International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

On 8 March each year, people come together across the globe to rally for women’s equality through widespread activities. 

Why is this day important?

Although the world has made significant progress, no country has yet achieved gender equality. 

According to the United Nations, legal restrictions have kept 2.7 billion women from accessing the same choice of jobs as men. As of 2019, less than 25% of parliamentarians were women. Additionally, one in three women experience gender-based violence. 

This day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the progress made, raise awareness of women’s equality and celebrate acts of courageous women who’ve made an imprint on our history and communities.

Clearly, there is much more to be done in the fight for gender equality, so we want to strive to  make a positive difference for women. 

Themes

This year’s official theme, #ChooseToChallenge, encourages people to speak out against gender bias and inequality. From challenge comes change, so by embodying this theme, we can help create an inclusive world.

The United Nations has also announced the theme ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a Covid-19 World’. The current pandemic has demonstrated how effectively women leaders and women’s organisations have been leading the Covid-19 response through their skills, knowledge and networks. This theme focuses on the recent acceptance that women bring different experiences, perspectives and skills to the table.

How are we celebrating International Women’s Day?

At Leeds Sixth Form College, we will be holding an International Women’s Day challenge and activities through our group tutorials.

Women in leadership

We spoke to Rachael Booth, Principal at Leeds Sixth Form College, to find out her thoughts on International Women’s Day.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

“It reminds me of how far we have come as women, but also how far we still have to go. A time for reflection and action!”

What does the 2021 theme #ChooseToChallenge mean for you in your work life?

“Inclusivity – empowering us all to speak up about gender bias and challenge it.”

Why did you choose the career that you’re in?

“I first trained as a museum curator but found that whilst working in the museum, my favourite role was getting dressed up as a Victorian teacher with my school visit groups and helping them learn about the past.

I had been advised at school by a careers advisor to go into teaching but after studying for so long at university, I wanted to leave the education environment and try something else. However, I later realised it was something I enjoyed doing and felt passionate about.”

Why did you decide to work within the education sector?

“Having decided I wanted to teach, I then had to decide which age group I wanted to work with. I realised I wanted to work with secondary age pupils and above, so then went on to specialise in Key Stage 5 as I preferred studying at a higher level.”

What does Leeds Sixth Form College do to overcome gender stereotypes?

“Leeds Sixth Form College’s culture and vision includes a strong emphasis on inclusivity and creating opportunities for everyone, enabling staff and students to realise their full potential. 

Women are also well represented in the leadership and senior leadership team, acting as role models for both staff and students. Stereotypes are challenged on a daily basis by teachers, tutors and support staff.”

In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up leadership roles?

“When I first started out in education 24 years ago, my leadership team were all male and I never for one moment thought when I first started out that I would be part of a team like that.

It is important that women lead, so that they can empower future generations of leaders. If I can do that for other women, then that to me would be so rewarding.”

What more do you think can be done to encourage more women into leadership roles?

“Tackling the media stereotyping of women is really important. I am increasingly concerned about the way in which women and girls are portrayed as the main childcare providers or are objectified, which is having a negative impact on mental health of women and their sense of wellbeing.

I would like to see a greater focus on women as strong leaders, rather than constantly reinforcing female stereotypes.”

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

“Think big, go high!”

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

Following the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that colleges will be reopening, we really look forward to welcoming most of you back for a phased return from Monday 8 March. 

Although all students have been working incredibly hard from home, we’re pleased that we can start to invite everyone back to college in line with our phased approach and plans for testing. 

Why is it important to come into college?

As you’ve been remote learning for some time, returning to campus is really important for your wellbeing. You’ll be able to spend time with your peers, join in with college activities and access face-to-face support from tutors, college counsellors or the Safeguarding team. 

What safety measures will be in place?

We want you to feel safe at college, so we’ve implemented many safety measures to help this happen. 

Our safety measures include:

• Testing for staff and students (as described above)
• The continuation of 2m social distancing measures
• Wearing face coverings in all areas of the college (including classrooms), unless you are medically exempt 
• The ‘bubble’ grouping system
• Increased hand sanitiser stations on campus

The government lockdown guidance states that you must stay at home and only leave your house when necessary, such as for basic necessities, exercise, work (where you cannot work from home), meeting your support bubble or to seek medical assistance or avoid injury. 

Testing

We have been following government and Public Health England guidance on our Covid-19 safety measures. College Covid-19 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests are another measure that help in creating an even safer environment.

College testing

On returning to college, you will be expected to take three Covid-19 tests on campus, which will help to identify anyone who may be infectious.  These tests in college will happen three to five days apart.

Anyone who has taken their first test will need a negative result before coming into the classroom. After your second and third test, you can return to lessons while you wait for your results. 

Home testing 

After your three tests at college, you will be expected to take tests at home twice per week. 

Results

You will receive your test result on your phone or by email. If this is negative, you will be told when to begin your timetabled sessions. 

If positive, you must not return to college. You must self-isolate and book a test through the NHS website.

Before getting tested, you will need to complete a consent form with your tutors. You can find the NHS’ helpful guide to testing here.

