BBC reporter Lesley Ashmall interviews Public Services students for 5 live Breakfast at our Enfield Centre.

Students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) are to appear on BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast to discuss politics and the upcoming general election.

A group of Public Services students are due to feature on the news programme hosted by Nicky Campbell and Rachel Burden on June 2, following an interview with reporter Lesley Ashmall at the College’s Enfield Centre last week.

During the recording, the students were asked if they were going to vote and what they thought of the Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and other political parties.

They also commented on political issues including Brexit, policing, education and health, and discussed how to get young people more interested in politics.

Level 3 student Mushtaq Atifi, 18, said: “Politicians don’t think the way we think. We need politicians who are nearer our age and a prime minister who is younger, like in Canada.”

Level 2 student Vanessa Cassama Gomes Da Silva, 17, agreed, adding she feared for people who may be deported after Brexit and also had concerns about crime and child abuse.

However, she also felt overall that politicians were not that interested in the opinions of young people.

Vanessa said: “She [Theresa May] is appealing to older people. This election will give her the chance to encourage young people to vote.”

On education, Level 3 student Kubilay Akgun, 18, said: “Some of us want to go to university and will have tuition fees in mind, so I’d be interested in Labour who are saying they want to reduce them.”

Students shared their views on political parties and their leaders and issues including Brexit, policing, education, health and getting young people more interested in politics.

Public Services courses are ideal for those wanting to work in uniformed services such as the police or Armed Forces.

CONEL offers courses in Public Services from Levels 1 to Level 3 and also a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma at Levels 4 and 5.

Sarah Shucksmith, Curriculum Manager for KS4, Sports and Public Services, said: “This was a great opportunity for our students to join the political debate in the run up to the general election.

“As a College we’re keen to encourage young people to take an active interest in politics and encourage them to use their right to vote, and Lesley really engaged with the students on the parties, their leader, and most importantly, the issues that matter to them.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on Public Services courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

The Corporations of the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) and the Capital City College Group (CCCG) are excited to announce initial plans for CONEL to join the CCCG, with a target date of 1 November 2017. Both Corporations have agreed to go ahead with public consultation on the plan.

Capital City College Group was formed last year with a membership comprising City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and Capital City College Training.  It is the third largest FE organisation in the UK.  

The Group’s members are recognised across the full range of services provided by further education and have nationally renowned specialisms in Applied Sciences, Hospitality and Catering, as well as one of the largest Apprenticeship programme of any college in London.  

CONEL, with Centres in Enfield and Tottenham, is a leading provider of Engineering and Construction courses, with particular specialism in Rail Engineering. Between them the colleges boast world-class facilities and learning spaces; a wide range of high quality courses; and fantastic staff. 

The expanded Group will build on each college’s strengths whilst seeking to significantly enhance education and training opportunities for students and employers.  

The excellent transport links will enable the Group to create an integrated, comprehensive offer of technical and professional education accessible to residents and business across London and beyond, particularly along the Lea Valley and Cambridge/Stansted corridor. 

The Capital City College Group will continue to support the three colleges in maintaining their existing, unique brands and identities.  A central team will provide back office services to the Group and manage strategic planning and partnerships.

The individual colleges will continue to recruit students across 14-19, basic skills, apprenticeships, professional & technical and higher education programmes, as well as serving their local, regional and business communities.

City & Islington, CONEL and Westminster Kingsway have been three of London’s most successful colleges over recent years. Each have retained OfSTED Good grades, established considerable employer and community networks, achieved financial surpluses and invested heavily in superb facilities.

Based on 2015-16 figures, between them, the three colleges will have nearly 40,000 students, of whom nearly 10,000 will be aged 16-19, along with 3,500 apprentices, and a combined annual income of over £112 million.

Alastair Da Costa, Chair of Governors at CCCG said, "CONEL joining the existing partners in CCCG is a bold and strategic move. It has real potential to significantly increase our impact and leverage further benefits for the communities and businesses we serve."

Keith Brown, Chair of Governors at CONEL said "The FE sector will be the focus for many changes over the next years to meet this country’s skills challenges.  The newly expanded Group will put as at the forefront in responding to the opportunities these changes will provide.”

Andy Wilson, Chief Executive of CCCG said, "I am excited that CONEL want to join the existing CCCG colleges in creating a new type of further education college group which will provide innovative training for the residents and businesses of London. Expanding the Group in this way will enable us to provide a comprehensive educational offer to our local communities but also across London and beyond.”

Andy Forbes, Principal of CONEL, said “Our aim in coming together in this way is to play a key role in the emerging Skills for Londoners’ agenda by providing top quality specialist Technical and Professional education right up to degree level, whilst continuing to serve our local communities.”

Level 2 Beauty Therapy competition winner Maria Georgiou, 18, puts the finishing touches to her winning look.

A trainee beautician at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s Enfield Centre has won first prize in a college competition after dazzling the judges with her ‘red carpet' fairy look.

Maria Georgiou, 18, was awarded first prize and was praised for her “excellent professional and technical ability” in the contest, which featured various stunning looks created by around 35 Beauty Therapy Level 2 students.

