2015

Annual Report:Adroddiad Blynyddol:

Annual Report 2015

Welcome

Our Annual Report is a reflection on the work of 2014/2015 which has placed the College in a strong position as one of the best performing Colleges in Wales. This has been achieved by the magnificent work of our staff and learners who strive to achieve our mission:

“Be All That You Can Be”

Our Strategic Plan outlines a 5 year plan from 2014 until 2019. It places Bridgend Collegeas a catalyst for economic regeneration and as an inclusive organisation developing our learners’ skills for employment and citizenship.

Despite a challenging financial climate, we are determined that Bridgend College will play its part, working in collaboration, to provide opportunities for the people of Bridgend and beyond.

We are well on our way to achieving the 3 E’s in our Strategic Plan - Be Excellent, Be Engaging and Be Efficient.

Simon PirotteChief Executive Officer and Principal

“The Principal and Governing Body have developed a clear vision and strategic direction for the college and sought to create a distinctive culture and ethos.”

Estyn Annual Review of Performance Report on Bridgend College

Paul Croke Chair of Governing Body

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People centredInspirationalPassionateInnovative

Be all that you can be.

Byddwch yn bopeth y gallwch fod.

Pobl ganoligYsbrydoledigAngerddolArloesol

Our Mission Statement...

Our Values...

Ein Datganiad Cenhadaeth Ni...

Ein Gwerthoedd Ni...

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Be a financially stable and resilient

organisation during challenging times

Turnover to exceed 30 million with

a maximum of 58% reliance on Welsh Government Funding Minimum of 2% of turnover as operational surplus Achieve 30 days cash (net liquid assets) equating to 1 month of expenditure

EFFICIENT

Be a sustainable organisation where staff and learners love to work and learn

• In Times Top 100 Public Sector Companies to work for• In top 3 colleges in Welsh Government Learner Voice Survey• Staff Survey provides results that are in the top 25%

ENGAGING

•••

Be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as an outstanding organisation

90% successful completion rate All areas judged “Excellent” by Estyn All learning areas judged “Excellent” by Welsh Government (85%+)

EXCELLENT

3 E sBe a catalyst for Economic Regeneration as an inclusive organisation developing our learners’ skills for employment and citizenship.

Bridgend College is the provider of choice, enabling every learner to reach their potential through high quality provision.

Bridgend College works in collaboration with other organisations to improve long term efficiency, opportunities and outcomes for the people of Bridgend and beyond.

Objectives by 2019...

Be all that you can be.

people centred

Inspirational Passionate Innovative

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“There is a clear and strategic approach to improving the quality of teaching and assessment.”

Estyn Annual Review of Performance Report on Bridgend College

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“Overall FE Success Rate – 88%” This matches the performance of the best College in 2013/14

“Main Qualification FE Success Rate – 85%” This matches the performance of the best College in 2013/14

“14 out of 17 areas are above Main Qualification National Comparator and 3 are just below”

Be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as an outstanding organisation.

Excellent

We have achieved...

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Sector Subject AreaBridgend CollegeSuccess rate(Main quals)

+/-National Comparator

NationalComparator(Courses above 150 hours)

1: Health, Public Services and Care 83% +6 77%

2: Science and Mathematics 82% +5 77%

3: Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 91% +13 78%

4: Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies 78% -2 80%

5: Construction, Planning and the Built Environment 78% -1 79%

6: Information and Communication Technology 83% +5 78%

7: Retail and Commercial Enterprise 90% +3 87%

7(a): Retailing & Customer Service n/a n/a n/a

7(b): Hair and Beauty 90% +10 80%

7(c): Hospitality and Catering 90% +4 86%

8: Leisure, Travel and Tourism 84% +4 80%

9: Arts, Media and Publishing 87%

9(a): Performing Arts 84% +4 80%

9(b): Art and Design 89% +7 82%

10: History, Philosophy and Theology n/a n/a n/a

11: Social Science 89% +11 78%

12: Languages, Literature & Culture 81% -2 83%

13: Education and Training n/a n/a n/a

14: Preparation for Life and Work 86% +1 85%

14(a): Independent Living Skills 89%

14(b): Adult Basic Education n/a n/a n/a

14(c): Foundation for Work 86% +4 82%

14(d): English for Speakers of Other Languages

15: Business, Administration and Law 80% +3 77%

Success Rates by Sector Subject 2014/15

Engaging

Overall, the results of this survey places Bridgend College as the best in Wales.

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Be a sustainable organisation where staff and learners love to work and learn.

