The Edge - December 2020

Celebrating our success with the community
Issue #4
December 2020
Warrington & Vale Royal College Newspaper
@wvrcollege
wvr.ac.uk
Students raise over
£2,000 for The Royal British Legion
Sporting Superstars
Public Services and Sport
students have raised an
impressive total of £2,009.10
for The Royal British Legion’s
Poppy Appeal.
Despite the adverse weather
conditions, the students gathered
at Warrington’s Orford Park on
Monday 30th November to take
part in My Poppy Run 2020, a
national fundraising event.
The students completed either a
30-minute or 60-minute run or walk
to raise money for this fantastic
cause. Each student set their
own personal goal of covering a
certain distance or hitting a specific
number of steps.
As well as running, the students
sold a delicious array of cakes
and biscuits to staff and students
around the college, the proceeds
of which will also go towards
the charity.
Matthew Ninnis, one of the
participating students, said,
“Running in the winter can be
physically challenging, but I’m
hoping to cover as much distance
as I can.” Matthew, who dreams
of joining the RAF in the future,
also said, “A lot of us want to go
into the armed forces where you’d
be required to work outside in all
weather conditions. We can’t let
rain put us off!”
The proceeds raised by Warrington
& Vale Royal College will help The
Royal British Legion to continue
their vital work; providing social,
emotional and financial support
to members of the British Armed
Forces and their families.
Well done to all those involved!
Basketball star Louis on track for Paralympic glory
Level 3 Sport student Louis
has an exciting future ahead
in wheelchair basketball after
being hand-picked by British
Wheelchair Basketball, the
governing body of the sport, to
complete a prestigious Diploma
in Sporting Excellence.
The qualification is designed
for elite athletes who have the
potential to achieve excellence in
their sport and who are looking
to perform at the highest level.
Talented Louis is completing his
diploma alongside his college
course, as he advances towards
his dream of competing in the
Paralympics.
Louis was first introduced to the
Paralympics at a young age, after
going to watch the games when
London hosted the Olympics and
Paralympics in 2012. Inspired by
the performances of the athletes,
he was eager to see which sports
he could try back home and fell in
love with wheelchair basketball.
Louis has since enjoyed incredible
success in the sport, including
representing the North West in the
National Junior Championships.
The team were triumphant in 2018,
coming away with the coveted gold
medal. He has also recently been
talent-spotted for the GB Regional
Academy, where he will be trained
by Team GB Men’s coach.
Louis says, “I’ve really enjoyed
my time here. My tutors have
encouraged me to get involved
with basketball and they help me
with my coursework. I’ve also been
given some great opportunities,
such as being offered to complete
a refereeing course whilst
studying.”
Louis’s tutor, Chris Percival says,
“Louis is a very motivated student
who wants to be challenged. He is
very goal-orientated and has high
expectations of himself, which he
lives up to. He is passionate about
basketball and doing really well in
his studies.”
Photo credit:
Andrew Fairclough Photography
01925 494 494 Campuses in Warrington and Winsford
Warrington & Vale Royal College
wvr.ac.uk

2
Talented Sports student,
Harry chases his footballing dream
Sporting Superstars (continued)
This year at Warrington & Vale
Royal College, there has been
an impressive number of gifted
Sports students excelling in
their sporting careers.
One such student is Harry Roper,
who is on our Level 3 Sport
course. Harry is a keen football
player who has his sights set
on becoming a professional
goalkeeper. The former Irlam
& Cadishead Academy student
joined Pro-Football Academy
(PFA) at age 15. Whilst training
here, he was approached by head
coach Gareth Hughes, who leads
the grassroots football training
academy, Coach Right. Gareth
immediately spotted Harry’s
potential and encouraged him to
play for Coach Right’s first team.
Since September, Harry has joined
Old Alts, a team in the Manchester
League Premier Division, which
is the highest league in amateur
football in the Manchester region.
He currently plays in their first
team and has delivered some
impressive performances,
including saving a penalty against
rivals Maine Road Reserves. Harry
says, “My coach advised me if I
wanted to become a professional
player, I’d need to commit to the
team which is something I was
ready to do. I want to progress as
high up in football as I can.”
Alongside his goalkeeping dreams,
Harry continues to excel on his
college course, carefully managing
a packed schedule of studying,
training and coaching. Harry’s
tutor, Chris Percival says, “Harry’s
engagement is exemplary and
he is one of our most committed
students; whether that’s in
classroom-based activities, or in
remote learning. He is someone
other classmates look up to; a real
role model.”