In second place was Elaine Plana, 36, with her wood fairy themed look and third was Sofia Avanzi, 19, with her space girl style.

iFirst placed Maria Georgiou, 18, centre, second placed Elaine Plana, 36, left, third placed Sofia Avanzi, 19, right, with their models, mood boards and prizes.

The students were asked to create a full look in one hour and 30 minutes, incorporating make-up and hair & costume from a mood board they had previously created.

The looks were modelled by other students, friends and family, with themes as varied as a fairy princess, drag, retro, from the river to the runway, night out, Cleopatra, Supergirl and 80s invasion.

Maria said: “It was quite a shock to have won, as there are so many other people who are very good on the course.

“I was originally going to do a pixie or fairy theme but thought that might be a bit boring, so I decided to combine it with a red carpet look. I put her in a fabulous dress and gave her wings and some glittery make-up to give it a festival style.

“I’m really enjoying the course, especially the practical side. We have real clients coming in, which has really improved my confidence and prepared me well for getting a job.”

Beauty Therapy students created some stunning looks for the competition.

The competition was judged by CONEL hairdressing tutor and stylist Jayne Giroud and experienced beauty therapist Ashley Delaney from Cowshed Cosmetics.

They considered the overall look and the technical skills and application of make-up, as well as how well the end result reflected the original idea.

Prizes worth £240 from hair and beauty suppliers Chris & Sons and beauty brand Eve Taylor were awarded as prizes for the first, second and third placed students.

Above, all the looks entered into the competition, and below, the students that created them with their mood boards.

Maria Hadjinicolaou, Curriculum Manager for Hair and Beauty Therapy ,said: “All the students who participated in the competition deserve to be recognised for their fabulous creations and very high professional standards.

“The judges spent a long time deliberating before deciding on their winner, and in the end Maria’s red carpet fairy look was judged to be the best. 

“There was a clear follow through from the mood board to the finished model, the make-up was professionally applied and she had demonstrated excellent professional and technical ability.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on our Hairdressing and Beauty therapy courses.

Members of the Federation of Enfield Construction Services (FOECS) held their first meeting at CONEL led by local businessman Tony Yianni. centre, during which Gary Kousoulou, right, was elected the chairman of the group.

Passionate and vocal, the Federation of Enfield Construction Services (FOECS) met for the first time at CONEL’s Enfield Centre in May.

The historic meeting to elect a chair and move forward on their key objectives of bringing new entrants into the construction industry, as well as securing local jobs for local people were the uppermost topics of debate.

Around 30 of the 70 strong Federation members attended the meeting, led by local businessman Tony Yianni.

FOECS was set up to provide a strong voice, representing people from the industry to the local council, which is organising regeneration projects on a massive scale in Enfield.

These projects include: Meridian Water, a waterside housing project, which will lead to 10,000 homes built by major contractor Barratt; hundreds of new homes coming to the Ponders End Electric Quarter, as well as, the Ladderswood, Alma Road and New Avenue estates.

Tony Yianni said: “The Council need local construction firms to make these projects work. We’re here to lobby on behalf of our industry and members and to make sure that local business people benefit from the build of these projects.”

A hot topic at the meeting included skills shortages, and Jackie Chapman, CONEL’s Director for Apprenticeships was on hand to talk about the free recruitment and training her team offer to local businesses.

FOECS members particularly want to see more professionals coming into the industry and welcomed apprenticeships for surveyors, project managers and estimators – all areas currently under development at CONEL.

Matt Wylds, Head of Construction at CONEL, said: “It’s brilliant that an industry led federation is meeting at CONEL because it gives us an excellent sounding board to bounce new ideas off when we’re creating courses and to hear from industry professionals about what it is their industry needs.”

CONEL was delighted to see two alumni return to their old college as Lauren Price Business Development Coordinator of ARG group attended, a former business admin apprentice at Enfield Centre and Marios Poumpouris MD for Chiller Box Ltd, a former Construction Level 3 student from Tottenham Centre.

The meeting unanimously elected Gary Kousoulou as their Chair.

If you are interested in Construction Courses or Apprenticeships at CONEL browse our website by clicking this link or call 020 8442 3055.

Bola Lawal was among the winners in the Leadership Through Sport and Business Apprentice of the Year awards. 

An aspiring accountant with “talent and drive” has won a trip to New York for her outstanding work during her Apprenticeship.

Bola Lawal, 22, was part of the Accounting Academy at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), run in partnership with Leadership Through Sport and Business (LTSB).

She was presented with the prize after being named among the winners in LTSB’s Apprentice of the Year awards.

LTSB helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the UK to secure jobs with blue chip companies in the financial sector.

Bola said: “I tried various ways to get work experience, I was willing to work for free and applied to various accounting practices locally but it was chucked back in my face because they didn’t want to give me a chance. Luckily, LTSB did.”

Bola gained her AAT Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications at the College where she received an Excellence Award in 2016.

At the time, she said: “The Apprenticeship has been very good in relating what I have been learning at the College to what I am doing at work every day. The tutors cover every aspect of the subject and have always been very helpful and supportive.”

Bola undertook her Apprenticeship with Berg Kaprow Lewis LLP, now BKL, in Finchley, before landing a job as a Group Reporting Accountant at Santander UK’s head office in Euston after networking at the LTSB Women in Finance Conference.

