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1678 Educators providing Courses

Monkey Music East Grinstead & Reigate

monkey music east grinstead & reigate

Reigate

Autumn term bookings are now open and are showing to be very popular. We are also pleased to say that classes with be running again in Reigate on a Monday from the 7th Nov.CloseThere are so many proven benefits that music is good for our children and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to provide a stimulating, fun packed music and singing class for your little ones.At Monkey Music we are proud to be part of your child’s musical journey from the age of 3 months to 4 years, meaning it is suitable for babies, toddlers and kids & I am delighted to be able to offer this fantastic experience to you and your children.I played the violin as a child and sang in the school choir, in my teenage years, I was always listening to music wherever I went.Now as an adult the radio is forever on and I love a good sing song.After I had my first child, I decided I wanted to share my love of music with her. She was only a few months old and I wasn’t sure where to start. We went along to quite a few different baby and toddler music classes and groups, but when Monkey Music was recommended to me by a friend, from the very first class we were hooked and never looked back. I was impressed with everything about the class, the structured lesson plans, the progressive musical curricula and a wonderfully caring teacher.Very soon my little girl loved her sessions so much we had to have a collection at home of the Monkey Music songs, books and of course Monkey and Mo so she could perform her very own classes.Because the curricular is progressive by nature, it often means that families stay with Monkey Music and even bring their new additions along, (I’m now attending with my second child).The four levels of Monkey Music are specially developed around the capabilities and interests of your child, at that specific time in their lives. You will hear traditional nursery rhymes as well as some of the 500 original Monkey Music songs that have been specially written to support the curricula and your child’s development. To aid this we will use an extensive kit of carefully selected instruments, sensory and colourful props with lots and lots of activities and actions. All of the above will certainly help your child with their Social, Physical and Language Skills. It has been scientifically proven that music has great advantages and health benefits for children. One of those benefits is Music helps to improve brain power and memory. Students who were exposed to music while growing up excelled better academically than those who were not. Music helps in stimulating the part of the brain that is responsible for reading, mathematics and emotional development. Music also helps with a child’s development of social skills.Being part of a Monkey Music class will help your child relate to others, feel part of a group and eventually listen to instruction. You will watch their confidence grow and they will certainly be rewarded with praise and will feel a great sense of achievement. I have undergone extensive training to ensure I can provide a fun packed but professional class for your family.I am fully CRB checked and paediatric First Aid trained. Our classes will allow you to share precious time together, meet like-minded people and for your children to make Musical friends, so why not book your complimentary class so you can experience Monkey Music for yourself and I’m sure you too will become part of the Monkey Music family.

Family Therapy Interventions

family therapy interventions

London

I am a therapeutic consultant, trainer, play therapist and supervisor who has worked across a variety of settings for over thirty years. I am able to offer a range of services and strategies to support children, families and the staff who work with them to make positive changes in their lives. I have worked as a therapeutic consultant across seven schools in Manchester, Derbyshire and Tameside since September 2010 providing play therapy, group work, staff training staff and head teacher consultation, parent consultations and parent child sessions. Along side this work I have published several articles and also written three books Understanding and Managing Children’s Behaviour Ages 3-5: A child-centred group work programme published by routledge on 5th April 2016 Understanding and Managing Children’s Behaviour Ages 7-11: A child-centred group work programme published by routledge on 7th May 2013 and Understanding and Managing Children’s Behaviour Ages 5-7: A child-centred group work programme published by routledge on 16th November 2014 I also provide individual supervision for qualified play therapists, art therapists and drama therapists. I qualified as a Play Therapist in 2004 and worked for the Calm Spaces Project in Manchester for seven years until March 2011. I worked as a Project Supervisor for the last two and half years of this which involved working as a therapist with children and families, offering regular staff consultations, delivering training to schools and provided individual and group supervision to a team of 9 therapists including Play Therapists, a Drama Therapist and Massage Therapists. In addition to the list of services I provide, I am also able to design and deliver tailor made support and training on all aspects of therapeutic work , emotional health and wellbeing and behaviors for learning, to meet the needs of individual children, families, staff and schools. I have provided consultation and contributed to the Therapeutic Standards for Schools in Manchester document which was published in November 2010. I have extensive experience of working with children and families including: Residential children’s homes Primary schools Day nurseries Montessori nursery Children’s courier Setting up and working in an afterschool club Working as a nanny in England and abroad My experience of training includes the following: Training to Primary schools on emotional health and wellbeing and therapeutic practice (see menu of training) NVQ Assessor and Internal Verifier for NVQ Childcare and NVQ Playwork courses Training to Diversity and Inclusion on understanding play therapy Lecturing on a range of courses including NVQ Childcare,NVQ Playwork, CACHE Diploma,BTEC National Diploma and Certificate in Counselling Concepts. Working as a volunteer with Adult Literacy classes Teaching English as a foreign language Conferences – see Events page My experience of therapeutic work includes the following: Working as a play therapist for over 10 years across primary schools in Manchester and Tameside delivering individual play therapy, group work, parent child work, filial therapy and staff consultations. Working freelance as a play therapist for Manchester Diversity and Inclusion Working freelance for the Big Life Company providing parent child work My experience of supervision includes: Working as Project Supervisor for Calm Spaces for two and a half years providing both individual and group supervision to a team of staff including play therapists, a drama therapist and massage therapists Providing supervision to an art therapist and school counsellor both working in primary schools. Supervision and consultation for primary head teachers and other school staff. Working as a Clinical Supervisor on the Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy for Liverpool Hope University providing both individual and group supervision to play therapy trainees. My qualifications include the following: Intensive Filial Therapy Training Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy Certificate in Further Education Teaching MA Women’s Studies Certificate in Counselling Skills BA Modern Studies (Sociology) Diploma of Higher Education Internal Verifiers Award (D34) NVQ Assessor Award (D32,33) Montessori Nursery Foundation Certificate NNEB

