The Vibe, Issue 2

THE ST PATRICK'S STUDENT

NEWSLETTER

Issue 2July 2014

ISSUE 2

SUMMER!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT EXPERIENCE OFFICER

ST PATRICK'S STUDENT SURVEY

ASPIRATIONS AT ST PATRICK’S

CAPITA DELIVER CAREER DEVELOPMENT DAY

SENIOR GOOGLE ENGINEER SPEAKS AT ST PATRICK’S

S.E.E.D WORKSHOPS LAUNCHED

DEBATING SOCIETY BEGINS WITH A BANG

MEET YOUR STAFF

GET READY, GET SET, GET FIT

GAME CELEBRATES THE WORLD CUP WITH STUDENTS

ST PATRICK’S ‘GREEN MACHINE’ FOOTBALL TEAM

EVENTS & SUMMER ACTIVITIES

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06-09

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I am very pleased at the good response The Vibe has received from our students. It is a magazine that brings alive a lot of the activities that are happening at St Patrick’s.

I would like to thank the team for being so creative in producing an informative yet exciting publication that adds to the vibrancy of the student experience.

It has been a long and eventful academic year, and challenging for some of you, but now you can proudly say “I got through it”. As another year ends, continue to chase the dream that ignited your passion to study, not give up, and keep your eye on the prize.

In this issue we celebrate all our students here at St Patrick’s and focus on what you have to say in the Student Survey - your voice matters to us!

Taking the step to study is more than coming into a class, listening to a lecturer, and handing in your assignments on time. It’s having the courage to take your future into your own hands, and having the determination and drive to push towards that finishing line. This term we see our 2nd year students off, as they start a new chapter in their lives.

All of you as 2nd year students have excelled to get closer to your goals. Graduating is a mere stepping stone to prepare you for what is yet to come; the journey does not stop here. All the ups and downs you have faced here have only made you stronger, wiser and more ready to take the world outside of St Patrick’s head on.

We hope that we have guided you the way you needed to be guided, encouraged you the way you needed to be encouraged, and that you have memories you can cherish forever. This is not ‘goodbye’, but ‘see you later’.

Good luck and all the best!

Professor Daniel Khan, OBE

Message from the Principal

Message from Student Experience Officer

THE VIBE

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Sophelia Gentles, Student Experience Officer

ST PATRICK’S THE VIBE

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It also gives students an opportunity to raise their concerns, let us know if they are satisfied, and give suggestions on how to make the College even better. The findings of this survey will allow the College to understand how departments are contributing to the overall student experience and help us identify areas for improvement.

The survey was launched on 20th June 2014 for a 2 week period, using the Survey Monkey platform (an online research tool widely used by education institutions). At the close of the survey, there were 840 responses: the highest the College has had in its history of conducting surveys. So a big thank you to those who participated!

We have had some fantastic comments (see pages 8 & 9) and it is evident St Patrick’s College has transformed lives.

However, in the interests of continuous improvement, our focus is to identify areas that

the College could do better to enhance the student experience.

To summarise, the main points raised were:

1. Improvement on resources (more labs, books)

2. Student voice (Student Council and Class Reps) needs to engage more

3. Clearer communication channels to be established

4. Assignment feedback to be more efficient

5. Canteen facilities to improve (widen food selection and reduce prices)

6. Facilities management to improve (toilet cleanliness and lifts not working)

We listened, and we acted!

1. Information Centre opened (Room 100). Now students have a place to go to seek information on College matters

2. A smartphone app is being designed as we speak to enable better communication!

3. Printer area to be manned by a member of staff to help students to print and scan

4. Increased workshops included in the SEED Academic activity diary

5. Careers workshop conducted, and more planned for the future

6. A wider range of activities planned for students, focused more on academic issues/areas

The results of this survey will be used as a starting point in a bid to improve the overall student experience at the College. The results were interesting, honest and extremely useful in enabling transformation in our student-centric approach.

Thank you again to all who took part!

St Patrick’s College has always adopted a student-cen-tred approach in all that we do, and our commitment to enhancing the Student Experience plays a key part in the College’s strategic long-term plans. We therefore conduct at least one Student Survey each academic year in order to receive feedback from students in all aspects of College matters, including academic issues, welfare, resources and extra-curricular activities.


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I say thanks to the management of the school for their continuous improvement towards higher academic standards. It is very beneficial, especially to students.