Her boss at BKL, Director of Client Services Stuart Batkins said: “Her work was of the highest level I’ve ever seen from a junior accountant, just starting their career – we could do with more Bolas!”

Bola is very keen to encourage other young people to join the programme and show the talent that big business often overlooks.

She said: “All the events, training and preparation that LTSB provided was so helpful, particularly in terms of public speaking – and controlling how quickly I speak when I’m nervous! It meant I felt I could make a difference straightaway when I got my placement.”

Call 020 8442 3442 or click here to find out more about Accountancy Apprenticeships.

Level 3 Hairdressing competition winner Mahrokh Bamshad, second from right, with runner-up Aygul Karadogan, second from left, and Nassim Boghrat, back centre, who won the prize for the best mood board, with their models.

Aspiring hair stylist, Mahrokh Bamshad, proved she was the cream of the crop when she won a college hairdressing competition.

Around a dozen Hairdressing Level 3 students took part in the challenge at the Enfield Centre of the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

The students had four hours to create a style on a seasonal avant garde bridal theme, that reflected a mood board they had previously created to inspire their look.

Hair straighteners and hairdressing equipment cases, donated by Enfield-based hair and beauty suppliers Chris & Sons, were presented to the winner, runner-up and winner of the best mood board.

Mahrokh, 38, won first prize for her winter themed look, which comprised a huge crimped, grey hair style and grey dress accessorised with silver jewellery.

She said: “It was very exciting to have won and a nice surprise.

“My teachers have been fantastic and worked very hard with us over the past year, and I can’t thank them enough for their help.

“I’d love to work in beauty, and in the future I’d like to have my own salon.”

Students created some vibrant looks in the competition.

Aygul Karadogan, 37, was runner-up with her spring look featuring a bird’s nest on top of a swirled hair style and a white dress adorned with colourful feathers.

“Spring is my favourite time of year and I came up with a few ideas, and it looked how I had hoped. I didn’t expect to do so well, as there were so many good designs.”

Nassim Boghrat, 41, who previously won a hairdressing competition while studying for her Level 2, was handed the prize for best mood board for her Japanese geisha style.

“I just wanted to create something that had a lot of character,” she said.

The competition was judged by former CONEL student Inanch Emir, who runs a salon on Great Portland Street, London, and hair stylist Anne Vecks, who owns two salons in Oxfordshire.

Anne said: “Mahrokh’s look ticked all the boxes. It was beautiful in every aspect and was very well executed, and everything – the hair, make-up and dress – all worked well together.

“Overall, all the students came up with some fantastic ideas and I was very impressed. They definitely have futures in the industry.”

All the students who took part in their competition with their models, tutors and the judges.

The students’ creations will also form part of their final assessment.

Carol Chapman, Course Team Leader in Hairdressing said: “The standard of the students’ work has been incredible with some amazing results. I would like to congratulate them and also thank the models, teaching staff and Chris & Sons for all their hard work too.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on Hairdressing and Beauty courses at the College of Haringey Enfield and North Eat London.

CONEL's Head of Teaching and Learning, Torcato Coutinho, speaking at the Microsoft Further Education Summit.

An innovative project led by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) will create a highly skilled IT and digital workforce by bringing industry experts into the classroom.

The scheme trains employers to teach students through live and online training sessions, a training pack and collaboration with college staff, to enable them to support and enhance lessons by sharing the latest technical and digital skills required by UK business.

The project is part of the Association of College’s Outstanding Teaching, Learning and Assessment (OTLA) Technical Skills National Programme, and also includes partnerships with Capital City College Group, risual, SoundSkool, Free2Learn, Intertrain, British Academy of Jewellery, Ada. National College for Digital Skills and Haringey Council.

OTLA stemmed from Government plans to transform post-16 education by replacing thousands of courses with 15 straightforward routes into skilled employment, including digital, construction, engineering, health and science, social care and business and administrative.

Although the CONEL project focuses on IT and digital skills it can be applied to any other route, and it is hoped other colleges will follow its lead in creating their own schemes.

Funding for the project was secured from the Association of Colleges in March following a bid to the Education and Training Foundation.

Torcato Coutinho, Head of Teaching and Learning, said:  “This project is about getting college staff and students ready for new technical qualifications to meet the demands of industry.

“It will provide young people with access to the very latest digital skills in short bursts of teaching by industry experts, and also upskill teachers with the most up-to-date practices.

“Our aim is to create a model that will be used nationally, which will strengthen links between education and employers.”

Torcato was invited to address the Microsoft Further Education Summit on 14 June on how CONEL is embedding digital technology in education.

During his speech he referred to the project, the College’s recently launched IT Academy and Microsoft Showcase Classroom in partnership with risual, and how teaching staff have undergone Microsoft accredited training.

According to a Government commissioned report, the UK is performing poorly when it comes to intermediate professional and technical skills, and forecast to fall to 28th out of 33 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries by 2020.

Torcato said: “In this age of rapid technological change it is important that the UK does not get left behind, which is why at CONEL we’re committed to working with employers to ensuring both our staff and students are equipped with the cutting edge skills needed to meet the demands of industry.”

Ruben Junior has won a scholarship at Bolton Wanderers.

A talented footballer from the Football Academy at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has won a scholarship with Bolton Wanderers.