Alder Grange School

alder grange school

Lancs.

Our school is a unique and special place. There is a real sense of family and community within the school. Alder Grange is a school where everybody is inspired to be the best they can, where excellence is nurtured by everybody and a community in which everybody cares. Our desire is to successfully develop the whole child. We place considerable emphasis on developing the foundations of personal achievement; their emotional and physical health and well-being, their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development, creativity and individuality. Our intention is to help our young people grow to become outstanding, independent, resilient and effective citizens in an uncertain, global 21st Century world. We strive to deliver a personalised curriculum alongside a rich offer of extra-curricular activities, enrichments and life skills for all our students. Naturally, academic progress and attainment are also extremely important to us, and you will find our results reflect this. This is due to a total commitment to excellent teaching and learning by a highly skilled and dedicated staff, constantly reflecting upon and developing their own practice. Many members of staff are former pupils. Our school is inclusive in nature and values young people of all abilities from year 7 to year 13. We encourage them to care for one another and the school, to work as a team and to take on leadership roles. There is also a genuine care for and partnership with the young people in our care and their families. Our current priorities in school include a focus on wellbeing, particularly mental health for both staff and pupils. The development of a curriculum intent that ensures all pupils are able to develop their knowledge and passions is taking place within all subject areas in school. During the seven years our pupils are with us they are given the skills and access to opportunities needed to make the next steps in to their adult lives. As a school we are never quite satisfied and build ongoing self-evaluation in to the school calendar to allow us to constantly review and reflect on our practice in order to improve. Alder Grangers are rightly proud of their school and our often repeated phrase, ‘once an Alder Granger always an Alder Granger,’ reflects the strength of feeling our young people have for their school. I have been a member of staff at Alder Grange since 1998 and I feel immensely proud and privileged to be Headteacher. I love the school and am passionate about ensuring it continues to go from strength to strength. You would be welcome to visit and see our wonderful school in action at any time.

