Hannah Fenton, Author at Capital City College Group

Finding Out Essential Information: Our Top 10 Questions to Ask at an Open Day

Posted on October 11, 2023November 2, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

If you’re about to attend an open day but you’re not sure what sort of things to ask about, we’ll help you get started with our top 10 essential questions.

Open days offer a fantastic opportunity to learn as much as you can about a prospective college. There will be tours, talks and taster sessions, as well as plenty of time to ask questions.

The open day may be busy, so we’ve put together a list of our top 10 questions to help you cover some of the essentials.

1. What do you look for in students who are applying for this course?

This is a great question to ask the teachers during the open day. If a course is competitive, find out what the minimum GCSE, Maths and English requirements are. Some of our courses don’t have a minimum requirement, and with hundreds of courses to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

2. What does the course cover?

A prospectus or a website can give you a good general idea about the courses on offer, but now’s the time to find out more. Speak to subject teachers and students about the content of different courses so that you can find the right one for you.

3. What are the teaching methods used on the course?

You’ll be investing time and energy into your course, so it’s important to think about whether the course matches your learning style. Do you prefer formal teaching or practical tasks? Don’t be afraid to ask teachers about their methods – it’s a good way to know what to expect if you choose their course.

4. How is the course assessed?

Completing the course is one thing, but passing assessments is another. You’ll want to get the best grades possible, so think about how your learning and performance are measured. Find out when assessments take place, how you’ll prepare for them and if they count towards your final grade.

5. What are the subject-specific facilities for this course?

All our colleges have a library (which you should definitely check out), but it’s also important to take a look at our specialist facilities. If you’re considering a course in fashion, what workshop or studio facilities are available? If you’re a scientist, check out the labs and equipment on offer.

6. What clubs and societies can I get involved in?

All work and no play is not healthy for any student. Think about what you like to do in your free time and find out about groups that you could join. Going to college is a great opportunity to branch out and try something different, so look out for activities that will challenge you and help you grow!

7. What financial help is available for students?

There are a range of bursaries and financial support schemes available to students – so don’t be afraid to ask and see if you’re eligible. Find out about discounted travel and other schemes that can help you save money while you study.

8. What support services do you have?

With new courses and friends, the transition to college or university is an enormous one. It’s a good idea to find out what support services students have access to. Your wellbeing should be a priority, so make sure you know what’s available for when you need a little extra support.

9. What have previous students of this course gone on to do?

Career prospects are a huge consideration when starting any new course. Find out what career services are available and what events and support the college offers. Ask about links with relevant companies and organisations that could help with future employment. Enquiring about what past students are doing now will give you an idea of future possibilities.

10. Why should I study here?

Keep this question in your mind throughout the open day. You could even ask current students and teachers what their answer would be!

If you’re interested in attending an open day at one of our colleges, we have a range of open days coming up. Book your place here.

Open Day Top Tips: How to Get the Most From a Prospective College Visit

Posted on October 11, 2023April 2, 2024 by Hannah Fenton

Open days are a great way to find out more about a prospective college. Our top tips will help you get the most out of your visit.

Spring is typically a busy season when it comes to open days, so now is a great time to start planning!

Decide where you want to go

The process of deciding where to go after completing your GCSEs can seem daunting. There are so many options; A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, technical courses – the list goes on!

The first step is to think carefully about which types of courses appeal to you most. Do you prefer hands-on learning to traditional academic pathways or would an apprenticeship suit you better? Once you’ve got your shortlist, find out when each college is having their open days. Make sure that you register early for the open days you want to attend and book your place.

Plan ahead to make the most of your open day

Plan your journey to the college you’ve visiting before you set off. Check your route and find out ahead about bus routes, train timetables or the nearest tube stops. If you’re driving, find out about parking restrictions.

Ask lots of questions at the open day

An open day is the perfect time to ask all of your questions. There will be teachers and administrators on site to answer them, so make a list! Current students are a great resource for the all-important social side of things.

If you’re going somewhere to study, it’s also important that you feel part of the college community. Think about what your wants and needs are:

Do you have any accessibility requirements?
Would you like to know more about certain clubs and societies?
Use the people available at the open day to get answers to all of your questions – it will really help you find out if it’s a good fit for you.

