News

Spring2014

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“It’s not how good you are… it’s how good you want to be.”

Eyes on the PrizeStaff at Long Road Sixth Form College know how important it is to have all the information at your fingertips when making decisions about the future, so when Anglia Ruskin launched a new project for students considering GCSE options (generally in Year 9, but in some schools Year 8), the College gave the project its full support.

After the success of the pilot event, Anglia Ruskin’s Outreach and Recruitment section organised a full-scale, three-day event at the university’s Lord Ashcroft International Business School in January and invited all Cambridge Area Partnership schools to attend. Heather Chambers, Vice Principal at Long Road explains: “Each day was in three parts: a talk on Careers, a tour of the University and a visit to a post-16 / post-18 exhibition. This is where we were involved. Secondary school students prepared questions in advance then visited stands to find out about each sixth form provider, university or further education institution or employer. The idea was that this would give them additional information to feed into their GCSE option decisions.”

Long Road staff members on duty on the stand were supported by Long Road students who volunteered to spend time answering secondary school students’ questions.

“The event was very successful,” adds Heather. “Our students showed immense commitment and enthusiasm for the event and went out of their way to help. We know that younger students benefit from talking to our current students, so we were delighted to be able to recruit so many excellent helpers. Even better: we found that one of our former students, Kayleigh Harrop, who is studying Psychology at Anglia Ruskin, was working

as a Student Ambassador for the university at the event. We are very much looking forward to Eyes on the Prize in January 2015 and are confident that this extremely worthwhile event will continue to grow.”

Learner Voice student representatives star at Villiers Park eventStudent representatives of the College Learner Voice group, along with group leader Tanya Jones (Deputy Department Manager Visual Arts) shared their expertise with teachers from across the region at a one-day conference: Inspiring Excellence, Fulfilling Potential: Empowering your Post-16

Students to Energise Learning at the prestigious Villiers Park Educational Trust near Royston.

Long Road Sixth Form College has a proactive Learner Voice programme which gives students an opportunity to help improve their learning environment.

Recent improvements have been made to the College’s IT facilities, guidance arrangements and subject workshops because of the group’s work.

As a result of this, Villiers Park approached the College and asked us to take part. Students Aaron Hayne, Peter Chambers, Abigail Loosemore and Charlie Davis helped to run the Case Studies and Learners’ Point of View sessions, both giving presentations and taking part in group work.

“This was an excellent opportunity for us to share best practice with other schools in the region,” explains Tanya. “We were the only college asked to bring students to the event to give presentations, so the day was also extremely good public relations experience for our Learner Voice Representatives. “

From left to right: Kayleigh Harrop, Tamuka Tagwireyi and Chris Smith. Other student helpers were Ben Merrell, Luz Vinuesa Gonzalez, Peter Chambers and Lauren Arkesden

The Lord Ashcroft International Business School

Aaron Hayne (far left) and Peter Chambers (second left) in group discussion Long Road Amnesty International Group mark International Human Rights DayTo mark International Human Rights Day on 10th December, Anita Bahari, January Harris-Hercules and Dorna Zarei from the Long Road Amnesty International Group set up a stall and cake sale in Reception. They highlighted two cases: one of a Japanese man, Hakamada Iwai, who has been in prison for 45 years for murders which new evidence shows he didn’t commit and the other the plight of midwives in Eastern Europe who were imprisoned for assisting at home births while they were illegal – and who remain in prison even though they are now legal. Long Road students were invited to sign a petition to give to the relevant embassies.

Skydiving Long Road students take big leaps for charityCallum raises over £100,000Student Callum Fairhurst has raised well over £100,000 for the Liam Fairhurst Foundation and Clic Sargent, which supports children with cancer and their families.

Callum’s brother Liam died in 2009 after a brave fight against cancer and an amazing fund-raising campaign. Callum vowed to carry on raising money, and since then has carried out a breath-taking range of activities including abseiling down the Battersea Power Station, 600-mile sponsored cycle rides and, recently, a parachute jump. The Liam Fairhurst Foundation was set up in 2012, and since then Callum has met Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

“The aim of the Foundation is to help families affected by cancer,” explains Callum. “We have been able to make grants to over 100 families who face not just the long-term illnesses of their children but also the financial difficulties these cause. Some parents have to give up work so that they can focus on the health of their child, or have to pay additional accommodation costs to be near a hospital. We also grant wishes to children such as visits to Disneyland, and have contributed to Christmas gifts for children in Great Ormond Street.”

To find out more about Callum’s fund-raising, visit the Liam Fairhurst Foundation website – and to see a video of his skydive, visit YouTube.