Information and Guidance: Help and Support:

Welsh Government Learner Voice Survey:

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Health and Well-being: Responsiveness:

Teaching and Learning:

Rate your College overall:

Is this course what you expected it to be?

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Engaging

of staff are “Happy to be working at the College” (+16 above benchmark)

of staff are “Happy to be working in my area” (Benchmark N/A)

of staff would “Recommend the College as a good place to work”(+14 above Benchmark)

of 37 Benchmarked questions – 30 are at or above the benchmark.

Staff Survey 2015

Be a sustainable organisation where staff and learners love to work and learn.

“Clear communication has been effective at a time of significant challenge to the College.”

Estyn Annual Review of Performance Report on Bridgend College

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Efficient

Successful Completion, Welsh Government (DfES) Funding and Financial Performance

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Welsh Government (DfES) Core Funding

£17,804k £17,537k £16,468k

Successful Completion 79% 85% 88%

Operating Surplus(excluding FRS17 and restructuring costs)

(£240K) £1,112k 1,888k

Be a financially stable and resilient organisation during challenging times.

Bridgend College provides excellent value for money.

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Bridgend College : An Inclusive College

1. Weston House Wins ‘Understanding Disability Award’

Weston House, our unique provision for learners with specialist learning or physical needs, won the Understanding Disability Award in 2015. This award aims to promote positivity towards people with disabilities and to encourage good practice in improving attitudes in the community.

2. Walk in My Shoes

‘Walk in My Shoes’ is our programme of events which has been developed to celebrate the diverse nature of our community. By understanding and embracing differences we can help to create an environment based on the principles of dignity, fairness, equality and respect. The ‘Walk in My Shoes’ programme comprises of a variety of workshops, speakers, training and information events designed to raise awareness and challenge staff and learners’ knowledge and understanding, ensuring that Bridgend College is an inclusive place to learn and work.

3. Aspire

Our monthly programme, Aspire, is designed for female learners within the College. The Female Mentoring Programme was launched by Cheryl Bass, founder of I AM WOMAN. This programme aims to help inspire, encourage and support women by using female College Managers as mentors to guide female learners over any hurdles they may be facing in work or at home.

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Employer Engagement

1. Business Student of the Year at Bridgend Business Forum Awards

Former learner Edward Shorney won the Aspiring Entrepreneur Award at the University of South Wales ‘Making Business Happen’ Ceremony. Edward was awarded with a £5,000 cash prize and the same amount for Bridgend College to re-invest into the Enterprise Department.

2. Best HE Film at the Learning On-screen Awards

Lexx Oliver won best HE Film at the Learning On-screen Awards at BFI Southbank in May 2015. The ‘Learning on Screen’ award is the only UK award celebrating media production in learning,teaching and research.

3. Work Based Learning Contracts Grows by 50%

Our Work Based Learning (WBL) contracts grew by 50% in 2015. We offer a range of work-based programmes aimed at supporting learners, which give them the opportunity to learn essential skills on the job.

4. Apprentice of the Year 2015

Liam Gill was crowned Apprentice of the Year in 2015. Liam completed his Apprenticeship in Mechanical Maintenance and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering Maintenance with distinctions in all modules. Liam was one of four finalists competing for this prestigious award.

One of the other finalists in this category was another Bridgend College apprentice, Megan Wilkins. Megan works for Cwmnofydd Farm, Machen. Bridgend College has provided Megan and her employer, Owen Tamplin, with ongoing training and advice throughout her Apprenticeship in Agriculture.

“Whenever we invest in training for members of staff we always call Engage Training first to see if they can provide us with the course we need. They can often tailor to our needs, and the experience our members of staff return to work with are always positive.”

Dean Osell, Director – Arborum

“The College delivers a comprehensive range of courses to meet the needs of learners and employers throughout the local and wider area.”

Estyn Annual Review of Performance Report on Bridgend College

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Partnerships

1. Sponsor of Bridgend Business Forum Awards

Bridgend College and its subsidiary company Engage (part of the Bridgend College Group) sponsored the Bridgend Business Forum Annual Awards to strengthen links with businesses in and around the area.

2. Pencoed Comprehensive

We are developing an exciting partnership with a local comprehensive schools to ensure learners can access suitable courses. “We have developed a high level of trust between the School and the College as we put learners first” Mr David George, Headmaster.

3. Graduation Ceremony

2015 saw our 19th annual Higher Education Ceremony at our Pencoed Campus. Over 200 students who had achieved their Higher Education qualifications in the 2014/15 academic year were welcomed to celebrate with their friends, family, academic staff and invited guests.

