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West Midlands Open College

west midlands open college

Walsall

Professional GCSEs are here. Click for more information on WMOC Professional GCSEs Targeting adults and young adults not in main stream education, looking for alternative secondary education with a money making focus. COLLEGE-OPEN LEARNING INFORMATION COVID-19 ANNOUCEMENT: ALL CENTRE BASED AND VISITS ARE NO LONGER TAKING PLACE. ALL OUR LESSONS HAVE NOW BEEN MOVED TO ONLINE LIVE WEBINARS. STAY ALERT, SAVE LIVES, SAVE THE NHS(AND YOUR HEALTH SYSTEM IN YOUR COUNTRY WHERE YOU ARE). In the UK we are now allowing face to face meetinmgs as the government has relaxed the rules. If your tutor asks you to attend, you are free to do so. Also we will have both systems running side by side: physical meetings and online live webnair(Updated 23rd May 2022) The college takes on distance learning students nationally in the United Kingdom and internationally therefore, you can study in the comfort of your home and also have an option of attending some of our face to face sessions(when the LOCKDWON is over) either via tutor led sessions in comfortable location near your home. As of now all our lessons are mandatory via live webinars. The Open College is designed for people to have maximum and unlimited access to to Further Education and Higher Education of quality both accredited with exam boards and bespoke professional development programmes. The College targets all wishing to further their education and those wishing to continually develop themselves through CPD workshops in any discipline that is listed on our course page, we also design bespoke courses to meet the learning needs of corporations and groups of individual. The ethos is that not at any time should any one be left out to have a chance for further education(FE) and higher education(HE) including professional development. Entrepreneurs and leaders of any sector and background are supported through long and shorter term courses. With the state of art online learning system and via live link, we are able to do seminars and run run courses effectively. Candidate do not have to ravel to our centres in the UK. We have broken the barrier of distance and one can speak live to our tutors and lecturers. Through the John Lukomona Scholarship scheme, you can benefit by studying Entrepreneurship; and many a people that qualify and have started their first step, in the journey, towards launching a business, To apply click here first COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP COMMISSION(CSC) CANDIDATES The West Midlands Open College delivers professional courses to the commonwealth commission sponsored fellows. The past fellows were hosted by the Lifegate Centre Communities in Walsall. 2015 was the second year in delivering the core components of development courses that added value to the scholars' career and development to their country of origin, when they returned at the end of the programme. Click here and follow the story of this year's May to July 2015 journey of the scholars. Are you thinking of a choice for special destination to acquire effective development with your commonwealth scholarship application? West Midlands Open College has that experience to give you that professional boost in any area of your discipline interest.

Stained Glass Centre

stained glass centre

London

The Stained Glass Centre was established in 2008 by the recently-formed Stained Glass Trust, with the aim of providing an educational centre to encourage the study and appreciation of stained glass, as well as breathing life back into St Martin-cum-Gregory. This beautifully evocative Grade I listed building, which dates back to before the 11th century, is home to a rich range of historic glass, including some of the earliest logos to be seen in stained glass and memorials to celebrated glass-painters. Set in the city of York, home to much of Britain’s surviving ancient glass and a focus for craft and creativity in the modern day practice of stained glass making, The Stained Glass Centre provides a unique point of interpretation for the city, with demonstrations, workshops, guided tours and lectures. The Stained Glass Centre is developing as a national resource for the discovery and interpretation of stained glass. The building has long been a destination for those interested in this fragile medium. As the Stained Glass Centre, it is transforming into a venue in which residents, students and visitors can explore, participate in and learn more about one of the most beguiling of crafts, one that continues to be central to the heritage, culture and economy of the city of York. Now that the future of the building has been secured for public use, a programme of events is bringing people and new life back into the building. Founding Aims The Stained Glass Centre was established with five long-term aims for its future role The Stained Glass Centre will be a national resource for the discovery and interpretation of stained glass. Visitors will be able to participate in, and learn about, craft-skills, arts and industries that continue to play a vital role in the life of the city and region. Practitioners from all over the UK will have a national centre of excellence for the study and development of their craft. People of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about the historic importance of this beautiful art form as well as helping it to develop and flourish for the 21st century. The creation of the Stained Glass Centre in the former church of St Martin-cum-Gregory will give new life to one of York’s most beautiful ‘lost’ buildings. Regeneration The establishment of the Stained Glass Centre within the former church of St Martin-cum-Gregory aims to give stunning new life to a magnificent building, with the exciting opportunity for regular public access to one of York’s most beautiful ‘lost’ buildings, and to see, and have interpreted, its lovely fittings and glass. Through the Centre, residents of central York can reclaim aspects of their own local history, participate in, and learn about, craft-skills, arts and industries which continue to play a vital role in the life of the city and region. The Stained Glass Centre also plays a key role in the re-awakening of Micklegate, which once was, and could be again, York’s most important and elegant street. The Centre works closely with the Micklegate Quarter, hosting and participating in events for the local community.

