14 September 2011 - Government u-turn on ESOL funding

The government has done a U-turn over the funding of English classes for immigrants. September is always a busy time for colleges as it is the peak time for enrolments. But after a government U-turn on funding for English classes for immigrants (known as ESOL), this year it has been busier than usual. The U-turn has been mostly welcomed by the sector, but it has caused staff in colleges around the country to work really hard to manage the volumes of ESOL students enrolling on courses. A campaign, led by ESOL tutors, against the changes has been running since the beginning of the year and colleges are keen to know why it took so long for the Government to come to a decision.

12 September 2011 - Induction of new staff at SCOLA

SCOLA’s Principal met with new staff to share the ethos of SCOLA with them. Over the coming months there will be a variety of initiatives and activities that will engage and involve all staff in various exciting and worthwhile projects in order for us to Live with PRIDE @ SCOLA. Staff are being asked to ensure that they consider PRIDE in everything they do. PRIDE (SCOLA’s values – Creativity/Quality/Inclusiveness/Diversity/Integrity - in action) – P is for putting students first; R is for rewarding relationships; I is for inspiring people; D is for delivering excellent service; E is for exceeding expectations. SCOLA is fortunate to attract talented and dedicated professions to join its creative, enthusiastic and friendly team of staff. Those attending the inductions also had the opportunity of meeting the Principal’s pooch, Lilia, who is very popular and makes regular appearances at the college!

12 September 2011 - 24th All Staff Briefing

Last week saw the Principal holding her 24th Staff Briefing to which all staff were invited. Approximately 70 members of staff attended the two meetings, where the Principal outlined the future plans for the college. Staff had the opportunity to ask questions and to share their views. These staff briefings are a great opportunity for staff to be kept informed on what is happening locally, regionally and nationally.

12 September 2011 - SCOLA is ready to face the challenges ahead!

The big picture across the education sector as you have probably seen and read is at best uncertain and turbulent. The government’s cuts to the FE sector, and removal of various access schemes such as Aim Higher, or helping-hand programmes as well as the Review of ACL continue to put a huge squeeze on colleges and as a result thousands of the most vulnerable will no longer qualify for help to study. Some curriculum areas have lost their funding, some provision has been cut and other public sector cuts such as libraries are putting a substantial strain on education. At SCOLA we have been working hard to remain focused on what we value most; to be a community college providing excellent quality provision to our learners.

9 September 2011 - Student recruitment surge and hard work of SCOLA staff!

This week was one of the college’s busiest times for enrolments. The team work amongst both support and academic staff has been evident and it is great to see staff working together so tirelessly as a team so that SCOLA can deliver on our promises and values. Over 1000 enrolments were taken by the dedicated enrolment team at SCOLA. At times prospective students had to patiently stand in a queue, but this was quickly rectified by SCOLA support and academic staff who helped to clear the queue as quickly as possible. SCOLA has many new programmes this year and is always happy to listen and engage with students who have ideas that they would like to share.

8 September 2011 - The Big Event

SCOLA ran its first annual Autumn BIG EVENT at Manor Park, Sutton, on Saturday 3 September 2011.
The event brought together 15 partners from various areas together and resulted in over 1000 people visiting the different stalls. The Marketing team is seeking official feedback from all involved to ensure that we improve and do what we do best even better next year.

On the day the great sense of team work, the wonderful atmosphere and the positive vibes felt by the volume of people who came and enjoyed the event was a real testament to the success and effectiveness of the college’s efforts. The Principal thanked staff for the time and hard work they put into ensuring the event was the success it was, saying “ I know how much work is involved in arranging an event like this and especially at one of the busiest times of the year for us. I am proud to say that once again SCOLA exceeded expectation and delivered to a high standard. I have already received many positive comments from our partners who mentioned our professionalism and the approachable and friendly manner in which we conducted ourselves and ran the event. A very rewarding and enjoyable time was had by all.”

It was great to see everyone working together in such harmony and with such energy. A true sign of an excellent organisation and a great mark of the mutual respect we have for each other as colleagues, the dedication and commitment we have to the work we do and the pride we take in doing a job well.

8 September 2011 - Thank you from a happy student!

Thanks and appreciation has been received from Elspeth V. Clarke M.B.E., a student studying at SCOLA. Elspeth wanted to thank those who had contributed to a great course - Spanish A2 - Thanks to ... Caroline O'Reilly (Programme Manager - MFL/Cultural Studies); Jenny Sims (Director); the exam supremos - Rhona Edmonds and Jane Waldman and the super tutors - Alicia and Natalia, as well as the friendly staff on reception and the caretakers who welcomed her in a jolly, friendly way on the day of the exam!

Alicia wanted the Principal to know how much she enjoyed her time at SCOLA - 'it was like a breath of fresh air'.

Thank you to SCOLA staff for making Alicia's experience of SCOLA so memorable!