Staff Update – Friday 29 November

As we find ourselves very quickly coming to the end of the first term, I am delighted to introduce you to the refreshed and revitalised Staff Update. This will be published (and in our inboxes) following each ELT briefing to showcase College updates, useful information and good news stories.

After a rewarding start to the academic year, I am sure you will agree that the campus feels more vibrant than ever, with a bustling high street, classrooms and corridors. As mentioned in the recent ELT briefings, this reflects the fantastic recruitment levels we have had across all provisions and we really have seen remarkable success in welcoming our new students to the College, enriching our campus with fresh energy and enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this – in effect, all of you.

I am particularly proud to spotlight the launch of our 5As Ambition Framework, created to complement our College values. This innovation is already shaping the way we approach success at Preston College, encouraging both staff and students to aspire, achieve, and go beyond expectations. The framework will be a key feature in our future communications, social media updates and promotional literature, as we celebrate the stories of ambition and excellence at the College.

We also find ourselves in a year of celebration as 2024 – 2025 marks our 50th anniversary. This is a significant milestone that highlights five decades of the College transforming lives through education. This is a moment to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, shine a light on what we do, and be proud of who we are. We look forward to continuing the celebrations throughout the year, with many more things to come. Please take some time to look at our social media platforms, where you will see staff and student alumni stories.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone of another exciting event on the horizon: Skills Competition Week (w/c 2 December). This will involve a full range of competitions and activities with our students, with activities including esports racing, multi group inter-sports, quizzes and skills showcases in hair, beauty and barbering. Many more activities are still in the planning stages, and I can’t wait to see what the week brings.

It almost goes without saying, but thank you to everyone for your continued commitment and hard work. It really is appreciated.

Simon Nixon

Principal and Chief Executive

Headline News

The Ambition Framework has arrived at Preston College

Bringing vibrancy and inspiration to our campus, our new Ambition Framework will underpin everything that we do. Designed to inspire both students and staff, the 5 As have been created to drive our vision – To Transform Lives Through Education. You’ll start to see the 5 As in action across our campus, on our social media platforms, and in the way that we recognise progress and celebrate success every day.

Preston College celebrates 50 years of educational excellence

Simon Nixon, Principal and Chief Executive, expressed his pride in the College’s achievements. He says, “Celebrating 50 years is a monumental milestone for the College. We have a rich history of transforming lives through education and supporting individuals to reach their full potential. Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, the support of our community, and, most importantly, the achievements of our students.”
Please keep an eye open as more alumni stories will be added and promoted throughout the year.

Preston College Alumni Stories

Team of the Month and Values Champions

A huge well done to our September and October winners!
September
Team of the Month: Recruitment
Values Champion: Simon Book
October
Team of the Month: ICT Services
Values Champion: Lucy Gardiner-Murfin

Random Acts of Kindness Returns

The Health and Wellbeing team are introducing a special week just before Christmas where staff members can show appreciation and support for their colleagues by leaving small, thoughtful gifts on their desks. These gifts could include anything like flowers from your garden, a chocolate bar, a motivational card, or some sweets – essentially, simple, low-cost tokens of kindness.

The goal is to surprise the recipient, so the gift should be placed anonymously. If desired, a small note or Post-it can accompany the gift, but the key is to keep the identity of the giver a secret. More details will follow in the coming weeks…

The renovation of our £1.4 million Digital Suites is complete

Thanks to T Level funding, this advanced facility will be instrumental in developing and supporting our T Level courses across a range of digital and creative disciplines, including media production, games design, digital production, accounting, and digital design and development

The renovation has turned the former media, music, and recording spaces into cutting-edge digital suites, creative design studios, and a specialised gaming room!

Pudsey arrives at Preston College

An incredible week where the campus shone a light on raising money for Children In Need. Pudsey dropped by to spread some joy and together, students and staff raised funds to make a real difference for children across the UK. Thank you to everyone who joined in and donated – your contributions will make a real difference.

A day to remember

Thank you to our Public Services and Performing Arts staff and students who put on a heartfelt display for the whole college community. Events such as these are not always easy to organise and so we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this annual event happen.

Mary visits plastering students

Instagram star, Mary visited the College to show our Level 1 and Level 2 plastering students ‘casting’. Not only did Mary give an inspirational talk and demonstration, she also got the students involved – giving them an opportunity to try casting for themselves.
Mary is the face behind work in Netflix’s The Gentlemen, and having recently worked on the casts used in the new blockbuster film, Gladiator II.

