11 January 2012 - Arnie Skelton (Effective Training & Development) on SCOLA!

Comments from Arnie Skelton - Effective Training & Development - "I’ve worked with over 100 FE colleges in my role as external trainer, and without doubt, SCOLA is in my list of top 5 favourites. Why? Here’s a few reasons, all in evidence last week, as I spent two days with the College and its staff:
- The standard of friendliness and courtesy shown by everyone, always, wherever I am, and whatever I’m doing
- People remember my name! This week, as I arrived, the receptionist said ‘”Hello, Arnie, nice to see you again..” – fabulous…
- People seem genuinely pleased to see me (even if they are not!), and take an interest in me, my work, my interests and my family. Geoff Kenward and I could talk for hours about our shared love of Tommy Cooper…..
- Everyone is always so helpful. I am constantly being asked “is there anything I can do for you?”, and when there is – it is instantly delivered. Just prior to one of my courses, I asked if Jenny Sims could get me a rope or a length of string…she got me both (so I could have a choice). And I never want for the offer of a cup of tea, or coffee. Nothing – nothing – is ever too much trouble
- People do what they say they will do. They turn up. On time. With the right materials. Trust me, that is, by most college standards, amazing…
- People willingly volunteer. This week I asked a senior manager if he’d speak to a potential student – “no problem” – even though it was clear Kevan was busy….
- People make sense of and apply, the learning I am hoping to provide. People like to tell me of the things that have stuck, and also (more importantly) the things they have put into practice. This week, for example, several people have not only said they enjoyed the sessions, but have also reminded me of what I have said, and how they intend to use it. A couple of people have already discussed their TFGs with me….it is fabulous for a trainer to see the impact the learning is having…
- It’s not just about me, though, and that’s the killer point. Whenever I visit a college, I informally carry out a mystery shop – how is it as a customer experience? And SCOLA always passes my inspection with flying colours. Students are treated courteously, and with respect; there is usually something going on to celebrate some student or staff achievement…the atmosphere, the mood, the spirit, is always good
- SCOLA is inventive: there’s always something fresh or new to see….this week it was the PRIDE documents, including the cartoons of the senior management team….everyone seems to be looking for, and finding, something new, fresh and exciting to add value to this College and the learner experience
- Above all, perhaps, and unlike (unfortunately) most of the colleges I go to, the staff here seem to want to be here, and want to work hard and well for the student success. I have never heard a moan or groan, a whinge or gripe, about students, or the college, or the community – or whatever. The mood is unfailingly upbeat, positive and pleasant: thanks to each and every one of you, for making this visitor feel very welcome, and for making every visit a delight…."

It is wonderful to hear comments like this about SCOLA from external providers!

29 November 2011 - Internet & Email 'Getting Started' classes

Recently the Principal, Saboohi Famili, visited Pam Coleman-Smith's Internet & Email 'Getting Started' class at SCOLA's North Cheam Centre. Each student were set up with their own emaill address and the Principal sent them each an email saying that she had enjoyed meeting them and that she hoped that they continued to enjoy their studies at SCOLA. She invited the students to take the time to share their views on how their learning experience at SCOLA could be improved. A good way for sharing views would be to join the Student Focus Group and the students were encouraged to join if they were interested in doing so. One of the students responded to the Principal's email as follows: "Thanks for the interest taken. I have benefited from the course, thanks to the good tutor. I have enrolled on the 'Getting More Involved' course".

The students were wished the best of luck with their studies.

Wallington Open Day - Sat 11th September 2010

The Open Day at Wallington centre on Saturday was a huge success!

Leaflet drops, marketing in Wallington and visitors to the Farmers market all contributed to a busy morning, with prospectuses flying out the doors and happy students leaving after free ITEC treatments. The treatments on offer included manicures, reflexology and indian head massages.

Curriculum manager Kevan Samwells multi-tasked, giving free on-site massages as well as tutoring the free pilates taster courses we had on offer!

There were art and floristry demonstrations and wonderful displays of photography, pottery, stained glass and an array of beautiful quilts. Curriculum managers Caroline O'Reilly and Angela Williams were on hand to discuss languages and art, and the Drop in IT, advice and SFL support proved to be very popular too.

Many people did not know that we had our centre in Wallington and so the Open Day provided an opportunity for them to look around, ask questions and enrol!. Numerous enrolments were taken and a huge amount of queries were dealt with.

