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Bubble Wrap Hits The Catwalk In Recycling Fashion Show
Tuesday 11 December 2007
Recycling reached a new level when art and design students from Calderdale College took to the catwalk this evening (Tuesday 11 December).
Their garments, fashioned from bubble wrap, bottle tops, carrier bags, recycled textiles and every kind of used materials, took centre stage in a Recycle, Reuse Catwalk Show for friends and family in the college's Creative & Conservation Skills Centre theatre.
Art & Design students Emma Austin, Samia Ahmed and Emma Hodgson model their outfits made from recycled materials.
Creations ranged from a geisha costume with an enormous bow decorated with bottle tops, to a futuristic skirt made from layer upon layer of bubble wrap. Another eye-catching outfit featured hundreds of old slide cases, fastened together with wire to create a chain-mail effect dress.
Sophie Forrester, 19, from Norton Tower was one of three students who created the geisha dress. "We used old curtain linings for the base of the dress and then made a full-length skirt and train from Chinese newspapers that we bought in Manchester's Chinatown", she explained. "The flower in the head-dress is made from tissue paper and the fan from newspaper and chopsticks. It's been really interesting and enjoyable and we've worked well together".
"This has been an unusual and lively project which has caught everyone's imagination", said Art & Design Lecturer Simon Dunn. "Around 65 students have been involved, including Graphic Design learners who designed all the flyers and posters, and 35 models displayed outfits on the catwalk. They've shown a lot of attention to detail and I'm impressed with what they've produced. The show has been a big event and a great end to term."
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College, on 01422 882342 or Simon Dunn on 01422 357357 ext. 9758.
Pupils Get Early Chance To Try Vocational Skills
Saturday 24 November 2007
Almost a hundred school pupils from across Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford tried their hand at skills ranging from plumbing to beauty therapy at Calderdale College this weekend (Saturday 24 November).
Year 10 and 11 pupils sampled Construction Skills including joinery, electrical, trowel trades and plumbing, as well as Hairdressing, Beauty, Sport & Public Services, Childcare, Art & Design and Music Technology. The event was oversubscribed and two more taster days are planned next year on Saturday 2 February and Saturday 19 April for 15 - 18 year-olds, when sessions in Health & Social Care, IT, Business and Performing Arts will also be offered.
Calderdale College Construction Skills Academy Manager Dale Gravenor shows Conner Wild, 15, how it's done.
"These are hands-on workshops where young people really get the chance to have a go themselves and where we can tell them about vocational pathways towards employment and higher education", said Chris Eckersley, schools liaison officer at Calderdale College.
"Early entry onto this kind of training is hugely beneficial to some young people", she added. "We are now into our fifth year of a very successful programme for 14 - 16-year-olds where they continue their key subjects at school but come into college for one or two days a week to train and qualify in vocational subjects. We currently have over 400 school pupils on the programme and it's proved extremely effective at keeping young people in training beyond the school leaving age and getting them onto the first rung of their chosen career ladder."
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College, on 01422 882342 or Christine Eckersley, Schools Liaison Officer for Calderdale College on 01422 357357 ext. 9332.
Electrical Apprentices Move To Calderdale College
Thursday 22nd November 2007
Electrical Installation apprentices from Keighley are training at Calderdale College, following a decision by the Learning & Skills Council to award the apprenticeship contract to the Halifax-based college. Thirty apprentices are taken by coach for a full day of studies each week. Former Keighley College training officer Craig Olley has also joined Calderdale College's electrical team.
"We have an outstanding success rate for electrical apprenticeships, with a pass rate of 93 per cent this year, and are keen to reassure employers that their learners will receive first class support here", said John Eastwood, head of Electrical Installation at Calderdale College.
From left to right: Electrical Installation apprentices Nick McNally (20), from Silsden -based Airedale Electrical Engineering and Daniel Lewis (21), from AML Electrical Ltd in Steeton, continue their training at Calderdale College.
"Last year in the department overall, we retained 95 per cent of our 176 electrical learners and got 153 people through their qualifications", he added. That's a figure of 92 per cent, which compares with a national benchmark of around 70 per cent, and one which we're very proud of. In addition, the department was designated as an AM2 Test Centre for the region in 2006, one of only 28 in the country and a recognition of the quality of our service."
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer, Calderdale College, on 01422 882342 or John Eastwood, Head of Electrical Installation at Calderdale College on 01422 399330.
Deserving Volunteers Get Pamper Treat
Monday 19th November 2007
A pre-Christmas pamper was on offer for deserving volunteers and parents at the Boothtown Community Centre today (Monday 19 November).
Ten hair students from the North Halifax Skills Centre in Club Lane, which is run by Calderdale College, moved into the Community Centre to provide a four-hour session of treats, including upstyling hair and manicures. Hands-on practical workshops also gave mums the chance to learn how to plait and braid their children's hair.
Boothtown Community Pamper: Sam Drake, Donna Lowther, Pat Maurice
"This is the first time that we've been involved with the Boothtown Partnership and we've enjoyed being able to give something back to the community that we live in", said hair tutor Melanie Stott. "We've also organised a raffle and all the proceeds will go towards the children's Christmas party. Vicky Robertshaw, secretary of the Partnership, really supports us at the North Halifax Skills Centre and comes to us to get her hair done every week."
"All the helpers here are volunteers and it's important for them to have a bit of a treat', added Vicky. 'Also we have quite a few lone parents and today's session might give them the encouragement to sign up for courses at college themselves."
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer, for Calderdale College on 01422 882342 or Karen Shead, Marketing Manager, Calderdale College on 01422 357357. Vicky Robertshaw of the Boothtown Partnership can be contacted on: 0792 990 9980.