“ I feel lucky to have studied in this college! ”

“I am very thankful to St Patrick’s college that it has provided me the chance to enhance my knowledge and follow my future plans. After completing my first year, I feel polished and confident in my personality.”

“I’m happy with my lecturers! Bless them and the management team for their good work. It is great to be part of the college.”

I am very satisfied with the College support that I have been getting.

overall, St Patrick’s College has been effective in providing its services to its students. I am very happy to be accepted in such a good institution. Thank you!


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“I am happy attending St Patrick’s college because it has improved me a lot on my academic level and also in my profession. I will also thank all the teachers, administrators, and workers - they are really doing good work. Keep it up.”

"Keep up the good work! This is the best place to learn."

“I really enjoy the teaching and I like the college, thank you!”

“I am very happy with my studies at the moment. I thank the college for giving me such an opportunity to better my life. Thanks again to the academic management team. God bless you all!”

“St Patrick’s is a good college, it provides education for people that want it, and is a great opportunity for me.”

I am satisfied with learning here. It is an opportunity for me to boost my confidence.

“ I am happy with what St Patrick’s is doing. They should continue to help students. God bless you St Patrick’s. “


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ASPIRATIONS AT ST PATRICK’S“I am a student at St Patrick’s, studying Health and Social Care Management. I have really outdone myself achieving things and completing work that I never thought I could, and getting good grades. I’ve met some really great people, including staff, and learnt a lot - not only on my course, but about myself as a person.

I wasn’t in education for a long time after leaving college and working for 8 years whilst being a mother. I never thought for a second I would ever go back to education and complete it, but I have done.

I’m extremely proud of myself and thankful to my mentors for teaching me and ensuring I understood. I will make sure to put this to good use. I am going to go into my second year, get my degree, and open my own care home.

Thank you, St Patrick’s.”

“My name is Marie-Claire Akilimali and I am a student in Business Management. I started my course in June 2013, and now I only have two more terms to undertake.

Since I started my course I have gained knowledge about how to manage a business and being able to lead people in the business field.

My interpersonal skills have improved, and I’ve had the opportunity to be a Student Class Rep for the past two academic terms.

I am looking forward to reaching my target, which is to complete my course by working hard and being able to distinguish myself in every module at the end of April 2015.

I have been happy with the lecturers and St Patrick’s staff. Being a St Patrick’s student has had a positive impact on my life.”

Samantha N Napa, Health and Social Care Management

Marie-Claire Akilimali, Business Management


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Capita Deliver Career Development Day

Senior Google Engineer Speaks at St Patrick’s

The School of Technology proudly hosted a lecture from a senior Google engineer at St Patrick’s.

St Patrick’s enlisted the services of Capita Education Resourcing (CER) to give students an expert understanding of the job application process.

More than 125 students attended the session, presented by two representatives of one of the UK’s leading recruiters. Participants were treated to an in-depth explanation of how to construct a CV, as well as the opportunity to have their existing CVs personally analysed & critiqued.

Adrian Hilton gave an informative and inspiring talk on Google and the stages involved in delivering software with a quality user end experience.

The event was attended by both students and staff.

It is mandatory for all students on the HND Health and Social Care programme to obtain 200 practical hours of work experience within a healthcare setting; so after a thorough briefing on improving their resumes, students were taken through the application process for placements with CER.

St Patrick’s staff from every relevant department were also on hand to assist Capita and our students at the event.

It was unanimously agreed by all in attendance that this was a successful event, more than deserving of repetition.


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S.E.E.D WORKSHOPS LAUNCHED


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This was followed by workshops to improve skills with PowerPoint, Word, Excel, writing CVs, succeeding at interview, and presentation to help students’ overall employability.

Vanda Johnson, a Health & Social Care student, said: “This was really good, not what I was expecting…I’m very pleased.”

This was another big step for the S.E.E.D movement as they look to reach more students; keep up the good work!

The first S.E.E.D workshops began in May, as the Essential Skills Department recognised the need for academic support classes for students who want to improve their skills. The workshops kicked off with academic writing, knocking it out of the park with a well-structured lesson. Students were paired to promote team building, and encouraged to analyse various writing styles.


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Debating Society Begins

with a

The first St Patrick’s debating society had a fiery start in Room 510.

Students from Law, Business and Hospitality dived into topics such as ‘Facebook or Twitter?’, ‘Does money bring you happiness?’ and ‘Should the rich get taxed?’