Pack your essentials

You’ll most likely be on your feet for at least an hour, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Essential things to take:

A notepad and pen – Always useful for taking notes as an alternative to your phone!
A spare bag – You’ll need somewhere to stash any flyers or prospectuses you may be given.
A second pair of eyes and ears – it can be useful to take along a friend or family member for a second opinion. They may think of things to ask and notice details that you might miss. They’ll also be able to offer a different perspective on things.

2 students smiling and discussing a project

Get involved on the day

If you’re outgoing and able to get there and go for it, that’s great. If you’re a shyer sort, attending pre-arranged activities are a great way to get involved. Challenge yourself to talk to as many people as you can. You’re all there for the same reason so asking where someone is from and what they’re looking to study is a great conversation starter.

If you’re interested in coming to see one of our colleges, we have a range of open days taking place this term. Come and see the excellent range of courses we have on offer. You can register your interest and book your place here!

CONEL ESOL Students and Learning Manager Celebrated at Jack Petchey Achievement Awards

Posted on October 10, 2023November 2, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

CONEL Students and Learning Manager celebrate as they receive Jack Petchey Achievement Awards in recognition of their hard work, dedication and progress.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) recently enjoyed an evening of celebration at the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Ceremony. The event, which took place on 27 September 2023 at Bernie Arts Grant Centre, was attended by students aged 16 to 18.

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by businessman and philanthropist Sir Jack Petchey CBE. The foundation aims to motivate and inspire young people from across London and Essex to reach their full potential.

Students from our Tottenham Centre took part in a celebration of achievement hosted by the foundation. A number of students received an award for dedication to their studies. The award recognises their hard work, attendance and punctuality as well as individual progress.

This year, the students who received awards were: Bana Okbu, Ergi Ajazi, Abdirahman Hassan, Abdo Yakoub and Stepan Buchynskyi.

The awards recognise both students and educators, and students nominated Learning Manager Tueybaha Salahuddin for the Outstanding Leader Award to recognise her hard work, dedication and contribution to learner education for ESOL students aged 16 to 18.

Our ESOL courses offered at Tottenham Centre are aimed at school leavers looking to improve all areas of their English, helping them progress to higher level study or employment and offering regular tutorial support and career guidance.

Find out more about ESOL courses across all our colleges here.

Love your college? Celebrate your place of study during National Colleges Week

Posted on October 10, 2023February 14, 2024 by Hannah Fenton

It’s time to cheer for colleges during National Colleges Week. Celebrate these wonderful places of learning with a range of events and activities.

Do you love your college? We hope so!

The Association of Colleges invites you to celebrate your college during Colleges Week.

The fortnight-long nationwide celebration will shine a light on the myriad of benefits colleges provide for their students and the wider community.

When is Colleges Week?

This year, Colleges Week is taking place over two weeks to make sure that everyone can take part. From 9 – 20 October, the Association of Colleges will be encouraging people to focus on the many boons and benefits that colleges bring. From their ability to support key sectors to the role they play in boosting the national economy – it’s time to give colleges a big round of applause!

What happens in Colleges Week?

During the two weeks that make up the Colleges Week celebrations, the Association of Colleges will bring focus to the different ways in which colleges contribute to our society.

Week 1 – from Monday 9 October

In the first week, activities will look at how colleges support local skills, labour markets and life chances.

Daily themes will focus on key sectors:

Week 2 – from Monday 16 October

In the second week, there will be more focus on how colleges support the national economy. There will be time to examine how boosting investment can improve productivity levels, with a Parliamentary reception on 18 October.

How can I get involved in Colleges Week?

Shout it out! – Colleges week is a time to shout about the success you see around you. Colleges are amazing places, hotbeds of learning, development and discovery. Be sure to celebrate your teachers, classmates and support staff!

Get tagging! – Use the hashtags #LoveOurColleges and #CollegesWeek2023 on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn to share the love!

Be sure to follow the Capital City College Group (CCCG) blog and social media accounts to see how we’re celebrating Colleges Week!

What to Expect From an Open Day: Useful Information to Help You Prepare

Posted on October 10, 2023October 13, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Are you thinking about attending your first open day? Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect when you get there.

Our prospectus or website can tell you a lot about our colleges – but the best way to decide which course and college is right for you is to come along to an open day.