Deserving Volunteers Get Pamper Treat
Wednesday 14th November 2007
Chris Jones, Deputy Principal of Sheffield College, has been appointed as the new Principal of Calderdale College.
Chris joined Sheffield College in 2000 as Director of Finance and Corporate Services, becoming Deputy Principal at the beginning of 2006, and has been Acting Principal since August. Previously he was Director of Finance at Huddersfield Technical College for four years.
Chris Jones, the new Principal of Calderdale College.
"Calderdale College's initiatives on behalf of the local community and employers have been significant over the last five years", he commented. "I'm looking forward to working with colleagues across the college to build still further on those achievements."
George Richardson, Chair of Governors at Calderdale College, added "We are delighted to welcome Chris to Calderdale College and are confident that he has the right qualities to lead the college through the next phase of its development".
For further information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College on 01422 882342 or Karen Shead, Marketing Manager at Calderdale College on 01422 357357
First Anniversary Ball Celebrates Unique Hair Academy
Monday 12th November 2007
A glitzy ball and fashion show at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday marked the first anniversary of Mark Riley's new hair salon in Brighouse. The salon also houses a unique Hair Academy established in partnership with Calderdale College.
Eight trainee hairdressers showcased their talents with models whose complete look: hair, outfit and make-up, was created by the students themselves, on the themes of 'Innocence or 'Gothic'. Fifteen students received awards in a ceremony attended by family, friends and clients.
Trainee Rachel Wainwright receives her certificate from Mark Riley and Hair Academy Training Manager Andrea Beckie Seed
19-year-old Chloe Firth from Dalton, who has studied at the Hair Academy since it opened last November and completed her NVQ level 3, chose the theme of 'Innocence' to style her friend Melissa Parker. "Melissa's got really long blonde hair which is fantastic to work on and I've dressed her in an elegant, soft white dress to put the focus on her hair, which I've styled with a butterfly", she said. "We've all really enjoyed the opportunity to put our own show together and to demonstrate to everyone what we can do".
Salon manager Leanne Crowe said "The Brighouse salon is a big success. We've gone from a client base of 70 a week at the start, to 150 and are now taking on two new stylists. The Hair Academy runs alongside the commercial operation and is unique in having a dedicated classroom with computers so that our young hairdressers can do their college work on site with qualified teachers and assessors. It's building up a good momentum and we're now able to take on trainees from other salons too."
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College on 01422 882342 or Karen Shead, Marketing Manager, Calderdale College on 01422 357357. Leanne Crowe, Salon Manager, Mark Riley, Brighouse can be contacted on 01484 718719.
By George, That's Good! -
Georgian Society Comes to Halifax
Monday 29th October 2007
Halifax joined an exclusive group of venues this week when the Georgian Group gave a series of masterclasses on Georgian repair and maintenance at Calderdale College's Creative and Conservation Skills Centre.
In a week-long series of talks and hands-on demonstrations, the Group gave an insight into Georgian ironwork, sash windows, decorative plasterwork and joinery issues such as door and skirting repairs and split panelling. Conservationist Kevin Stubbs gave a history of bricks, mortars and renders while leading UK stone conservator and designer, Rory Young, demonstrated typical problems that he encounters in his work.
The Georgian Group gives a series of masterclasses on Georgian repair and maintenance at Calderdale College's Creative and Conservation Skills Centre
Stuart Harrop, head of arts, design and construction at Calderdale College added "Our Interior Design and level 3 Construction students and apprentices have attended the workshops and are very fortunate to have had access to this level of specialist knowledge. These sessions tie in with the philosophy behind the foundation of our Creative & Conservation Skills Centre, to provide specialist resources to our region."
The visit was assisted by Sheena Campbell, Townscape Heritage Initiative officer at Calderdale Council, which sent members of the conservation and renewal team to the masterclasses. The Townscape and Heritage Initiative is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to give out grants and to promote education and awareness. Grants are currently available to owners of historic buildings around the Piece Hall area and Halifax town centre.
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College on 01422 882342 or Karen Shead, Marketing Manager, Calderdale College on 01422 399352. Sheena Campbell, Townscape Heritage Initiative Officer at Calderdale Council, can be contacted on 01422 392260.
Halifax Hosts Student Golf Qualifier
Monday 8th October 2007
Calderdale College and Halifax Golf Club linked up today (Wednesday 3 October) to host their second annual British Colleges Sport (BCS) Golf Qualifier, after last year's successful event.
Eleven colleges from the North East region fielded 59 players from Scarborough, Darlington, Middlesborough, Grimsby, Guisborough, Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Halifax. The top four are to go through to a national final at Loughborough University next June.
Left to right: James Blenkinsop, Daniel Yates, Craig Waterworth, Stuart Blyth, Arran Robertson and Phil Dorman.
"It's fantastic for the College and Halifax Golf Club that the qualifier ran so well last year that we were asked to host it again", said Craig Waterworth, sports development officer at Calderdale College. "In fact it was so enjoyable that, since then, we've also organised three tournaments at the club just for students and staff. Golf is now part of our sport and health enrichment package, which aims to motivate our students to try out new things".
David Delaney, head golf professional at Halifax Golf Club added "We had very good feedback last year and we're proud to host the event again. This is part of the Club's overall strategy to encourage younger players into golf. We've cut our junior membership fees and are also bringing in a new student membership rate. We've increased from just four or five junior members a year ago to 30 or 40 and aim to double that in the next twelve months."
For press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College, on 01422 8823242 or Craig Waterworth, Sports Development Officer for Calderdale College on 07980 336625. David Delaney, head golf professional, Halifax Golf Club, can be contacted on 01422 240047.
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