City of Birmingham Choir

city of birmingham choir

Birmingham

It is our Centenary in 2021 and 2022. Since 1921, the City of Birmingham Choir has entertained audiences with a wide and adventurous repertoire. Performing in historic Town Hall and in magnificent Symphony Hall, we have enjoyed a warm musical partnership with the city’s outstanding orchestra, the CBSO. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the choir continued to rehearse and present performances online. We have enjoyed rehearsing and performing together again since the autumn of 2021 as well as giving live concerts in Symphony Hall, Town Hall and Tewkesbury Abbey. Our Centenary concert centrepiece is Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony in November 2022. Read about the choir: History and Concert Archive. Our Conductor and Musical Director is Adrian Lucas. Adrian brings a wealth of experience as one of the country’s leading choral directors and conductors. Composer, teacher, conductor and all-round versatile musician, Colin Baines is our Accompanist. We have sung the major choral works as well as challenging newer compositions and a wide range of smaller scale music. The standard of our performances draws consistent praise. In Symphony Hall… As well as the CBSO, we have worked with the Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Swan, BBC Concert Orchestra, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra and Westminster Chamber Orchestra. We joined the CBSO Chorus and CBSO for the much-praised centenary performances of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, The Apostles and The Kingdom. We have performed some of the more intimate choral repertoire in ‘out of town’ venues such as Tewkesbury Abbey and Gloucester Cathedral. Easter 2017 saw our second hugely successful and enjoyable overseas tour – singing Handel’s Messiah in the Stephansdom in Vienna – following a tour to Paris in April 2015. A highly acclaimed performance of James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross, our stylish annual Handel’s Messiah performances, collaborations with Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra (Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast in 2017), Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 with period instruments – these are some highlights. Amongst our 90th birthday celebrations was the ground-breaking Equinox concert bringing together musicians from many cultures. A Christmas Treats CD was recorded in the same year. Exploring both more familiar territory (Handel, Bach, Monteverdi, Brahms, Mozart, Haydn, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Holst, Britten, Finzi), and less well-known, (such as Samuel Wesley, Howells, Rautavaara, Kenneth Leighton and Jonathan Dove), we continue to plan enterprising programmes. June 2015, saw us in jazz mode, performing the popular Zimbe! and a new composition, The Rain Queen, by our own composer, John Barber. Paris Tour 2015 - Notre Dame, Sunday amParis Tour 2015 – Notre Dame, Sunday am We also perform for other organisations, including Raymond Gubbay – Spectacular Classics, Christmas Classics, Beethoven’s 9th, Mozart’s Requiem, Carmina Burana and Karl Jenkins conducting his own music to a packed Symphony Hall. Conductor, Adrian Lucas The Choir is committed to supporting choral music making and has participated in Making Music’s Adopt-a-music-creator scheme as well as running singing competitions and workshops for people of all ages. We are proud to be an independent organisation promoting and financing major choral concerts with professional orchestras and soloists.