We know that attending an open day for the first time can be a bit daunting, so here’s some key information about what to expect once you get there.

What is an open day?

We organise our open days so that prospective students can visit us and learn more about the courses our colleges have to offer. An open day is a great way to get a taste of college life and gain first-hand experience of what it feels like to study with us.

When do open days happen?

Our open days happen throughout the year and take place on weekdays as well as at weekends. We understand that it can be hard to fit in a college visit around your current studies, work, or family commitments – so we hold our open days in the morning, afternoon and early evening.

Do I need to register for an open day?

Like most colleges, we ask all prospective students to book a space at our open days. It’s important to us that visiting students have time and space to explore our colleges, so we offer timed slots for every open day.

What happens at an open day?

At our open days, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Hear from our students and teachers
Find out more about our excellent range of courses
Learn out about student life at our colleges
Visit our outstanding teaching areas
Explore our facilities and industry-standard equipment
Learn about the support we offer
Get valuable career advice

You’ll also have time to explore the college and get a feel for student life.

How can I prepare for an open day?

In addition to reading any materials about the open day and your chosen course, you can prepare by remembering the following things:

Dress for comfort – You’ll be walking and talking so wear something comfortable.
Pack a few essentials – You’ll want to pack light so we recommend bringing a notepad and pen, a spare bag for leaflets and flyers, and a water bottle.
Plan your journey – Make sure you know how to reach us and where the nearest bus or tube stop is.
Think about the questions you want to ask – Make a list of things you want to know and tick them off as you go.
Factor in some downtime – Exploring a potential college and absorbing lots of new information can be tiring work. Give yourself time to visit the college cafe or the library and take a moment or two to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

We have a range of open days coming up this term. If you’re interested in visiting one of our colleges, you can register your interest here.

A-mazing achievements! Jubilant CANDI students celebrate ‘fantastic’ A Level results

Posted on August 17, 2023August 25, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Thrilled students at City and Islington College (CANDI) cheered and smiled with joy and excitement as they celebrated their success in this year’s A Level exams.

Most students took three A Levels and some also completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a research project worth half an A Level on a subject of their choice and expertise.

Among this year’s top performing students was Laura Forwood, 17, who is heading to the University of Cambridge to study English after achieving three A*s in English Language and Literature, Fine Art and Graphic Communication and an A for her EPQ.

Laura, 17, said: “I’m quite lost for words. I was feeling quite anxious this morning. I was counting down the days and the hours. I thought I’d done well in Fine Art and Graphics but wasn’t sure about English, so it means a lot to get a A*.

“To get into Cambridge is an incredible achievement. I applied on a whim because I had good grades in my mocks and thought I may as well try. It’s a show of all the effort I’ve put into studying

“I’m very happy. It’s my birthday in a couple of weeks, so I’ll hopefully go away somewhere and combine the celebration.”

Sean Voitov, 18, attained A* in Politics and Economics, an A in History and an A in his EPQ, and is heading to the University of Birmingham to study Policy, Politics and Economics.

He said: “I am very pleased with my grades, and relieved that the hard work I have put in has paid off considering the grade boundaries were so high, and excited about going to university and a whole new chapter in my life.

“I am eternally grateful. There have been a lot of opportunities here at CANDI, not just because of the location but also the teachers who have been absolutely amazing. I could not have done it without any of them.”

Ben Stanley, 18 is off to the University of Exeter to study History after gaining As in History and Religious Studies and a B in Psychology and an A in his EPQ.

He said: “I’m really happy and absolutely buzzing. I felt confident in the exams, but not in an arrogant sense, but I was expecting to get grades of that calibre. I revised throughout the year and that helped me to get the grades I needed.

“The teaching at CANDI has been excellent. They give you a good level of independence, so you can complete a lot of work by yourself but also give you the necessary support. The teachers are always open to help you whether it is work-related or not, which was very reassuring throughout the two years.”

*Laura Forwood, Sean Voitov and Ben Stanley were among this year’s top performing students.*

CANDI also saw many students achieve Distinction grades on Level 3 Extended Diploma courses, which are equivalent to three A Levels and accepted by universities.

Deniz Kupeli, is going to Goldsmiths, University of London to study Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience after attaining a D*D*D* on an Extended Level 3 Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation.