The Open Day was a success due to the hard work of Laurie Nicholls, her team and caretakers and also huge thanks go to Kevan Samwells, Jacqui McElwee, Angela Williams, Amanda Paul, Caroline O'Reilly, Frances Steinke, Jo Richardson, Kelly Cotton, Derek Marshall, David Talbot, the ITEC students and Debbie Sykes for their continued support and help that day.

Also thanks to Rob Springgay and Jan Koene who created all the promotional material, working to tight deadlines as ever!

There will be another Open Day in North Cheam on Saturday 30th October so watch the web for details!!

Kasumi Witty

Learner & Client Services Manager

14 September 2010 - SCOLA praised!

How wonderful it was to receive a letter from a student thanking Jenny Sims - Strategic Director, Employment, Vocational & Work Skills; Fi Harvie - Tutor, NVQ3 Teaching Assistants and SCOLA in general for giving her the opportunity to attend the NVQ3 Teaching Assistants course which has enabled her to continue within the teaching assistant role that she performs and loves.

She has praised Fi's help, support and guidance which she says has been 'second to none'!

Thank you for your kind words, Jane - we wish you all the best for the future.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

4 September 2010 - SCOLA hits the High Street!

The opportunity to try out some circus skills drew in the crowds on Saturday, with children and adults alike trying their hand at diablos, Chinese ribbons, Poi and plate spinning.

James Waters, from PressPlay Productions, is most well-known for the SCOLA family days, but on Saturday he impressed passers by and made many stop, watch and join in too!

The day was a success with many people asking for information on courses and boxes of prespectuses had been given out by the end of the day.

Thanks go to Barbara, Jenny, Jan and Saboohi for their help - it was a great day, enjoyed by all.

Kasumi Witty - Learner & Client Services Manager

1 September 2010- A Century of Olympic Posters Exhibition

A heaving Europa Gallery hosted the launch of "A Century of Olympic Posters" - an excellent platform for the exhibition and the programme of events that accompanied it. The exhibition is on from 1 September to 31 October 2010.

This touring exhibition enables new audiences to see the Victoria & Albert Museum's collection in a new context. An official from the V & A said: "A Century of Olympic Posters" first opened in Beijing in January 2008 in the run up to the Beijing Olympic Games. Since then it has been travelling in China and Britain and it will be going on to Mumbai and Melbourne among other destinations. Lord Tope CBE said that they were delighted that more people will have the opportunity to see the exhibition in Sutton and it is great to have the exhibition on display in London- the 2012 olympic city.

The exhibition was opened by David Weir MBE, Paralympic Gold Medallist and Freeman of the London Borough of Sutton and includes a special exhibition from Lloyds TSB of works of art in tribute to him.

After the opening ceremony I enjoyed walking around the inspiring posters. They provided windows into the cultural concerns and international politics of their time- some of them gave a shiver of history as you walked past. What I enjoyed about the exhibition was the number of different stories it told. In one respect it was the story of the Games themselves. Tracing the development of Olympic posters is also a chance to take a look at one hundred years of poster design - revealing the evolution of graphic styles, approaches and printing technologies.

A facinating exhibition that is well worth a visit. Hope you can make the time to see it.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

23 August 2010 - Tim Vine's winning joke

Comedian, Tim Vine, our host at Adult Learner's Week in May this year, has won a prize for the funniest joke of the year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The winning joke was 'I've just been on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. I'll tell you what, never again!'

After a panel of critics short listed 24 jokes, the public picked Tim's one-liner as the funniest. Tim made our Adult Learner's Week presentation ceremony an evening to remember and we congratulate him on his success!

Kasumi Witty - Learner & Client Services Manager

18 August 2010- Meeting with LBS Libraries & Heritage Services

Today the college's Strategic Management team met with colleagues from the London Borough of Sutton's Libraries and Heritage Services. Cathy McDonough (Head of Library & Heritage Services); Martin King (Life Centre Manager); Sarah Groom (Head of Leisure & Arts) and Jon Ward (Facilities Manager - Libraries & Heritage) all gave a brief overview of their area of responsibility and discussions took place around how we can work together in the future.

A very positive meeting that hopefully will lead us to work much more collaboratively, offering an enriched provision for our client groups. SCOLA is already commited to supporting the residents of Sutton with their educational needs now works much more closely with the Council and specifically seek to take the support to various libraries and sites that enables residents to access various learning opprotunities in a better way.

The meeting provided us with a great opportunity to share and explore ideas on how we can extend and enrich our offers and I look forward to working with colleagues more collaboratively in the near future.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

11-14 August 2010 In search of the sun in Cumbria!