Pop Up Play Village in and around Cleethorpes

pop up play village in and around cleethorpes

Our aim is to provide a safe and inviting space in which children and their parents can unleash their creativity and let their imaginations go wild. Pop Up Play village is made up of role play areas. We’d call these sets or scenes if we worked in the glamorous worlds of TV or theatre – but sadly we don’t! We have a hospital, vets, baby nursery, supermarket, café, construction site, library, baby play area, art studio and outdoor explorer zone. Each one filled with high quality toys, props and dressing up kits – specially sourced and impeccably clean. What Makes Us Different? We’re often asked whether we’re a playgroup or a drop in toddler play session. Yes, we have toys to play with, things to dress up in and caffeine on tap but our village is about much more than that… Our play sessions have been specially designed by an expert in early years education to help children learn and develop through play. Each of our areas provides them with the tools to develop socially and learn more about themselves, their peers and the world we live in. And whilst this is about education and development, our key priority is having fun. That means fun for everyone. There are no adult wallflowers here. Parents and carers are welcomed into our village and actively encouraged to lose their inhibitions and play together with their children in a way that’s often just not possible at home. And whilst we love our village and all the characters who live in it, we realise it’s good to shake things up a bit from time to time. That’s why we often invite guests to play – dinosaurs, pirates, mermaids, unicorns and dragons – to name a few. We also mark events and the seasons as we pass through the year. Laying The Foundations It was back in 2007 when I started teaching my first ever class that the first foundations of the Play Village were laid. Watching the children in my reception class acting out real-life scenarios in the role play corner, I realised the true value of learning through play. I’d always worked hard to create engaging and realistic areas in which the children could let their imaginations run free. I absolutely loved teaching and gained six fantastic years of experience before having my first child. When my son was 2, I found at weekends it was really hard to find fun, exciting places to take him. It was on one cold, dreary Sunday afternoon in February that the idea of running pop up role play events came into my head along with the name Pop Up Play Village! I thought about it for many months after this vision and it wasn’t until after my daughter was born in June 2016 that I decided it was time to go for it by opening up the world of mobile role play to children and their parents in my local area. Of course, Pop Up Play Village didn’t pop up overnight and as with any build, a great deal of research and testing came before. I wanted every element of the village to be the best it could possibly be and so sourcing the right toys and props took time. Safety, durability and play-ability were key and thankfully, as well as many years of teaching experience behind me, I had two excellent testers in the shape of my children – who were inspiration and guinea pig in equal measure! The doors finally opened on Pop Up Play Village in 2017 and we’re proud to say we’ve undergone huge expansion since. We’re now popping up all over Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. We run sessions for families and schools, entertain children at weddings and events and host their birthday parties. We’ve already been accredited by the Approved Franchise Association and also have the support of two major high street banks – Lloyds and NatWest. But we’re not sitting back. We’ve got ambitious plans and there’s plenty more to be done if we are to bring the Pop Up Play Village experience to many more families across the country and beyond.

Ju Dachi Martial Arts

ju dachi martial arts

Chelmsford

Ju Dachi Martial Arts Association was launched in 2007 and its goal is to promote and teach the true meaning and traditions of Martial Arts in a non-political manner in the UK, by providing a service based on equal opportunities for all. Our mission statement truly represents who we are as a company. All our instructors are passionate about karate and believe in a simple motto. Our motto is simple ‘Karate for all’. Everyone has the right to learn Karate in a fun and safe atmosphere for all. Below you can read our mission statement in greater detal. Promoting The True Traditions of Martial Arts What is the true meaning of Martial Arts? This is quite a complex topic. It is a sad fact that over the years many Martial Art systems, whether it is Japanese, Chinese, Korean, etc… have become seriously diluted in order to make things easier for their students for the pure purpose of making money, or these systems have been diluted by individuals removing a lot of content and only teaching things that mattered to them. What these individuals forget is that their system had a foundation from which they learnt. By removing that foundation, their students train missing some of the important content, without the whole knowledge. When the student becomes an instructor, then they do the same and thus over the years Martial Arts such as Karate, Judo, Wing Chuan etc, become diluted and knowledge is then lost. We, at the Ju Dachi Martial Arts Association believe in preserving the true traditions, techniques and their meanings. This is why it takes at least 4 to 5 years to achieve 1st Dan Black Belt. We are very proud that we are preserving this knowledge and developing our systems to be effective in the real world, while never forgetting the foundations taught, and the history and origin of the martial art. Teaching In A Non Political Manner We only care about training and learning the true meanings of martial arts. We leave all the politics outside the Do Jo and concentrate on the training, learning, mastering ourselves and our students. Did you know that the only reason Karate is not in the Olympics is because there are so many organisations, and they are too divided? Our approach is simple, we teach martial arts in a traditional manner and with a practical approach for today’s day and age. We are just happy with you training at our school and being part of our martial arts family. We leave all the silly, childish bickering and debate outside the Dojo, and we always encourage our students to try and learn any other martial arts. We also open our doors to other associations, such as RKAGB, who occasionally run courses for us. Equal Opportunities For All All our students are given fair opportunities regardless of background, religion, race, sex or age. In our school of Martial Arts, all our students are taught and treated as individuals. Children learn in a fun, caring and safe atmosphere, as well as our adult students. We do not tolerate or accept racism, sexism, bullying, etc in any way shape or form, as this has no place in any Martial Art or healthy lifestyle. You will find that all our students train hard and will offer any new student a warm welcome. One of our mission statements is “Karate for all”, without any discrimination. We also run schemes with local tenant halls, to improve healthy lifestyle and keep children out of the streets in the community. All our students will be given opportunities to take part in courses, events and exams. Even though all students will have this opportunity, those who really stand out will be given a chance to become a full time instructor, and eventually all the support they need to run their own Ju Dachi Martial Arts club. At our school we all work together, and rest together and students/parents or carers can talk to the instructors directly at any time if they have any queries, or suggestions. We want students to get involved, we listen, we act. We welcome feedback.