Cycling Superstar Syd on the
road to success
Level 3 Sport student, Syd
Brown has ambitious plans for
his track career after enjoying
much success in the sport.
Last year, he was selected to join
the Regional Schools of Racing
(RSR) Programme, a talent
development pathway launched
by British Cycling. This aims to
develop young riders who are
showing the most promise in the
sport, to prepare them for the next
stage in their sporting career.
Syd first developed a love of
cycling after his grandad, who
raced competitively, introduced him
to the sport and encouraged him
to take part. Syd, who lived and
attended school in Majorca, began
his training at a young age and
even rode across the Pyrenees. At
the age of 15, he came to the UK
to compete in regional races and
was immediately hooked.
Syd’s earliest national endurance
races included The Isle of Man
Youth Tour and the North West
Youth Tour. In one of the stages
of the North West Youth Tour, Syd
managed to place an impressive
12th place out of 120 riders.
Syd currently races for a team led
by respected coach Dan Coombes
and has entered in a string of
competitions including two national
time trials. He has also competed
abroad in Majorca and has even
had the opportunity to compete
in Dubai, where he managed to
achieve a fantastic 3rd place.
Despite competitions being scarce
this year due to the pandemic,
Syd has continued to train hard
and typically spends 12-18 hours
per week on a dedicated training
plan. He visits the velodrome in
Manchester weekly, an Olympic
standard venue which has
produced some of the UK’s best
known cycling stars, including Sir
Chris Hoy and Sir Bradley Wiggins.
Alongside his passion for cycling,
Syd is dedicated to his college
studies and achieved a fantastic
distinction grade last year. Syd’s
tutor Chris Percival says, “Syd is
a big presence in the group and is
very highly respected. He shares
his experience in cycling and the
other learners regard him highly.”
Syd is full of praise for his tutors
saying, “All of them are positive
and want to see you succeed. For
example, Matt is a motivator- he
keeps us all on track. I wouldn’t
have got my distinction without
Matt’s help.”
Determined Syd’s next goal is
to move to Spain after college,
where he will pursue competitive
racing, “I’d like to enter track racing
in Spain as the races are more
challenging and you can compete
on flat or hilly terrain.” With his
drive and dedication, we are sure
to see Syd taking pride of place on
the podium!
Aaliyah’s
Boxing
Triumph
Level 3 Sport student
Aaliyah has set her sights on
representing Team GB in boxing
after working hard to establish
herself in the sport.
The former King’s Leadership
Academy student has a passion for
boxing, having joined clubs from
the age of 8. She has trained with
Hook and Jab Boxing and Fitness
Centre, a Warrington-based gym,
for the last 2 years and represents
the clubs under 18s in local and
regional competitions.
Aaliyah last competed earlier
this year in Wolverhampton and,
after a gruelling match, she came
away the triumphant winner. She
is now training for the national
championships in the hope of
winning more titles and being
scouted for Team GB.
Aaliyah says she originally joined
the sport course as, “The tutors
seemed friendly and supportive.”
She is interested in directing her
passion into becoming a boxing
coach and she says, “The theory
work I’m studying on the course
helps me with my understanding
of coaching.”
01925 494 494 Campuses in Warrington and Winsford Warrington & Vale Royal College
wvr.ac.uk

3
Ambitious chef James
secures prestigious role at fine
dining restaurant The French
Inspirational Students
James Tomkins, who is
currently studying on our Level
3 Hospitality & Culinary Arts
course, secured the coveted
position after impressing the
team during his work experience.
The fine dining venue based in
Manchester’s landmark hotel The
Midland, boasts 4 AA Rosettes
and has been named one of the
top 15 restaurants in the UK,
amongst a glittering track record
of awards and accolades. It is run
by renowned and much-celebrated
chef Adam Reid. Adam personally
hand-picked James to join their
team after impressing the chef
with his skills, and he was offered
a permanent position three weeks
into his work placement.
Former Lymm High School student
James says, “This opportunity is
the best thing I have ever done. I’m
constantly learning on the job.” The
restaurant commands the highest
standards and James is proud to
deliver exceptional service, “It’s an
art form; it combines science and
art. Everything has to be precise;
ingredients weighed to the gram
and we’re always told consistency
is key.” James hosts guests at their
tables as well as working in the
kitchen, which he says is, “Great
for building guest experience skills
and I enjoy being able to interact
with guests; I prefer being able to
do that.”