Jackie Thomson HypnoWellbeing

jackie thomson hypnowellbeing

Deganwy

I’ve always been fascinated by people. In fact, I love people and the fact that we are all so different. And I love conversation. We live in a world which is ever-changing. We have to adapt and some of us find that easier than others. And I'm no exception to that. I’ve spent a good deal of my life finding out what makes people tick, and I didn’t even realise it was happening. And that’s how I came to discover my passion – helping people to change the way they see themselves and the world around them. To learn to love themselves again. To believe in themselves. To overcome stress or emotional pain, whatever the cause. And to begin enjoy life again. Just as I have. My own experiences and extensive training have helped me grow, and I know I will never stop growing and evolving. I still study, attend workshops and training to enhance my knowledge and skills. Although, of course, certificates are no indication of anyone's life experience, wisdom or compassion. When I'm not studying, I love travelling and have had many wonderful experiences. I love anything to do with the theatre, music and dance. I grew up in a theatrical world. I played clarinet, performed on stage from a very young age and have directed musicals. Now, I just love to watch. What's next? Watch this space! MY STORY We all have a story, whether it’s just a few chapters or an enormous long novel. I have my story too, and I’ve used it to change my life and completely turn it around. I'd been interested in spirituality and the mind-body connection for as long as I can remember, and a huge life change gave me opportunity to re-examine the way I lived my life. I really believe that we can change our lives by changing the way we see ourselves and what’s happening around us – our thoughts create our reality. If we let go of negative patterns and limiting beliefs, we can change our thoughts and change our lives. After living through and learning from the many challenges in my own life, I recognised the potential for helping others to embrace positive change into their lives as well. I still apply my training in my own life. Recovering from abuse, self-loathing, failed relationships, lack of confidence and many other things that troubled my past has changed my life completely, just as it can change yours. It doesn’t change what’s happened, you can’t change the past, but you can enjoy your life now and create a better future. I know from personal experience how powerful this can be. I can help you to see what’s holding you back, offering you support and guidance as you go forward and take control of your life. I can’t do the work for you, but I will support you all the way, for as long as you need. Wouldn’t that be great? Loving the life you live and living a life you love? I do, and so can you!

Online Writing Training

online writing training

Online Writing Training offers online writing and grammar courses for individuals and organisations. The courses for organisations can be tailored based on your style guide. Writing is an essential business skill and these courses will help you improve your writing. Learn in your own time from anywhere in the world Created by Mary Morel, the courses are easy to fit into your busy schedule because each module is concise and self-contained. You can dip in and out when you have 15 minutes to spare. The courses are in Australian English, but the principles of good writing and grammar are universal. American users just have to accept a few spelling differences (organisation vs organization). Thoroughly modern online courses In 2018, I reviewed and updated all my original courses. They now include e-books, information sheets, videos, podcasts, quizzes and worksheets. The Write to Govern course also includes a copy of my book. To help you improve both your writing and grammar, I have created a Business Writing and Grammar Bundle. Normally A$790 for both courses, the price for the bundle is A$553, saving you A$237 (30%). I created this bundle because many users were completing the grammar course and then registering for the business writing one. (I offer a 30% discount when you buy a second course.) Why not register for an online course now? When you register for a course, you receive instant access for an unlimited time period. When you finish the course, you can download a certificate of completion. I also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if the course isn’t for you. Mary Morel Mary Morel I, Mary Morel, founded Online Writing Training to help people develop their writing skills and feel more confident about their writing. I have worked with words for most of my career – as a secondary school teacher, freelance writer, corporate trainer and author. My non-fiction books are Promote Your Business, Talk Up Your Business and Write to Govern. The first two were published by Allen & Unwin and I self-published the third. What I love about writing is that there’s always more to learn. Becoming a grammar expert I did not set out to become a grammar expert, but when I started writing a monthly e-newsletter over 15 years ago, people asked me grammar questions I couldn’t answer. I did a grammar paper at university, but don’t recall learning grammar at school. The Grammar, Punctuation and Usage course is the result of years of research and answering questions. Grammar can be complex, but I’ve tried to make the course practical and relevant. Becoming a board paper specialist I started specialising in teaching board papers within organisations in 2007. I successfully completed the company directors course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors and facilitated workshops for the Governance Institute of Australia for several years. I’ve written two editions of Write to Govern. The first edition was influenced by theory; the second was based on years of reading board papers and seeing the same sorts of challenges for writers.

