19 November 2012 - SCOLA Principal speaks at Guildford College

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, gave a presentation to the Board of Governors at Guildford College today. She shared with the Board some of the activities that have been undertaken by SCOLA and also events that are currently being planned. Baroness Sharp, one of the Governors, had this to say: “Thank you very much for coming and talking to us. It was very useful indeed for the group to see the range of activities which you are involved in and to sense the degree to which you have been able to enthuse people by your ‘can-do’ mentality. “

19 October 2012 - Review of the College

This week saw the start of Phase 2 of the Review of the College. This phase will focus on the Corporate Services functions. All managers involved in Corporate Services functions will be fully involved in the process of research and fact finding and the outcome of their efforts will inform the final proposal in early January. Our approach to this review is that our internal staff will act as main instruments and drivers to inform the changes to come. This will be done through a business process re-engineering exercise and will be in the form of an appreciative enquiry on each of the seven Support Service areas and their sub sections. Twenty-three Corporate Services staff attended the first day of a three day training programme on Wednesday. The feedback received so far has been very positive and there is a great sense of purpose and dedication amongst colleagues to engage fully in the process. To ensure the process will have a high level of objectivity and remains on track we have engaged with two management consultants, Dr Mary Golden and Howard Shepherdson from Experia Solutions. They both have considerable experience of undertaking such reviews at a high level in a range of organisations. Dr Golden has a distinguished record with the Audit Commission and Howard Shepherdson is Ofsted trained and has significant experience of organisational improvement. Both have reviewed services in local government, the NHS, higher education colleges and schools and have experience of outsourcing and also bringing services back in house. The three day training programme intends to train colleagues in process mapping, business process re-engineering and research methodology. Participants will also be equipped with supporting skills such as skills of appreciative enquiry, peer review and the giving and receiving of feedback which is necessary for conducting our Corporate Services review. Over the next eight weeks colleagues will embark on this review and I am sure you will engage in the process regardless of the role they have in the College. The outcome of the review will no doubt have a direct impact on the life of the College as a whole and their input is most value. Saboohi Famili Principal

5 September 2012 - Tom Brake made Deputy Leader of the House of Commons

Congratulations to Tom Brake who, as part of David Cameron’s reshuffle, the MP for Carshalton and Wallington has been made a member of the government. MP Tom Brake was made the deputy leader of the House of Commons yesterday and said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed deputy leader of the House of Commons, in the mother of all Parliaments. “I will strive to do the job to the best of my ability, whilst ensuring that constituents' concerns - such as the need to maintain vital services at St Helier Hospital - are given the priority they deserve.” SCOLA wishes him all the best in his new role.

16 August 2012 - BBC Worldwide announces six finalists for its first Labs initiative

BBC Worldwide today revealed six UK based digital media start-ups to take part in the first Labs programme. More than 75 companies applied for this new scheme. The BBC Worldwide Labs programme seeks to work with the most dynamic emerging digital media companies in the UK. The finalists are MiniMonos, wireWAX, Foodity, Krowd 9, Flooved and KO-SU. These companies impressed members of the Board and Labs mentors during the month long deliberation process that included an in-person pitch session. The finalists are a mix of strategically aligned companies in areas ranging from education, cloud delivery, games, mobile, kids and video. The start-ups will be offered workspace within BBC Worldwide’s west-London based offices beginning September 10th for a six month period. They will also have the opportunity to work alongside specialists from across BBC Worldwide who can offer sound business advice in areas such as: technology, content, marketing, sales and distribution, advertising, PR, HR, legal among others. The team behind Labs has also devised a bespoke programme of inspiring talks and networking events including an inauguration event for Labs start-ups to present to the community of mentors a session on Asset Creation and Funding at the Google Campus and a Social Media Event is planned for London Internet Week in November to name a few. Whilst BBC Worldwide is not seeking to inject money into the selected companies, it is hoped that commercial deals and partnerships will transpire, thus helping to catapult the start-ups to their next level of success. This looks to be an exciting programme and we look forward to following the development of the programme.