Graduates were welcomed by Paul Croke, Chairman of Bridgend College’s Governing Body and acknowledged on stage by representatives from our partner Universities: Jacqui Hare, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University and Professor Helen Langton, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of South Wales.

Strategic Partnerships Signed with 2 HEIsThe partnerships provides a framework for its courses to be studied at Further Education colleges. The consortium facilitates the progression of students from college into further study at either the University of South Wales or Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The programmes offered enable students to study at the College, whilst gaining a reputable and recognised higher education qualification. This partnership allows us to offer a range of programmes at HND, Foundation Degree and Bachelor Degree level.

“The Consortium has excellent and highly effective partnership arrangements in place, working with a wide variety of key partners, employers and stakeholders.”

B-wbl Estyn Report 2015

Bridgend College is a collaborative partnerof the University of South Wales.Mae Coleg Penybont yn bartner cydweithredol Prifysgol De Cymru.

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Enrichment

1. National Theatre of Wales: Performance of Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage

Bridgend College was delighted to work with the National Theatre on their production “Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage” an inspirational story based on Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas. Learners at the College worked with the National Theatre team and the final screening in Wales was held at the College’s very own Sony Theatre.

2. Former Bridgend College Learners Selected for Rugby World Cup 2015

Three former learners from the sport department: Scott Baldwin, Rhys Webb and Matthew Morgan, were selected to represent Wales in the Rugby World Cup 2015. Our Rugby Academy has a long history of producing world class sports people.

3. Football Teams Dominate Top Spot of League Tables

Both College football teams (1st & 2nd) carried on with the successful reputation Bridgend College has and won both leagues at the end of the footballing season in 2015.

4. 2faced Dance Company Visit our Performing Arts Department

Dancers Chris Knight and Luke Rigg from 2faced Dance Company were in residence at the College, creating a new piece of work with the Performing Arts learners. The piece was thenperformed at the Taliesin Arts Centre and received rave reviews.

5. ‘Mamma Mia’ Director Visits Bridgend College

Nick Evans led workshops with our Performing Arts learners. Nick had just finished a World Tour as the Resident Director of “Mamma Mia”. Nick created a musical drama piece with the students based on the works of Richard Burton.

6. Henley Festival, Roux Brothers Restaurant.

Bridgend College catering learners were privileged to come under the watchful eye of Albert and Michel Roux earlier this year when they worked at the Roux Brothers’ kitchen at the Henley Festival, thanks to a long-standing partnership with the college. Henley Festival is a boutique cultural experience celebrating the best of international and UK music, art, food and comedy.

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Celebrating Excellence

1. Bridgend College Day Nursery Inspected by Estyn and Graded ‘Excellent’

“They (staff) interact very effectively with the children throughout the sessions and demonstrate an exceptionally close understanding of the learning intentions for each activity and area of provision, alongside the children’s individual levels of development.”

“High expectations are shared by all staff.”

“The strong partnerships with the college, parents and the community contribute significantly to children’s learning experiences.”

Estyn Report

2. Refectory Awards

In 2015, our refectories across all campuses, were awarded Silver for the ‘All Wales Healthy Options Award’. This award has helped to further enhance our image as a responsible organisation that is putting our learners and staff first. We give the freedom to select healthy options and give everyone who visit our refectories more control over what they eat.

3. Highest Marks in UK for A level Law

Shannon Rock, our former learner was amongst 75 pupils recognised for their outstanding A Level achievements. Shannon achieved the highest mark in the UK in her A Level Law exam.

4. Double AoC Beacon Award Winners

Our Forensic Science department was awarded the prestigious Edge Award for Practical Teaching and Practical Learning, for the second time in 2015.

The Awards:

recognise imaginative and exemplary teaching and learning practice in colleges

draw attention to provision which encourages and supports learners to approach challenges positively and creatively

support learning and continuous improvement through the dissemination of award-bearing practice

promote and celebrate the further education sector’s commitment to pioneering approaches to equality and diversity.

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Celebrating Excellence

5. Bridgend College Honours Menna Richards OBE with a Fellowship

Menna Richards received a Fellowship at our 2015 Higher Education Ceremony. Menna, who was born and brought up in Maesteg, was the BBC Wales Director until 2011. She was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting in 2010 and in September 2015 received BAFTACymru’s award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Television’.

6. Welsh Rugby International (U20s) Wins Learner of the Year Award

Owen Watkin, a former Sport learner won the overall Learner of the Year at the College’s Annual Award Ceremony. He successfully completed Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence) to an exceptional standard, whilst excelling within International Rugby. In addition to his usual commitments, he was selected for Wales U20sand represented them in both the Six Nations and the Junior World Cup.