We headed north to the beautiful Lake District for a few days. Interestingly enough we did find the sunshine and our days were spent walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. One of the places we visited was the former home of John Ruskin. Brantwood, in my view, is one of the most beautifully situated houses in the Lake District. The house was both a treasure of historical importance and a lively centre of contemporary arts and the environment. There were many displays and activities in the house, gardens and estate which reflect the wealth of cultural heritage associated with Ruskin’s legacy – from the Pre Raphaelites and Arts and Crafts Movement to the founding of the National Trust and the Welfare State. A breathtaking view from every room overlooking the water added to the beautifully preserved house with its original features. The House was filled with Ruskin's treasures: paintings, furniture, objects d'art and his personal memorabilia.On the walls in various rooms you could read inspiring quotations from him. This one took my interest : "Education is the leading of human souls to what is best, and making what is best out of them." Driving back to London I felt proud to be leading a college that does just that! Leading human souls to what is best - we have seen such good examples of that throughout the year. Looking forward to the A Level results next week. One of many ways SCOLA helps the community in Sutton and beyond.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

14 August 2010 - SCOLA hits the High Street!

Saturday saw SCOLA having prime position in the high street. We set up opposite Boots and managed to dodge the rain all day! Rita Giffen gave a floristry demonstration in the morning, attracting many onlookers who asked questions and wanted more information. Polly Tyrer's cooking demonstration had the public wanting more as they tried her delicious guacamole, pate and houmous, which was made right in front of their eyes! People were amazed at how both Rita and Polly could come up with such wonderful creations - on the high street! All in all, it was a very successful day and a chance to show everyone a glimpse of what the College has to offer. Huge thanks go to Lisa and Rob for helping all day, as well as to Rita and Polly!

Kasumi Witty - SCOLA Learner & Client Services Manager

11 August 2010 - Promoting SCOLA in Times Squares

Armed with our exciting new promotional stand and prospectuses galore, the SCOLA marketing team positioned themselves, ready for action, in Times Square shopping centre. Lots of people instantly saw where we were from and approached us with questions or for a copy of the latest prospectus. Others, admiring our new promotional board, came to see what we offer and were pleasantly surprised. Although a few Sutton shoppers, perhaps fed up with being approached by the various organisations around the High Street, kept their heads down, most were happy to see us and grateful to be reminded to enrol for September! Thanks to Kerry, Maria, Pam and Frances for helping to man the fort and to Rob for helping to construct the stand!

We will be in the High Street on Saturday with cookery and floristry demonstrations so come and see us if you can!!

Kasumi Witty - SCOLA Learner & Client Services Manager

3 August 2010- Meeting Tony Ward

Today I met with Tony Ward from Home Instead Senior Care. A proud manager of a leading domiciliary care franchise company. They provide a range of award winning services which allow older people to remain in their own home for as long as possible.

We discussed various options to find out how SCOLA can help Tony and his staff in developing their skills in providing more comprehensive care for older people with dimentia. We also explored SCOLA working with Tony's team on providing innovative use of technology for the elderly. Exciting times for the newly established company and SCOLA wishes Tony and his colleagues the very best of luck for the future.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

2 August 2010- Meeting Anna Burke from Eco-Actif

Meeting Anna Burke - Director of Training - Eco-Actif was very positive.

Eco-Actif Services is a Community Interest Company (CIC) offering practical help and support for economically inactive people including ex-offenders, people recovering from substance and alcoholic misuse and lone parents. They run a number of successful and innovative programmes tackling the problems connected with long term unemployment and social exclusion. They work with their partners to improve lives and help reduce crime in society.

Anna and I discussed various ways for SCOLA and Eco-Actif to become partners with the aim of providing complementary services to the communities we serve.

I look forward to working with Anna and her colleagues at Eco-Actif.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

29 July 2010 - Laughing Cow Comedy Night in Lodnon

On a tip off from a good friend I went to see Shazia Mirza in London this evening. She was trialling her act for the Edinburgh Festival and a select few had tickets to see her live. Shazia Mirza, an award winning British Asian Muslim Stand up Comedian from Birmingham England, is renowned for her one-liners. I found her controversial act extremely funny. If you haven't seen her in action, a search on You Tube will give you some examples of her genius work. I wish her the very best at the festival and look forward to welcoming her to SCOLA for one of the comedy series we are planning for next year. Watch this space....