He says being at college has given
him the necessary skills in food
preparation essential to securing
a job within this competitive
industry. His experience at The
French means he is able to share
advice and guidance with his
peers. James says, “Now I mentor
the younger students using my
experience and influences. I think
the more influences you get, the
better. You can see lots of different
techniques and work to develop
your own style.” He achieved the
top mark distinction grade in his
studies last year and hopes to
repeat his success in his final year.
James is setting his sights on even
bigger goals for the future. He
says, “I’d like to work my way up,
continue building up my knowledge
and eventually run my own
restaurant.” With his passion and
love of cookery, we have no doubt
he will succeed!
Art sensation Sharda
puts a unique spin on
printmaking!
Talented adult learner, Sharda
Moulten-Schwartz, who is on
the Level 3 Art and Design
course, has taken a printmaking
brief to another level, shunning
traditional methods in favour
of using her own body as a
printmaking tool!
Sharda says her work explores
movement and being a yoga
instructor inspires the fluid, vivid
images she creates.
Sharda says although she initially
didn’t pursue an art course as
a school leaver, she now feels
confident about pursuing her
passion as an adult learner. She
says, “I really enjoy art because it
gives you the chance to express
yourself without being judged.”
She also praises the support from
her tutors, saying, “They are chilled
and friendly and the environment is
really nice.
Sharda’s tutor Hazel Roberts
says, “Sharda is stretching the
brief that she has been set and is
an amazing student who shows
great dedication to the course.
She is a great role model for her
younger peers in the class. This
work and amount of creativity so
early on in the course is really
exciting. I cannot wait to see what
she does next!”
01925 494 494 Campuses in Warrington and Winsford Warrington & Vale Royal College
wvr.ac.uk

4
Meet Megan, our Graphic
Inspirational Students (continued)
Design notebook cover competition winner!
Earlier this year, the Media and
Graphic Design department
organised a competition asking
for students to come up with
a new notebook cover design,
which would be printed and
handed out to all students on
the graphic design and creative
media courses.
Impressing the tutors with her
eye for design, Megan Norton
was the lucky winner! The Level 3
Graphic Design student says she
was surprised but very pleased
to have been picked. Asked what
her inspiration for the design was,
Megan says, “I like the vintage
80s style which has become very
on-trend and popular recently.”
Graphic Design tutor Ellie Strowger
says, “We had lots of entries from
both new students and those who
have been with us for a few years.
It was a tough decision for me and
colleagues from the Graphics and
Media departments. We chose
Megan’s design due to its funky,
bold, colourful, and simplistic
composition; we really liked the use
of the old school analogue cassette
tapes and could easily envisage
the notebooks being used by our
cohort of students to take down
notes in class, or for doodling!”
Former Winsford Academy student
Megan studied graphic design at
school and knew she wanted to
pursue this subject as a career.
Megan says her favourite part
about the course is learning
how to use different software
and equipment and says she is,
“thoroughly enjoying studying at
college.” Ellie says, “Megan has
a really good work ethic; she has
always taken her studies seriously
and has worked hard to develop
her creative design skills. They
have really flourished with each
assignment brief. She is quick
to learn from her mistakes and
doesn’t dwell on them - it’s these
attributes that have helped her
progress into a great designer.”
Art students create imaginative ‘salt’ exhibition
at Cheshire’s Lion Salt Works Museum
HND Fine and Applied Arts
students from our Winsford
campus have produced pieces
for an art exhibition at the
Lion Salt Works Museum in
Northwich. The exhibition runs
from 2nd December until 11th
January 2021.
The exhibition is inspired by the
Lion Salt Works Museum and salt’s
legacy on the people, industry
and landscape of Cheshire. This
imaginative exhibition is the
culmination of months of extensive
research and design, using
different artistic processes. The
display includes ceramics, glass,
mixed media works and paintings.
Of the artwork, tutor Chris Malins
said, “The students have taken
inspiration for this exhibition from
a variety of sources, including
landscape, the daily lives of
salt-workers, geology and the
industrial buildings at the Lion Salt
Works Museum. Our students
have worked hard on their designs,
which has involved them mastering
different techniques, including
mould-making, firing, glazing and
fusing glass. They have really
embraced the topic and their work
gives new insights about salt in
an imaginative and professional
interpretation.”