Beth and Fran plan fund-raising parachute jumpAnother pair of parachuting students are Fran Dunn and Beth Lloyd, who have held a series of cake stalls in College to raise money for a jump in aid of the Mental Health Foundation. “We know lots of people who have been affected by mental health problems,” explains Fran. “We both wanted to do something to help.”

“We had to raise £800 to take part in the jump,” says Beth, “and we were really pleased to exceed our target by more than £200. The jump will be in March, and it’s going to be a bit of a challenge – we’re both terrified of heights, let alone flying!”

“Luckily, we’ll be attached to our instructors!” says Fran.

Callum’s skydiving team – Callum is second right

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“I’m ready to study in a more mature way.”

Anglia Ruskin Law School puts Long Road staff in the dockTwo Long Road staff members were in the dock accused of murder and cannibalism recently – and found guilty. Fortunately, though, they were being tried for a crime which was committed in 1884, long before either of them was born.

ARU Law School in Cambridge staged a special Taster Afternoon for AS History and Politics students at Long Road to give them an opportunity to find out about studying Law at the university. As part of the afternoon, our students took part in a mock trial in a purpose-built court room at the university court. The case was a real trial, and cause célèbre, from Victorian Britain, Crown v Dudley and Stephens.

Two sailors (played by Cath Carpenter, Course Team Leader for History at Long Road, and Steve Dann, Director of Studies) were shipwrecked along with their cabin boy. In order to survive, they drew straws and murdered the one who lost - the unfortunate cabin boy – then ate him. History students Ross Day and Rianna D’Souza presented the case for the defence and prosecution respectively. The jury, which was composed of Long Road Politics and History students and ARU Law students, found the sailors

guilty. The judge was Jane Martin, senior lecturer in Law at ARU.

Ross Day says: “In the real trial the defendants were found guilty and sentenced to death, but Queen Victoria intervened, and their sentence was reduced to six months in prison. The Law afternoon gave a good insight to Law degrees, and the mock trial was very enjoyable,” adds Ross. “The day encouraged me to go forward with my dream of a career in Law.”

Cath Carpenter concludes: “The mock trial was a good opportunity for the students to see that the skills of analysis and argument that they are developing in their A level History and Politics studies are an excellent foundation for study at a higher level and in fact are crucial for those considering a career in the legal professions.”

Danish sixth form students visit Long RoadThirty students from a Danish sixth form college recently took part in a cultural exchange with Long Road Politics and Sociology A level students to compare notes on life in our two countries. “This is the fourth time that we have linked with the college,” explains Dave Evans, Department Manager. “The students worked in groups and discussed issues including education, politics, homelessness and the welfare state / health service. In education they talked about types of school, uniforms, discipline and problems young people might face. The Danish students have already learned about political parties in the UK and the roles of the Houses of Commons and Lords, so it was interesting to find out about their political system and compare

young people’s attitudes to politics. They also discussed which country had the worse problem with homelessness and how each country dealt with it, and finally what differences there are between our welfare states.”

After the discussions there was a feedback session, and students were given an opportunity to exchange email addresses to continue their discussions.

“This is an excellent way to increase our students’ awareness of current sociological and political issues,” comments Dave. “We are delighted that we have this link with another country in the European Union.”

The Danish-Long Road link is continuing with an exchange visit to Silkeborg Sixth Form College this spring.

Ross and Rianna sum up the case

Anglia Ruskin University

Long Road and Danish students compare notes

Students rise to Senior Maths ChallengeFurther Mathematics students took part in the Senior Maths Challenge at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge in November. Stephen Warr, Maths Course Team Leader explains: “The challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve non-standard problems. It is designed to make students think clearly about simple but unfamiliar problems, and sometimes to make them smile. Special mention must go to Anna Skorobogatova and George Mortimer, who achieved Gold; Sergio Azizi, Toby Taylor-Crush, Jack Sawcer and David Seaber, who achieved Silver; and Patrick Lyons, Sam McWilliams, Dorna Zarei, Jack Rayner, Imran Rahman and Tom Kowalczyk, who achieved Bronze.”

A week later a Long Road team took part in the Senior Maths Team Challenge. The Team was composed of Further Mathematics students David Seaber and Imran Rahman from Year 12 and Anna Skorobogatova and Sergio Azizi from Year 13. The Team Challenge is a national competition which combines mathematical, communication and teamwork skills and offers students another way to express and develop their enjoyment of Mathematics.