7. Enterprise Officer Wins National Enterprise Educators Awards 2015

Ruth Rowe was awarded with the National Enterprise Educator Award (NEEA) for the Trading Places project. Trading Places is an annual enterprise project, in which teams oflearners from six FE Colleges create and run a pop-up shop over three days. 6. Best

8. Chef Lecturer Award National Competition (PACE) Sponsored by Nestle

Our catering lecturer Neil Hughes won a national competition by the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) for ‘Best Chef Lecturer’ Award. This award celebrated excellence and dedication in the hospitality, catering and training industries.

9. Former Learners’ Business ‘Ddraig Valley’ wins Test Town Bridgend 1st Prize

Geraint Robson and Caitlyn Corless, who are developing Ddraig Valley Park Farm as an educational visitor centre with animals won the Test Town ‘Bridgend’ competition. The award is run in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council. Test Town Bridgend was a pop-up youth enterprise market to help encourage young people to realise their potential whilst demonstrating how high streets can benefit from imaginative thinking.

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The Welsh Language

Clwb Cinio Cymraeg

Clwb Cinio Cymraeg (Welsh Dinner Club) has approx 17-26 members of staff and learners attending the monthly club. Staff and learners gather to socialise with other Welsh speakers at the College, and promote the advantages of being bilingual.

Successful Delivery of CACHE

The College successfully delivered the CACHE L3 Childhood Studies course (Sept 2013 – June 2015) completely through the medium of Welsh. All students have progressed either straight into the workplace, into Welsh medium schools or on to HE courses.

Welsh and Bilingualism Award

Bridgend College was shortlisted for the Welsh and Bilingualism Award at the 2015 Colegau Cymru Annual Awards, for its contribution to promoting and raising awareness of the Welsh Language.

Regional Urdd Arts and Crafts Awards

Bridgend College students took 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for creating an artefact for those 19 years and younger at the regional Urdd Art and Crafts Awards.

Urdd Eisteddfod 2017

We were pleased to announce the Urdd Eisteddfod would be held at Pencoed Campus in 2017.

Welsh for Adults

The comprehensive programme of Welsh for Adults courses has continued to be hugelypopular. All College staff are encouraged to learn Welsh and are fully supported via the College’s CPD. A brand new Welsh for Managers course was introduced with 15 Managers, including the Principal, attending weekly classes.

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Sustainability

1. Sustain Wales ‘Cynnal Cymraeg’ Awards 2015

Our College was awarded the Sustain Wales Award for most ‘Sustainable School/College of the Year’. This rewards and highlights the College’s sustainable development – and celebrates the excellent work being done within the organisation. The College has introduced a large number of sustainability initiatives, such as a decision-making framework for sustainability, Colegau Cymru (FE) health, safety and sustainability cluster group and a number of biodiversity projects and competitions.

2. Gold Level of the Corporate Health Standard (CHS) 2015

We were thrilled to have been re-certified our Gold Level of the Corporate Health Standard (CHS). This is valid for a further three years and reflects our excellent provision of support and advice to staff on issues of health, safety and well-being.

3. Gold Level for Travel Wales 2015

We are proud to hold the Gold Level in the Wales Travel Plan Awards. This award demonstratesinnovation, enthusiasm, passion and ongoing commitment to travel planning and setsmeasures to keep improving travel choices, and provides more sustainable access for all. Wewill be aiming for the Platinum Award in April 2016.

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Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

1. Learning & Development

As a result of the changes to how the College views the role of Learning & Development in driving change and improving organisational performance, a detailed review took place. This resulted in a strategy for learning and development across College consisting of five key strategies:

• Teaching, learning and assessment• Behaviour management• Numeracy and literacy skills development• The learner experience in relation to customer services and developing people skills• Management and leadership development The College continues to expand the range of ‘How To’ sessions designed to give teachers tips, techniques and ideas for developing teaching, learning and assessment in the classroom. To support a positive behaviour culture across the College, a key member of staff became a licensed Pivotal Behaviour Management trainer to deliver in-house training and support members of staff. Since then all staff, delivery and support, have worked together to reinforce the ‘behaviour management topics’.

2. Quality Improvement Framework (QIF) Partnership Project

Following the completion of a QIF project in partnership with four other local Colleges, Bridgend College has been working in collaboration with Coleg Gwent, Merthyr College and Coleg y Cymoedd to develop teaching and learning practice and started with the introduction of ‘Instructional Rounds’.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”

Nelson Mandela