7 July 2012 - Jubilee Summer Concert

The SCOLA Choir, together with the Singing for Pleasure group and the Tollingbourne Accordion Orchestra, presented their summer concert at St. Paul’s Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam on 7th July at 7.30pm. The event was a great success and enjoyed by those that attended! Well done!

3 July 2012 – Orchard Hill College Award Ceremony

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, attended the Orchard Hill College, Wallington, award ceremony at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday, 3rd July. She said that it was a privilege to be present at the ceremony and to be able to share in the students’ achievements. This is one of the highlights on the Principal’s calendar. It is always a pleasure for her to be part of this exuberant celebration of achievements on the part of the hard working students and their dedicated tutors and support workers. Caroline Allen OBE, Principal of Orchard Hill College, presented the prizes, together with Peter Simpson (Executive Head of Education, Learning & Intervention - London Borough of Sutton), Neil Roberts (Head of Area Relationship Team – Skills Funding Agency) and Orchard Hill College’s Chair of Governors, Mavis Peart.

Congratulations to Caroline Allen and her excellent team for yet another year of successful achievements for their learners.

25 June 2012 - AoC Summer Reception

The Association of Colleges (AoC) Summer reception took place on Monday 25 June 2012 from 4 – 6pm, The Terrace, House of Commons. The event was hosted by Stephen Lloyd MP. At the event, the AoC launched their new publication ‘On the right course’, which celebrates the wide range of courses Colleges offer their communities, often reflecting their region or city’s heritage and industry. The event provided those present with an opportunity to meet their President for the 2012-13 academic year, Maggie Galliers, Principal of Leicester College. In the presence of Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hays, Maggie launched the AoC’s latest publication “On the Right Course” which showcases and highlights the depth and breadth of provision that colleges provide by giving examples from colleges across the UK. Minister John Hays also addressed the attendees outlining the three challenges he saw as prominent and pressing matters for the sector. You can see a short video of the ministers address on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rowgfly4HW0 A great time was had by those who attended.

13 June 2012 - Opportunity Sutton

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, is attending an event at the Holiday Inn, Sutton, entitled “Opportunity Sutton”, which is an inward investment event. The event will showcase Sutton's town centre footfall, the excellent transport links and support for business, as well as highlight the many commercial development opportunities and demonstrate why business should choose Sutton as their home. Some of the topics covered will be : The Sutton Opportunity – People, Place, Prosperity – focus on the Sutton offer, why do key businesses choose to relocate here; Sutton: the top five assets – what is for sale, Sutton’s top five development opportunities ; Hackbridge – a flagship sustainable borough – plans for new eco-friendly homes, the Neighbourhood plan; Sutton’s retail and leisure offer; Housing opportunities; Sutton – open for business – the commercial offer; Sutton – the place to live – skills, housing, accessibility, parks, sustainability; What Sutton can do for you – funding. Vince Cable MP is the keynote speaker for the event. SCOLA’s Principal is taking part in the session entitled ‘Sutton as a place to live’ which includes looking at why Sutton remains a top choice to live, work and invest because of its quality of life.

30 May 2012 - SCOLA's Principal provides advice!

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, is attending the JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) RSC (Regional Support Centre) Adult & Community Learning Advisers annual meeting in order to give Provider input in support of future and forward planning of JISC RSC services. Over 10 senior advisors from across the UK will be in attendance who collectively support all the ACL providers in the country. The session is being held at Senate House, University of London today, 30th May 2012. The Principal will be providing some ideas on how JISC can ensure that their service focuses on the needs of the ACL sector in these difficult times. JISC’s remit is to provide advice to providers on effective use of technology for both teaching and learning and in business processes. SCOLA’s Principal was asked to provide advice as a Principal's perspective on the key challenges facing the sector to support JISC in shaping and focussing their services over the next few years. SCOLA, a unique ACL provider of education in South London, has had a degree of success over the past couple of years in remaining focused and positive in dealing with financial austerity and these challenging times and has been successful in securing various bids to support innovation and creativity in design, delivery and support of the curriculum through the use of technology. Saboohi Famili, the Principal of SCOLA said: “SCOLA benefited greatly from the support provided by JISC RSC London both in showcasing our success and from the advice provided to help us plan our eLearning development.” She is delighted to be able to help the group by attending today’s annual meeting.

