Celebrate Issue 1 (14/15)

CELEBRATEThe termly magazine of Richmond upon Thames College Issue 1 (14/15)

PERFECTSCORE!>HUGO SCORES HIGHESTFRENCH A LEVEL GRADE PAGE 14

+NEWSWIRE

PAGE 15

SHOW METHE FUNNY

>FORMER A LEVEL STUDENT DAVE GREEN

CROWNED COMEDY KING PAGE 10

WINTERWONDERS! PAGES 6-7

Welcome

In August, A level results at Richmond upon Thames College were a cause for great celebration for both students and staff. Chief Executive and Principal, Robin Ghurbhurun, was pleased with the results praising both the hard work and talent of the students and the commitment and expertise of the staff.

“With 1,559 entries across 40 subjects these results represent achievement on a grand scale. We expect that around 750 students will be going on to university, one of the biggest cohorts from any single institution in the country, including to Oxford and Cambridge, other Russell group universities and various medical schools.”

The overall pass rate was 95% with 63% of students gaining A*-C grades. Twelve subjects examined achieved a 100% pass rate and former students from Richmond borough secondary schools achieved 100% pass rates in 27 of their subjects.

The results for those students who came to the college with at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C with an average of B or better, were massively impressive with a pass rate of 98%, an A*-B pass rate of 56% against the national average of 52% and an A*/A pass rate of 31%, well above the national average of 26%.

2 CELEBRATE Issue 1 (14/15)

Richmond upon Thames College is a vibrant, diverse and friendly community with outstanding students and staff. We have a huge range of subjects and courses at different levels, a strong support team plus a wide range of facilities and enrichment activities that allow our students to fulfill their potential in their studies as well as socially.

I’m incredibly proud of the successes and achievements of our students and in this latest edition of Celebrate magazine, you can read about the wonderful and inspiring stories from the last term and also hear from former students of the college who have gone on to achieve great success in their careers.

I hope you enjoy this publication.

Robin Ghurbhurun Chief Executive and Principal

Starpack success for ChrisIn September, HND Graphic Design graduate Chris Newell received a commendation for his entry in the 2014 Student Starpack Awards – the UK’s premier annual awards scheme recognising innovation in packaging design and technology.

Over 145 entries were submitted in the competition, with only 11 gold, 14 silver, 10 bronze and 14 commended stars handed out.

Twenty-year-old Chris entered the competition’s Norwegian fishcakes design brief, with his entry described by the judging panel as having, “beautiful branding that would stand out on the shelf.” It was also praised for having a “great logo” and for its “fantastic research development.”

“I’m lucky enough to have travelled to Norway in the past so my experiences of the landscapes and coastal settlements were my main source of inspiration,” Chris explained. “I based my illustration on the picturesque fishing village Reine and looked at illustrators Rob Hunter and Vesa Sammalisto. I was really pleased when I was told that I’d been commended as the design and illustration processes was complex and prolonged so it was nice to have someone appreciate my work.”

Celebrations on results day

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In September, the college hosted its annual awards evening at Clarendon Hall, York House in Twickenham. The evening celebrated the successes and achievements of some of the college’s outstanding students over the past 12 months.

Around 160 people joined in the celebrations with guests including governors, staff, students and their families along with representatives from local secondary schools, the Metropolitan Police and local businesses. The Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Jane Boulton and local MP Vince Cable were also present at the event. Students currently studying Catering and Hospitality prepared and served a range of delicious food throughout the evening and guests also enjoyed musical entertainment provided by students from the college’s performing arts department.

The Chair of College Governors, Cathy Bird, and the college Chief Executive and Principal, Robin Ghurbhurun, welcomed guests to the occasion, with the awards presented to students by GB triple jumper Nathan Douglas. Nathan has been one of Britain’s top ranking triple jump athletes since becoming British U23 champion in 2003. He has since picked up silver medals at European Indoor and Outdoor Championships and qualified for the Athens and Beijing Olympics.