There will be a different approach to testing and returning to learning for higher education students and apprentices. If this applies to you, please get in touch with your tutor for more information.

We’ve created this video to show you how to take your lateral flow test at college.

Questions?

We’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and determination during such a challenging time. We’re really looking forward to welcoming you back into college next month and hope to return to normality soon. 

If you have any questions about attending college, please get in touch by emailing courses@leedssixthform.ac.uk. You can also take a look at our student FAQs here.

Rachael Booth

Principal at Leeds Sixth Form College

The government’s national lockdown announcement means working and learning is currently taking place online. This is because of the rising Covid-19 infection rates and this will allow our college to prepare Covid-19 testing for our students. This is because of the rising Covid-19 infection rates and this will allow our college to prepare Covid-19 testing for our students. 

Key changes are below:

• We have made the decision to cancel all exams to keep our students and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students should not attend college for their exams. 

• Apprentices will be contacted by their tutors/assessors as different arrangements may apply to them.

• When the national lockdown is lifted, all students will return to college in line with our plans for mass Covid-19 testing.

We will provide further information, including details of our mass Covid-19 testing plans, once confirmed. 

If you are a student and have further questions, please contact your tutor.

Over the past twelve months, we’ve been busy transforming areas of the building to make way for exciting new facilities.

Fusing innovation with excellence, these dynamic  spaces will allow you to learn in an inspiring and independent way. 

Our new engaging environments include:

Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

Our new Learning Resource Centre brings learning to life where you can study, learn and be inspired. Exclusive to sixth form students, the centre offers a quiet space for you to complete work and develop your knowledge. 

More than just a library, the centre can help enhance your abilities. A member of the iLearn team will always be based here to offer support and help you improve important independent skills.

The LRC is also home to the Achievement Centre, where you can have one-on-one sessions with subject staff to support you in achieving your aspirational targets . 

Take a virtual tour of the new LRC here.

Natural Press coffee shop

If you fancy a break from your studies, our modern coffee shop gives you the opportunity to relax in an exclusive social space. As part of our green pledge, we will adopt an eco-friendly theme, and have plants throughout the space.

Due to open early in the new year, Natural Press will offer hot drinks, hot food and quick snacks.

Auditorium

Our large, open plan auditorium has been specially designed for assemblies, exams, external guest speakers, enrichment activities and student life projects. We can also separate the area into two sections depending on the activity. 

If you’d like to use the auditorium for an activity, get in touch with your personal tutor.

Look and Feel Project (B Block)

As part of our exciting ‘Look and Feel Project’, each level of B Block has been divided into distinct faculty zones. 

We know how important colour is for changing the dynamics and feel of a space, so we’ve given the entrance to each floor a unique feature wall, inspired by themes from the subject areas. 

In these spaces, we’ve also created dynamic and independent learning and seating spaces to shape an engaging environment. 

We hope these new facilities will invigorate your learning and strengthen your academic abilities.

Leeds Sixth Form College is celebrating being the first post-16 provider in the city to be awarded MindMate Friendly status for its commitment to improving the wellbeing of students. 

To achieve MindMate Friendly status, the college completed an in-depth assessment, focusing on safe spaces, teacher training and tackling wellbeing concerns. 

The Health and Wellbeing Service Advisor at Leeds City Council who worked with the college, said: “There has clearly been a huge investment in pastoral and academic support, allowing students to reach their full potential. The college has demonstrated how their staff are committed to going above and beyond for students’ welfare and act as a strong pillar of support, resulting in an outstanding self-assessment.

“Leeds Sixth Form College achieved this status due to its outstanding contributions to support services for students and families across areas including leadership, policy development, curriculum, assessment and school ethos.

Rachael Booth, Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, added: “Being the first post-16 provider in Leeds to be awarded MindMate Friendly status is a fantastic achievement. Each department makes an incredible effort to meet students’ pastoral needs, enabling them to build vital emotional resilience. 

“We understand the importance of supporting our young people and their families, especially during such a difficult period. We are currently planning a ‘green box’ initiative, which will see parents and carers receive a mental health support kit. This will include advice and research-based strategies, which aim to bring a better quality of life during emotionally charged periods, such as the lockdown or exams.”

The MindMate Friendly programme was launched as part of the Future In Mind: Leeds Strategy; a city-wide programme aiming to support young people’s emotional and mental health. The strategy involves working with schools and colleges to help them achieve Mindmate Friendly status, and then Mindmate Champion status. 

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for learning, skills and employment, commented: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our city’s young people is always our top priority. Never has it been so important to do everything we can to support young people, with the uncertainty and struggles they continue to face as a result of Covid-19.  

“Congratulations to Leeds Sixth Form College on the outstanding work they are doing to support students and their families, and for being the first post-16 provider in Leeds to achieve Mindmate Friendly status.” 

The government has made the decision to cancel the 2020 summer examinations. We realise there will be a lot of unanswered questions as the guidance is quite limited at this stage, but we wanted to share with you what we do know or expect to happen.