She said: “I feel very proud of myself. It wasn’t easy but I put everything aside to focus on my course and my future and it’s one of the best things I’ve achieved throughout my years. I put my all into my assignments and my teachers really encouraged me to aim higher to get my grades.”

Samee Butt, 18, gained a D*D*D* on a Sport and Exercise Science Extended Level 3 Diploma, said: “I put a lot of hard work in and very pleased with my results. There was a lot of coursework involved and the teachers made it easier for us. They showed where we need to develop our knowledge to make sure we progressed and prepared us well for our exams.”

CANDI has one of London’s largest choices of A Levels with more than 30 subjects available to study as well as T Levels, technical and vocational courses such as BTECs, and apprenticeships.

Colleen Marshall, Vice Principal for CANDI, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional students on their fantastic A Level results.

“They have worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment throughout their studies and I wish them every success in the next chapter of their lives.

“I would also like to recognise the invaluable role played by our teachers and staff and thank them for the unwavering support and guidance that has been instrumental in shaping their educational journey.”

CANDI is part of Capital City College Group (CCCG), which also comprises Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

CANDI saw 57.9 per cent of students achieve A*-C grades in their results with many securing places on degrees at Russell Group universities and other higher education institutions.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal at CCCG, said: “Congratulations to our exceptional students on their remarkable achievements in their A Level exams. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence has been truly inspiring and has led them to tremendous success.

“These great results serve as a testament to their relentless hard work and unwavering determination. They should feel immensely proud of their well-deserved accomplishments, and we wish them well for their next steps.”

Find out more about courses and apprenticeships at CANDI and apply here.

Six fantastic reasons to choose college over school next year

Posted on January 18, 2023May 15, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

With the academic year halfway through, many Year 11 students are now knuckling down and revising ahead of their GCSE exams this summer.

Many will also be thinking about their future, and it is important for them to realise that staying on at school sixth form is not the only or always the best option.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) Is London’s largest further education college group and comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and apprenticeship provider Capital City College Training.

Here’s six fantastic reasons why those leaving school this year should choose CCCG’s colleges over school when it comes to taking the next step in their education.

A bigger choice of qualifications and pathways – Whether you want to take the academic or technical route to university or employment we have the right course for you. Choose from A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates or apprenticeships with top employers.
A huge range of subjects – We offer A Levels in many subjects along with courses in accounting and business, IT, creative media, art and design, construction, childcare, engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality and culinary arts, performing arts and music, public services, science and sport.
Students are treated like adults – There’s no ‘Yes Sir’ or ‘Yes Miss’ here. Students are often on first name terms with their teachers and given the personal responsibility for getting their work assignments done. Of course, we will still encourage, motivate and support our students to succeed.
Make new friends – A chance to widen your social circle and get to know more people. The more you broaden your horizons, the more opportunities that are presented to you in work and life.
Industry experienced teachers – Many of our lecturers and tutors have worked in the fields they teach and are able to share first-hand knowledge and experience to give students the professional skills and realistic expectations of their future careers.
Fantastic enrichment and support – Students benefit from a more rounded education including trips at home and abroad, talks from industry experts, debates and workshops, competitions, community projects, sports, clubs and societies, careers advice and support with UCAS applications.

Don’t forget our Open Days

Attend one of our Open Days or drop in sessions where you will get to:

Hear from our students and teachers
Find out more about our courses
Find out about student life
Visit our outstanding teaching areas, featuring industry-standard equipment
Get information about the support we offer

Book a place at our Open Days here and apply for our courses and apprenticeships here.

Want to go to university? Don’t miss the UCAS application deadline

Posted on January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

The deadline for students to submit applications to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is fast approaching for courses starting in September.

Last year more than 2,300 students from across Capital City College Group (CCCG) progressed to higher education including university and degree apprenticeships.

CCCG comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

The deadline for applications to Oxford or Cambridge, or veterinary, medicine and dentistry courses was in October, but for all other university undergraduate courses it is 25 January at 6pm.

Applications made through schools and colleges must be made by this date to give teachers and careers teams enough time to review them and provide references before they are sent to UCAS.

Students can apply after this date, but their chosen course might be full and their application will not be given priority by UCAS.