During the evening, 41 awards were presented to students who had been nominated by their teachers for their dedication and efforts during their time at the college as well as for success in their studies.

College Chief Executive and Principal, Robin Ghurbhurun, said, “I am delighted to congratulate our most recent award winners on their splendid achievements and thank them for the innumerable ways in which they have contributed to the vitality of the college. As award winners, these students are our best ambassadors and I look forward to hearing of all their future successes.”

Student Awards Winners 2014Ahmed Gowiely (Supported Learning), Amber Bates (Catering), Andrea Lopez Ordonez (Outstanding Vocational Achievement), Ayan Mohamed (Health & Social Care), Ben Rossington (Outstanding Academic Achievement), Brandon Buckley (Art & Design - Vocational), Cheyenne Dawson (Greatest Contribution to College Life), Chloe Poulter (Technology), Chris Newell (Adult & HE), Frank Williams (Construction Crafts), Harry Kemble (Performing Arts), Heather Cowell (Business - Academic), Hugo Whittaker (Humanities), Irfan Ferizi (Travel & Tourism), Jhelisa Graham (Social Sciences), Joanna Moore (Maths), Kashif Bhatti (Engineering), Kim Hemans (English & Communication), Kimran Dhami (Media), Lauren Macdonald (Science), Luca Forni (CAS Award in memory of Maria Binns), Ruslan Khadzhiev (Computing & IT), Sarah Edwards (Languages), Shaad Mahmoud (Sport - National Skills Academy), Sienna Rose Fontaine (Art & Design – Academic), Sophia Hertz (Greatest Contribution to College Life), Stefan Chung (Business - Vocational), Surinder Talwar (Apprenticeships), Wiebke Meenenga (Sport - Academic)Joanna Moore, Karishma Kaimal, Luca Forni, Luise Johannis, Oliver Powell (Business Enterprise - ‘Orichinal’), Amber Simone-Gayle, Anna Buchanan, Bethan Gallifent, Caroline Cooper, Emily Buchanan, Viola Amorfini, Wiebke Meenenga (RuTC Women’s Volleyball Team).

Outstanding students honoured at awards ceremony

Out & aboutMuseum VisitsThe autumn term saw students from Art & Design visit some of London’s best exhibitions and museums.

Tate Britain inspiresIn September, UAL Art & Design students went on a drawing visit to Tate Britain in London. The group looked at how different 20th century artists have depicted the structure of the head and face and applied it to their own work. They drew inspiration from Henry Moore, Peter Blake, Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach amongst others and returned to college to develop their sketches using monoprint.

National Portrait Gallery In November, A level Photography students visited the 2014 Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition gave the students a unique opportunity to see sixty new portraits by some of the most exciting contemporary photographers from around the world.


Double exposure for Photography students

In December, first year A Level Photography students headed to Waterloo Station and the Natural History Museum to enjoy both the Landscape Photographer and Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibitions. The group took in 148 landscape entries displayed at Waterloo’s Mezzanine Balcony before heading to South Kensington to admire the 100 entries in the Natural History Museum’s celebrated wildlife competition.

Design Museum project In October, Graphic Communication students visited the Design Museum to take part in an exciting project. The museum, which showcases the very best in product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design, is due to move to new premises in 2016. As part of their project, students were briefed to create an item that could be sold in the gift shop and which celebrated the museum’s 27 years at its current site in Shad Thames.

The group presented their final pieces to museum staff in November and also took part in a ‘Mystery Product Workshop’ that encouraged the students to consider how playful design impacts on users.

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A poem by A level student Tom Hayon has been selected for publication after he entered it in the Young Writers War of Words competition. Tom’s poem, Armed with a Pen, describes the ‘battle’ students face when entering an exam hall and will now be published as part of a collection of winners’ work in the spring.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing poetry and it was a real honour to see my entry selected for publication,” said Tom. “I chose to make my subject a little different to the traditional conflict poems and am really pleased with how it came out.”