Street Soccer Skills

street soccer skills

London

The Street Soccer Academy is a newly formed project recruiting the best talent from in and around London after the Nike academy collapse. The Street Soccer Academy host trials through application, where the successful candidates will be invited to an evaluation on technical, tactical, physical and mental abilities. Only a successful players from the trialist will be chosen to form the Street Soccer Academy Team who will go on to play academy and pre-academy sides, numerous showcase matches through out the season against foreign and British professional and ex professional players overseen by domestic British and foreign clubs. These players will be required to train together with showcase matches up to 2 times a month, to attend branded events and tournaments with opportunities of sponsorship and professional/semi-professional opportunities . The final Street Soccer Academy team will undergo frequent filmed game analysis where individual performances will be tracked for improvements and adjustments, as well as footage edited to contribute towards a players CV for an invite into future clubs. Players will also be documented to track progress and give a behind the scenes look into sports science, fitness methodology, individual coaching, talent ID and mental training on the path to a professional career. The Trial Alongside performance on the day we have an Academy lounge set up for football specific guest speakers, workshops and presentations with the professional advice corner on nutrition. Players will be required to undergo fitness test, technical ability challenges as well as physical and mental evaluations before undergoing numerous small sided games. (These small sided games will be recorded with game footage sent back to individuals upon request.) Players can also join being out of contract or contracted (In a team or out of a team), the academy is a great shop window for non-professional players to showcase their talent through our set up. Unsuccessful trialist who show strong potential will be invited to our advanced training centres and be at times asked to train alongside the first team as replacements for subsequent injuries or absentees with the possibility of making it into the squad full time. Created to discover, develop and deliver talented footballers to the exposure of professional, semi-professional and foreign clubs. We deliver sessions for U6-U14, however U16-U23 being the Street Soccer Skills Academy First Team. The successful selection of the Street Soccer Academy First Team & youth squad will not only have regular team training, but tailored training provided by sports scientist, specialist 1-1 coaches as well as strength and conditioning leaders to help fulfill the teams and individual potential to have the best chance of being recruited. Players looking to join our programme must attend the trial or request to attend our advance training through application. Unsuccessful trialist who show strong potential will be invited to our advanced training centers and be at times asked to train alongside the first team as replacements for subsequent injuries or absentees with the possibility of making it into the squad full time. So dont waste no time APPLY NOW if you think YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES...

East End Women's Museum

east end women's museum

THE EAST END WOMEN’S MUSEUM SEEKS TO RECORD, RESEARCH, SHARE AND CELEBRATE THE STORIES OF EAST LONDON WOMEN PAST AND PRESENT. IT IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY DEDICATED WOMEN’S MUSEUM IN ENGLAND. Rachel Crossley, Museum Director, presenting at a symposium (c) Debbie Sears It is currently a ‘pop-up’ museum, through: temporary exhibitions, online and touring around East London workshops for schools and community groups events, talks and stalls at festivals researching, writing and publishing women’s stories online learning activities partnerships with local community and cultural organisations We are delighted that we have been offered a permanent home in a new building in Barking. We are now working towards opening the site in the next year. WHY IS THE EAST END WOMEN’S MUSEUM SO VITAL? The Museum exists because for far too long women have been confined to the margins of history. For instance: Just 2.7% of UK public statues feature historical women who weren't royalty (source). There is just one statue of a named black woman in the entire country (source). Just 13% of English Heritage blue plaques in London honour women (source). According to an English Heritage survey, 40% of people thought that women had less of an impact on history than men (source). “ The East End Women’s Museum is part of the solution, and a matter of representation. We want to rebalance the history books, and put women back in the picture. East London women’s lives are full of amazing stories; stories of pride, of creativity, of humour, resilience, resourcefulness and resistance – from the Bow Matchwomen’s Strike to the Battle of Cable Street, the Ford Dagenham machinists’ walkout to the Bengali families squatting to improve housing in Spitalfields. We have footballers, inventors, carers, pilots, generals, pirates and more. We believe these lives can be inspirational to women and girls today. We believe every woman, past and present, should have a voice. We believe these stories deserve, and need, to be told. Find out more about the aims and values that drive us. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE East End Women’s Museum started out as a Community Interest Company (CIC), registered in November 2016. After a period of development and fundraising, we decided to register as a charity so we could raise the funds we need to open the museum, a natural and necessary next step for us. In late 2019 several of the directors of the East End Women’s Museum CIC became trustees of a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). After creating a new constitution, in March 2020 the new East End Women’s Museum CIO was admitted onto the register of charities overseen by the Charity Commission. The CIC and the CIO are separate organisations, but have the same name and are working toward similar goals. At the moment the two organisations run alongside one another, but over the coming months the original CIC will wind down its activities, and the charity will take on responsibility for delivering all of East End Women’s Museum programmes and activities.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Center

