Students from County Durham schools have successfully completed a two week induction programme to introduce them to the world of construction.
The vocational programme was designed to prepare the students from Durham Community Business College, Fyndoune Community College, Belmont Community Arts College and Durham Johnston School for a two year BTEC course which will commence in September 2010.
The programme was designed and facilitated by Durham Education Business Partnership and included workshops, team building activities, practical taster sessions and site visits supported by 17 local and national employers.
Highlights for the students included a visit to the Clowbeck Eco-Centre run by the Clervaux Trust in Croft-on-Tees and a practical taster session in plastering held at S & D Training in Newton Aycliffe.
Posted in Learning on August 10th, 2010
Inspirational students gave their best during this year’s Bright Sparks competition final, in an effort to win the prestigious title of Bright Sparks Champions 2010. Held at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington early in July, the eight teams fought competitively before the team from the Education Village took the prize of £1000 for their idea ‘Grey Away’ which involved student artwork being developed to brighten office space.
Polam Hall School won the prize of £250 for producing the best advertising campaign and Hummersknott School & Language College walked away with the prize for best business plan.
An audience of over 300 watched the evening unfold at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington early in July with the event sponsored by Darlington Borough Council.
The competition, co-ordinated by Penny Hudson from Durham Education Business Partnership, was open to year 10 students from secondary schools within the Darlington area and involved students using their entrepreneurial skills to develop a business idea in the form of either a product or service. They were supported and assisted by business mentors from the Darlington area. Students also benefit from a presentation/media skills workshop in preparation to the final supported by Diane Youdale from BBC Tees, formerly Jett from Gladiators.
Posted in Uncategorized on July 23rd, 2010
The Learning Development Team at The Work Place, Newton Aycliffe have won an award in recognition of their work with Tees Valley students for their innovative and interactive activities introducing learners to a range of career opportunities available in the NHS and healthcare sector.
The Aimhigher Tees Valley Awards took place on Monday 5 July 2010 at the Wynyard Rooms and the team won an award in the Aimhigher Activity Category for their work Year 10 and Year 12 Tees valley students in the HealthTec, an innovative healthcare learning zone. This work has involved four year 10 healthcare carousel events and two year 12 healthcare conferences, with up to 100 students at each event. Events were supported by a number of different health professionals and higher education institutions.
Sarah Worsnop, Learning Development Co-ordinator said, “It is fantastic to be recognised for what we do, but we couldn’t do it without the support and commitment we receive from our volunteer health professionals.’
HealthTec enables students to work with healthcare professionals on activities developed to support a number of curriculum areas.
For more information about HealthTec please contact Kirsty Coates on 01325 375983
Posted in Uncategorized on July 23rd, 2010
Fund raising efforts are showing real results for the three Durham EBP staff preparing for the Women for Women Cycle China Challenge 2010 in October.
Sandra Brennen, Jessica Gibson and Penny Hudson will join Professor Winston for the 10th women only challenge to fund groundbreaking medical research work at the Wolfston and Weston Research Centre for Family Health in London.
They will be cycling 450km in Beijing province and need to raise a minimum of £10,000 before they set off! So far they have been able to raise £6300 from an array of events and activities.
Their thanks go out to all who have supported them so far. Amongst an array of events and activites have been a quiz night and Seventies Spectacular at The Crown at Manfield, a summer fayre at The Work Place in Newton Aycliffe, a pig racing nights at Summer Houses, a cake sale and endless car boot sales!
They are now selling raffle tickets for a fabulous draw at the end of July which offers prizes such as a free night Dinner Bed and Breakfast donated by Headlam Hall Hotel and 2 corporate hospitality tickets for a Sunderland home game given by Powerdial Systems Limited at Peterlee.
Although more events are organised, they are still looking for support and sponsorship to reach their goal. If you’d like to help you can contact them via email at jessica.gibson@durham.gov.uk.
You can also follow their progress and make donations via their web page www.justgiving.com/thedurhampedalpushers
Posted in Uncategorized on July 23rd, 2010