Ruben Junior, 17, who played youth football for European giants Benfica in his native Portugal before moving to the UK in 2015, will join the Trotters at the end of June.

Bolton secured automatic promotion and an immediate return to the Championship last season after a 3-0 win at home to Peterborough United in April.

"I feel very happy. It’s like winning the jackpot,” said Ruben, who previously won a trial with Leyton Orient, the official partner of the Football Academy, since its launch in 2013.

“It’s a big step and the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. I just want to continue to work hard so I can improve and hopefully I can get to train with the first team.

“That’s the most important thing for me because I love playing football. I am motivated every day, and when you get a chance like this to play at a higher level it makes you even more motivated.”

Macron Stadium, the home of Bolton Wanderers.

One of the oldest clubs in the English Football League, Bolton have won the Championship/Second Division title on four occasions and League One/Third Division title once, and the FA Cup on four occasions.

As a young boy Ruben played for his local side Real Massana near Lisbon before joining Benfica’s youth set-up aged 10, where he won three Campeonato Distrital (District Championship) titles in his teens.

Liverpool are his favourite English team, with Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino among his heroes for the Reds. He’s also an admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Ballotelli.

The Football Academy is coached by ex-professional footballers Mark Bentley and Darren Baker with teams competing in the Association of Colleges Football League.

Ruben said: “Mark and Darren have been very influential. They taught me some basic but essential things - how to prepare for a game and analyse performance – and I have seen the difference in me, so I owe them a big thank you.

“All the things they have done have helped me to prepare for my future.”

Jonathan Silman, Head of School for Sport, said: “Ruben is an extremely talented footballer who has a very bright future ahead of him. Throughout his time at the Academy he has been professional and committed to improving his game.

“Gaining a scholarship at Bolton Wanderers is an incredible achievement, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best in his footballing career.”

Click here for more information on the Football Academy at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

Fashionistas who dream of a career in design, manufacturing or textiles can now earn while they learn as The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London teams up with Fashion Enter to offer 15 lucky people an apprenticeship.

The partnership, which uses Skillset’s ‘Apparel Apprenticeship’ framework, is the first to be formed in London and will officially launch at an Open Day on 8 December at Fashion Enter’s Workshop in Haringey.

Potential apprentices and employers are invited along to the event at The Workshop, Unit 5, Mavros House, 95 Vale Road, Haringey N4 1TG, between 10am and 12 noon, and 1pm and 3pm, to find out about the benefits of The Fashion Apprenticeship.  Asos.com will also give presentations at 11am and 3pm.

Leading fashion online retailer Asos.com is already committed to the programme, and the first apprentices are expected to start in January 2011. The apprentices will spend most of their time at work, and will study garment production and fashion design one day a week.

Louise McCabe, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at asos, who is looking forward to bringing apprentices onboard, added: “Asos.com prides itself on breaking new ground in the fashion industry.  We are also passionate about creating career opportunities for young people and developing skills for garment manufacturing in the UK. This is why we are delighted to be directly supporting the first London based Fashion Apprenticeship with Fashion Enter and The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.”

College Director for Creative Studies, Jeff Rosenberg, said: “The College is really excited about working with Fashion Enter and Asos to develop this new apprenticeship for fashion students so that we can ensure they have excellent creative skills as well as technical ones.  Apprenticeships are perfect for this process.”

Skillset, the Sector Skills Council that represents the fashion and textiles industry, are promoting the framework for the Apprenticeship to help bridge the technical skill gaps that exist in London and offer strong career paths to aspiring young people keen to get their foot in the door.

Skillset Chief Executive, Dinah Caine, said: “London is such a hub of creative talent and tremendous skill in the fashion and textiles industry, it seems a waste not to have these skills being passed down through the Apprenticeship scheme.  We look forward to many talented apprentices in London being given the opportunity to kick start their careers.”

Employers or potential apprenticeships who are intesterd in getting involved should contact Emily Tullett– Education Manager at Fashion Enter on 020 8462 9620, email  emily@fashioncapital.co.uk or visit www.fashioncapital.co.uk

Chloe Lydon has won her third British championship gold.

A karate champion has set her sights on a world title after winning her third successive gold in the British Karate Federation 4 Nations Championships.

Black belt Chloe Lydon, 17, who trains at the Martial Arts Academy at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, took the title at Ponds Forge International Arena in Sheffield in May.

The annual tournament includes fighters from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Chloe said: “It was a good fight and one I needed to win, as the selections for the World Championships are coming up in July.

“My opponent was a very good fighter. It was a very technical fight and quite tight between us.

“She held out for quite a while, but then she made a mistake and I saw an opening and capitalised on it to win.”

Chloe’s win follows her gaining a third successive gold in the English Karate Federation National Championships, and another gold in the French International Open Championships earlier this year.

The World Karate Championship is set to take place in Tenerife in October.

Chloe Lydon in training at CONEL.

Chloe is studying for a Sport and Exercise Science Diploma Level 3 at CONEL, where she is coached at its Martial Arts Academy by current World Champion Jordan Thomas.

Jordan said: “Chloe was destined to win this title after becoming English champion in April, and is now focussing on the World Championships.

“As an international athlete myself, I know what It takes to get to this level. Chloe has a hard working attitude, she’s always on time and never misses a session.