Year 2 Further Maths certificate winners: Back row: Patrick Lyons, Toby Taylor-Crush, George Mortimer and Sam Williams. Front row: Sergio Azizi and Anna Skorobogatova

Senior Maths Team Challenge: From left, and clockwise: Anna Skorobogatova, David Seaber, Sergio Azizi and Imran Rahman

Mass spectrometer arrives in College

A visit to the Cambridge Brew HouseApplied Science students had

an opportunity to set up a mass spectrometer, on loan from Cambridge Carbon Capture, to analyse gases and volatile organic compounds present in alcoholic beverages. Michael Priestnall, CEO of Cambridge Carbon Capture, says: “ I am impressed with the enthusiasm of the students for the work they are doing. They have really good problem solving skills and work well together as a team.”

Applied Science students continued their chemical analyses of alcoholic drinks with a visit to the Cambridge Brew House where they looked at methods of measuring ethanol. They also considered the role of the analytical chemist in food technology.

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“I’m ready to try new things and make new friends.”

Student Activators get College students on their feet

Pila Ski Trip 2013 In the final week of a long winter term, twenty-two students and three teachers travelled by coach to the Aosta Valley in Northern Italy. The group was a mix of abilities, from beginners to seasoned skiers and boarders. Teacher Sam Grace reports:

The excitement was building during the first morning as the group took the twenty-minute gondola ride to the slopes. The last real ‘dump’ of snow in this region was back in mid-November, so we prepared ourselves for a few grassy patches and closed slopes. With boot straps tightened, helmets fastened and skis secured, the students left with the relevant ski instructors. The day was, as expected full of the crashes, bumps, snow ploughs and the odd jump. The snow quality was sufficient for all abilities, and the weather was warm and mild; more like conditions found during the Easter holidays. When the students re-grouped at the end of the afternoon session there was an explosion of stories, funny re-enactments and bruised body parts. With the students red faced and buzzing from the day’s events, our rep Arabella took us ice skating to do some more sliding and slipping.

The next couple of days continued to provide much entertainment, not to mention some huge improvements in skiing and snowboarding. Georgie Kemp was the only beginner boarder and mastered the carving turns perfectly – always with a beaming smile. The intermediate group tackled blue and even red runs confidently - and well done to Zoe Colgate for staying on the mountain: at times it was reported she ventured very close to the edge. Now and again you might be lucky to see the advanced group whizz past, weaving through the trees or catching ‘big air’ in the snow park.

It was great to see some students contemplating a career or gap year working for Interski or similar companies. This led to numerous conversations with the instructors, reps and staff on how and when to apply for these positions. Will Smeeton and Jack Stoten were filmed skiing by Interskis’ resort manager, as each year the company takes on a cohort of skiers on scholarships to become instructors.

On the fourth day the weather changed and clouded over. This was a promising sign, and by the afternoon snowflakes started to fall. This continued throughout the night and the following day, leaving the resort in a blanket of white – at least one foot deep. Skiers and boarders had to adapt to the demands of turning in deep powdered snow; this also made falling over more enjoyable! The beginner group by now had taken to skiing like ducks to water and were displaying a range of skills. Katie Fletcher and Syreeta Ryles had mastered the parallel turn and like the rest of the group were eyeing up the last remaining places for the Sochi GB Ski Team this winter.

Some further après skiing included a pizza night, a walk around the shops and the Christmas market in Aosta. Our hotel was the location for karaoke, a quiz and card games too. At the end of each day a different student was awarded the ‘numpty of the day’ hat: this could be for any silly incident or behaviour. The hat was a bright pink beanie, but it was only a matter of time before a staff member would be styling this fetching piece of head dress. Teacher Sam Plant was nominated for a collection of comedy moments on the slopes, for example, wedging himself to a chair-lift just before disembarking and crashing into anything and everyone.

The final two days saw the best skiing conditions, and this made the group progress further and faster. With confidence growing, students pushed themselves to new limits by trying challenging jumps and competing to reach new speeds. Fancy dress was a big hit; it was difficult to miss a skiing crocodile, Santa Claus, superman…

Tired from the week, students were presented with certificates and grades from their instructors to recognise individual achievements. The week was a success: this, I believe, was down to the students bonding quickly and being mature in all situations. And finally, a huge thanks to Sport Level 3 Diploma Course Team Leader Lynne Little for the many hours it takes to set up a trip on this scale!

September 2013 saw the start of the ‘Active Students’ programme at Long Road. The programme, which is managed at the College by Sport teacher Ben Hudson and Sports Activator Technician Brodie Adamson, is backed by Sport England and aims to target inactive students with a wide range of varied and informal opportunities to get involved in physical activity at Long Road.