Saboohi Famili - Principal

29 July 2010 - A visit from Sandra Pennewiss from TVU

This week seems to be the week of meeting with colleagues from the past. Sandra Pennewiss one of the Skills and Enterprise advisers at TVU visited SCOLA today to explore if there are any opportunities for SCOLA to initiate a Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.

In her true perfect fashion, whilst discussing possibilities around the partnership, she managed to resolve a few IT glitches on my laptop and show me a few tricks on how to edit movies and create bespoke firefox panels.

I wish her the very best for her future and look forward to exploring working with TVU on a potential KTP.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

27 July 2010 - Kasumi Witty is on the case...

The lecture series at SCOLA is starting to take shape for next year. Well done to Kasumi Witty - Learner & Client Services Manager, for organising experts, volunteers and enthusiasts to come and discuss their ideas for "Lecture Series at SCOLA" with me this week. She has been an absolute trooper in the way that she has gone about taking so many of the new marketing initiatives on board and getting on with organising them for next year. Our lecture series will be very interesting and I am personally very excited to see the calendar shaping up for the new term. So far we have a variety of programmes from Business Management seminars to ADHD to appreciation of classical music on the programme. Watch this space for further details.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

26 July 2010- Meeting Meg Irving from Carshalton College

It was a great joy to see Meg at lunch time. I had the pleasure of working with Meg at Carshalton College for many years and always found her willing to help and in fact she went out of her way to make things happen, at times to the point of being obsessed with perfection...

I was very amused to hear that she now has a wild hedgehog in her garden! As a true animal lover it must have been a treat for her when Herbert (the hedgehog) joined Meg's cat for dinner one night!

Meg didn't need much prompting when I asked her to send me her signature mark website lists and further information about how to deal with students with Tourette syndrome the moment I mentioned I needed some help. It was great to see her and I wish her the very best of luck. Meg if you are reading this I hope you don't find any spelling mistakes!

The lunch at Brasserie Vacherin in Sutton has an award winning chef and was fabulous - highly recommended!

Saboohi Famili - Principal

5 August 2010 - Visiting Phillip Butler at UCL

I had a very worthwhile visit to the University of London today. Phil Butler - Snr e-Learning Advisor - greeted me outside Russell Square after my delayed journey. After a tasty meal we headed off to Senate House to discuss how UCL could support SCOLA in our quest to become a pioneer ACL College in the use of technology.
Phil gave me and a few other visitors a whistle stop tour of the inspiring Senate House building. There are fascinating stories behind each room, which are designed to perfection and are truly beautiful.

Phil, in his usual helpful manner, took me around the office, introduced me to colleagues and has already arranged for Bernard Agdebo and Martin Sepion from RSC- London to visit SCOLA so that we can discuss a way forward. He also showcased and demonstrated various features from moodle and showed me exemplar websites from other colleges. It was great to see him enjoy doing what he does best - helping people use technology empowered tools and systems to grow, improve and progress. A very worthwhile day with great promise for the future.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

15 July 2010- Staff Conference 2010: Your Views, Your Scola , Our Future Day 2

The Staff Conference held on the 15th July was particularly for part time staff. I had four sessions to deliver as part of the staff development activities. It was great to have the highest number of colleagues at the A-Z of Social Networking session where I showcased examples of real life impact of social media in business. My thanks goes to Jo Barnett - Snr Lecturer, ICT Digi Media - from SCOLA and Brenda Knight from Best of Sutton who helped bring the session to life.

The other workshops included the 'Signs of a Miserable Job' which was aimed at Curriculum and Support Management, 'Qwizdom' for teaching staff and 'Evaluating Multimedia Learning Resources' which was aimed at teaching staff. Hopefully these sessions added value to the day and inspired colleagues to use some of the techniques and resources provided in their planning and work. This was yet another great day of activities which was well received and well attended.

Saboohi Famili - Principal

12 July 2010- Dog Clicker Training

Bright and early this morning I had a visit from Sandra from DOGS (Dogs and Owners Guidance School) http://www.dogsandownersguidanceschool.co.uk/ who came to train the dogs how to respond to the sound of a 'clicker'. I think it was more for me to learn how to use the clicker with my little puppy Lilia. It was great to have Molly the 2 year old Jack Russel of Barbara Eayrs there too.

After an hour of clickering and feeding the dogs lots of treats they were both alert and we were somewhat proud of how they responded to the training. Highly recommended.

At the end of the session we discussed an exciting opportunity for an open day in September in the form of a fair. I am very excited about this and will keep you posted. Watch this space....

Saboohi Famili - Principal