Leeds Sixth Form College, part of Luminate Education Group, is aiming to bridge the healthcare skills gap with a new state-of-the-art science laboratory.

The college has received funding from the T Levels Capital Fund in a bid to boost pupils’ awareness and interest in the medical sector. 

The specialist facility has a private consultation room and pharmacy practice room, which has been purposely designed for the college’s two new pioneering courses: Pharmacy T Level and Access to Medicine. 

Students are encouraged to get a feel for working in a healthcare environment with areas designed to practice dispensing medications and one-to-one consultations.

Rachael Booth, Principal at Leeds Sixth Form College, said: “We hope our new bespoke science laboratory will inspire the next generation to consider a career in healthcare. We’re committed to putting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the top of our agenda, as it assists in problem-solving and innovative learning which fuels success across a variety of disciplines.

“Recent figures revealed that 84% of the UK healthcare sector were suffering from a lack of skilled workers. This figure, combined with the immense pressure that the industry is facing due to Covid-19, means that we have a responsibility to empower young people to pursue healthcare roles, by showcasing the wide range of incredibly fulfilling and rewarding careers within the sector.”

The innovative Access to Medicine course will launch in the new academic year, which has been designed to help plug a national shortage of doctors. The fast track, one-year programme is aimed at adult learners who want to progress to university to pursue a medical career but lack the required A levels.

T Level Pharmacy Services will be running from September 2023, which fuses academic theory with on-the-job experience. This two-year course is developed in partnership with various local pharmacies to ensure the content matches the industry needs.

The college has recently received a £2k grant from The Ogden Trust to launch an astronomical society.

David Shelton, lecturer at Leeds Sixth Form College, commented: “This enrichment activity allows students to experience stargazing and build skills in using telescopes and cameras for astronomy. The project is directed as students mainly from under-represented groups in STEM, including women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a career in STEM, especially as our world becomes more reliant on STEM careers with productions of vaccines and exploring the universe. We have been able to buy two specialist telescopes and a camera, which we will use to develop skills in observing the night sky. Through this project, we hope to set an example for inclusivity within STEM.”

Danielle Miller is now, with three A levels just completed, looking forward to pursuing a career in marketing.

Back in 2020, however, things looked a lot less clear. Danielle was unsure about what to do after finishing Year 11 at school, so she approached Leeds Sixth Form College for advice.

She credits the ‘outstanding’ guidance she received, along with some exceptional support from her tutors over the following two years, for helping her re-focus.

She said: “I was very unsure of what to do or where to go, but the college was very understanding and the process was simple.

“I think that my experience here has been very flexible. If I wanted to be more independent the opportunity for that was there, but so was the continued support If I wanted to be more involved.

“Undoubtedly, spending much of the first year inside, due to Covid-19, was really hard for all of us. The support I received from my subject teachers and tutors, however, was outstanding. They never hesitated to give me a hand with anything I was studying, along with general advice regarding my career or self-improvement.

“In our second year it was difficult to get back into a college-based routine, but the teachers were very persistent and gave us the motivation to just get on with it.”

Shining a light on alternative paths

Danielle also credits the college staff for helping her realise there were other options to follow, apart from the expected university route, to pursue her chosen career.

She said: “I really struggled with coming to terms with the idea that university was not for me.

“But the career advice from the college helped to change my attitude towards getting an apprenticeship, and consider it as an alternative option.

“The consistent job and opportunity notifications from my tutors also really helped me to get an idea of this alternative; it was a huge support.”

Danielle, who is currently waiting for her results, is aiming to begin her marketing career through a higher apprenticeship.

Some of the most outstanding student athletes from Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College were honoured at the inaugural Leeds Sports Connect (LSC) awards.

The ceremony, held in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Leeds Rhinos Netball

UFCA, Leeds United Foundation, Let’s Do More (LDM) and Hunslet Club, took place at Printworks Kitchen and Bar. 

The event celebrated students who have made significant strides in sports such as football, rugby league, basketball, boxing and netball, recognising their commitment and talent.

Leeds Sports Connect was created to link professional sports clubs and local colleges to promote and showcase student talent, and give student-athletes opportunities to progress their sporting ambitions.

Winners on the night included boxer Abby Briggs, who received the Inspirational Athlete Award for being an exemplary athlete who has demonstrated leadership skills and been a positive influence to her peers and community.

Abby has already won two national boxing titles and two silver medals at European level this year.

Men’s rugby league player Tommy Hill won the Dedication & Commitment Award, while

Leeds United footballer Nabs Rehman, praised for being `a great player’ and team member, was awarded the most improved player accolade.