“For her to achieve what she has at such a young age is incredible. I am very proud of her and she clearly has a big future in the sport.”

Click here to find out more about our Martial Arts Academy at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

After securing a dramatic win away against Peterborough on 3 May 2017 to secure the AoC East Region Cup, the still battle strong CONEL Warriors received their well-earned silverware in a presentation at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s Enfield Centre today.  Their tremendous win enables them to compete in the ABL next season, the UK national league of top basketball talent.

While they made time to celebrate today, the Warriors are not resting on their laurels, as they fly out to Barcelona next week to compete in the European Basketball Cup.

Jonathan Silman, Head of School for Sport and Public Services praised the team for their strength of character in winning a final away to a team, which had previously defeated them at home.

Jay Williams Head Coach for CONEL’s Basketball Academy talked of how hard work had paid off for the team. He said: “The team stuck to their training programmes through thick and thin, often starting early morning, weight and gym training throughout the day and training again in the evening. That’s what it takes to win, and they wanted to win.”

The Warriors team captain, Thabiso Khoza, holds the cup aloft with teammates to his sides and on the left are Nhamo Shire (back row), Jonathan Silman and Alex Ducasse and on the right Kurt Hintz and Andy Forbes

Kurt Hintz, the CONEL Vice Principal who set up the Basketball Academy around three years ago with the London School of Basketball (LSB) Chief Executive, Nhamo Shire, introduced him to speak.

Nhamo said: “All that you do on a basketball court translates to every area of your life. To win this league you have all shown great tenacity. You fight and you don’t give up and those qualities will guarantee your success in whatever career path you choose to follow.”

Andy Forbes, CONEL Principal and Chief Executive thanked the expertise of Coaches Jay Williams and Alex Ducasse, and the advice and development LSB had provided to lead the team to such an immense victory after only three years of operation.

He said: “The ambition and strength of spirit you have gained in winning the league will serve you well in all your future studies and sports endeavours. You should be all holding your heads very high.”

Andy Forbes presented each of the Basketball Academy members with their medals: Omar O’Garro, Benjamin Ankrah, Abdi Adan, Kerim Baysal, Jojo Baidoo, Reece Quinland, Kane Smallwood, Nick Kakouris, Rupert Burnett, Alex Malesi, Ola Oyedi , Gklori Santikou and Thabiso Khoza.

Four special awards were also handed out.

‘Players’ Player’ went to Rupert ‘TJ’ Burnett for his commitment and ability to get along with everyone and support his team mates.

‘Most Improved Player’ went to Gklori Santikou who put in the practice, gym and weight training to take his game to a much higher level and advance the overall quality of the team in the process. Abdi Adan was given an honourable mention in this category.

‘Best Academic Player’ went to Nick Kakouris who is on course to achieve distinctions in his Sport Development Level 3 and is progressing to UEL to study Sports Psychology

‘Best Defensive Players’ were names as Cristian Arthur and Alex Malesi for their ability to stop their opponents scoring and control the rebound.

And ‘Most Valuable Player’ was awarded to Thabiso Khoza, described as the ‘glue’ that held the team together.

Thabiso Khoza, who also captains the team and studies Engineering Level 3, is progressing to a degree in mechanical engineering at De Montfort University. He said of his team: “We played in the final with confidence and we knew what we had to do.”

Rupert ‘TJ’ Burnett, who studying Sports Level 2, said on winning ‘Player’s Player’: “It feels good. I did everything I could to support team, I get on with everyone and always called if someone missed training to make sure they were OK.”

If you are interested in trying out for the College’s Basketball Academy, please click on this link and visit www.conel.ac.uk/basketball-academy.html for more information

Delia Babasa, right, was among the students delivering a knockout service at the Pan London Public Services Youth Day at Alexandra Palace.

Students delivered a knockout performance when they gave their support at the curtain-raiser for Europe’s largest amateur boxing tournament.

The group, from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), provided voluntary help at the Pan London Public Services Youth Day at Alexandra Palace on 15 June.

The event in the Great Hall marked the first day of the Haringey Box Cup, which has been running since 2008 and in the past featured world champions: Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams and Chris Eubank.

Each year, around 2,000 students from secondary schools and colleges across London attend the event run by Haringey Police Community Boxing Club , where they can find out more about Public Services careers and opportunities in sport.

Students had the chance to visit stands hosted by the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Armed Forces, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, Saracens Sport Foundation and other organisations, including CONEL’s Sports Academies.

There was also the opportunity for visitors to have a go at boxing.

Top right, students Marcin Kasza and Bartlomiej Szmidt welcome visitors to the London Public Services Youth Day. Top left, Public Services students serve lunch after organising the catering. Bottom left, Jonathan Ellis-Beattie and Hasret Keles who helped organise the event. Bottom right, Students Jason Guerra and Nathan Stewart find out about a career in the Royal Marines.

CONEL’s Higher National Certificate Public Services students worked with Haringey Police and Alexandra Palace to plan the event.

They then arranged for their peers taking diplomas in Public Services to manage visitors and provide catering.

Jonathan Ellis-Beattie, 20, who is studying for the Higher National Certificate and hopes to join the Royal Navy, said: “I was a bit nervous as it was the first time I’d done anything like this and I didn’t want to make any mistakes.