Key UCAS dates in 2023

23 February 2023

UCAS Extra opens. Extra is another chance for students to gain a place at university between 23 February and 4 July. Students who have used all five of their choices in their application but not received an offer or have declined a place can add another choice.

Students who have not used all five of their choices can sign in to their original application and add another choice by 30 June as long as they have not accepted or declined any offers.

Students who do not have any offers by 5 July will be able to add an additional choice during Clearing.

30 June 2023

UCAS will send all applications received by 6pm on this date to students’ chosen universities or colleges. Applications received after this date will automatically be entered into Clearing.

5 July 2023

Clearing opens. Students can apply for a course through Clearing if they have not received or met the conditions of an offer or declined a place.

17 August

A Level Results Day. Students receive their exam results and can apply for a place through Clearing.

17 October

The deadline for making a final choice through Clearing. UCAS must receive applications by 6pm.

Find our more information about UCAS applications here.

Apply for our Higher Education courses here.

Want to be a doctor? Here’s our top 10 tips for medical work experience

Posted on January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Many of our students taking A Levels in Biology and Chemistry at City and Islington College and Westminster Kingsway College have ambitions to work as doctors or in medicine.

According to the British Medical Association (BMA), work placements are an essential step to securing a place at any UK medical school with institutions looking for students with a range of healthcare experience.

Here’s our top 10 tips on how to gain work placements and make the most of the experience:

You can get placements in a range of healthcare settings from GP practices to hospitals and even internationally. Bear in mind a lot of people will be looking to gain similar experience, so apply early for as many opportunities as possible to make sure you get a good placement.
Get in touch with GP practice managers and explain who you are and ask them about placements and how they can help you gain experience. If you can’t shadow a doctor, look to other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and physiotherapists.
Make the most of your contacts, such as relatives, friends and neighbours, who work in hospitals or other parts of the healthcare sector.
Speak to your teachers and careers advisers who can help you find placements. At CCCG, we work with dozens of employers in healthcare to provide opportunities for our students to gain experience and learn from those working in the sector, as well as support with UCAS applications.
Look at opportunities for experience at medical schools like Brighton and Sussex Medical School, which offers a six-week virtual work experience programme. While not designed to completely replace in-person placements in the real world, this course gives an insight into medicine and being a doctor. The course introduces students to the NHS and different medical roles including the key skills needed to work in those areas and challenges they face.
The BMA does not encourage healthcare professionals to charge students for placements, although there may be instances where you could be asked to cover costs such as administration. Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any costs you need to pay.
Dress smartly when on your placement, explain what you would like to gain from the experience and what you would like to learn while you are there. Ask questions with enthusiasm to a diverse mix of staff to give you a great insight into healthcare.
Talk politely to patients and remember that confidentiality is important and under no circumstances discuss their issues outside the organisation where you are on placement. Don’t take it personally if a patient wishes to be seen without a student present.
Keep a diary of what you did and saw each day, which can help solidify what you learn and be an important reference tool when you come to writing your UCAS personal statement and preparing for medical school interviews.
Finally, here’s a list of other organisations that can help with finding work placements:

National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

Kissing it Better

St John Ambulance

Royal College of General Practitioners

Apply now for A Levels at City and Islington College here and Westminster Kingsway College here.

Tech savvy students volunteer at PC Pals community project

Posted on January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

IT students from City and Islington College (CANDI) have been volunteering at a community project helping people learn and develop their digital skills.

A group of nine students have been sharing their tech knowledge at PC Pals sessions held at St Luke’s Community Centre in Central Street in south Islington.

The project started in 2009 and provides free weekly access to PCs and wi-fi and offers support and advice on using computers, tablets and mobile phones.

Students have been helping people to use Windows, Microsoft applications, social media, email, online shopping, mobile phone apps and other technical support.

Their voluntary work will form part of the work experience they are required to complete on their IT Level 2 Certificate and IT Level 3 Diploma courses.

John Garces, Business Engagement Manager at St Luke’s Community Centre, said: “The involvement and support from City and Islington College’s students has been amazing and so valuable.

“We have seen tangible changes in people who have come to us. After a few classes with the students, they feel more confident and are not afraid of using a computer. It’s learning basic things many of us take for granted that can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

PC Pals runs every Wednesday from noon to 1pm.