Armed with a Pen

20 minutes before:

Huddles of anxious students frantically cram more

And more into their already congested minds.

Some force a nervous smile to conceal the turmoil within.

Others stand silent and hidden in the corner.

A few ignore the inevitable altogether –

Discussing the latest football gossip.

10 minutes before:

The dreaded doors slam open.

Final facts and figures are frantically read,

Equations mentally stored, quotes memorised.

Before the lambs funnel into the slaughter house

And silence falls.

5 minutes before:

A single streak of sunlight creeps into the vast hall.

Hundreds of lost faces aimlessly search the room,

Finding fellow frightened eyes staring back at them.

2 seconds before:

A final rallying cry is heard. War has begun.You charge into battle – armed with a pen.

In November, representatives from the army and navy visited the college to deliver talks on careers in the armed forces. Paratrooper C/Sgt Ally McCann, Royal Marine WO2 John Hiscock and Royal Navy Officer Lt Linda Torbet gave informative presentations to students from levels 2 and 3 BTEC Engineering.

Top director John Hardwick visited BTEC and A level Media students in November to deliver a workshop on filmmaking. John, who has directed music videos for Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Jake Bugg, Noel Gallagher and Manic Street Preachers, has also won critical acclaim for his films Mule, To Have And To Hold and Svengali.

His visit also included a Q&A session, giving students a valuable insight in to how to succeed in the film industry.

Poetry honour for Tom Army & Navy careers talk

Top director visits college

College triumphs at AoC Sport qualifiers In December, the college netball team qualified for the 2015 AoC Sport National Championships. The team saw off competition from St Charles College, Uxbridge College and Redbridge College before beating Havering Sixth Form College 14-8 in the regional final. They’ll now head to the national championships where they’ll represent both the college and the London region.

A level student Tristan Dougan also qualified for the nationals after winning the men’s tennis singles, whilst Mohamed Nagi, Daniel Pinn and Lia Venini qualified in the cross country. The national championships will take place at the University of Bath between 27-29 March.


Winter Wonders!

Throughout December, creative arts students put on a series of events to showcase their incredible talents and share the results of their hard work during the autumn term.

See highlights from all the events atFacebook.com/RichmonduponThamesCollege

Collect & Create ExhibitionArt & Design Foundation Diploma students held their Collect & Create exhibition, showcasing individual project work that addressed a wide range of social, political and personal issues. The students identified an agenda, collected research and used this to develop and create specialist art and design work.

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Vocational Art & Design students held a Christmas Showcase featuring hybrid puppets, fashion and textiles designs and nature inspired masks. The event also featured a collection of colourful lights and lamps designed by the students plus a fine art exhibition. Students also designed posters for the showcase which were displayed around college.

Art & Design Showcase

Identity Dance ShowBTEC Dance students finished the term in style with their spectacular dance showcase, Identity. The talented students entertained a sold out Edmund Kean Theatre with a scintillating display of classic and contemporary dance.


Jingle Bell Rock gig raises £480In December, second year BTEC Music students hosted a packed Christmas concert to raise funds for relief and development charity, Tearfund.

A thrilled audience of over 120 people enjoyed a lively set of classic covers and Christmas songs, raising almost five hundred pounds in ticket sales and donations.

The students arranged all aspects of the concert including poster design, ticket sales, interval refreshments, running order and stage management. Performances on the night included songs from student bands, Note for Note, Midlife Crisis, Frequency and The Average Joes, whilst the set list included covers of popular songs including Play that Funky Music, Superstition, Forget You and Mariah Carey’s festive classic All I Want for Christmas is You.

Hannah Awesome, Community Fundraising Manager at Tearfund, praised the students for “a truly superb night,” adding that the charity was “very grateful to the students for using their musical talents to help children at risk.”

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Students reach new heightsBTEC Dance students were treated to a masterclass in October from elite aerial performance company, Upswing. The day long session saw students receive training from artistic director, Vicki Amedume, on both the aerial cocoon and aerial ring, allowing them to develop new performance techniques via a medium that uses circus skills as an expressive vehicle.