West Coventry Academy

west coventry academy

Coventry

In practice, this means that we expect students, staff, parents and governors to model these core values. Student Expectations Respectful Students show respect for themselves, their peers, staff and the community. Communicate with others in a calm and respectful manner Listen and respect other people’s views Have respect for the school site and learning environment Have a healthy, active and proactive lifestyle, with self-respect and self-discipline Recognition that respect for effort brings reward Responsible Students are responsible for their own behaviour and their consequences. Students are responsible for their own learning Students are responsible for wearing the correct uniform, bringing the correct books and equipment to school. Students are responsible to complete their work (including homework) Students are responsible to attend/complete any sanctions issued due to inappropriate behaviour or missed work. Students are responsible to report any inappropriate behaviour to an appropriate adult Resilient Students become more resilient when they realise that it is important to make mistakes and learn from them When finding work difficult, students should not just give up Re-read the work, look at previous work, have another go! Only ask for help when the above has been done Have high expectations of yourself Learn from experiences, in order to become stronger and better at tackling the next challenge Ready to Learn Students attend school in correct uniform, on time and with the correct equipment books Be punctual for all lessons, enter rooms calmly, take out equipment and start the Do Now in silence Make sure all home and prior learning tasks have been completed Have the right attitude to learn and actively engage in lessons Staff Expectations Respectful Staff model respectful behaviour to promote a culture of mutual respect Communicate with others in a calm and respectful manner Feedback on work respectfully, showing students that their work and effort has been valued. Show respect through being fair and consistent when dealing with students Promote that respect for effort brings reward Responsible Staff are responsible for creating a positive and calm learning environment Teachers are responsible for delivering well planned and meaningful learning experiences Teachers understand the responsibility of their role as a tutor Staff understand the responsibility of working in a school Staff are responsible for modelling expectations Staff are responsible for challenging poor behaviour and uphold school policies consistently. Resilient Support the whole school community to build resilience Identify vulnerable students that may have barriers to learning, support them in reducing barriers and equip them with the skills to build their resilience Praise student’s efforts Teach students that we learn from make mistakes Be open and flexible to new initiatives Develop a Growth Mindset Ready to Learn Ensure lessons are well planned and have impact for all students Ensure you are punctual to lessons and greet the students in a positive way Ensure school rules are applied consistently and fairly Listen to student concerns and help students overcome barriers to learning Empower students to become independent learners Parent Expectations Respectful Promote respectful behaviour within their families Communicate with the school in a calm and respectful manner Respect that all school decisions they are made with best interests of the students Respect the school rules and explain to their child the importance of them Respect the importance of education and teach their child the value of it Promote that respect for effort brings reward Responsible Parents are responsible for their child’s attendance and behaviour Parents are responsible to ensure their child is kept safe and well. Parents are responsible to ensure their child has the correct uniform and equipment. Parents are responsible for communicating with the school to flag any issues that may affect their child’s learning. Parents are responsible challenge poor behaviour and celebrate success Resilient Build up their child’s resilience through supporting them emotionally and helping them to show determination in the face of adversity Promote the importance of “Learning from mistakes” Demonstrate a positive attitude about education and their child Praise their child’s efforts and not just their academic achievements Ready to Learn Ensure their child attends school on time, in the correct uniform and with the right books/equipment Support their child with their learning Develop a partnership with the school Keep track of their child’s homework and behaviour by accessing classcharts regularly Encourage their child to read and to become an independent learner

