that fluctuations in our mental health are something that we all experience and it is important to take time to look after ourselves.
Students have been getting involved this week by participating in open discussions during tutorials, ensuring that they are speaking to each other with compassion and respect.
Our student services department organised a stall where students engaged in mindfulness activities and continued to work on the wellbeing tree and activities.
Kooth, a mental health care service for children and young adults, also visited RuTC to speak to students and create awareness of mental health issues.
The college's HR department delivered care hampers to staff kitchens as a way of encouraging self-care and for staff to take a step back and reflect on your mental well-being.
The week has been a powerful reminder for both students and staff and has highlighted the importance of Mental Wellbeing, year-round.
In early May, Richmond upon Thames College Engineering and Construction Crafts students took part in a 'Race to Net Zero' day event, hosted in the college's auditorium.
The 'Race to Net Zero' event was led by teachers Anna O'Flaherty and Raj Johal and was inspired by the Race to Net Zero campaign by the United Nations Climate Change convention.
Raj Johal, assistant head of Engineering & Construction Crafts at Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) thought the event would be great for students to learn more about the effects of climate change whilst also engaging with different employers who are embracing climate saving measures into their business practices.
Raj explains, “We decided to host this event because tackling climate change is a vital issue which we all should be more conscious about, but it is something young people are especially concerned about.
“We wanted to give our students the chance to meet people who are working on the environmental issues and providing them with a better understanding of the roles that exist and the different pathways into those positions.
“We are aiming to help broaden students understanding of the Green Carers and empower them to make good career choices in the race to achieve Net Zero.”
The event provided plenty of opportunities for students to interact with organisations that cover a broad spectrum of sustainability within different sectors. These included, Rolls Royce, FORCE (Friends of the River Crane) and ARUP who kindly gave their time to educate our students.
Learn more about studying Engineering and Construction Crafts, here.
Last week, Lily- Rae Sepulveda Tucker, one of Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC's) Performing and Production Arts Level 3 students, was awarded the Jack Petchey award for her hard work.
Each term, exceptional students are nominated by their classmates to win a Jack Petchey award. The winner receives a £300 grant, which can be used for anything that will benefit the class.
Lily- Rae was rewarded for being anexcellent team player and putting her all into everything she does.
This sentiment is echoed by her Dance teacher, Claire Guntrip, who describes her as “A talented dancer and a student who brings her bright energy and natural curiosity to every lesson.
“Lily-Rae is considered a motivating and inspiring presence within the classroom.”
Lily- Rae is also a Dance Captain who regularly provides great support to her peers through her excellent listening skills and her ability to amplify the voices of her cohort.
RuTC teacher ClareGuntrip, is excited to watch her grow, as she continues her journey onto university.
The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme recognises the positive contributions, efforts and endeavours of young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. These achievements include being a great role model, volunteering, overcoming personal challenges and supporting others over and above expectations.
Learn more about studying Performing and Production Arts here.
Last week, Nimo Hersi, Level 2 RuTC Health and Social Care Student,received the Jack Petchey award to celebrate her progression at college.
Each term exceptional students are nominated by the classmates to win a Jack Petchey award. The winner receives a £300 grant, which can be used for anything that will benefit the class.
Nimo was nominated for being a helpful individual and for her caring nature in and outside the classroom.
Nimo's teachers describe her as “extremely hardworking and always tries hard in her assignments. This is reflected in the good grades she received”.
It has been noted how Nimo has progressed through the different levels at college with the hope that she will progress into Level 3 next year.
The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme recognises the positive contributions, efforts and endeavours of young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. These achievements include being a great role model, volunteering, overcoming personal challenges and supporting others over and above expectations.
Learn more about studying Health and Social Care at RuTC here.
April 2023
Last week, RuTC alumnus Adele James, announced she was cast as lead in the upcoming 'Queen Cleopatra' docuseries on streaming giant, Netflix.
Emmy winner, Jada Pinkett-Smith along with actors Craig Russell and John Partridge, star alongside Adele in the Egyptian docuseries based on the life of Egypt's last pharaoh, Queen Cleopatra.
In 2018, Adele began to establish herself as a screenwriter, with her debut award-winning short film, Last Call.
Following Last Call, Adele has started to develop her own original TV concepts with major broadcasters and production companies, including Channel 4.
Before her Netflix debut on the 10th of May, Adele's best-known role was starring as Christina 'Tina' Mollett in the long-running BBC drama, Casualty.
Adele studied BTEC Acting during her time as a student at RuTC.
Adele is delighted to have taken on the role and is excited for the world to enjoy the docuseries, saying "This is by far the most exciting role and experience of my career so far. I hope that through this work my fellow RUTC students and alumni will feel seen and inspired that - regardless of what resources you have or haven't grown up with - it is absolutely possible for you to tell impactful global stories too."
Jane Swift, Adele's acting teacher is so pleased and proud of Adele for attaining this role of a lifetime, saying “I am beyond proud and pleased for Adele for achieving a lead role in a ground-breaking series for the largest streaming platform in the world!
“Adele was an extremely hard working, conscientious student and this has carried over into her working life, she is a hugely talented actress as well as a down-to-earth, kind individual who has given back to the college in many ways since leaving.
“We are looking forward to seeing the docuseries and cheering her on from the side-lines as she continues to forge an illustrious career for herself.”
From 21-24th of March, 19 Travel and Tourism students along with teachers, Hannah Talabany and Pauls Matuta and, Joanne Little, headed to Barcelona for a weekend of sightseeing and exploring the city.
The students arrived in Barcelona midday on the 21st, allowing them plenty of time to spend the first afternoon getting to know the local area and exploring some of the main tourist attractions of Las Ramblas, El Born and the Sagrada Familia.
The following day started with a hop on, hop off bus tour of Barcelona, during which they visited a few must see spots around the city, including exploring the Park de la Ciutadella, La Barceloneta, finishing the day appreciating the magnificent view from Turo de la Rovira.
On the final day of the trip, the group visited Park Guell and after this, took a cable car to Montjuic and afterwards had spare time to explore Barcelona for themselves.
Assistant Head of Business and Services Industries, Joanne Little, has fond memories of the trip, explaining, “This trip was a fun and relaxing time for all involved, it was amazing to spend a weekend showing the sights of Barcelona to our students and seeing them learn in real time the importance the tourism industry is to a capital city.
“Our learners thoroughly enjoyed their trip and were a joy to take away.”
Learn about studying Travel and Tourism at RuTC here.