The masterclass was arranged by dance lecturer, Charlotte Woods. “This was a fantastic opportunity for our BTEC students to experience an exciting medium that combines dance, circus skills, choreography and fitness,” she said. “The students really enjoyed the sessions and much of what they learned can now be used in their future performances.”

Christmas card win for PatrycjaBTEC Art & Design student Patrycja Ciemior was celebrating in December after winning the annual college Christmas card design competition. Her Santa themed design was chosen by a panel of judges as the stand-out submission ahead of over 30 other fantastic entries.

“I was so happy to hear that my design had won and am really proud that it came first, ahead of so many great entries,” said Patrycja. “In the future, I’d like to work in magazine design and it’s great to already have an example of my work seen by so many people.”

As well as having her design made in to a card, Patrycja also received a high street gift voucher as part of her prize. Fellow students Benjamin Longmate, Karimah Tackie and Michael Collier were highly commended for their entries.

Open event iPad winners Three lucky school students were celebrating after winning the college’s open event iPad mini prize draw. Nathan Angel from Kingsley Academy, Luke Bakker from Orleans Park School and Sarah McQueenie from Ricards Lodge High School each entered the draw after attending an open event during the autumn term.

Sarah came to the college’s first open event of the term on 11 October and hopes to study A levels in Graphics, History, Philosophy and Photography. “I’m really pleased to have been one of the lucky winners and can’t believe I now have an iPad!” she said. “It was great to see the excellent facilities at the college and was a really good experience.”

Luke attended the college’s open event on 15 October and plans to study A levels in Architecture, Computing and Maths. “I’m so happy as it’s the first iPad I’ve ever had and I’m really excited about finally getting to use it!” he said. “We had a great time at the open event and it was well worth coming.”

Nathan came to the college’s open event on 13 November and hopes to study Creative Media Production (Television & Film). “I really enjoyed the open event and had a great time meeting the lecturers,” he said. “To win an iPad as well is unbelievable and I’m really glad I chose to come along.”

See highlights from the workshop atFacebook.com/RichmonduponThamesCollege

Luke Bakker

Sarah McQueenie Nathan AngelFind out more on our open events by visting the

college website! www.rutc.ac.uk


AlumniNews

Many former students of the college go on to achieve outstanding success in their chosen careers and we’re proud to say that they were Made in Richmond. Our newly launched Alumni Association celebrates the success of past students and recently caught up with three more Richmond upon Thames College graduates who are excelling in their chosen profession.

Dave crowned comedy kingDave Green won the 2014 Comedy Knights Fresh Comedian Competition in the autumn, beating more than 160 London acts on route to winning the final in Camden. His razor-sharp, one-liner routine was chosen by judges as the stand out act ahead of 11 other finalists. “I was properly chuffed to win given the stiff competition throughout the entire process,” Dave said. “I’m now looking forward to continue gigging across the country and taking my career to the next level.” Comedy Knights’ Bobby Carroll described Dave as “a worthy winner with a bright future.”

Dave, who studied A levels and the Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Pre BA) at the college between 2001-2004, took up comedy in 2011 and describes his style as “darkly surreal one liners.” He has been a finalist in the prestigious industry-nominated Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year and is a former winner of the Max Turner Award.

Speaking of his time at the college, the former Orleans Park School student said, “I made some great friends during the three years I was at RuTC and really enjoyed my studies, especially the Pre BA as it prepared me for my art degree at the University of Sheffield. I’ll always be proud to say I attended Richmond upon Thames College and look back on my time there with great fondness.”

Dave Green

A levels & Pre BA [2001 - 2004]

Bianca takes athletics world by storm Bianca Williams shot to athletics stardom in 2014 by taking two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Bianca, who studied BTEC Sport at the college between 2010-2012, claimed her first medal in the women’s 200m with a personal best time of 22.58. She followed this up with another bronze in the women’s 4x100m, running a strong second leg for the English quartet.