Redcliffe Ki Aikido Club - Bristol

redcliffe ki aikido club - bristol

Somerset,

To become a Ki Federation member you will sign a membership form agreeing to the Ki Federation rules below. Membership Membership is open to individuals who have paid the annual membership fees laid down from time to time by the Federation (save that individuals who are over the age of 70 are exempt from membership fees), and follow the form of Ki Aikido the Federation specifies . Membership Categories Adult membership is open to individuals of 17 years and over. Youth membership is open to those between the age of 14 and 16 years. Senior Citizen membership is open to individuals of 65 years and over Junior membership is open to those between the age of 5 and 13 years. Unemployed/Student (Student rate for under 21’s only) Disabled Joint membership Honorary members may be appointed at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Doctors Certificate Members with a pre-existing physical medieval condition, or who are disabled, must provide a letter from their GP confirming their fitness to practice. Insurance Cover Membership fees of the Federation includes insurance cover. However, disabled members and members with a pre-existing physical medical condition, and who have not provided the required doctors’ certificate, will be covered for public liability only. When a member reaches 75 they will be covered for public liability only. Membership Cards Members will be issued with membership cards which must be produced before admission to any course held by the Federation or its affiliated clubs. Lost cards may be replaced on payment of a fee laid down from time to time by the Federation. Dress for Ki Aikido Female Kyu Grades: White kidogi, coloured belt, black hakama Male Kyu Grades: White kidogi, coloured belt 1st Dan: White kidogi, black belt, black hakama with 1 red stripe 2nd Dan: White kidogi, black belt, black hakama with 2 red stripes 3rd Dan: White kidogi, black belt, black hakama with 3 red stripes 4th Dan: White kidogi, black belt, black hakama with 4 red stripes 5th Dan: White kidogi, white belt, black hakama with 1 white stripe 6th Dan: White kidogi, white belt, black hakama with 2 white stripes 7th Dan: White kidogi, red and white belt, black hakama with 3 white stripes 8th Dan: White kidogi, red and white belt, black hakama with 2 red and 3 white stripes On special occasions: 5th & 6th Dans: White kidogi, white belt, white hakama 7th Dans: White kidogi, red and white belt, white hakama 8th Dans: White kidogi, red and white belt, white hakama with red and white stripe ties No badges should be worn on kidogi or hakama. Slippers should be worn to and from the mat. Alcohol and Drugs Members must not consume any alcohol before a practise. The use of drugs other than for medical purposes is prohibited at all times. General Etiquette Politeness, rules of behaviour and common decency are part of the practice of Ki Aikido. Members should:- Respect their teachers Be courteous to other members Be quiet inside the dojo Keep kidogi clean and fingernails and toe nails short Maintain a good standard of general cleanliness Be kind to lower grades Be moderate in daily eating and drinking Try to avoid fighting Members must not practise the arts of Ki Aikido outside the dojo. The Federation will only recognise grades awarded by the Federation. Weapons All weapons must be carried in a weapons bag when not in use. The use of live blades is not permitted except under the supervision of the Technical Director or President of the Federation. Disciplinary Action Any member who contravenes the regulations of the Federation, or misuse the techniques of Ki Aikido, or acts in a manner that affects the interests and/or reputation of the Federation and its members, will be required to attend a hearing before the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have the power to take appropriate disciplinary action including expulsion, suspension, demotion in grade, or whatever other action the Executive Committee deems necessary. Amendments to Membership Rules The Federation reserves the right to amend or add to these membership rules. All changes will be notified to members through their teachers. By continuing with membership of the Federation, members are deemed to agree to abide by all membership rules applicable at that time.