Girls Rugby League player Beatriz Fertado, meanwhile, received recognition for going the ‘extra mile’.

Community basketball team, Let’s Do More (LDM), won the Team Journey Award.

Loran Lewis, LDM Basketball Director, said:  “It has been a fantastic year for our basketball programme and an honour to win the team journey award.

“This programme has provided opportunities for over 20 students. The boys have performed well in national cup and league competitions and have also performed well in the college league, while the girls participated in the national cup, getting to the semi finals.

“Both teams have achieved a lot this season, especially with basketball being a minority sport. I look forward to seeing more from them as they develop and move into the Academy League.”

Anthony Gallagher, Deputy Head of Sport at Leeds City College and co-founder of LSC, said: “It was tremendous to witness the first Leeds Sports Connect Awards. From where we started many years ago to where we are now, it has been a fantastic journey.

“While it is the end of the journey for me, hopefully it is the beginning for Leeds Sports Connect; to bring all these fantastic sports –  football, rugby league, basketball, boxing, and netball – together early next year.

“I am really proud of where we are, what we have accomplished, and where this programme can go in the future.”

Anthony, who has been at the college 23 years, will be leaving at the end of term. He was presented with gifts for his service over the last two decades.

Bill Jones, Executive Principal of Leeds City College, said: “Anthony has been a huge part of the college for many years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and helping create some extraordinary sporting events and partnerships that have positively impacted the lives of many students.

“It has been a privilege to watch the work he has done, and the projects he has developed, that have benefited the college and the communities we serve in a powerful way. We wish him the very best for the future.”

See the list of overall winners on the night:

Inspirational Athlete Award

Abby Briggs 

Sportsmanship/Fair Play Award

Ethan Newboult

Most Improved Player Award

Nabs Rehman

Dedication & Commitment Award

Tommy Hill

Most Supportive Team Player Award

Kenny Forbes

Going the Extra Mile Award

Beatriz Fertado

Student Athlete Award: Contribution to Studies & Sport

Damola Afolabi (Rugby League)

Individual Athlete Award( Non-academy athlete)

Chloe Johnson

Individual Athlete Award(Academy athlete)

Lydia Biggins

Team Journey Award

Let’s Do More – The Basketball Academy

We are celebrating after achieving a grade ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted, following an inspection last month.

The college was recognised for its passionate and expert staff, and their work with regional stakeholders to implement education programmes that best fit local employment opportunities.

The college’s provisions for both adults and student personal development were awarded ‘Outstanding’.

Luminate Education Group, which the college is a member of alongside Leeds, Keighley and Harrogate colleges, is among the first large educational establishments to have been inspected under Ofsted’s new framework, which puts a greater focus on working with partners and businesses, student and apprentices’ safety and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The report noted that learners on A level programmes have a firm understanding of the expectations and demands of higher-level academic study.

The college has also taken steps to promote a staff culture of accountability and ownership, providing the very best educational experiences for students.

Rachael Booth, Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, added: “This grade is testament to the hard work of our staff who make our college environment a welcoming and safe haven for our students every single day.

“Our learners’ wellbeing, personal development and safety are our top priorities which are embedded in our culture, cementing our ‘Outstanding’ grade in this area. Our learners feel accepted by their peers and respected by tutors, whilst feeling comfortable to express themselves in environments that offer a safe and nurturing space, and this was recognised by the inspectors.

“We have high standards of positive student behaviour and staff are passionate about their areas of expertise. Our learners also enjoy participating in a wide range of enrichment activities, and many gain additional skills and qualifications.

“Our leaders ensure we are providing education and training that meets both the aspirations of learners and the changing needs of local employers.

“As a result, businesses highly value our curriculum and the training that our students receive.

“Our governors also play a key role in the quality of education provided for our students. They are actively involved in determining the college’s strategic direction, making many of the key decisions in relation to each college and ensuring continuous and sustainable improvement.”

For more information about the college, visit Leeds Sixth Form College

One of our student-athletes has achieved a lifelong dream by signing for Leeds Rhinos.

Kyden Frater is the latest success story to emerge from Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Development Academy programme, which is run in partnership with Leeds Sixth Form College and Leeds City College.

He has become the second player from the Development Academy team, following the signing of Mekhi Bridgeman-Reaney earlier this year, to sign a professional contract with the Rhinos.