Initiated by the Student Experience team, the debating society was created to encourage students who want to share, discuss and voice their opinion on various topics, as well as define the art of being a great debater. Those who attended

brought their charisma, passion, knowledge, confidence and most of all entertainment to the floor.So successful was the event that it has now been made a permanent weekly fixture during Thursday lunchtimes.

Whether or not you are the next Gandhi, Mandela or Abraham Lincoln, come and join us!

BANG!


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Kristina Sakalyte,Academic Administration

MEET YOUR STAFF...

What do you do at St Patrick’s?

Lecturer/teacher.

Where are you based?

Room 510A.

What are two interesting facts about you?

I am optimistic and talented.

What is a memory you have from when you were a student?

Strong determination!

What are your hobbies?

Scientific research and documentaries, street dancing, song writing.

What words of advice would you give to students here at the college?

The desire to study is success itself and whatever your mind can conceive, you can achieve.


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Robin I Subi, Health and Social Care


Team Leader of Academic Administration, Administrating School of Technology.


3rd Floor, Room 321.


I’m very much into Asian culture and traditions, and I enjoy spontaneous trips very much.


My best memory is time spent with my group mates and attending many different events.


Music, dancing, watching movies, photography, reading books, and learning web design.


To be active in college events; don’t give up if you fail; be tolerant towards others; and push yourself to get good grades.


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Oversee the Campus Support Team, manage student activities/sports, help with career development and the Student Council.


Student Experience office on the 1st floor of the New Court Campus.


Fact 1: I was born in London to a Grenadian mother and a Nigerian father. Fact 2: I have written over a thousand rhymes, and briefly performed and recorded material in West London.


Achieving the highest grade ever given by my Marketing lecturer

for rebranding Formula one racing. Prior to this I never had any interest in the sport, unless you include Monaco GP on the Megadrive. It was at this moment I fell in love with Mintel reports and Google.


I am an obsessive listener & iPhone DJ of eclectic musical genres, poetry, weightlifting & cardio, playing football, badminton, dancing (my definition), reading, music gigs


Write down every possible reason and benefit of studying that comes to mind. Every now and then, remind yourself of what was written and use this as motivation during the difficult times.

Jonathan Osanyingbemi,Student Experience

Lemar Walters, Academic Administration


I am the course administrator for HSC.


New Court, Room 321


I support Arsenal and I enjoy playing golf.

Name a memory you have from when you were a student...

Successfully programming a working calculator during my computing course.


Music, PS4 and movies (in that order!)


Take advantage of everything the college is offering. It is only in place to aid you whilst you study here.


We help students in each and every way possible.


Room 360, 3rd floor, New Court Campus.

Kishore Rana,Student Support Services


I am administrator for the Health and social Care department. Every day is different, and I would say the Health and Social Care Department is the busiest. I deal with students’ enquiries, making reports, managing STP online, assisting lecturers, and so on.


I am based in New Court Campus, Room 321.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I am hopelessly addicted to perfumes.


I remember a trip to Brighton with my colleagues and lecturers, made specifically for our research project data collection, which ended up being just a fun trip.


Driving, dancing, and travelling.


Keep on focusing on what you are doing and always remember your goal. Try to achieve it no matter how hard it gets.


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What is an interesting fact about you?

I can speak Hindi, English, Urdu, Haryanvi, Punjabi and Gadwali.


I remember there was a week when I didn’t sleep or eat properly and didn’t even go out of my house, because I had three assignments and an exam in one

week.


Listening to music, reading, travelling, and swimming.


Take risks in your life: if you win, you can lead; if you lose, you can guide.

— GET READY— GET SET — GET FIT

Melanie Lingurar, Academic Administration

St Patrick’s has held their first Health & Wellbeing month! We jumped into gear encouraging staff and students to maintain a healthier lifestyle throughout the month of May, focusing on sports, fitness, nutrition and personal wellbeing.

St Patrick’s gave students and staff the opportunity to learn more about the current and future sports and fitness programmes available to them, as well as improving their understanding of nutrition and the part it plays in their lives.

Throughout the month activities and workshops were held, ranging from mini health check-

ups to dance aerobics, cardio club to high performance workshops, and many more!

We partnered with Ryvita, Jordans, Popchips, Vitabiotics, Leon, and the British Heart Foundation, who together provided over 3000 products to encourage nutrition and healthier eating habits.Students received healthy goody bags throughout the month, and

were very pleased and excited to get their health and wellbeing in check. It has surely inspired many to get fitter.