29 May 2012 – SCOLA LLDD Asdan TI Performing Arts Company

What a privilege it was to be invited to attend the ‘Open Class’ of the LLDD (Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities) learners. The class is held in the drama studio at the Sutton Centre and those who had been invited to attend were warmly welcomed on arrival. We were presented with fabulous programmes, introductions were made and we were then given the opportunity to have a look at the work folders of the learners which gave us an overview of what the students have been learning about. The learners, along with their tutors, Michele Humphreys and Scott Sherriff did some warm-up exercises to music. We were then treated to a light hearted drama entitled ‘A Night at the PRIDE’, which included some karaoke and dancing! The drama was followed by a dance entitle ‘Proud’ which will also be performed at the upcoming ‘Showtime’ event being held at the Secombe Theatre on 06/07/12. It as thrilling to have been able to share a small part of their learning journey with them.

24 May 2012 - Adult Learners' Week Presentation Evening

Those of you who attended the Adult Learners’ Week presentation evening last night will I am sure agree that it was a very special event. This year’s event was extra special as we celebrate 40 years of offering a wide range of high quality learning and developmental opportunities in Sutton and South London.   It is always a privilege to be able to celebrate the successes and achievements of our learners and to be inspired through their amazing stories of their learning journey.  Throughout the evening we heard from people who have had their lives transformed for the better.   The evening commenced with the SCOLA drummers performing ‘We’ve got Rhythm’ and a link will shortly be available for you to view the performance on you tube.  We were honoured to have the newly elected Mayor of Sutton, Cllr Sean Brennan, who kindly agreed to present this year’s awards, as well as a short performance by professional magician, Lewis Swires.  Ric Machin was available throughout the evening to draw caricatures of those attending the event.   Throughout the evening excited prize winners and their proud family, carers and supports took advantage to tell our principal how SCOLA had made a difference in their lives. This morning the Principal received the following email from the wife of one of the learners who received an award on Wednesday evening:   I just wanted to write a quick email to congratulate you on last night’s celebration.  My husband, was of course delighted to be nominated for an award by lovely Jenny Roden.  However, the whole evening was wonderful and inspiring.  So many students received awards and it was lovely to be part of the event.  Very many congratulations to you and your dedicated staff who work so hard to support their students.  (We loved the drumming too – well done!)   A wonderful evening was had by all!

22 May 2012 - Sunday @ SCOLA

Last Sunday (20/05/12) a very successful Sunday at SCOLA took place. A total number of 127 students attended a variety of classes, including Intro to Prehistoric Archaeology, Creative Writing, Bridal Bouquets & Buttonholes, Into to Dreamweaver, So you think you can’t knit? and more. It was wonderful to see the College come alive on a Sunday with learners enjoying new things! Many students took advantage of the Learning Walks conducted by the Principal to tell her how much they enjoyed their session and how much they look forward to more weekend programme offers.

Well done to all involved.

17 May 2012 - COSLP Best Learner Awards

SCOLA’s COSLP Best Learner, Elspeth Clarke, was accompanied by the Principal and Caroline O’Reilly - Programme Manager, Modern Foreign Languages/Cultural Studies and her sister, Gillian Clarke, to the House of Lords yesterday at Westminster. Elspeth is a superb example of a learner who contributes to the learning of all those around her. She is constantly challenging herself to achieve and has set herself very high standards in studying A level language courses achieving outstanding grades. More importantly Elspeth motivates all around her with infectious drive and energy. She is keen to support fellow students and always generous with her time supporting activities in the College. Elspeth in her eagerness to maintain the opportunities for adults is a great advocate for adult learning, making her voice heard and ensuring all are enthused similarly. She contributes a huge amount to the adult learning community and is able to share her experience with managers impacting on the direction of the college and embodying the College values of PRIDE, which revolve around inspiring others and developing rewarding relationships wherever possible.

14 May 2012 - SCOLA Mock Inspection Commences!

SCOLA's Mock Inspection commenced today. Over 80% of the college life will go under a quality review with the main focus being on teaching, learning and assessment on week 1 and leadership and management on week 2. Watch this space for the results. Good luck to staff and students!