“We were responsible for all the visitors coming in and wanted to provide a good service, so there was quite a bit of pressure on us, but it all went well.”

Hasret Keles, 20, who is studying Public Services Extended Diploma Level 3 and keen to join the Metropolitan Police, added: “I’ve found the course really interesting. It’s not just the learning but the knowledge and educational experiences like this that really get you ready for the outside world.”

CONEL offers Public Services Diploma courses from Levels 1 to 5, which are ideal for anyone wanting to work in the Armed Forces, emergency services, national security or prison service.

Brendan Berry, Curriculum Manager for Public Services, said: “The College has been supporting the Pan London Public Services Youth Day for four years now.

“It’s a great event for our students to get involved with, in terms of putting their event management, communication, organisation and leadership skills into practice, and a chance to get some fantastic career advice along the way.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on Public Services courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Buddhist monks Konwewe Ariyarathana and Ragama Sugathananda gave a talk to staff and students.

Students were given a fascinating insight into Buddhism when two monks visited the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Venerable Konwewe Ariyarathana, from London Buddhist Vihara in Chiswick, gave an hour-long talk and presentation to around 70 students and staff at the College.

He was accompanied by Venerable Ragama Sugathananda, Chief Incumbent of the Senehasa Foundation, a charity run by Buddhist monks in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.

During the talk the monks, who follow the oldest form of Buddhism called Theravada, explained how the religion was founded and its history, philosophy and traditions.

They also spoke about life as a Buddhist, including the robes they wear, education, prayers, meditation, chanting, blessings, services and supporting their communities.

Construction students Josh Crowe and Ethan Johnstone, both 17, were among those who attended the talk at the Tottenham Centre on 19 June.

Josh said: “I didn’t know much about Buddhism before today. It was inspirational hearing about their way of life and how different it was to the way we live.”

Ethan added: “It was amazing to find out about their lifestyle and how simple it is compared to our own, and that they seem so happy with what they have got.”

Konwewe Ariyarathana and Ragama Sugathanand with CONEL students.

College Director Marcia Summers, who arranged the event, met Mr Sugathananda on a charity trip to Sri Lanka in 2014 and Mr Ariyarathana this year.

Marcia and her son Joe have supported the Women’s Development Centre and women's refuge in Kandy since 2013 through the UK charity Shining Life Children’s Trust.

Marcia said: “We were delighted to welcome Konwewe and Ragama to the College to give a talk to our students and staff.

“They gave a captivating and informative talk on Buddhism that gave a real insight into the religion, which sparked a lot of interest among their audience.

“It was great to see so many learners from different backgrounds and college courses attend the enrichment activity, which promoted tolerance and peace in currently challenging times."

The College is planning to arrange a visit to London Buddhist Vihara following an invitation by Mr Ariyarathana, who it is hoped will return to run meditation sessions with students.

Click here for more information on Enruchment Activities at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has won a Silver Award in the Reading Ahead challenge for the third year running, with over 100 students successfully completing the challenge. College Principal Andy Forbes presented students, who took part in the scheme with their certificates and prizes at a special awards ceremony in the Centenary Learning Resource Centre this week (21 June, 2017).

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Literacy students, as well as those wanting to improve their reading skills took part in the scheme.

The Reading Ahead challenge is administered by the Learning Resources team here at the College and is part of a national scheme run by The Reading Agency.  Students are asked to read six books and they are provided with diaries to record, review and rate each title they read.

Students celebrate after being presented with their certificates for completing this year’s Reading Ahead challenge.

Each of the students who met the challenge was presented with a certificate of achievement with six also receiving £15 gift vouchers in a local prize draw arranged by the Learning Resources team. The students are also entered into a National prize draw to win e-readers or a trip.

Some of the books read by the students included Shakespeare plays, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘Into the Wild’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.

ESOL Level 1 student Alexis Velez, 22, arrived in the UK from Colombia in October last year.

“I‘ve always liked reading but had never read anything in English until I did this challenge,” he said.

“It was difficult at first, and I spent a lot of time highlighting words that I did not understand and translating them into Spanish so I could learn what they were in English.”

Nazma Akhter, 42, moved to London from Bangladesh in 2014 and is also studying an ESOL Level 1 course.

She said: “When I first came to this country I couldn’t understand anything. Doing this challenge really helped me and my English is much better now.

“I have learnt so much and it’s given me a lot more confidence, and I’m still reading!”

Event organiser, Nicky Evans, said: “Being able to read and understand English is extremely important, which is why we put on the Reading Ahead Challenge each year and I am so pleased we achieved Silver once again.

 “Many of the students who take part do not speak English as their first language and they have done exceptionally well. I would like to congratulate all of them on their achievement.”

Reading Ahead is a national initiative run by the Reading Agency, which aims to encourage adults and young people to read a variety of literature and takes place from September to June each year. The Silver Award is presented to educational organisations where more than 100 students complete the challenge of reading six books and writing a short essay on each one.

Click here for more information on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Click here for more information on English and Literacy courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL)

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London held a Jack Petchey Awards ceremony to celebrate high performing ESOL Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 students this week (Thursday, 22^nd June 2017).Virgil Vergilov, Esmerelda Imeraj and Sopiya Ragunathan holding their awards.

