Katie Lister has always been passionate about caring for others. When she embarked on her journey as a Level 2 Adult Care Worker apprentice at Harrogate College, she knew it was the right path for her. However, she was also aware that her dyslexia could pose challenges, particularly with writing and research. But Katie was not one to let obstacles stand in her way.

Determined to succeed, she sought out different ways to support her studies. Recognising that she needed to strengthen her academic writing, she decided to attend sessions with the iLearn team at Harrogate College, starting later this month. These classes will help her refine the structure of her assignments and develop her research skills, ensuring she can convey her knowledge effectively.

Katie’s hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Her employer, Skills4Living, recognised her potential and fully supported her growth. Knowing how much Katie valued her learning, they committed to funding her Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification once she completed Level 2. The prospect of becoming a senior member of her team fuelled Katie’s determination even more.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Katie was surrounded by an incredible support network. Her line manager encouraged her every step of the way, ensuring she had the guidance needed to progress. Her mentor at Harrogate College also played a vital role, helping her deepen her understanding of her job while refining her research and writing skills. With every assignment she completed, she felt more confident in her abilities.

Reflecting on her journey, Katie shared, “I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn more about my role and become a better care worker. The support from my line manager and mentor has been invaluable, helping me develop my skills and progress towards Level 3. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I’d say go for it – it’s a great way to grow in your career.”

As Katie looks ahead, she realises just how much she has grown. Her apprenticeship has not only helped her develop as a care worker but has also given her the confidence to overcome personal challenges. With Level 3 on the horizon and her ambitions set on becoming a Lead Adult Care Worker, Katie is proof that with determination, support, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. Her journey is just beginning, and the future looks brighter than ever.

Welcome to HC Highlights, our roundup of all the latest news from Harrogate College. 

Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) group RAF Leeming trip 

Our Uniformed Protective Services students have enjoyed an action-packed trip to RAF Leeming.

Twenty eight learners, plus tutors Aidan Harding and Andy Reah, took part in the field trip. They were treated to a presentation by the counter-drone unit and demonstrations in thermal imaging and drone technology from the 90 Signalers.

Organised by the base’s Media, Communications & Engagement Officer, Zoe Davis, the day also included a fascinating visit to the mountain rescue unit.

We are grateful to RAF Leeming and Zoe for making this experience both memorable and inspirational for our students.

Business learners visiting Burberry Leeds

Our Business students have enjoyed meeting some senior industry leaders in Leeds.

The Level 3 learners got the opportunity by attending an UNLOC Changemakers networking event at the Burberry offices in the city. 

Our students had a fantastic time and reported feeling much more confident about speaking to new people afterwards.

Art & Design guest speaker 

Our Level 3 Creative Practice students recently welcomed Ian and James from Harrogate-based graphic design agency Skinny Design.

During their visit the pair provided invaluable insights into the world of graphic design, discussed various pathways into the industry and showcased their recently commissioned work.

The college is thankful to Ian, James and the entire Skinny Design team for their time, knowledge and ongoing support. Their contributions continue to enrich our students’ educational journeys and prepare them for successful careers in the creative industry.

Hairdressing masterclass

Our hairdressing students recently had an incredible opportunity to learn from a top professional.

Mark from Cloud Nine delivered a masterclass on mastering the art of big, bouncy, curly blow-dries

The session was an invaluable learning experience, providing insights from a real industry expert. We are grateful to Mark and Cloud Nine for their time and expertise.

Creative Media collaborate with RE: Workshop

Our Year 1 Creative Media students have embarked on an exciting collaboration with RE: Workshop.

Acting as remote brand consultants for the workshop, which helps students create sustainable products, the learners began by auditing its social media and online content,

They then took their cameras to RE: Worshop’s base on Mabgate Campus, Leeds to capture fresh content for Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn along with photographs for the online shop and website. 

The students will begin editing their content, which will start appearing on RE: Workshop’s social media platforms, in the coming weeks.

Keep up to date with all the latest Harrogate College news.

Our Children In Need fundraising day has raised an impressive £155!

Students donned pyjamas, completed a dance exercise session and brought in home baking for a bake sale – organised by the Students Union and also supported by staff – on Wednesday 13 November.

Other events on the day included face painting in reception and a gym bike challenge inspired by the Charity on Wheels efforts of Paddy McGuiness on his bicycle ride from Wales to Scotland. Staff, taking 15 minute turns, ended up travelling 52 miles over five hours using an exercise bike that had been set up in reception.

Students, meanwhile, enjoyed a staff-led Zumba session at lunchtime which also brought the money in.

Student Life lead Beth Martin said: “Children in Need at the college was a great, full day event which really highlighted how much our students care for their own and the wider community.