Romain Designs

romain designs

London

Romain Designs provides education to enrich lives and expand our learners’ possibilities. “Learning does not stop after finishing school, college or university, it is a lifelong opportunity that can sharpen the skills, increase self-confidence and improve career prospects”. Our team of staff is by far our most valuable asset. Our expectations of delivering a high standard of service can only be met by carefully selected, motivated, and able individuals. To reflect and support this we have developed a number of initiatives to ensure that our team is given the opportunity to settle in as soon as possible, and gain an understanding of our business and the way we work. All of our staff, administrators, assessors, and internal verifiers are rigorously selected against carefully defined selection criteria. We use face-to-face interviews to determine their suitability and training requirements. As part of ongoing professional development to ensure the continued improvement of our services, a training plan is put in place for each worker. Online/distance learning offers high-quality training and the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognized qualification. They offer technical knowledge whilst practical experience, along with functional and personal skills are obtained in the work environment. These are acquired through a mix of learning online and in the workplace, providing real training and the opportunity to practice and embed new skills in their everyday job role. Romain Designs offer courses that are completely online. Whether your training need is large or small, we can provide the resources and solutions you need to get the job done right. Our track record for consistency, timely service, and subject matter expertise make insurmountable tasks possible to overcome. We especially enjoy supporting our students, where english is a second language, new to the country wanting to rebuild their work history or those wanting to rejoin the workforce. Our multifaceted company is here to assist by providing a wide range of services at affordable prices. For more information, simply contact us at info@romandesigns.uk Romain Designs engages with learners from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Supporting diversity and inclusion is very important to us, whether it is helping those expanding their skill set, or providing individuals with an access point to education for the first time. We have progressively developed our service is to ensure sustainability and high working relationships in order to provide a friendly and professional approach and training service. Our specialisms are currently in : Quality Assurance Consultancy Adult care Advisory and Employability Childcare Education and Training Basic, intermediate, and advanced ICT Courses Creative and Digital Media Family Learning Information Advice & Guidance Supporting teaching and learning Business Consultancy Website Development and Graphical Design We have experience in Employer Engagement, building, and maintaining strong relationships with both clients and candidates to achieve successful outcomes. We adhere to our employer’s needs. We work together to contribute to the success of the companies’ objectives as well as enhance and develop our own business achievements. Our goal is to provide a valuable service for Adults, Young People, Schools, businesses and employers. Our aim is to provide professional, engaged and successful outcomes. that is taught at a high level and quality. Our aim is to encourage self-esteem and enable opportunities in the community, partnering with others, to improve skills, knowledge, and experience. Romain Designs is constantly working for the community. . Take a look around the site and access the service most appropriate to you. We look forward to supporting you, with your next project or learning journey. Accessible and Affordable We work hard to keep course costs to an absolute minimum. In addition, we offer a range of flexible payment options for even greater affordability. All course materials are included as standard, with no hidden extras to pay at any time. Enrol today and spread your payments with a finance plan. We have multiple payment options available and will help you choose the best plan to suit you. We also accept international students on specific courses, so browse through our courses to get started. Complete our pre-enrolment form and we will contact you to discuss this further

Ellie Finch Counselling Consultancy And Training

ellie finch counselling consultancy and training

London

We are an accredited, private education provider that operates international colleges, English language centres across the UK, Europe, North America and an online learning platform to create life-enhancing experiences for students worldwide. Founded in 1991, we have been delivering international education students for 31 years. Today, our courses help over 50,000 UK and international students achieve academic success every year. Students can join us for every stage of their academic journey. Our Group is home to five University Partnerships across the UK and Europe, and six English Language schools across Canada, USA and the UK. Our History Oxford International Education Group was founded in 1991 as ISIS Education and Travel by David Brown and Robert Darell. The company started operating outbound tours for UK University students through the academic year from September to June. During the summer, we established summer English languages courses for international students. To gain financing to grow the business, the Founders turned to the Prince’s Trust, one of the UK’s most successful youth charities. The Trust offered David and Robert a £5,000 loan and two mentors to help see the business through the next stage of its lifecycle. Oxford International has grown to be one of the top 10 businesses sponsored by the Trust and remains closely associated with it today. The education opportunities we can offer students from around the world have grown in diversity and size since then, enabling us to support over 500,000 students since 1991. A Brief Timeline of the last 29 years In 1993, we established our first UK adult English language school with the acquisition of Greenwich School of English. In 1999, we opened the Brighton School of English, offering General English courses. Oxford International added Bucksmore Education to our family to provide high-quality summer courses to individual students in 2003. Growing our presence in the UK’s academic centre, in 2010, we were delighted to acquire Oxford Sixth Form College in the centre of Oxford next to Oriel College. In 2013, Oxford International went international for the first time, acquiring our Vancouver and Toronto English language schools. The same year, Oxford International was very proud to sign a Pathways partnership agreement with De Montfort University to open and run the Leicester International Pathway College (renamed to De Montfort University International College) in the heart of the great De Montfort campus. Our first students arrived in June 2014. In 2014, we were proud to invite Bowmark Capital on board as a minority investor in Oxford International. Bowmark are very experienced investors in the education and travel sector, with their support, we were able to pursue our ambitious strategy for growth in the UK and overseas. Also in 2014, we added San Diego to our centres in North America. Back in the UK, d’Overbroeck’s School was welcomed to the Group, and we acquired Homelingua, now known as Bucksmore Home Tuition. In 2016 Bangor University International College welcomed its first cohort of international students. Since then, we have continued to grow our University Partnerships division with two partners in the UK and one in Germany. In 2017, International College Dundee began teaching integrated Bachelors and Masters courses. The University of Greenwich International College followed in 2018, becoming our first embedded college in London. In 2020, we launched Jacobs University International College, our first embedded college in Europe, the first of its kind in Germany. In 2021, Oxford International strengthened its position as a premier university partnerships, digital education, and language provider through a management buyout backed by THI Investments and the sale of its schools division to Nord Anglia Education. Oxford International’s launch of the OI Digital Institute and European partnership with Jacobs University in 2020 has further developed the international education sector online and in Europe. Courses offered in the OI Digital Institute have supported over 5,000 students in achieving UK university admissions and delivered unrivalled partner services for higher education institutions. The university partnerships division has launched a new UK pathways collaboration with the University of Bradford, while its first partnership with De Montfort University has been nominated in the PIEoneer awards for public/private partnership. The English Language division, which opened its latest language school in New York, North America, continues to enrich its academic offering by equipping students with language skills necessary for the modern-day learner. We believe we’re just getting started and the best is yet to come. At the core of Oxford International remains an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion to deliver the very best experiences for our students.