“The programme has got off to a great start,” says Ben “We’ve now appointed a group of student volunteers who will be known as the ‘Student Activators’. This initial group of six students will assist us with the day to day running of the programme. Duties will range from the implementation of promotional campaigns and strategies through to the delivery of ‘Active Student’ sessions.

Sessions already on offer include rush hockey, indoor football, indoor badminton, dodgeball, girls only Boxercise and fitness, table tennis, rounders, running, girls only gym, hula hooping, yoga and dance.

Sport students model their new kitTo give the Sport Diploma a new look, the department has chosen a bright red outfit with black highlights. Modelling the kit are:Back row: Henry Overall, Will Marshall, Eilia Yiasoumi-Smith, Sam Plant (Teacher), Marco Di Lauro, Kalen Ockenden and Jordan Turian Front row: Edward Carter and Paulo Graziani

Rugby team visits TwickenhamThe Long Road Rugby team decided to give its recent sporting successes an additional boost by visiting the home of England rugby, Twickenham. What’s more: they went to watch the famous Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge. Oxford won their fourth victory in a row 33-15.

Back row: Michael Torode, Ryan Day, Ben Hudson (Sport teacher), Rob Winfield and Annabel KeamFront row: Yasmine Meddows, Josh Von Schreiber and Brodie Adamson (Sports Activator Technician)

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“I’m ready to be independent … to be treated as an adult.”

The Merchant of VeniceLong Road Performing Arts Diploma students have formed their own theatre group, the Opus Theatre Group. Just before Christmas they staged The Merchant of Venice. Mike Levy, who runs Heritage Arts and who is working with our Performing Arts students on their Holocaust Memorial Day project, attended the first night of The Merchant of Venice and reviewed the performance (the full review can be found on the College website in the News section):

In lesser hands, a very physical Merchant of Venice might have meant a loss of meaning, a blurring of Shakespeare’s text. Happily this was not to be. The six actors in the Opus Theatre Group proved that this powerful story of love, greed, hatred and deception can be told in many different and exciting ways. Part of this was in the bold vision of director Wendy Frost who judiciously cut the text and added in many wonderful layers of music and stage pictures.

The talented cast was in total control of the many changes of costume and setting (simple but effective use of coloured cubes and some well-chosen props) and displayed an admirable fluidity and controlled energy. Their quick changes of costume, sometimes fully in front of the audience, never an easy thing to do even for professional actors, were done with confidence and total commitment.

The whole cast and production team deserve a huge pat on the back for creating a piece of authentic Shakespeare, a very difficult play, which certainly kept this reviewer on the edge of his seat. There was not a moment when the energy levels of the cast flagged – even when they were getting ready for the next scene. This is a production for which all involved can be proud. A striking, visual Merchant but one with real heart and emotion. You can’t ask for more than that.

Chicago Chicago!West End performer Paul Kitson came in to run a Chicago dance workshop with our AS and A2 Performance Studies students. Course Team Leader Nadine Slade says: “The students really enjoyed themselves, and I am hoping that we’ll be able to work with him again in the future.”

English Language A level students visit the British LibraryEnglish Language A level students visited the British Library at St Pancras in London to take part in two workshops, Exploring English and Sounds Familiar. The workshops were delivered by linguistics trainers and researchers from the British Library’s own research team (the library has the most significant sound archive of UK accents and dialects dating back to the 1890s) and nearby universities.

Emilia wins College National Poetry Day competitionTo celebrate National Poetry Day, students were invited to write poetry on the theme of water. The winning entry, Narcissus, was by Emilia Bilney:

A golden apple, suspendedunder the molten silvercontaminating the shallowbreaths and stippling lungswith its precious droplets.Narcissus turns his back on himselfashamed at what this has become.It is dead here, only memoriesare left to break the mirrorin its static contact.

Emilia studies English Literature, Design Technology, Economics and French at Long Road. “I have only recently started writing poetry,” she explains. “Up until now I have been focusing on writing songs - and learning the guitar to accompany them. My poem was inspired by the work of Sylvia Plath - we have been studying her poetry in class. My favourite poet though is Keats. I have always loved poetry - my mother read poetry to me almost from the moment I was born!”

Emilia was awarded a certificate by Principal Christine Sherwin and a prize of £20. Also highly commended were Sophie Jaggard, Chris Webb, Suzanna Wolff and Jack Freeman.

Olwyn Benjamin, Department Manager, says: “We were really pleased with the response to the competition and the high standard of the entries. It shows how many very creative students we have at the college.”