“It was a joy to support the Students Union to achieve such a great event, and I am so proud of the amount that was raised.”

Keep up to date with the latest Harrogate College news.

The college held a number of special activities for Remembrance Day. The Charter Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Chris Aldred was the guest of honour as we paid our respects on Monday 11 November.

Activities included creating a paper chain, making a fingerprint poppy field art display, and exhibiting a wall of Remembrance-themed poems and ‘Remember in Colour’ photos.

A standout moment was a march by the Uniformed Public Services (UPS) learners group that was led by our electrical tutor and former soldier, Sean O’Connor.

The one-minute silence, held in front of the college, was attended by all students and staff and was followed by a speech from two of our learners. All of the day’s activities were organised by our Students’ Union members, under the guidance of Student Life Lead Beth Martin.

Stay up to date with the latest Harrogate College news.

Our partnership work with local businesses is set to be taken to the next level through the formation of Harrogate College Employer Board.

The new body was proposed at the latest meeting of the college’s Employers’ Network as a way to build on the work we are doing to ensure employers can influence key areas like our curriculum and skills training programmes.

The theme of the meeting, chaired by Principal Danny Wild, was Strengthening Business Relationships: Driving an Employer-Led Curriculum.

The discussions focused on three key areas: 

• Co-designing the 2024-25 curriculum, through working closely with local employers
• Evolving business relationship by creating deeper partnerships
• Introducing Harrogate College Employer Board

An exciting new chapter

Danny said: “We are excited to share details of this new chapter of collaboration with local businesses and are looking forward to working together to create an influential, employer-led education experience for students and industry alike.

“Throughout the meeting, employers provided valuable feedback on strengthening ties between the college and the business community, and expressed strong support for establishing the new board – seeing it as an opportunity to have a more significant influence on the college’s offerings and priorities.

“We will be drawing up and sharing a new action plan, based on these discussions, and inviting employers’ network members to offer further feedback to shape the next steps of this promising partnership.”

One of our Level 3 Creative Practice (Art & Design) students currently has her film exhibiting at Harrogate’s Mercer Art Gallery.

Sound of Silence, by Sophia Howard, is inspired by the concept of oxymorons and how sound is an intrinsic part of everyday life. The film uses visual storytelling to explore the increasing amount of sound generated by humans and how, for some, silence can often be an uncomfortable experience.

Mercer Art Gallery celebrates female filmmakers

The film follows on from the Aesthetic contemporary film festival and Power and Identity exhibition that celebrated the work of female filmmakers. The exhibition, which ran until 30 September, included films from internationally acclaimed artists Jasmina Cubic, Juliana Kasumu, Michelle Williams Gamaker, Rhea Storr and also Trigger Point actress, Manjinder Virk.

In addition to showcasing her own creation, Sophia offered insights about the Mercer Art Gallery from a young filmmaker’s perspective, in the hopes of helping the gallery to attract a broader and more diverse audience in North Yorkshire. 

Creative Practice students at Harrogate College learn how to master their individual style through a range of techniques and processes across fine art, digital art, 3D and 4D moving image.

Sophia’s work is showing until the end of October. We hope to see more from her in the future.

Rosemary Haynes has been a teacher for 32 years and joined the college part time, teaching Level 3 Business, last year. Originally from Harrogate, Rosemary has a degree in European Business (Leicester) and a PGCE in Business Education (Sunderland).

In July 2024 Rosemary qualified as a professional coach and mentor, passing her Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring with the Institute of Leadership and Management. Also gaining her Association for Coaching Accredited Award in Coach training and a Diploma in neuro-linguistic coaching practice.*

This study resulted from a decision in 2023 by Rosemary to leave her Head of Department job, stop working full-time in the classroom and begin to move away from classroom teaching over the next few years. 

Rosemary said:

“I still enjoy banter with young people and feel self-actualised – cheeky bit of Business theory there – when they achieve their potential.

“I’ve worked in state schools and independent schools as well as faith & non-faith schools. I’ve been a part time teacher and I’ve had 15 years in management, but I feel it’s almost time to do something else.

“When I took the job at Harrogate College, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Despite living in Harrogate for many years, my knowledge about the college was sketchy. I came with an open mind about the types of students I would be teaching and their ability.

“I have enjoyed my time here so far; academic and pastoral staff are amenable and friendly and the students are motivated.  The general atmosphere is one of quiet but productive activity and the students are courteous.”

Achieving some of the highest grades in the country

Rosemary teaches on BTEC Level 3 Business National Diploma. Students who complete the whole qualification achieve 3 grades which are comparable to A Level grades, the highest being D*D*D*.  Last year our students achieved some of the highest grades in the country, with 50% achieving this top grade compared to 1% nationally.  75% of our students achieved D*D*D*-DDD compared to 26% nationally and several have gone onto University.