HND student Kerry Porter-Jones,
from Grappenhall, was inspired
by the geology of the area.
Using moulded stoneware clay,
she produced a selection of
inter-linking bowls that she has
layered with oxides and stains
to produce striking and beautiful
representations of salt crystals and
the geological layers beneath the
Cheshire Plain.
She said, “Cheshire is one of the
few places in the country with deep
layers of salt and it is amazing
to think that for centuries this
resource has been so key to the
area. Geology is the starting point
for all of this and it inspired me to
base my work on it.”
To find out more or arrange a visit, please call
Lion Salt Works Museum on 01606 275066
or visit www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Student Elaine Bass, from
Grappenhall, said, “My work is
mixed media and I have taken
inspiration from the flashes,
regenerated former industrial
wastelands, orchids and the stark
beauty of nearby birch trees.”
“My work is made up of five glass
panels that feature representations
of salt crystals that I will display on
specially-made clay bowls. I have
really enjoyed researching the
history of salt and seeing its impact
on the landscape.”
01925 494 494 Campuses in Warrington and Winsford Warrington & Vale Royal College
wvr.ac.uk

5
Students help create insulated
blankets for the homeless
Dedicated students at
Warrington & Vale Royal
College’s Winsford campus
have been busy collecting
empty crisp packets for the
Crisp Packet Project.
The charity uses crisp packets to
create insulating blankets for the
homeless, an endeavour that is
especially important throughout the
cold winter months.
The Level 3 Health & Social Care
students have spent the past two
weeks collecting the crisp packets
from friends and family as well as
college staff and students. They
set up several drop-off points
around the campus along with a
poster campaign to advertise the
collection and raise awareness on
social media.
Student Harry Buckley was
delighted to take part in the
collection saying, “I feel so proud
to be part of the incredible group
who helped with this. I hope
that the homeless feel safer and
warmer with the insulating blankets
we’re helping to make.”
Tutor Alison Hetherington, who
teaches the group, says, “I’m
really proud of how they have all
worked together and contributed
to such a worthwhile cause.”
College Enrichment Co-ordinator
Megan Nadin added, “It’s amazing
how many packets the students
have gathered in such a short
space of time.”
Following their collection, the
students will carefully wash and cut
the crisp packets, ready to be sent
on to the Crisp Packet Project.
The students have surpassed their
target of 440 crisp packets, which
will enable the charity to produce
10 survival sheets and comfort
those in need.
To find out more about the work of
the Crisp Packet Project, head to
crisppacketproject.com
WVR Community
Christmas
jumper day!
Staff at Warrington & Vale Royal
College got into the Christmas
spirit this year by taking part
in Save the Children’s annual
Christmas Jumper Day.
The proceeds will be used to help
young children both in the U.K and
overseas. We think everyone looks
merry and bright!
Toy Appeal sees a
fantastic response from
the college community
We are proud to support the Toy
Appeal 2020 again this year and
what a response we have had!
The collection of toys and gifts will
go to two charities: The Warrington
Toy Appeal and The Salvation
Army Northwich, who support
families in need in the local area
and aim to ensure every child can
look forward to a gift at Christmas.
Fantastic effort!
Thoughtful Health & Social Care students team up
to support care homes during the pandemic
Caring Health & Social Care
students and staff have recently
been working together to
support local care homes during
the pandemic.
As well as organising a collection
amongst college staff to create
care packages for both residents
and care home staff, the students
plan to set up regular contact
with residents through a pen-pal
scheme and video calls.
Employer Engagement Officer
Lisa Murrell reached out to
care homes the college work in
partnership with and said the
response has been overwhelming.
“One of my employers who I
have established a good working
relationship with had rang me
in floods of tears - she couldn’t
thank the college enough for the
thoughtful gesture. She said that
the residents would be absolutely
thrilled with the contact from our
college students.”
The students hope to establish
a great ongoing relationship with
residents, via regular letters and
virtual face-to-face calls. A select
few students will deliver the care
packages by hand, in full PPE and
adhering to social distancing rules.
Lisa comments, “This is also a
great opportunity for our students
at a time where they’re unable to
go out on work placement. “
01925 494 494 Campuses in Warrington and Winsford Warrington & Vale Royal College
wvr.ac.uk

6
College News
Centre of excellence in advanced
manufacturing & engineering at Winsford campus
The new academic year brought
with it exciting changes at
our Winsford campus, which
during the summer months
was transformed to become
the home of our new Advanced
Manufacturing & Engineering
Training (AMET) Centre.