t'ai chi ch'uan center

In Memoriam - Grandmaster Chen Yun Ching 1939 - 2022 The Rochester Tai Chi Chuan Center and the Rochester Ling Yun Pai wish to express their heartfelt condolences to the Family of GM Chen Yun Ching, and to the Chen Pan Ling World Family. His instruction and experience in the Chen Pan Ling Legacy that he passed on to us will always be treasured, and continued. Chen Pan-ling T'ai Chi Ch'uan Long Form The Chen Pan-ling style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a composite of the Yang, Wu, and Chen styles. It was developed by a World War II era committee of top martial artists commissioned by the Chinese Nationalist Government. Chiefly promoted by Chen Pan-ling, this style has been recognized with his name. This style of T'ai Chi has borrowed several elements from other styles making it a more energetic form by utilizing a greater range of motion of the body. It promotes health and relaxation, as well as the connections that make T'ai Chi an internal martial art. The Chen Pan-ling style 99 posture long form is suitable for all student levels. Chen Pan-ling Legacy Arts Shaolin empty hand forms, Core Bagua, and Hsing-I drills are covered. Warm up exercises include Chinese traditional health exercises and stretches, and Qigong. This class is for those of Intermediate to Advanced level and ability. Grandmaster William C.C. Chen Yang Style 60 Posture Form Grandmaster William C.C. Chen has been described as a teacher's teacher. Quiet, gentle, and supportive, he is none-the-less knowledgeable and perceptive in his teachings and evaluation on what people need. Grandmaster Chen's 60 movement form is based on the Yang style. It provides people with the necessary motions and movements to allow them to experience the relaxed aspects of T'ai Chi Ch'uan as well as the connections that make T'ai Chi a powerful art. Classes are arranged to accommodate the beginner, (the first 20 movements), and the more advanced practitioner, (the complete 60 movement form). Grandmaster William C.C. Chen FUNdamental Principles & Postures This class will focus on the fundamental principles of T'ai Chi by repetitive practice of individual postures. T’ai Chi Ch'uan forms consist of a sequence of various postures regardless of the style. The postures were developed to teach different martial applications based upon fundamental principles of T'ai Chi. The principles taught will follow the William C.C. Chen method and cover the postures included in the William C.C. Chen short form. Emphasis will be placed on performing postures from both the left and right (mirror image). The class is open to beginning and advanced students. Grandmaster William C.C. Chen’s exploring T”ai Chi Ch’uan from the inside out. Grandmaster William C.C. Chen is constantly refining and thinking about better ways to convey his ideas about T'ai Chi Ch'uan. We will be exploring beyond basic body mechanics, to a better understanding of the internal feelings of making a shape. Looking inward, internal energy, staying rooted, the role of fingers and toes, and so much more! Grandmaster William C.C. Chen Yang Style Long Form - 132 postures The Yang Style Long Form is a direct descendant of the soft style Tai Chi form developed by Yang Chengfu (1883 - 1936), who trained Professor Cheng Man-Ching (1902 - 1975), who in turn trained Grandmaster William C. C. Chen (1933 - ). The Yang-style traces its roots to Yang Luchan (1799 - 1872). If you have completed Master Chen’s 1-60 Form and are looking to expand it, this is the next step. Cheng Hsin Mini set - Postures and Principles This is an introduction to Peter Ralston’s 7 posture points and 5 principles using his 12 posture mini set. The mini set is actually 24 postures as it is practiced in both the original and mirror image orientations. Cheng Hsin Pushing Hands This is a class in the application of T'ai Chi Ch'uan in a non-threatening manner. Two people work together to explore the movements which help the body, mind, and spirit, as well as gain insight into the martial aspect of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Students of either T'ai Chi styles are welcome to this class. It is insightful when the two styles meet. Sun T'ai Chi Ch'uan The Traditional Sun style long form as passed down to us by Tim Cartmell, taught to him by Sun Lu Tang’s daughter, Sun Jian Yun. Taiji for Meditation - Da Liu's Modified Yang Form We will use Master Da Liu’s modified Yang style Taijiquan Form with its gentle flowing movements, deep breathing and relaxed awareness, to quiet the body and mind, to reduce distraction, and to balance inner and outer awareness. Principles will also be covered to refine the Form and develop the internal aspects. The Form will be a vehicle for “mindfulness in motion” in order to achieve a calm meditative spirit, good health, and longevity. Warm up exercises include stretches, Qigong. This class suitable for all student levels. Balance and Leg Strength Training In this class we will work to improve our balance and leg strength, by using static and dynamic postures, and short sequences, drawn from some of the Qigong, Taijiquan, and Kuo Shu sets that have long been a part of our curriculum at the Rochester Tai Chi Chuan Center. Whether you want to improve your Internal Arts practice, or just want to age gracefully and prevent falls, this class is for Intermediate level and ability, but is open to all. Qigong An ongoing relaxation course, this is a Qigong workout for healing (sitting, standing and movement meditation for health and well-being). The goal is to sample methods to build into your daily health practices. Liangong RTCCC has used the 18 exercises of Series 1 of the Liangong health system for many years as a warm-up during tai chi classes. This class combines refinement of the Series 1 exercises with exploration of the additional exercises in Liangong Series 2 and 3. Proper form, the specific Liangong breathing technique, the coordination of movement and breathing, and the development of ‘internal stretch’ will be emphasized. T’ai Chi Principles We use the Simplified Taiji 24 posture Form and our Four/Eight Direction Form, to work on classic principles as defined by T'ai Chi classic writings. This course is for those of Intermediate level and a good pre-cursor to push hands and a prerequisite for long forms. Workshops The Center also offers regular workshops with many renowned instructors in the pursuit of excellence in the art of T'ai Chi and other internal arts.