Fulfilling a childhood dream

Kyden is one of seven members of the Academy squad to have just signed with the rugby league club. A lifelong Rhinos fan, he declared himself ‘over the moon’ – and credited the role of his community club, Milford, and the Development Academy in helping him reach this stage.

He said: “It’s probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. Wearing that jersey which I’ve always wanted to wear, for the club I’ve supported since I was a little boy, is something I’ve wanted to do since I started playing rugby.”

Although usually a full-back, Kyden, who helped the Development Academy team reach the College Cup final this year, has already scored a couple of tries on the wing for the Rhinos Under-18s.

The Development Academy’s professional set-up has improved my game

He said: “It’s a good feeling scoring for the Rhinos and hearing the crowd there cheering you on and getting behind you really drives you on.

“I played for Milford from a young age up until last year, when I moved into the Rhinos Academy and also played for the Development Academy team, which was great.

“I got to my first ever final and, although we didn’t get the result we needed, to play in my first final at Headingley was a special experience. Everything about the Development Academy is so professional and it’s good because you’re playing in a different environment from your club team, with a different set of mates.

“Some of those lads have never played competitively before so it’s a really good grounding and you definitely learn a lot from the coaches, which helps improve your game.”

Kyden, who is studying a level 2 Fitness Instructing (gym) course, is determined to now push on and reach the very top level of his sport.

He added: “Hopefully if I keep working hard then eventually I’ll reach the first team, because that’s the next goal I want to achieve with the club.”

The Development Academy is part of Leeds Sports Connect, which offers quality education and training through a link between Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College and a number of local, professional sports clubs.

Deputy Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, Ryan Grant, said: “The Development Academy team has had a fantastic year and to see another of their players sign up with the Rhinos is testament to that.

“Kyden has thoroughly earned this opportunity and we’re confident he will achieve great things as he pushes on to the next level.

“Making amazing opportunities like this achievable is the driving force behind the development academy, and Leeds Sports Connect – so it is really rewarding to see student-athletes like Kyden take their chance.

“We’re really proud of him!”

To learn more about the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Development Academy click here.

Leeds Sixth Form College hosted a Raising Aspirations event this week with the aim of exposing Pudsey school pupils to high powered, high salary careers and the different pathways taken to get there.

On 23 March, pupils from Leeds West Academy, Crawshaw Academy and Co-op Academy Preisthorpe attended the event, organised by Carla Smithies, Leeds Sixth Form College Project Co-ordinator, at St George’s Centre. They took part in tasks that involved learning about different educational pathways and building a CV. 

Teachers from Leeds Sixth Form College were there to assist with the tasks and give support and advice to the students. Pupils were able to choose from a number of career pathways including: sport, science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), humanities and social science and creative industries. 

The main task was a scavenger hunt style activity where the pupils collected pieces of a character’s CV from around the room which included information about how they progressed through education and employment. The idea was that the pupils could understand different ways to reach a certain career. 

Helping students find their pathway to success

Rachael Booth, Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, said: “This event was the first of a series of activities we’re going to be undertaking with pupils from the Pudsey region who will learn about exciting and aspirational pathways into a number of careers and how to get to those ambitious future job roles. 

“The aim of this event was for pupils to see progression opportunities through someone else’s eyes – we’re trying to enthuse them about careers that don’t even exist yet.”

Owen, a year 9 pupil from Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, said: “I enjoy music. I just finished my music GCSE, I’m really enjoying computer science too. Outside of school, I play guitar, drums, bass and piano.”

It was clear that Owen has a passion for music and used the event to learn more about creative careers out there.

He said: “After school, I hope to go to sixth form and then Leeds Conservatoire. There’s a lot of careers in music, like being a music producer and sound recorder, that I’d like to explore.”

Ershal, a pupil from Leeds West Academy, said: “I like doing art and photography. I enjoy creative subjects because I like how you have the freedom to do what you want.”

Despite Ershal’s love of creative subjects, her career aspirations were heading in a different direction, “I’m thinking of doing law, I looked into different jobs to see what sounded interesting to me and that stood out.

“This event has been helpful in learning how to write a CV and looking at what will be useful for getting a job” 

Harman Atwal, from Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, spoke about his interests in a career in health care. 

“When I’m older I might become a paramedic, I want to help people. Someone in my family struggled with their health which made me want to help people and it seems like a really exciting career.” 

Jane Wearing, Assistant Principal at Crawshaw Academy said: “It was an excellent experience for our pupils. They had the freedom to move from station to station to build up a profile and talk to new people. They engaged with activities well and had great discussions with the facilitators.”

