October 2022
Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) A Level students studying Government and Politics, recently visited London's Houses of Parliament to learn more about Government operations, processes and general history behind the famous archetypal state building.
The students were able to visualise what they have been learning about in their course including the House of Commons and House of Lords which was beneficial for widening and contextualising their understanding of the Government and the role it plays in modern Britain.
Student, Alice Mockett greatly enjoyed the trip, explaining “I had the opportunity to stand where the Prime Minister does in the House of Commons, facing my friend who stood where the opposition does. It was not something you experience every day!
“It was also fascinating to walk down the same corridors as important historical figures, such as Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.
“It was a great opportunity for us to see how things work and what they look like. It was also really interesting to hear from people that work in the Houses of Parliament and their experiences.”
Learn more about studying Government and Politics at Richmond upon Thames College, here
The month of October is internationally celebrated as 'Black History Month' a time where Black History and Black pioneers are commemorated and celebrated for their achievements.
People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British and American history for centuries. However, campaigners for Black History Month believe their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored or distorted.
It is often, that organisations still teach a history curriculum which focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures. Therefore, Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.
Richmond upon Thames College is committed to valuing and promoting Black History during October, as well as continuing this important practice throughout the year through a variety of channels.
This month, Richmond upon Thames College is delivering sessions on the theme of Black History Month, 'Are actions more impactful than words?' as well as how to be an active ally to the black community.
The college library has a great display of Black History related books and authors and the first book club meeting takes place in mid-October featuring books solely by Black authors.
In addition, RuTC catering staff have been busy making food that celebrates cultural diversity.
Learn about our courses, here
This October, Richmond upon Thames College is proudly coming together to celebrate Colleges Week 2022 as well as starting the countdown to our very first Open Event of the year, on Saturday 15th October.
The AOC launched Colleges Week in 2018 as part of the Love Our Colleges campaign and the week is a chance to celebrate the brilliant things colleges do, day in and day out to support people to upskill and retrain, to support employers across innovation and skills and recognise their role as anchor institutions in their communities.
This year's Colleges Week theme is 'Staff - Students - Skills' which will showcase all the great things staff do in colleges to provide students and employers with the skills they need to succeed.
Richmond upon Thames College is an essential part of the employment and learning infrastructure and culture in the London Borough of Richmond and the wider London community.
All the college's students, staff and stakeholders are looking forward to celebrating Colleges Week with a range of fun activities and competitions, along with hosting two Open Events during the week on Saturday 15 October and Wednesday 19 October. These Open Events are a chance for potential students and parents or guardians, to visit our state-of-the-art new building, meet RuT's highly qualified and experienced staff and get a real feel for the close college community.
RuTC alongside all other further education colleges, is an essential community anchor, playing a central role the local community, labour market as well as providing opportunities to empower people and enhance life chances for millions of people.
September 2022
On 21 September, RuTC students enthusiastically started the new term and their new college by joining in RuTC's annual Freshers' Fair.
Freshers' Fair is a chance for both new and current students to reintegrate into college life, by learning about what the college has to offer in terms of extra-curricular opportunities including sports teams, clubs and many more.
The Fair included stalls by Virgin Active, Heatham House, Metropolitan Police, METRO charity and highlighted what resources and opportunities are available to young people in the local area.
Students also had great fun racing one another in the Sports Hall on the college's inflatable assault course.
Rachel Scarborough, Director of Student Services at RuTC, was pleased with the strong turnout and buzzy atmosphere and said, “This years Freshers Fair has been amazing!
“We've had a brilliant turn out of students looking to get involved and plenty of sweets, stalls and activities to go around.
“The Fair is a great chance for students to meet new friends and get a real taste of what is on offer here and in the local area during their time at RuTC.”
Learn more about studying at RuTC here
Last year, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) welcomed long awaited therapy dog, Fred, to its new campus building.
Thanks to his owner, Tina Ball (Attendance, Engagement and Outreach Lead at RuTC), Fred soon became a friend to students and staff alike.
One student who particularly bonded with and benefited from interacting with Fred and the rest of the Student Services team, was Alex Johnson.
Alex joined RuTC in 2020 but due to anxiety, only began engaging with the Student Services the following year.
Alex immediately bonded with Fred, finding his calming presence kept them feeling positive about his studies and personal life.
With this assistance, Alex's attendance and grades greatly improved. Fred sat with Alex, who was feeling stressed and anxious during their final exams, helping them to relax and ultimately, assisted them in doing their absolute best.
Alex did brilliantly in their exams, achieving a C and A in his A Levels and in late September they are heading to their first-choice university, St Mary's, Twickenham to study Criminology and Sociology.
Alex looks back at their time at college and the impact Fred had on them fondly, explaining, “Looking back, there is a big difference between me when I started here and when I left.
“I have become more confident, and my attendance improved as I knew there was always somewhere safe for me to go if it all got too much.
“I really would not be where I am now and wouldn't feel as hopeful for the future without the support I had from the Student Services team including Fred.
“It was like having your own set of cheerleaders, they support you, no matter who you are or what you're struggling with and they have made an enormous difference in my life.”
Learn more about studying A Levels at RuTC here
Richmond upon Thames College's Teaching and Learning Manager, Kirstie White, alongside the rest of the Oval Invincibles team, won the women's 'The Hundred' championship on Saturday 3 September at the famous Lord's cricket ground in London.
The Oval Invincibles, won the championship title for the second year in a row, beating the Southern Brave ladies by five wickets in a repeat of last year's final match.
Kirstie was both overjoyed and proud of her experience of the championship with the Oval Invincibles for winning their second Hundred in a row.
She explains, “Playing in The Hundred has been a phenomenal experience. It has been really amazing to see how much the women's game has grown, especially winning the competition in front of 20,00 people at Lords.
“August has been a month of hard graft, intense training and coach journeys, but alongside this I have made some seriously good memories with an amazing group of girls. Playing against and alongside some of the best players in world cricket will be an experience I will never forget.”
Learn more about studying Sport at RuTC here.
All photo credits belong to Dave Vokes Photography.