A look underground: local archaeologist talks about nearby excavationsHayley Roberts, the Outreach Officer from the Cambridge University archaeology field unit spoke to students about the work of a field archaeologist and the unit – sadly, it’s not quite like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft – but fans of Time Team will recognise the mud, rain, trial trenches and joy when something interesting comes to light! With all the construction work taking place on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the unit has been kept busy looking for possible archaeological sites before the pile drivers arrive.

College Estates Manager Gary Woolley gave a brief outline about how their work might have an impact on College projects, including the new all-weather pitch.

Our students learnt that there are eight storeys of books stored underground beneath Euston Road, saw the earliest European printed book (the Gutenberg Bible) and the Lindisfarne Gospels, discussed the beginnings of lexicography (dictionary writing), used the phonetic alphabet and found out why English often has three different words for the same thing! Students discussed how they use the word ‘like’ and all the different words for playground games.

Mike Bryant, Vice Principal and English Language teacher, says: “We were delighted that students were able to take part in activities at one of the world’s greatest research libraries and work alongside staff who are researching the language. We are looking forward to developing links with the British Library in the future.”

Emilia Bilney (left) with College Principal Christine Sherwin

Hayley Roberts dispels some myths about Archaeology

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Sarah King, Young Designer of the Year

Art Level 3 Diploma students work with Nils Norman

‘Any course you need in any combination you want.’

In November we were delighted to hear that former student Sarah King had won Young Designer of the Year at the Midland Fashion Awards.

Sarah very kindly came back to the College recently to talk to A level Design Technology Textiles students about her degree in Fashion from Coventry University.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our students to find out about further studies in Fashion,” explains Design Technology teacher Lynn Reynolds. “Sarah brought her design portfolio with her and showed us how the design process works. She also explained how students print their own fabrics and how they use modern information technology such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop – and sonic welding, a new technique for joining synthetic materials (not to be confused with traditional welding).”

Sarah’s capsule collection was inspired by both natural forms such as tree bark and body adornments, including tattoos. While she was talking, one of her friends, Rachel Payne, who also studied Design Technology at Long Road, showed the audience the finished products.

“Sarah’s work is amazing,” comments Lynn. “Her Young Designer Award was extremely well deserved.”

Sarah also talked about life at university, explaining how much she had to work, particularly in her final year (12 hours a day in college plus further work into the small hours) and explaining about bursaries for both university study and additional research visits here and abroad.

“Sarah has now graduated with a first class degree,” says Lynn, and is considering several offers. On top of this, she has had her work at the Free Range Arts & Design show in Brick Lane featured on both the Vogue and Glamour websites. Her success highlights the value of taking further studies in this field. We are extremely happy for her and look forward to hearing about her further successes.”

Nils Norman has been appointed lead artist for the new housing development, Great Kneighton, which is adjacent to Long Road Sixth Form College. He has been commissioned to design the development recreation area and invited our Art & Design Level 3 students to view his work in progress. Karen Little, Course Team Leader, explains:

“Nils took our students to visit the site - at the moment it is a large, damp and muddy piece of land, but he will be creating a playground and grassy area for the residents of the estate. He then spent two days at the College working alongside the students as they planned how they would tackle the project.

“Our students then visited Nils’ studio in London. To round off the project, he will return here to see presentations of their designs.”

Sarah (centre, in grey cardigan) talks about her designs

Abigail Loosemore wins place on BFI National Film Academy Screenwriting courseAbigail Loosemore, who is studying Film Studies, Media Studies and English Literature at Long Road, has won a place on the BFI (British Film Institute) National Film Academy course for Screenwriting to be held at the National Film and Television School.

Abigail won the Young Critics’ Award at the Cambridge Film Festival, a place on the BFI Regional Academy in September and has now been chosen as one of 6 students (out of about 30 who applied from all over the country) to participate in the BFI National Screenwriting course. The course consists of two weekend events in December (a Writer’s Retreat) and March (a Pre-Residential Familiarisation weekend) followed by a two-week residential film academy project in April with seminars and practical workshops led by industry professionals at the National Film and Television School at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

Tanya Jones, Deputy Department Manager Visual Arts, and who is one of Abigail’s teachers, says: “This is an incredible opportunity to be part of an innovative initiative from the BFI. Only the most able of young writers are selected to join the group and potentially have their screenplay made into a film. Abigail is an immensely talented young person who fully deserves this opportunity. She is a real credit to Long Road Sixth Form College.”