Senior leaders from all three of the academies have a meeting planned to discuss the details of the next raising aspirations event as this will be part of a series of activities aimed at pupils from years 7-11.

Leeds Sixth form College unequivocally condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the terrible suffering and loss of life it is causing.

We stand in solidarity with all of the Ukrainians who are enduring this war, including the millions who have been forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in other countries.

As an education provider, we cherish the values of diversity, inclusion and tolerance that are at the heart of democratic societies which respect the dignity of the individual and freedom of thought and expression. Indeed, celebrating individuality and respecting others are part of the college’s core principles.

It is such values that authoritarianism and its consequences, of which this unprovoked invasion is a shockingly stark example, seeks to destroy. 

We are also painfully aware that this crisis is far from an isolated event. Instead, it is the latest – and from our European perspective, due to its proximity and severity, most shocking – example of a wider and ongoing pattern of conflict that has created refugees around the world. 

Whenever such crises arise it is vital that we respond with compassion and conviction, while continuing to uphold and defend our values.

And so it is now when we realise that many parts of the college, and wider, community are being affected by the events in Ukraine and will need our support. That includes our Russian students, many of whom will be opposed to the war, and all of whom – of course – have a right to feel respected and safe.

In terms of what we are doing specifically, the college:

• Is providing information and advice resources, including details on how to support refugees, via its Student Information Hub
• Is putting our Ukrainian students, especially those who are being taught online, in touch with each other
• Our students’ union has started a campaign, Us Against War, and is organising a number of fundraising activities to help UNICEF support victims of the invasion
• And we are spreading awareness about collections of items for transportation to Poland, to help Ukrainian refugees

Leeds Sixth Form College’s rugby players are celebrating a dramatic semi-final victory which earned them a place in next month’s National Colleges Cup Final. 

The college’s team, which is part of the Leeds Rhinos Development Academy with Leeds Sports Connect, defeated New College Pontefract by scoring in Golden Point of the National College Cup Semi-Final on Wednesday 9 March.

The match was hard-fought and ended all level at 12-12 in normal time, with the Leeds side reduced to 12 men after a late sin-binning – setting up an all-or-nothing Golden Point period.

Leeds Rhinos Development Academy Head Coach, and former Leeds City College student, Harvey Whiteley, said: “The yellow card gave New College Pontefract a real shot in the arm and they managed to pull it back late on, scoring a converted try and a penalty.

“Pontefract then pushed hard for a winner in the last seconds but thankfully we managed to hold out and take the game into Golden Point.

“The hosts, still holding a man advantage, kicked off in Golden Point but the young Rhinos marched downfield with the ball. 

“After brilliant play in the build up from Joe Taylor, Prop Forward Harry Thompson stormed his way under the posts to score the winning try for us. With that, the whistle blew and this sparked jubilant scenes for the victorious Leeds team who have reached their first ever College Cup final.”

Half-time talk turns the match

Harvey credited a motivational talk that was given by the coaches at half-time, when Leeds were trailing 0-4, for sparking the fightback that ultimately led to victory.

Both of the Rhinos tries had come earlier in the second half, when there were scores from rising star Mekhi Bridgeman-Reaney and Tyler Dargan, followed by a penalty goal from Ethan Newboult that gave them a 12-4 lead.

Despite the setback of losing a man and being pegged back to 12-12 in the dying moments of the game, the side showed great resilience to come up with the winning score and clinch their place in the final. 

Posting on Twitter afterwards, Harvey was full of praise for his team’s ‘outstanding effort’. He added: “I am very much looking forward to my first final as a coach.”

The Leeds Rhinos Development Academy team can now look forward to a cup final against either Hopwood Hall or Warrington, who will contest the other Semi Final on Wednesday 16 March.

*Leeds Sports Connect is a partnership between leading local sports providers and two colleges, Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College. The project is designed to give student athletes the best of both worlds by combining professional training with outstanding education.

The project‘s sports partners are: Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Leeds United Foundation, The Hunslet Club, Ultimate Football Coaching Academy, and Let’s Do More, which all have outstanding facilities and coaching regimes.

For more information, please visit https://leedssportsconnect.co.uk/

On 8 March, people all over the world come together to celebrate International Women’s Day. This day highlights the struggles of gender equality and brings people together to help diminish this.

It’s a chance to take action, and raise awareness of the economic, political and social achievements of women across the world. 

What is the theme this year? 

Bias and discrimination have been holding women back for centuries. This year’s official theme is #BreakTheBias, which looks at how we can collectively break the bias and misconceptions in the interest of creating a gender-equal and inclusive world. 