Students were nominated by their peers and the three students with the most nominations from each ESOL class won awards. Principal Andy Forbes presented the awards at the ceremony. He said: “English is a key that opens a lot of doors for youngsters around the world; English is a platform for success. These ESOL students now have their passport to success”. The winners also received £250 to spend on an educational trip of their choice or on equipment for the classroom.

Esmeralda Imeraj, a student who has progressed from ESOL to Business Level 1, said: “It feels great to win this award as it motivates me for the future. I want to keep working hard, as I want to become a lawyer.”Jack Petchey award

After the ceremony the students celebrated the end of their studies with cake and music before heading off into the sun. Oya Karabetca the curriculum team leader in ESOL, said: “This is a great opportunity for learners to see that their hard work pays off. Also, our young learners see that their achievements are recognised and celebrated. We would like to thank Jack Petchey as without the funding the students would not be able to go on trips or get special equipment for our classes.”

Overall, it was a great day during which all the hard work of our ESOL students was recognised and rewarded. If you want to check ESOL courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, Click here.

For the first year ever CREATE 2017 -  CONEL’s Creative and Computing End of Year Show joined forces with its glittering annual Graduation ceremony – to celebrate a superb evening of art, culture and achievement.  Attended by around 500 students, including friends, families, apprentices and partner employers - the combined event was held last week (29 June 2017) at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. Mayor for Haringey Councillor Stephen Mann also attended with his wife Councillor Jennifer Mann.

Graduates from the 2017 ceremony.

Garylee McFarlane Games and Animation Level 3 progressing to the Games and Animation Higher National Certificate Level 4 displays his work at the show.

CREATE presents the best of each student’s work and the show organisers transformed BGAC into a dynamic and fun filled interactive gallery for the night, displaying, graphic design and concept artwork, also creating a video gallery and animation and computer games hub. To check out our Creative and media courses click here.

College Principal Andy Forbes tries his hand at a ‘first person shooter’ in the Games Hub.

Tobe Maduegbuna, said: “My work is titled ‘Life in the UK’ and I travelled to Stratford, Walthamstow and Trafalgar Square to take pictures of each location and find the character of each.

Tobe Maduegbuna.

Ines Santos said: “The culture of Camden and Shoreditch inspired me to take pictures for my work.”

Ines Santos.

The lively chatter and excitement of the exhibition, faded slightly as guests took their seats for the Media Showcase. Film reels played, from animated manga to documentary, interspersed by performances from Music students. The mood and feel ranged from light and charming, with animated penguins raising plenty of laughs to a harrowing documentary, which focused on a social media channel encouraging people to self-harm.

Computing students hand create their own video games arcade.

Laila Hassanzadeh, Head of School for Creative and Computing said of the Showcase event: “It’s really motivational for students to prepare for the show as they are inspired to work to their highest level, knowing that their work will be viewed and appreciated by others.”

Graduation 2017 followed the Media Showcase and marked the successes of CONEL’s higher education, access to university and postgrad students, as well as advanced apprentices and partner employers.

Over 100 students crossed the stage to rapturous applause and included partner employers Berkeley Homes, the Royal Free NHS Hospital Trust and Siemens.

Stav Aristokle Hill with Gary Barnard of Berkeley Homes receive their partner employer award from Keith Brown CONEL Chair of Governors (left).

Stav Aristokle Hill, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at Berkeley Homes said, “We currently employ around ten CONEL apprentices and we are looking to increase this to around 30-40 this September. The College has been really helpful in accommodating what we need specifically as a company.”

Mek Mehmet-Yesil, 47, was among many Access to Nursing students who crossed the stage that night. Mek said: “It’s been my ambition to work in healthcare since I was 18 as I’ve always felt compassion for others and wanted to help and care for people. Now I’m hoping to go to university and study adult nursing or medical sciences. 

“The teaching at CONEL has been fantastic. I’ve had the most amazing tutors who’ve given me so much encouragement to do well. I’m feeling really good about my future.” 

Left to right: Access to Nursing classmates Lydia Adamu, Mary Aninwoya, Mek Mehmet-Yesil and Chisom Obioha.

Andy Forbes, CONEL Principal and Chief Executive said of Graduation: “This ceremony recognises the work and commitment that our students, apprentices and partner employers put into their work and gives them the opportunity to feel the pride they so richly deserve.”

If you are interested in Access to University, higher education or postgraduate teaching and accounting courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, please visit to browse and apply at www.conel.ac.uk/higher

This week it was our Tottenham centre’s turn to host the Jack Petchey Awards for their ESOL students. The Ceremony was opened by the curriculum manager Melike Asan, giving the students a presentation on Jack Petchey and how his Foundation benefits students like themselves all over London and Essex.

Melike Asan with her award winning ESOL students.

The awards were given out to the students by the Head of School for Skills for Life and Teacher Education, Peter Coe and the Course Team Leader Ashi Siddique.

Students were nominated by their fellow students throughout the year with a winner for each month. One of the recipients, Ledion Selimaj, who received the award for great attendance and excellent reading and writing skills, said: “This award makes me extremely happy. I want to go on to become a football coach in the future.”

Peter Coe and Ashi Siddique awarding student with his Jack Petchey award.