Nils Norman’s studio in London

At the Great Kneighton site

Nils Norman working with students at Long Road

Current Photography students catch up with Long Road Photography alumni in LondonPhotography AS students enjoyed a day in London looking at two major Photography Exhibitions which are directly relevant to work they have been doing on themes for their coursework projects. The students were introduced to a range of photographers who are dealing with the theme of identity in different ways. Teacher Mary Weinberger reports:

The first exhibition, by Dayanita Singh, at the Hayward Gallery, featured work which isn’t only hung on walls, but is presented in books, film and sculptures. Both of the exhibitions gave the students an understanding of how narratives can be developed and presented in their own work. This was a great opportunity to enrich the students’ contextual understanding of photography and inspire their own practice.

As an added bonus it was exciting to see images by an ex-Long Road student at the Hayward Gallery. Melissa Jordan has her photographic work in the Café and it was a great inspiration for the students to see what they could achieve. When Melissa heard that our students were visiting the Gallery, she said: “I have such happy memories of my photography days at Long Road.”

At the next venue, the Photographers’ Gallery, where we went to see the exhibition of photographs by Jacques Henri Lartigue, we were delighted to be greeted by another ex-Long Road student, Liam Magee, who is working there part-time. He told us that he had recently finished his Fine Art Photography degree at Camberwell, and he had been selected for an Artist in Residence scheme. We invited him to come back to Long Road to show our Photography students his work and talk to them as part of the department’s Progression talks during the A2 transition in the summer.

Photography student Ella Rawson shoots ‘A Day in the Life’ of Jim Paice, MPPhotography A level student Ella Rawson spent a day at the Houses of Parliament shadowing Jim Paice, MP for South East Cambridgeshire and photographing him throughout the day. Ella says: “I was really pleased to be able to work with Sir Jim Paice and to show what goes on behind the scenes in Parliament.”

Ella has recently been offered a place on the Photojournalism degree course at Newport, University of South Wales. Dan Boulton, Photography course team leader, says “This course has a fantastic reputation and receives applications from across the world; it is very difficult to get onto. Ella has been focused on this as a goal since she joined us and has worked really hard to ensure she had the best chance of success. Her body of work at the Houses of Parliament will be an excellent addition to an already outstanding portfolio.”

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‘When it’s time to move on up, we’ll help you stand out from the crowd.’

Science students take part in Nuffield Project

Mojisola Sobanwa (taking Chemistry, Biology and Maths at A level)

“I went to TWI at Granta Park in Great Abington. I was there for four weeks and worked on a project called Heat Exchangers Test Specification and Analysis. My research project was to find out more about how they work. The placement gave me a clearer idea about research, especially in relation to engineering. I am hoping to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Newcastle.”

TWI’s headquarters in Granta Park, Great Abington

Anna Skorobogatova (taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A level)

“My placement was at Mott MacDonald in Cambridge. My research topic was Seismic Design of Dams – the company wants to find a way to increase the water supply to an industrial area near Jakarta in Indonedia. The solution would be to build a dam, but there are a lot of active volcanoes in the country (it is on the Pacific Ring of Fire). I was trying to find out which design of dam would work best such as concrete dams and embankment dams with an asphalt concrete core. The project helped me to broaden my horizons and consider engineering research for the future. I have been offered at place at the University of Cambridge to study Maths with Physics.”

Mojisola Sobanwa and Anna Skorobogatova took part in Nuffield Research Placements Projects in the summer of 2013. Nuffield Research Placements give sixth form students hands-on experience of a professional research environment through a 4 - 6 week placement in their summer holidays. The programme is run by the Nuffield Foundation and gives students an opportunity to work with with professional researchers. This helps give students an insight into a wide variety of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

Sport students’ work experience helps them plan their future careersSport Level 3 Diploma students Fay Charnock and Rebecca Lowe carried out their experience in local schools.

Fay Charnock“I went to Castle School in Cambridge,” explains Fay. “It is a special school for children aged 2-19, and I worked with the sixth form students there. I took the students to Kelsey Kerridge sports centre and Parkside swimming pool in Cambridge. It was very rewarding because I managed to help a girl to swim on her own for the first time – she had been very nervous about trying this. Inspired by her, a boy then managed to beat his own target on lengths. I also set up a gym programme for girls.

“In the afternoons, I went back to the school and worked with the primary-age children. We did trampolining and boccia, which is a Paralympic sport.”

“Working with the girls in the gym has made me think about being a personal trainer or working in a special school in the future.”

Rebecca Lowe“I went to Witchford Village College – it’s my old school – and worked as a football coach with a group of Year 8/9 girls. The students did really well so we entered a county football tournament and won! I also umpired in lessons and in a netball tournament. I’d really like to do more work like this and would love to be a PE teacher..”