Big thank you to Paul Jeffries for organising this event.

Gone in 60 seconds!

Something you don’t see everyday. A 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor that was featured in the 2000 remake of the movie ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’. Our apprentice Level 3 LGV apprentice Didar (former apprentice of the year) has been assisting to restore this car for resale! Thank you to Kev Cleaver for the photos.

Alice Potter – social media extraordinaire

Specialist social media content creator, Alice Potter visited the campus to deliver a session on digital marketing as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Student feedback:
“I truly appreciated your time and sharing your story with us all, you made the session interesting and enjoyable. You gave great advice that could help me with starting my own business in the future.”

Thank you to Samantha Clegg for organising.

The Wellbeing Room is open!

The Wellbeing Room is now open at the College (AH016), providing a quiet space for students to take time out, relax, or recharge. Staff are also welcome to use the room. A designated staff member will be available to assist while ensuring the space remains calm and supportive for everyone.

The PNE ‘A’ Team

The A team secured back-to-back league wins with a supersonic performance at the Etihad Campus. A lightning-fast start saw North End race to a 2-0 lead, but Manchester City fought back to level the score at 2-2 by halftime. But the team pushed on claiming all three points – scoring three goals in the final 20 minutes to claim all three points. What a comeback!

SPORTS NEWS – WHAT’S AVAILABLE AND HOW TO BOOK – CLICK THE ARROW….

Lucy’s Staff Fun Fit Classes

Every Tuesday and Wednesday 5 – 5.45pm in the Functional Training Room.

These classes have been extremely popular and are free for staff gym members.

Lucy designs a different set of fun but challenging exercises each week and classes are suitable for people of all abilities.

For more information or to book your place, email mthompson@preston.ac.uk or call Sports Reception on 01772 225429.

TRX Body Conditioning

Classes are every Monday and Wednesday 5.45 – 6.45pm in the Training Hall.

These are circuit based classes and are available to staff and external members and are free with your membership.

Matt’s thorough workouts give you the best chance of achieving your training goals using a mixture of your own body weight and resistance exercises.

For more information or to book your place, email mmoorhouse@preston.ac.uk or call Sports Reception on 01772 225429.

Preston Physio Clinic

Duncan Mason and his team offer appointments here at College on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Duncan has vast knowledge and experience, working with Team GB as part of their medical team in several European and World Championship events.

As part of the College’s staff benefits programme, appointments are £30 for 45 minutes, a 33% saving on the full cost.

Appointments can be booked by contacting info@athletematters.com or calling 01772 225401.

Staff Gym Membership

Unlimited use of both the Fitness Suite and Functional Training Room and free fitness classes.

Opening times are 7am – 10pm weekdays and 9am – 4.30pm at weekends.

Membership costs £10 per month and new members receive two free 1:1 training sessions with one of our instructors.

For more information, email mmoorhouse@preston.ac.uk or call Sports Reception on 01772 225429.

Term Time Facility Bookings

If you would like to book a facility for your students, please book with the curriculum admin team first.

Once this has been timetabled and confirmed, then inform us of the booking and what requirements you have regarding equipment.

If this simple method is followed, everything will be ready when you arrive for your session.

PNE Holiday Clubs

Multi-sports holiday clubs and Soccer Schools for children 5 – 11 years old, every school holiday.

Two venues to choose from. Preston College Sports Centre and PlayFootball at Ingol.

£15 per day or £60 for the week, plus a further 20% discount for College staff members.

To book your child’s place or for further information call the PNE office on 01772 693309.

For last minute Christmas Shoppers….

We have Neal and Wolfe travel packs with various mini products or gift packs of various shampoo and conditioner. Prices between £18.00 – £22.00. Please see Debbie Mesghali (Elements) for more information.

Tell Marketing….

Remember, if you have a story to share, be sure to Tell Marketing! Whether your students have participated in a project, competition, or college trip, overcome challenges, or achieved something they never thought possible – let us know! Have your School or Department received exciting news, or do you have exceptional staff or student work you’d like to showcase? We want to hear from you!

Please note that ‘Tell Marketing’ is for staff use only.

Tell Marketing