Thanks to funding from the Local
Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP)
Local Growth Fund, the college
will serve the region as a specialist
centre for advanced manufacturing
and engineering training.
Students joining AMET at Winsford
this year are studying a number
of subjects including diplomas
in Mechanical Engineering and
General Engineering, plus Levels
1, 2 and 3 Electrical Installation.
Alongside these vocational
courses, engineering apprentices
will have the opportunity to work
for employers across Cheshire.
Moving forward, our Winsford
campus will house additional
equipment to support the skills
required for smarter manufacturing
techniques and accelerate the
adoption and use of Industrial
Digital Technologies (IDTs) such
as robotics, industrial control and
digital intelligence. This will enable
cross-sector collaboration and raise
productivity and competitiveness.
The investment from the LEP will
ensure the facilities and curriculum
across both college sites in
Winsford and Warrington are in
line with local employer demand
within the manufacturing and
engineering sectors. There will
be a strong focus on Metallurgy
within the Winsford campus and on
Mechatronics and Metrology at the
Warrington campus.
As part of a five-year plan, the
centres across both campuses
will be equipped with specialist
equipment which will enable
businesses to transform their
business practices at a faster
pace and through cross-sector
collaboration.
To find out more about the exciting
plans for the AMET Centre in the
coming months and the subjects
on offer to students joining the
college in September 2021,
visit: wvr.ac.uk/amet
Fantastic feedback for the
Learner Services Team
Record numbers of Access
to Higher Education students
apply to university
Warrington & Vale Royal
College’s Learner Services team
are delighted to have received
an abundance of wonderful
compliments from existing and
future students.
This dedicated team pride
themselves on providing the best
possible customer service, whilst
helping students with a huge range
of queries. One student, who
had been away from education
for some time, thanked the team
for how reassuring they were,
saying, “I was very nervous being
an older student and Sadie has
been amazing through the whole
process, making me feel more at
ease for my return to education.”
Other students praised our helpful
staff saying, “I’d like to say how
helpful Emily has been; I’ve asked a
lot of questions and she’s answered
all of them.” Another student stated,
“Sue was lovely to deal with and
she was very helpful.”
The team were also thanked
for their prompt and polite email
correspondence, “I received great
information and quick, helpful
replies.” Another student said,
“I’ve found the replies came back
really quickly. Really helpful and
informative. It’s just helped the
entire process flow a lot smoother
for myself.”
As a college, we are incredibly
proud of the lovely compliments
our Learner Services team have
received and look forward to
providing a consistently excellent
service to all of our students.
This year, Warrington & Vale
Royal College are incredibly
proud to see record numbers
of Access to Higher Education
students setting their sights on
university.
Over 60 adult students studying
a range of courses, including
Access to HE - Social Work
and Access to HE - Health
Professionals, have applied to
university courses beginning
in 2021. Several have already
received conditional offers.
Progressing onto a range of
courses including Nursing, Mental
Health Nursing, Social Work,
and Midwifery, the students are
set to become part of the next
wave of health and social care
professionals entering the field.
Kerri Cowell-McQuillan, who
is currently studying Access to
HE - Health Professionals at the
college, has received a conditional
offer from the University of Chester
to study Psychology. Kerri says,
“Education is always something I
have had a passion about. Being
a full-time mum to three boys,
I put my dreams on hold, but I
never dimmed my light. You are
never too old to do what you love!
The college tutors have been
great with their advice and guided
me through the stages of UCAS
applications.”
Fellow student, Tanya Gregory
has received an offer from Edge
Hill University to study Nursing
(Learning Disabilities), and is
also delighted to be moving on
to higher education. She says,
“It’s taken me a long time to
pluck up the courage to return to
education. My motivation to further
my education onto university is
to have that ability to help and
support others. It’s the step in the
right direction to get me where I
need to be to become a learning
disability nurse.”
Warrington & Vale Royal College’s
specialised careers team are
dedicated to supporting students
with their university applications
and ensure they are in the best
possible position to reach their
desired career.
To find out more about our Higher
Education courses, visit
wvr.ac.uk/higher-education
01925 494 494 Campuses in Warrington and Winsford Warrington & Vale Royal College
wvr.ac.uk