Decolonise The Curriculum

decolonise the curriculum

London

Decolonizing the Curriculum Project (DCP) at UoK (funded by Teaching Enhancement Award and led by Dr Suhraiya Jivraj, Senior Lecturer in Law) Students are increasingly demanding a ‘liberated curriculum’ that represents their diversity as we see from #liberatemydegree, ‘Why is My Curriculum White?’ and other movements mentioned above as well as Kent Student Union campaign ‘Diversify My Curriculum’. Also at UoK law and politics students on the Race, Religion and Law module (convened by Dr Suhraiya Jivraj) have relished the opportunity both in workshops and through their assessment to explore both historical and contemporary issues that enable them to acquire ‘consciousness of their own position and struggle’ in society and education. The UoK EDI Project phase II strategy acknowledges this need in affirming that the ‘white curriculum acts as a barrier to inclusivity’ including because ‘it fails to legitimise contributions to knowledge from people of colour’. Phase II therefore seeks to ensure that ‘our curriculum reflects and addresses a range of perspectives’ and asks how this can be operationalised specifically at UoK. Modules like RRL and others in KLS are already operationalising a more inclusive curriculum requiring students to engage with key works from critical race/religion and decolonial studies which offer alternative perspectives to those heteronormative and euro-centric perspectives of white, able-bodied men dominating the western canon. This project will go one significant step further by placing students of colour as well as knowledge produced by people of colour at the centre. Being a student led project is crucial as it empowers them to become change actors and co-producers of knowledge, shaping the agenda and curriculum that seeks to include them. Moreover, it enables them to be ‘assets’ rather than see themselves represented as quantitative data in University diversity reports which does not capture the nuance and complexity of their lived realities. Empowerment for self-determination at the grassroots level is key as is apparent from student led movements that have already effected change in the curriculum. The desire for self and culturally intelligible knowledge is now well documented including in the University of Kent, Student Success (EDI) Project, Phase I:Report 2 ‘Theory and research on race and attainment in UK higher education’ by Hensby and Mitton (2017). This project seeks to operationalise this further and more broadly through the following three interlinked activities: 1) Focus groups: · Up to five stage 3 students will lead focus groups of five to ten BAME students from across the KLS UG programme. · The focus group leaders will form a research team and design the format and questions collaboratively, under the supervision of Dr Jivraj, using naturalistic methods and going through the KLS ethics approval process. 2) Publication of findings: · The data from the focus groups will be collated by the research team and will produce an accessible output such as a ‘manifesto of suggestions’ on making the curriculum more inclusive and a co-authored e-book. · The research team will also be supported in publishing findings via a blog and social media. 3) Student led conference · The workshop committee will organise a half day student led conference to discuss the findings and invite speakers from campaigns such as the NUS #liberatemydegree campaign; Why is My Curriculum White? (based at UCL); Decolonising our Minds SOAS; and the #Rhodesmustfall student movements and at least one academic speaker. Watch this space for further details.