Darryl Syms Music

darryl syms music

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 13, with no prior experience on any other instrument. I lived in the UK at this time, and was inspired by my former guitar teacher to take up the instrument. I was very lucky to be guided in talented hands, and continuously inspired and challenged to strive for success as a musician. I remember taking every opportunity outside of school classes to hang out and watch my teacher and his best students, I found it memorising and inspiring. Within the first couple years of playing I was sure that I wanted to pursue music as a career. Through my teen-hood I would be practicing anywhere up to 10hrs a day, taking my guitar everywhere that I went. I did this for nothing more than the enjoyment it gave me. Around 16 during the early growth of YouTube I felt inspired to get my hands on a camera. For a few years I had to pinch my parents in secret (sorry Dad) since I couldn’t afford my own. I quickly grew to enjoy the art of video production, which compliments audio production like sand does the ocean. I posted a handful of YouTube videos at the time but I was extremely self critical and scared of what others might think, so it was never long before I took the videos down and re-did them over and over. It took me a few years to get over the barrier of self-confidence, and when I eventually began to accept myself for who I was I would post very occasional videos and considered my YouTube channel to be a portfolio of my own achievements. This “portfolio” didn’t receive much recognition at all, but it helped greatly when I decided to create a website and advertise for guitar lessons in my city. I quickly became quite established as a guitar teacher because unlike 99% of other teachers, I had video proof that I could play guitar and people found that inspiring. As adulthood approached me I was lucky enough to have a range of career opportunities to choose from, but my heart was always set on playing the guitar as a career, somehow. This was understandably a bit disappointing for my family because they saw my academic potential and hoped that I would strive for a more “reliable” and “stable” career. It certainly would have been easier that way in some regards, but I took the hard route because I just can’t resist a good challenge and I saw no alternatives to my primary passion. Teaching seemed like the easiest and most accessible way to make money, but as a newbie on the scene it wasn’t nearly enough for me to buy a car, pay rent, and endure the costly life of an adult. I took a job in retail and booked my guitar students around that. Cycling was my method of commuting everywhere, and cycling through steep hilly terrain on a single-speed bike with a guitar on your back is no fun, trust me.. but it had to be done! Despite the challenges, I worked incredibly hard to deliver the best job that I could to my students. After years of perseverance I finally had enough students to quit retail, and I had a car which saved so much time on transport. With the extra time I could reinvest it into my own practice, and create YouTube videos again… oh and surfing. Whilst I’d love to talk all about my surfing experience/career, you’re not here for that so let’s just say that for a few years hereafter I was just cruisin’. During this time I also worked in two high schools as a guitar teacher. In 2018 one of my YouTube videos got significantly more exposure than usual, and consequently I quickly reached 1000 subscribers – this was an incredible achievement for me! “Making it” on YouTube was always a ridiculously farfetched dream of mine, but it was at this point that I realised that – maybe it doesn’t have to be a dream. Fast forward to now, my YouTube channel has over 35,000 subscribers and over 3,000,000 views! I’ve created my own successful online guitar school with students across 60+ countries, worked and collaborated with a number of industry leading brands, and done session work for a mixture of clients both live and in studio. It’s been a tough ride, but a fun one!