Speaking to BBC Sport after finishing third in the 200m final, Bianca said that she was “gobsmacked” with her performance - especially as it was her first ever major senior championship – adding that she was “so proud of herself” for taking home a medal.

Only two weeks later, Bianca also competed for Great Britain at the European Championships in Zurich, making the 200m final and finishing an impressive fourth. “It’s been an amazing year for me,” she said. “Two bronzes at the Commonwealth Games and coming fourth here, I can’t believe it!”

Bianca Williams

BTEC Sport [2010 - 2012]

Follow Dave on Twitter! @davegreen85

Follow Bianca on Twitter! @BiancaaWills

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Gemma Morris studied A levels at Richmond upon Thames College between 2000–2002, gaining A grades in Sociology, Photography and Film Studies. She went on to study a BTEC Foundation degree in Documentary Film Making at the UAL London College of Communication (formerly the London College of Printing) followed by a BA Hons in Journalism from which she graduated with first class honours. After a work experience placement at Radio Jackie, Gemma freelanced at ITN before joining Sky News radio as an intern. She then joined the multi-media network on a full time basis, working in Sky’s digital department before successfully screen testing for television. After presenting the bulletins on both Sky News and Channel Five, she now presents, produces and reports on Sky’s technology show, Swipe.

Gemma places great importance on the influence that studying at Richmond upon Thames College had on her education and future career. “I wanted to study subjects that were both interesting and relevant and my school’s sixth form college simply didn’t offer me the choices that RuTC did,” she explains. “I immediately loved the more adult college environment compared to school, and really enjoyed my courses as they were taught by professionals with a passion for their field. It was refreshing to research so many topics in depth and I also really enjoyed using the fantastic facilities. I spent a lot of time honing my photography skills in the dark room and began to get a real enjoyment out of capturing human and social behaviour on film. As well as this, my sociology lessons helped me to understand people and their emotions and the subject as a whole became fascinating to me.”

Gemma’s passion for understanding and capturing human emotions led her to her foundation degree in Documentary Film Making and she hasn’t looked back since. Her role as presenter on Swipe sees her traveling across the UK and Europe, reporting on the latest advances in technology and the effects these have on individuals and society as a whole.

“I absolutely credit Richmond upon Thames College for helping me to develop the key traits that a journalist needs,” Gemma says. “I had a brilliant two years there and I’ll always be grateful to my lecturers for setting me on my career path. Going to college and taking what were at the time less traditional A levels was the start of what has been an incredible journey for me and a choice I’m extremely glad I made.”

On top of her presenting and producing commitments, Gemma will be returning to the college in the spring term to deliver an inspirational guest talk to current film and media students, sharing her wealth of experience in broadcasting with the journalists and presenters of the future.

From A level student to Sky News broadcaster

Gemma Morris A levels [2000 - 2002]

Follow Gemma on Twitter! @SkyGemma


Try Outs concludeThe final leg of the Rugby World Cup 2015 volunteer selection events, the Try Outs, concluded at RuTC in December following six months on the road. The search for the 6,000 volunteers was launched in February 2014 and England Rugby 2015 received over 20,000 applications. Over 10,000 applicants have since been part of the Try Outs with events held in every Rugby World Cup 2015 Host City.

England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, and Minister for Sport, Helen Grant attended the final leg of the Try Outs at the college, meeting the volunteers alongside Harlequins’ player Ollie Lindsay-Hague. Over 1,700 volunteers passed through over the course of the three weeks, all hoping to secure a coveted place.

Robin Ghurbhurun, Principal and Chief Executive of Richmond upon Thames College, said; “We are delighted to be working closely with England Rugby 2015 by hosting the volunteer Try Outs for Rugby World Cup 2015 on our Twickenham campus. The college shares the same values of leadership, teamwork and resilience as Rugby World Cup 2015 and looks forward to welcoming the world to Twickenham and delivering the best tournament ever staged.”