This information is applicable to the summer exams for GCSEs, A levels, BTEC and some other equivalent vocational qualifications. Other qualifications’ awarding bodies may require students to sit an exam and/or assessment at a later date.​

Students will be awarded grades which fairly reflect the work they have put in. Please rest assured we will be doing everything we can to ensure that each student is awarded the grade they deserve in recognition of their hard work. It is clear from the announcement that every effort will be made to make sure that students will not be disadvantaged and will be able to progress as appropriate, to the next stage of their lives. 

Teachers will be asked to submit judgements about the grades students would have received if exams had gone ahead. This judgement will be informed by a range of evidence and data which could include; 

• A wide range of assessments completed by students over the course of the year 
• Mock examination grades 
• Class work and coursework

This will then be combined with prior attainment data and expected pathways to produce a calculated grade that is fair and expected. We will work closely with the exam boards to ensure that every one of our students achieves the right outcomes based on what is fair and reflective of their performance. This is important for adult learners or students who have only been studying their subject in this academic year.

For those who have exams as part of a vocational or technical qualification, some units will have already been assessed and completed. These will be important evidence in informing the final awarded grade. We will follow the guidance and work with the awarding organisations to ensure there is a flexible and pragmatic approach, so these students are not disadvantaged in any way. 

It is intended that students will be awarded their calculated grades before the end of July. Be reassured that grading and certification will look the same as in previous years.

Where students feel that their calculated grade does not reflect their performance, the option to sit an exam at the earliest reasonable opportunity will be available, or in the summer of 2021.

Students should continue with their remote learning as planned and supported by their teachers. This will make a difference in readiness for their next steps, and in completion of any assessments that may be used to inform the calculated grades. You should contact your tutor/s if you need any support.

We would like to offer assurance that although our ‘in college’ normal way of working has been interrupted, you can still apply for your next steps at college. We are doing different types of (safe) interviews and you will hear from us in due course. 

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all our current students and meeting those who are yet to join us, as we plan for the new academic year ahead.

Our students are full of hidden talents and Ayse Selcuk is no exception. Alongside studying A level Art, Textiles and Business at Leeds Sixth Form, the 18 year old recently took part in a national barista competition, coming first in the regional heat. She will soon be heading to London for the finals, which are taking place in November at Bewley’s Tea & Coffee factory showroom.

Ayse works part-time at coffee shop, Insomnia, at Primark, which is how she got involved in the competition. “I was entered into the competition by my manager earlier this year, giving me lots of time to prepare. A Bewley’s coffee trainer came to visit me with some information about the day, advice on signature drinks and what’s expected.

“The competition was a full day, consisting of six candidates from across the UK who all shared a love and passion for making and drinking coffee. We each had 15 minutes to set up our work surfaces and prepare. We then had 15 minutes to present. This included making and serving four espresso drinks, four milk based drinks, (I chose lattes, decorated with a heart) and four signature drinks. I was judged by four experts, including a technical judge, two taste testing judges and a head judge.

“My signature drink was inspired by cherry bakewells as they’re my favourite pudding! I named it ‘Cherry Bakewell Moch-tail’. I created and tweaked this recipe with colleagues at work so that it was just right. It included a base of three glacier cherries layered with cherry sauce that I made at home, then I shook ice cubes, almond extract, vanilla milk and cooled espresso in a shaker and poured over the syrup. To finish, I topped it with whipping cream, a fresh cherry and a sprinkle of crushed almonds. The judges loved it!”

Ayse, whose favourite drinks include blackberry hot chocolate and hazelnut mocha was shocked to find out she came first. “It was so surreal. As it was my first competition, I wasn’t expecting it at all. I participated for the experience, but ended up gaining different life skills such as independence and confidence. I have also developed a passion for something I never thought I would.

“It would mean the absolute world to win the finals. I can’t put it into words how much it would mean to accomplish something like that. It’s a scary but exciting thought.”

The competition has inspired Ayse’s plans for the future, and she would like to take her business qualification to the next level by running her own coffee shop one day. “I’d love to have it art themed as I love being creative, and combining an arty vibe in my own coffee shop would be an amazing combination.

“I would just like to end by saying be happy and follow your dreams!”

GCSEs have undergone a bit of a transformation in the last year, with grading and qualification standards becoming tougher. However, despite this, students at Leeds City College have proved that anything is possible with hardwork and determination.

Approximately one in five UK GCSE entries scored at least an A grade, which is a 7 under the new grading system.

Charlotte and Gorsia are among many students who excelled at the academy and came out with outstanding results.

“It was quite overwhelming because I was sitting in the car thinking, I’d prepare myself for the worst and hope that I’d get the best.

I think I’ve had the best results in six years and I am really happy. The college has done so much for me,” said Charlotte.

Gorshia, who moved to the UK from Poland last summer also overcame challenges of not fitting in and struggling at school, to finding a place where she felt she belonged, winning the ESOL 14-16 Student of the Year award at the Star Awards in June.

Alongside her positive and jovial outlook on life and school, Gorsia contributed to every lesson and was an asset in her class.

“I think my teacher is the best teacher ever,” she said.

“She helped me with everything. I wasn’t the best student in my country, I didn’t learn anything, but this year, I was the Student of the Year for my course.”