During the awards Aryan Omar, one of the ESOL students, performed ‘Miran Ali – Biri Slemani Nakai’ a song in his native language of Kurdish. After this performance the rest of the students received their awards before the closing words from Melike Asan. Melike said “You don’t have to be a millionaire to help somebody, you can give your seat up on the bus for the elderly, and you can share your lunch with the hungry. It’s the small things. I am really excited and proud of my students who have all had very good attendance and punctuality, which has resulted in them all passing their exams.”

It was a great opportunity for the students to celebrate the end of the academic year and acknowledge the excellence of their peers.

To check out all the ESOL courses available here at The College of Haringey Enfield and North East London Click here.

ESOL students Franci De La Paz Pena and Daniela Baez at the prom.

Students at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) donned their best party gear as they celebrated finishing their studies with an end of year prom.

The party was held for a class of students completing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses a week after the College’s Graduation Ceremony.

They posed for photographs in a mortar board and sash against a graduation backdrop in the Exams Hall at the Tottenham Centre, which was filled with music, balloons and food.

Student Yazmin Castillo Rodriguez, 18, who organised the party, said: “We’ve worked hard and I thought this would be a fun way to finish the year.

“We’re more than just students at college, we’re like a family.”

A short video produced by Yazmin featuring her classmates with the caption ‘You Did It!’ at the end was shown during the party.

Student Melissa Cibin, 18, said: “I have really enjoyed the course and made a lot of friends.

“My English has improved a lot and means I can get a job, learn more and have a better future.”

Centre: ESOL students Eva Gouberna, Thai Ngo, Abdulkerim Umer, Yazmin Castillo Rodriguez, Melissa Cibin, Jean Limones Cruz and Daniela Baez. Left: Jean Limones Cruz and Melissa Cibin. Right: Yazmin Castillo Rodriguez.

ESOL tutor Debbie Chittock presented the students with certificates of achievement and attendance and read positive feedback from employers on their work placements.

She said: “The students have done really well. Many of them have had to juggle their studies with work or come to the UK without their families.

“They have gelled together well as a group and really grown in confidence.”

Click here if you would like to apply for an ESOL course at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East  London (CONEL).

Jackie Mitchell, Head of School for Business and Accountancy, centre, with colleagues Evelyn Murray-Smith, Adu Boansi, Ahmed Dakissaga, Jacqueline Dyett, Ubaydul Haque and Nazia Khaliq.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has been recognised by a charity helping disadvantaged young people gain careers in accounting and finance.

The College was named an Education Partner of the Year by Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB), the official partner of its Accountancy Academy.

LTSB works with football club foundations and high profile companies to provide accountancy Apprenticeships, while also offering apprentices professional and personal development opportunities to prepare them for the business world.

CONEL has worked with the charity since its inception in 2012 and was its first education partner, which led to the development of the Accounting Academy.

The Academy offers a Pre-Apprenticeship for 14 weeks leading to a Level 3 Apprenticeship, with the model since being extended by LTSB to other colleges in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

CONEL has now seen five groups of learners successfully complete the programme and gain employment.

One of the Academy’s biggest success stories is Bola Lawal, who was recently named among the winners in LTSB’s Apprentice of the Year awards.

She began her Apprenticeship with Berg Kaprow Lewis LLP, now BKL, in Finchley, before landing a job as a Group Reporting Accountant at Santander UK’s head office in Euston.

During that time she gained her AAT Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications at the College where she also received an Excellence Award in 2016.

Jackie Mitchell, Head of School for Business and Accountancy, and Nazia Khaliq, Accountancy Recruitment Consultant, accepted the Education Partner of the Year award on behalf of the College at a ceremony at Sackers LLP in Central London.

CONEL was described as “an exceptional educator and training provider” ahead of the award being presented by LTSB Founder David Pinchin and Trustee Sarah Ebanja.

Jackie said: “We are extremely proud of the work we do as an Accounting Academy, which is a real team effort.

“We work closely with LTSB to support and provide our learners with coaching and mentoring, and develop their leadership skills to give them the confidence to secure employment at some of the most prestigious financial companies in the world.”

Click this link if you are interested in finding out more about Accounting courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

CONEL’s Supported Learning students showcased their talents last month (Wednesday, 28 June 2017) with dance, music, acting and song. Their end of year show was a celebration of the achievements of the academic year, during which the students were able to show off their talents and have fun.

One student, Jordan James, who hosted the event, said: “My favourite part was when I sang and danced to Justin Timberlake. It was great making new friends and dancing with my class mates.”

Jordan James Introducing the opening act

The show opened with a group performance singing and signing to Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a wonderful world’. This was followed by Jermaine Williams, singing the lead in ‘Oh happy day’ with a backing choir a la the well-known movie ‘Sister Act’. 

Jermaine said: “Dancing on stage in front of everyone was great fun; I really enjoyed the whole performance.”

Group performance of ‘What a wonderful world’

Their teacher, Glyn Scoltock said: “As well as marking the end of the course and the college year, the show also provides an opportunity for our students to demonstrate what drama skills they have learned and how much new confidence it has given them in their abilities. The responses I have had from the students, apart from that they had fun while doing it, was that they were able to show other students something new about themselves.”

Several more performances followed in the 45-minute show and the students’ friends and families clearly enjoyed watching the great performances, as much as the students enjoyed taking part.

To check out our supported learning courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London click here.