L-R: England Rugby 2015 CEO Debbie Jevans, Harlequins’ Ollie Lindsay-Hague, Minister for Sport Helen Grant and Richmond upon Thames College Principal Robin Ghurbhurun

Mencap Little Noise ConcertIn October, students Zoey Diprose and Leanne Francis assisted in Mencap’s Little Noise concert as part of their roles as Young Ambassadors for the learning disability charity.

Zoey is currently studying on the Caring for Children CACHE Diploma and co-hosted the star studded event at London’s famous Union Chapel with Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley. Acts at the Little Noise Sessions included Jake Bugg with Syd Arthur and David Gray supported by Rhodes. “I had such an amazing time and Jo was a really lovely person to work alongside,” said Zoey. “I was nervous at first but once I was on stage with the microphone I relaxed as the crowd were brilliant!”

BTEC IT student Leanne assisted Mencap’s digital team with the night’s hectic social media activities. “The atmosphere at the concert was incredible and it was great to use my IT skills to help get live updates on Twitter and Facebook and share the fun with everyone,” she said. “The digital team were great and it was really nice to be at such an enjoyable event.”

The sessions raised awareness of the fact that people with learning disabilities deserve an active social life, but often don’t have the chance to stay out past 9pm due to lack of supervision and transportation.

L-R: Jo Whiley and Zoey Diprose David Gray performs at the concert L-R: Leanne Francis with Jo and Zoey

Photos by Marc Sethi

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Student Spotlight

Name: Sophie CoffeyA level student, Jack Petchey autumn prize winner and member of the Student Union.

You’re a member of the college’s Student Union, tell us more.

“My official job title is Enrichment, Environment, Facilities and Estates Officer. A lot of my time is spent helping to organise the college’s enrichment activities and I really enjoy being part of something important that can make college a better place for all.”

What are the best things about Richmond College?

“The friendly atmosphere, the passionate lecturers, the fact there is always something to do and getting to meet lots of new people!”

Are you enjoying your A levels?

“Of course! I want to be a journalist in either print, broadcast or photography and my A level subjects are helping me to achieve that. My researching and writing techniques are constantly being improved by studying English and History and by studying Photography my skills and knowledge are always being pushed to the limit.”

Any hidden talents?

“It’s not exactly hidden but I really like writing poetry and have done since I was little. I’ve got loads of notebooks with my poems in them and find it a great way to hone my creative writing skills.”

What’s your favourite meal?

“I like all types of different foods but at the moment it has to be a medium chicken from Nando’s!”

Can you tell us a good joke?

“I can tell you a bad one! What did Cinderella say when the chemist lost her photographs? Someday my prints will come…”

Haha! That’s awful! So what next for Sophie Coffey?

“Keep promoting the enrichment activities around college, get good A level results and then hopefully study journalism at university.”

Ackeem earns scholarship

Children in Need Bake Off

Former Media student Ackeem Durrant is currently enjoying studying at the University of Hertfordshire after being selected for an Adobe Creativity Scholarship.

Ackeem attended the college between 2012-14, achieving a maximum three distinction stars in his BTEC Media. He was a participant in the Eastside Educational Trust Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) UK program, making him eligible for the scholarship for which he was selected from a large number of applicants in 58 countries around the world.

“I’d taken part in the Adobe Youth Voices Programme back in 2013, which Eastside organises, so I was eligible to apply for an Adobe Youth Voices Scholarship to pay for a three year course in 3D Digital Animation and Modelling at the University of Hetfordshire. It’s an amazing opportunity,” he said. “I’m also really grateful to my lecturers at Richmond upon Thames College for helping me with my development in visual effects and giving me the skills and confidence to further my career.”

In November, the college raised over £100 for Children in Need with a Great British Bake Off themed competition.

Led by the Supported Learning department, the competition saw staff and students from across the college bake cakes, biscuits and muffins that were then judged by the college’s very own versions of Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry! Prizes of John Lewis vouchers, scented candles and luxury chocolates, donated by the Student Information department, were awarded to the winners. The delicious entries were then sold throughout the day, raising £105 in total.