10 May 2012 – Thanks for good wishes!

Recently SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, wrote to Kate Anderson (Regional Director – Association of Colleges, London Region) on hearing about her retirement. This is what Kate had to say… “Thank you for your kind words in your recent letter to me on hearing about my retirement. I am really touched that you took the time to write; real letters are such rare things these days that they have become quite special. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and to learn more about the innovative work done by SCOLA. My very best wishes for a successful future for you and the College. I’ll ask Cyheme, who manages my and subsequently Caroline’s diary, to find an opportunity for you and Caroline to meet to discuss the ways in which AoC, SCOLA (and COSLP?) can continue working together. As for me, I’ve got so many plans lined up that I’m sure I will soon join the legions of people who claim they can’t now imagine how they ever found time to fit in work – very tedious for you and everyone else who is still working hard to give students a better chance for a better future! Please keep up your good work and thank you again for your good wishes.” We certainly do wish Kate well and we hope that she has a long an happy retirement!

08 May 2012 – Principal attends Westminster Employment Forum

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, attended the Westminster Employment Forum on The future of adult learning - Informal Adult and Community Learning, literacy and numeracy, and apprenticeships. The Westminster Employment Forum aims to provide the premier environment for policymakers in Parliament, Whitehall and government agencies to engage to engage in timely discussion on public policy relating to employment with key stakeholders. These include employers in the public sector, large scale businesses and SMEs, and their advisors; trade unions and other employee representative groups; representatives of other interest groups and the voluntary sector; and academics and commentators, along with members of the reporting press. In planning its programme of events, the Forum regularly consults senior departmental officials, Parliamentarians, business leaders and major citizens' groups. They also welcome input from any individuals or organisations with an interest in issues relating to employment. SCOLA’s Principal gave a presentation which focused on the role of IACL in the Big Society as Sutton is a vanguard for the Big Society on the Government’s agenda.

04 May 2012 - Congratulations to Claire Templeman!

Congratulations go SCOLA's watercolour art student Clare Templeman, who has painted "Africa" for 'Black History Month'. Clare is also a member of the Sutton Watercolour Artists AA Group, whose work is currently displayed in the Europa Gallery, Sutton Library. She was awarded the Paula Piers Memorial Trophy for the most original watercolour painting in the exhibition. Fantastic work - Well done Claire!

26/05/12 - Principal and Deputy Principal attend ‘Improve the Business, Cut the Costs’ Workshops

SCOLA’s Principal and Deputy Principal have attended a two day workshop which was designed to provide an insight into the tools and techniques Colleges can use to reduce costs and improve processes. The course is a mixture of theory, discussion and practical exercises, and aims to equip Colleges with the knowledge and understanding to commence improvement activities. The course explained the importance of using a team based approach (getting entire departments on board to achieve savings) and also explained (using recent case studies) how rapid cost reduction can be achieved.. The objectives of the course was for delegates to understand how rapid business improvement can be implemented at a strategic level, how to link these activities to the top level strategy, how to get entire departments on board to achieve savings and what an improvement programme looks like and the associated key roles and responsibilities. Should be interesting!

21 April 2012 - An Historic Southwark Walk

Brothels, Bishops and the Bard - an Historic Southwark walk - Listened to notorious Bankside Stories, discovered 'The Clink', the oldest prison in London, saw Southwark Cathedral with its Shakespearean connections, as well as the reconstruction of Francis Drake's Golden Hinde, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Ended up at the Tate Modern Art Gallery housed in the vast space of the former Bankside Power Station, with St. Paul's Cathedral on the opposite side of the river. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! Thank you to Brian Cookson (SCOLA tutor) for taking us on this historic walk!

17 April 2012 – AoC Principal’s Policy Forum

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, attended the Association of Colleges (AoC) Principal’s Forum at Prospero House, London on 17/04/12. The forum was led by AoC President, Fiona McMillan and Chief Executive, Martin Doel, and briefed members on the latest issues. Delegates were also given a funding and Ofsted update. There was an opportunity to network over lunch and after lunch table discussions took place, followed by a Q&A session before the forum closed.