🔹Principal’s Update

Dear colleagues,

As there will be no bulletin next Monday due to the bank holiday, I’d like to cover a few key updates that would have been included next week.

Careers Fair and Employability
In support of our strategic ambition around economy and skills, the Employability Team is leading on tomorrow’s Careers Fair, which will see over 200 employers in attendance. I was particularly impressed to hear that a “quiet bus” is being organised for students, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse student needs. Please accompany your students to the event if you are teaching them at that time. If not, I encourage you to attend during a free period – this is a valuable networking opportunity for all teaching and support staff.

Government Engagement and Budget Pressures
This week, I will be meeting with Tom Holvey, Government Economic Advisor, to discuss the Better Business Support Package initiative. This includes support for apprentices, with the government covering wages during their one-day-a-week training with us.

However, we are currently facing budget pressures both internally and across government, as evidenced by the ongoing recruitment freeze for civil service posts at Grade 9 and above. I’ve already had a Grade 6 post declined, so we anticipate staffing challenges in the coming months.

Liberation Day
On a more positive note, we look forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day on 8 May. Organised by the Student Life team, this event promises to be enjoyable and engaging for all.

Hair & Beauty Fundraiser
The Hair and Beauty Team is running a pop-up fundraising salon to help fund student participation in the Blackpool competition. I look forward to seeing you there. Please note that travel costs for students in receipt of the Jersey Premium will be covered.

Government Liaison
I’ll also be meeting with Rachel Baxter, Lead for the Senior Advisory Service in CYPES, to update her on our current work at the college and to hear about ongoing government projects.

SEND and Transition Support
At last week’s Senior Leadership Team meeting, we focused on SEND. All 88 students with Individual Health Care Plans have these developed by Nicola Greber. Three of our staff have recently updated or renewed their qualifications in assessing students for exam access arrangements. We expect around 52 students to be enrolled with Records of Need by September. Of the 84 identified as needing enhanced transition support from school or elective home education, 69 have already engaged with the programme. The number of students with autism continues to grow.

Encouragingly, the Learning Support Team’s enrichment programme is showing early success in building student confidence and self-efficacy.

College-wide Projects and CPD
Next week’s SLT meeting will focus on the nine major cross-college projects currently in implementation, as well as on teaching staff utilisation and contract hours.

Stuart Philip and the Teaching & Learning Development Team have drafted the CPD programme for the final days of term, which we are now reviewing and will share with staff shortly.

New Degree Launch
On Friday, our Vice Principal Kate Hobbs, attended the ICAEW National Conference in preparation for the launch of our new Business and Accounting degree this September. This degree will allow students to graduate with a Business Studies qualification and be three-quarters of the way towards full Chartered Accountant status. Kate is also developing a strong network of university and professional partners in this area.

Primary Engineers Judging Panel
On Wednesday, I’ll be part of the judging panel for the Primary Engineers annual competition. I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity and skill our local pupils bring to their presentations, especially in their use of literacy and numeracy.

It’s lovely to see the sun shining this week – long may it continue!

Enjoy the bank holidays. 😀