Roundwood Park School

roundwood park school

Hertfordshire

With Grammar schools in nearby St Albans, that meant that it was in reality a secondary modern school although as its pupils reached school leaving age (15 in those days) it soon became apparent that many wanted to stay on into the fifth year and take ‘O’ levels so that facility was provided. The school opened with three teaching blocks – still recognizable as ‘B’ block, ‘C’ block and the hall, gym etc. where the staff room and offices were. There were three forms, one in each of the second, third and fourth years and three first year forms, making a total of 179 pupils. There were ten teachers including the first head teacher – Mr Arthur Foxwell. The school was organised into four houses – Braille, Campbell, Grenfell and Nightingale – thus providing a competitive element for the popular Sports Day and, from 1961 when the town’s pool was opened, the Swimming Gala. After three years, the school had reached its planned maximum size but often exceeded that over subsequent years due to its increasing popularity with local residents as well as those in Wheathampstead and Redbourn. Now we receive many pupils from the other villages – Markyate, Flamstead and Kimpton. This is partly due to the closure of smaller secondary schools in Redbourn and Wheathampstead so that the ‘economies of scale’ can be taken advantage of, full comprehensive provision within Hertfordshire and also due to parental preference. Mr Foxwell retired in 1976 after 20 years as Headteacher and Mr Turnbull took over for 2 years, being followed by Mr Haydon Luke who stayed for 17 years. Andy Cunningham stayed for 6 years and was replaced by Mr Nick Daymond who also stayed for 6 years until he was succeeded by the current Headteacher, Mr Alan Henshall. At various times in between, the Deputy Heads have held the fort – Mr Lucas, Mr Surtees and Ms Linda Graham – all contributing to the continuity and stability that have been part of the Roundwood ethos. Roundwood21There have been many changes over the past 60 years resulting in upheaval and disruption – increasingly frequent times when the site appeared more like a building site as a new Sixth Form/Modern Foreign Languages block was constructed, soon to be followed by a new Maths/Music building and a Sports Centre. The school is also now an Academy. The changes have not affected the ethos of the school and Roundwood Park remains the same, continuing to educate local children in a caring and supportive way that encourages them to develop their best talents through a broad and balanced curriculum. This article is adapted from the original produced for the 50th celebrations by Ruth Martin & Christine Hood. UPDATE On 13 September 2018 Roundwood Park was proud to officially open a state of the art 3G artificial pitch on the school site. A joint venture with Harpenden Colts FC, and with a £500,000 grant from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund, it allowed us to replace the existing grass pitch, which was unsuitable for football during the winter months. The new pitch is used by all students and players from the school as well as Harpenden Colts FC, who operate around 60 teams across eight different training venues. Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust also use the pitch to deliver sessions for female and disabled football, as well as its use for regular summer holiday camps and coach education workshops.