Fay Charnock (left) and Rebecca Lowe (right)

Business Level 3 Diploma: Work Experience round-upJack HolmesI went to Spicers, the office products distributor, in Waterbeach for work experience. I looked at their competitors’ and partners’ websites to see what was good about them and what could be improved. They also asked me to come up with five different promotions for different scenarios. The five promotions were: BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free), Christmas, Create a ‘Bundle’, New Office ‘Bundle’ and one for a product with low sales. I enjoyed my placement and found the staff at Spicers very friendly.

Theo TurvillI went to Wright Design Limited. I had to study colour trend to create a colour trend chart for 2014 spring and summer, I also used design software to produce a product for my Design Technology A level course.

Kamil KrauseI went to Excell Group, IT & Communications Company, in Sawston. I set up ports and telephone numbers for customers, scheduled jobs for the engineers and arranged contracts for new customers.

Monde MwiyaMy placement was at PACEC (Public & Corporate Economic Consultants). The experience was good because I was learning not just things about practical administration but also about the other aspects of the business, as well as the people and culture behind the success of the business. This allowed me to gain valuable real-world working experience and to develop further my existing skills.

Nursing and Midwifery Day at Addenbrooke’sHealth & Social Care and Early Years Level 3 Diploma students Joanna Addison and Chloe Smith attended a one-day event at Addenbrooke’s to find out more about working in this field.“I have wanted to be a midwife since Year 9,” explains Chloe. “We heard about the day from Jolene Barrett, the College Careers Assistant, applied for the event and were very pleased to be accepted.”

“I am hoping to go to university and become a paediatric nurse,” adds Joanna, “so this was an excellent opportunity to find out more. It was based in the Deakin Learning Centre, the training centre at the University, and there were about 20-30 students there in total. We had presentations from nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants and also carried out practical tasks including taking blood (using plastic arms with red liquid in them!) and monitoring blood pressure and pulse rates. “

“It was very interesting,” says Chloe. “I am taking a year out after I complete my studies at Long Road and am hoping to get a job as a healthcare assistant. It was very useful to hear healthcare assistants talking about their work helping nursing staff with basic tasks. I found out that there were different ways of getting into hospital work and that going to university might not be necessary.”

Chloe Smith (left) and Joanna Addison (right)

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‘What about after Long Road?’Meet some of our alumni.

Tom ClarkTom studied Physics, Maths, Biology and Design Technology A levels at Long Road.

“The Careers department at Long Road gave me information about the MoD Student Engineer Training Scheme, which provides sponsorship for students and includes a gap year. My application was successful, and I went to the University of Cambridge to read for the MEng in General Engineering and later a PhD in Fluid Dynamics - my research was on coherent structure in turbulent boundary layers.

“My gap year and summer break internships included work on a Nuclear Licensed Site Safety Case and a study of deck strength for Aircraft Carriers. I also developed an optical guidance systems for submarine research vessels. Following my first degree, I moved to QinetiQ to work as a propulsion engineer, designing propellers and propulsion systems for naval vessels. After moving back to Cambridge to do a PhD, I continued with them as technical consultant on marine propulsion systems.

“Following my PhD, I was appointed Chief Technical Officer at Green-Tide Turbines Ltd, managing development of off-shore and river turbines for renewable power generation.

“In April 2013 I founded, and am now Director of, Ocean Array Systems Ltd, which I set up to address the issue of turbulence in the marine environment, including tidal turbine device performance and extractable energy resource. We develop products to help wind, tidal and wave device developers reduce operation risk and energy costs. We provide engineering simulation software to the industry for tidal power, turbulence and oceanographic analyses .

“My professional institution, the IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology), recently sent members details of the Ministry of Defence sponsorship scheme, which still exists, albeit in a different format. I would encourage any student interested in engineering to find out more about the scheme as it provided me with an excellent start to my career.”

Peter HarmerPeter Harmer studied at Long Road between 1995 and 1998 and took A levels in Media, Psychology and Art. He then went on to study ‘Digital Screen Arts’ at the University of the Creative Arts in Surrey where he graduated with a first class honours degree.

“After graduating I returned to Cambridgeshire,” he says, “and worked as the Filmmaker on an intergenerational project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to share thoughts and reflections between children and veterans of World War 2. This ambitious community project with the Cambridgeshire Film Consortium led to my starting ‘Stories’ an organisation that works with schools, councils, charities and community groups through film. Since its inception ‘Stories’ has delivered hundreds of projects, engaging groups and individuals in filmmaking with mixed abilities from a range of backgrounds across the country.”