You can get involved with the #BreakTheBias campaign by sending in photos of yourself with crossed arms as seen on the website or taking a selfie with one of the pledge cards, which you can download here to show your support.

Inspirational women

As part of the celebration, we asked women leaders across the Leeds Sixth Form College about who inspires them and why and how we can break the bias in education.

Dr. Elisabeth Protopapa, Head of Academic Studies at Leeds Sixth Form College, talks about her mother being the biggest inspiration to her. 

“My mother has to be my biggest inspiration. She was a typical Greek mother – just think of a lioness who would do anything to protect her cubs.

“I was always inspired to follow her steps. When growing up, working mothers in Greek culture were seen as ‘breaking the rules of society’. When she finished school at 17, she had to find work to make sure she could pay for her brother’s education and also financially support her parents. She was a working mum but never complained. Sacrificing her own potential to ensure her brother had more opportunities in life was a powerful message.  She made sure I grew up understanding that I was made to contribute to society, and this meant I needed to be the ‘best educated’. I grew up defending the role of women in society, and the right to be educated. 

“My extended family and friend circle expected me to come back after finishing my chemistry degree to get married and be a stay at home mum. My mother made me promise that I would stay in education for as long as I can and use my skills to help others. I ended up providing her with three graduation ceremonies from a BSc, Master’s and a PhD, which was my token of gratitude for the love and inspiration she gave me. The joy on her face will always stay with me.”

Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, Rachael Booth, shares with us who inspires her and why. 

“It is hard to pin down my personal inspirations to one individual as I feel I have been influenced and shaped by a number of individuals over the years. My parents inspired me to value education and the opportunities it can bring you at a very early age, and my mum certainly gave me the passion for reading I still have to this day. 

“As a historian, it is hard not to be influenced by historical figures and one in particular that inspired me is Mary Wollstonecraft. Her book: ‘A Vindication on the Rights of Woman’ written in 1791 was groundbreaking as it was the first time a book had been published that argued for women’s rights. It is interesting today to think how radical she was in recommending the establishment of a national education system that operated mixed-sex schools. What seems evident to me is her passion for women’s rights and her bravery in arguing for those rights at a time when to many others, this would be unthinkable.

“I reflected often on this feminist pioneer when I began my own career in education and always made sure I taught students about the ‘founding mothers’ when still exam texts were solely referring to the ‘founding fathers’ when discussing theories. Certainly, I have witnessed and experienced gender inequality in my life, but I, like many others, continue to stand up for what is right and support others to do the same.”

This year’s theme is #breakthebias. How do you think we can break the bias in education? 

Elisabeth added: “The current crisis around us has made a lot of people question the direction of the world. What drives us in Leeds Sixth Form College is the responsibility we have to wrap a protective blanket around our young people and show them how to maintain resilience and momentum. We teach them to become future change makers whatever race, gender or origin. That one young Ukrainian or Syrian girl arriving in this country that is fleeing from war could be driven to become the next politician who will take action to protect the next generation. Let’s remind ourselves that education can bring change.”

Rachael commented: “Given Mary Wollstonecraft’s writing in the 1790s, my question is why is it taking so long? Yes, we can look back and say that some nations have come a long way – but what about the others? In the UK, there is still a shortage of female representatives in some areas of work and still so few women in senior leadership roles. 

“The only way to break the bias is to play an active role in our community and share ideas on how to make a change. We also need to challenge inequalities and empower others to do so. I think it is important that we challenge ourselves as individuals every day. I was lucky enough to benefit from inspirational female mentors that spotted the potential in me and helped me realise it, therefore I hope to do the same for others.”

Lastly, Carla Smithies, Performance and Project Coordinator, talks about Professor Miriam Meyerhoff being her inspiration. 

“I came across Professor Miriam Meyerhoff’s publications during my study of English Language and Linguistic Science at the University of York. Her research focuses on sociolinguistics and examines the impact that social identity and gender have on language. 

“This area of linguistics she writes about is interesting as it looks at fascinating variations of standard English. This is important work in breaking the bias as it sheds light on elements that people aren’t aware cause language variation and how society may discriminate towards these shifts from the “standard”. 

“The enrichment programme at Leeds Sixth Form College allows students studying any combination of A levels to choose an extracurricular programme that excites them or will further their progression. It means students can collaborate with others outside of the classroom, and grow solidarity with those who hold similar values, experiences or interests.”

Take a look at the International Women’s Day resources here.