Jack Petchey prize for Sophie A level student Sophie Coffey was celebrating in December after winning the college’s autumn term Jack Petchey prize. She was nominated for her role in the college’s Podcast Society, in which she displayed determination, innovation and excellent communication skills to bring a creatively demanding club to life.

Cait Orton, Student Liaison Officer at the college, nominated Sophie for the prize. “Whilst we nominated Sophie for her role within the Podcast Society, her enthusiasm and hard work in supporting all enrichment should be recognised,” Cait said. “She is a role model to students and frequently goes above and beyond to help and support the college.”

Sophie (pictured, right) used her Jack Petchey prize money to take her fellow enrichment activity organisers ice-skating at Strawberry Hill House and for an Italian meal in Twickenham.

Dominique picked for play In October, BTEC Performing Arts (Acting) student Dominique Thomas-St. Ville successfully auditioned for a part in The Edelweiss Pirates. The talented actress will play several roles in Step on Stage Productions version of the National Theatre Connections play, appearing at the Hampton Hill Playhouse in February and The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith in the spring.

“I can’t wait to perform on stage in front of an audience as we’ve been rehearsing really hard over the past few months,” said the former Chiswick School student. “It’s a great feeling to successfully audition for a role and this is hopefully the start of many more in my career.”

Highest score for Hugo Former A level student Hugo Whittaker was celebrating in December after learning that he was the highest scoring student in England and Wales for the WJEC A level in French. Hugo, who left RuTC last summer with A* grades in French and Spanish as well as A grades in History and Economics, scored the maximum 400 points in his French A level, making him the number one scoring student in England and Wales for 2014.

“Receiving the good news was such a surreal feeling and I was both shocked and ecstatic!” said Hugo. “I’m very proud of my achievement and hope that it shows that hard work really does pay off.”

Hugo, who is now studying History and Spanish at the University of Nottingham, also praised the college staff for their support. “I could not have achieved the mark without the help and support of the French department at Richmond and would like to thank them for their encouragement and for all the work they put in to tutor me,” he said. “Having lecturers who teach with such enthusiasm and who clearly love what they do certainly made my years at RuTC that much more enjoyable.”

His outstanding achievement was recognised at WJEC’s annual A Level Awards ceremony in Cardiff.

NewsWire

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Christmas Jumper DayStudents and staff in Supported Learning led the way in December as the college raised £103 for Save the Children thanks to Christmas Jumper Day. “It was great to see so many people getting into the spirit of Christmas as well as all the fantastic variety of jumpers worn!” said Supported Learning lecturer Caroline Read.

Cut Loose & Cast OffIn October, Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Pre BA) students held their ‘Cut Loose & Cast off’ exhibition, showcasing experimental and exploratory work produced during the first six weeks of their course.

Serving up a festive treat During December, Catering students cooked up a delicious menu of festive lunch and dinners to over 740 customers in the college’s Merits restaurant. Dishes included slow roasted Sussex turkey, chestnut stuffing and rosemary infused roasted potatoes and mulled wine poached pear.

Christmas party funStudents celebrated the end of the autumn term with a Christmas party in the college’s Glades building. The party included a DJ, pizza and frozen slushy drinks plus a best Christmas outfit competition - with the winner taking home an iPod Shuffle.

Debut in debating compIn December, A level students Hannah Eaton, Aliyah Davies, Cameron Taylor and Jasmine Bell competed in the Merton heats of the Debating Matters competition. The group took on teams from Esher College, Southborough High School and St John’s School, claiming a victory over Esher but narrowly losing out in the final to St John’s.

IT students recognised In December, IT students were rewarded for their hard work in the autumn term with a Student Recognition Awards event. Over 16 certificates and awards were handed out to students across all levels of IT. A free buffet was also provided to students as a thank you for their efforts between September and December.

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Documents

Celebrate Issue 1 (14/15)