Rosemary also now works as a freelance coach and mentor as well as an educational author and editor for a publisher.

*Neuro-linguistic coaches work with clients to help them reprogramme their unhelpful internal dialogue, e.g. “I’m no good at that” “this is going to be a nightmare” etc.

Why not read more of the latest Harrogate College news?

Our GCSE students have been celebrating results that have opened up routes into nursing, teaching, university and more.

Learners of all ages found out their results on Thursday 22 August, and are now looking forward to taking their next steps in education or work.

Denise Winterburn – who was on holiday when she learnt how she had done – was thrilled with her Grade 5 in English. She said: “This means I can now make progress in my career and enrol to become a nurse apprentice.

“I couldn’t be happier and I’m really grateful for the help from my very supportive teachers, they were brilliant!”

Praise for ‘wonderful teacher’ Marie

Another student celebrating was aspiring teacher Matt Rodgers. Matt now has several options to choose from when it comes to where he will go to start his training this September, after securing both his English and maths GCSEs.

He said: “Marie Doney, my maths teacher, was amazing. She gave extra support when I did not understand things and she was so helpful.”

Many others also took the opportunity to praise Marie, who completed her final day at the college – after 14 years’ service – on results day.

Olivia Scothern, who is aiming to go on to higher education after achieving a Grade 4, said: “I would not have passed without Marie’s help, she is a wonderful teacher and I am so grateful.

“I am now applying to university and my experience as the college’s Students’ Union rep here will be really useful. I want to have a career as a primary school teacher.”

Fellow GCSE maths student Hannah Fearnley added: “I spent a long time not believing in myself. Marie has been brilliant, helping me build my confidence.

“This result just proves that if you apply yourself, you can do it.”

Jake Frieze-Smaje’s Grade 4 in maths, meanwhile, will enable him to continue his studies with us. He said: “I am coming back to Harrogate College this year to complete my diploma in Hospitality and Culinary Skills.

“I’m really happy I passed, my maths teacher was really friendly and spent a lot of time helping me to understand.”

And Craig Shava’s maths pass will allow him to study Applied Science with us as he works towards a career in radiography.

Craig Shava

For Latera Gnaro, a Grade 4 means he can now go ahead and study IT at our sister institution, Leeds City College.

Amazing support delivers English success

GCSE English students also had plenty to celebrate on the day. Anna Jarzynska was delighted with her Grade 4 – and also surprised, as she thought she might need another year.

She said: “I am so excited to have passed! It was only due to the amazing support from my teachers, Seona McLinden and Christine Day.”

Callum Ross, Alex Ross and Hayden Whitehouse all echoed those sentiments and, after finding English difficult at school, said they enjoyed experiencing a different teaching approach at college.

Jack Garbutt, meanwhile, saw two years of hard work pay off – all done while he was also completing his Level 2 Motor Vehicle course – as he achieved a Grade 4.

Programme Manager for English and Maths, Debbie Redman, praised Jack’s English teachers, learning support assistants and the pastoral team for supporting his progress.

Jack Arbutt (left) with Anthony Kay from the college’s pastoral team

For many learners such as Callum Bell, who achieved a Grade 5 in English, their results have opened up a range of exciting opportunities.

Callum said: “I came back to try again after a bit of a break and have succeeded this year with the help of my great teachers. Now I have both my maths and English GCSEs, I have more choices about what to do next.”

Harrogate College recently hosted its first employer network event in Ripon. The event aimed to cultivate partnerships and strengthen ties between the college and local businesses, providing a platform for collaboration and mutual benefit.

The event showcased the college’s employer network, along with successful case studies demonstrating the positive impact of such partnerships on both learners and businesses. 

The recent launch of the adult skills bootcamps in Ripon highlighted the educational opportunities available in courses such as Progression into Care, Social Media Marketing and GCSE English and Maths. 

Danny emphasised the benefits of the skills bootcamps, noting their design in collaboration with employers to ensure course content aligns with industry needs. These programmes include guaranteed interview opportunities, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.

He also introduced the college’s ‘Pathway to Employment’ strategy, aimed at helping employers understand and integrate apprenticeship opportunities within their businesses.

The event concluded with discussions among employers, who showed particular interest in developing leadership and management skills within the construction sector, as well as exploring volunteer opportunities for college students. 

This meeting demonstrated the college’s commitment to building robust connections within the Ripon business community, fostering a collaborative environment for education and workforce development.

If you’re interested in learning more about how your business can collaborate with us, please contact us at:

Email: lynn-yang.liu@harrogate.ac.uk
Call: 01423 878 251
Visit: harrogate-college.ac.uk