Many films under the ‘Stories’ umbrella have gone on to screen internationally to much acclaim. ‘Your Choice’ a film drama used in schools throughout Cambridgeshire to raise awareness around issues of peer pressure and drink driving received a Princess Diana

Award for excellence and ‘Saving Terry Firmer’ an allegorical comedy drama on the subject of Climate change won first prize at the ‘International Change Makers Conference’ for engaging young people with the subject of climate change in such an innovative way.

“Alongside these filmmaking projects, I freelance as a camera operator, cinematographer and editor. My commercial work has taken me around the world, including a documentary for Microsoft in Malawi and a series of films with the Great British Rowing team for their sponsor Siemens. I’m currently filming highly skilled surgical procedures throughout hospitals in Europe to promote a revolutionary new device to control internal bleeding.

“I’m planning to work as a cinematographer on two feature films this year, currently in the early stages of development and I teach ‘Cinematography’ on the Cambridge arm of the BFI film school.

Peter’s memories of studying at Long Road came flooding back when

commissioned to make some short course videos for the College. “I firmly believe that the A levels I took were invaluable in my development as a creative professional. Long Road offered me the support and skills I needed in an atmosphere of independence and creativity that suited my character.”

Alex ZintlAlex Zintl is in her final year of Philosophy at the University of York and is currently working on a project on Wittgenstein’s Tractatus.

“I chose to study at York as it is a campus university in small city, so that you can really feel part of a student community. It also ranks highly, has excellent student satisfaction, and

is a reasonable distance away from Cambridge.

“My favourite aspect of York so far has been its student societies, and the fact that almost all the other students I have met here are so engaged in them. It makes the whole university experience far more stimulating and offers a way of meeting so many more people. The city of York is also very beautiful and is full of little independent coffee shops and restaurants to explore.

“I enjoy Philosophy because there is such a range to study and choose from within the subject. Studying ancient philosophy for example feels like a totally different discipline to metaphysics, so you can really tailor your choices within the degree to what you like. I also feel as though reading philosophy as a degree really trains and sharpens your thinking, as there is such an emphasis on being precise and direct in your writing. The majority of work

for my degree is independent reading too, so it is very flexible, and you can structure your day to suit your working patterns. I am planning to take a Law conversion course once I have finished my degree with the idea of eventually becoming a solicitor.

“I studied History, Politics, and Philosophy at Long Road. I found every single one of my teachers so encouraging and helpful. I also found that all my teachers were very interested in the subject itself, rather than solely teaching to pass exams. As a result the lessons were engaging and I found (and still find) all the subjects I studied incredibly interesting. I can honestly say that my time at Long Road was two of the best years of my life, and I always remember it very fondly.”

Ryan JohnsonRyan studied Biology, Electronics and Geography at Long Road then studied Biomedical Science at the University of Kent, which included a year abroad in Malaysia.

“I studied Biology at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and made lots of friends with the students and even quite a few lecturers. I then returned to England for my final year at Kent, graduating in July 2013 with a first class honours degree.

I am now back at UTM teaching English to first year students. My contract is for a year, but who knows what will happen? I may stay for another few years. Being here in Malaysia means that I can travel anywhere around here: I’ve practically covered the whole of SE Asia!

However, my main objective is to become a teacher of Biology. I would love to replicate the inspirational teaching style of my Long Road teachers.

Phil KinseyPhil studied for a Leisure & Recreation Level 3 Diploma at Long Road then flew out to New York to work as a sports coach at a sports camp. He explains:

“This inspired me to set up my own sport coaching company, Kinnerz Coaching. We run 1 to 1 and club football coaching, children’s sports and dance parties, community sports and activity projects, lunchtime, after school and holiday sports and activity events, and special events for families, groups and schools.”

Phil has also provided work experience for Long Road students including Sport Level 3 Diploma student Charlie Reeve. Phil says: “In Charlie, I see the same passion, maturity and drive to make a difference in the local community as I had. I couldn’t speak of Charlie highly enough.”

Phil Kinsey

Charlie Reeve

Ryan (centre, in blue shirt) with one of his classes

Long Road Sixth Form CollegeLong Road Cambridge CB2 8PX

01223 507400enquries@longroad.ac.ukwww.longroad.ac.uk

Facebook: Long Road Sixth Form College 2011/12Twitter: @LR6FC

Key Dates for 2014June 30th: Open morning for students who are holding offers August 21st: GCSE exam results published

August 28th & 29th: Enrolment for new students joining the College

September 5th: Lessons start