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GAME CELEBRATES WORLD CUP 2014WITH STUDENTS


Students and staff came to New Court wearing football colours to support their team. They were treated to FIFA World Cup XBOX tournaments and a live showing of Belgium vs Algeria, as well as the highlights of other fixtures.

To top it all off, GAME provided TVs, consoles, and games for the day, and gave away prizes. The celebratory spirit inevitably flooded the St Patrick’s corridors and classrooms.

There is no doubt that Brazil

2014 can be considered the best showcase of international football in recent memory. As well as being the joint highest scoring tournament with 171 goals, it also managed to make “predictable” a word of no relevance.

How good will Hernandez become? Will Brazil recover? How good are Algeria? Is Messi still the best? Will Germany win the Euro’s? Perhaps the greatest feat of this competition is not the questions it has answered, but those it has created.

We couldn’t bring St Patrick’s to Brazil, so Brazil was brought to St Patrick’s. In the spirit of football, the Student Experience Team collaborated with the UK’s leading video games retailer, GAME, to celebrate the 2014 World Cup.



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Nawal also gave a talk on how to achieve high performance in sport, which was well received by all students who attended. This may have been the first time that such a large group of students were so quiet for so long! They certainly found the talk interesting, as well as useful.

St Patrick’s team have been on fire this term, playing their first ever competitive matches against Redbridge College (an FE college

based in Essex) and Edexcel FC.The ‘Green Machine’ lost 5-3 to Redbridge, but found out afterwards that Redbridge were league champions and had already played a whole season.

They fought harder in their second match against Edexcel, showing great strength by dominating the game and going into half time leading. Edexcel fought back to tie the game at 7-7. A bucketful of goals were scored by Benjamin,

Chris, and their captain Youness. Both teams have agreed that a rematch will take place - winner takes all!

The team played great football and represented St Patrick’s with honour and pride. A series of further matches are planned, so do come and support your team.

Come on the Green Machine!


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St Patrick’s ‘Green Machine’ Football Team — Nawal Gurung, Sports Enhancement Specialist at Fulham FC, came to St Patrick’s to officially unveil our new football kit. It is sponsored by Circle Sports, a social enterprise in London who were visited by HRH Prince Charles earlier this year.


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Debating SocietyEvery Thursday12.15pm- 1.15pmCheck the screen presentation for the room

Cardio ClubEvery Wednesday12pm - 1pmRoom 100

Interested in joining the sports activities? For men’s football, basketball (men and women), and cricket, speak to Jonathan in Room 100.

S.E.E.D. WorkshopsMS Excel — Thursday 14 Aug, 2:30 pmMS Word — Friday 15 Aug, 2:30 pmMS PowerPoint — Wednesday 20 Aug, 2:30 pmCV — Thursday 21 Aug, 12:00 pmPresentation skills — Wednesday 27 Aug, 12:00 pmAcademic writing — Thursday 28 Aug, 12:00 pm

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:Interviews — Friday 29 Aug, 2:30 pmAcademic writing — Friday 29 Aug, 12:00 pm

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!


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SUMMERACTIVITIESNot sure what to do this summer? Whether it’s a family day out or meeting up with your friends, here are a few of our suggestions:

FreeNatural History MuseumScience MuseumNational GalleryThe Royal Observatory

FamilyKellogg’s 2 for 1 offer at Alton Towers, Sea Life, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, and more. Find your ‘Adults go free’ voucher on selected Kellogg’s cereals.

Kids go ‘free’ to top West End show — book online for a free child ticket with full-paying adult. Visit http://www.kidsweek.co.uk. Valid from 1st – 31st August.

A trip to the seaside! Why not try out Southend, Brighton, Blackpool, Bournemouth, or Camber Sands?

UpcomingVisit the More London Free Festival, which includes outdoor theatre and films. Find out more at http://www.morelondon.com/events/about/Ends Sept 26th

Street Feast, Dalston Yard Free before 7pm; £3 afterwards18th July - 27th Sept

Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill24th - 25th August

FilmsGuardians of the Galaxy — 31st July Sin City: A Dame to Die For — 25th August Let’s Be Cops — 27 August Get on Up — 26 September

ST PATRICK'S STUDENT

NEWSLETTER

Issue 2July 2014

Documents

The Vibe, Issue 2