NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
They train…… we gain!
All our Faculties have been working closely with the Business Development Unit to successfully provide training to a wide range of organisations. Catherine Taylor and Fiona Weir, Senior Lecturer Food Studies, have been travelling far and wide to deliver the REHIS Food Hygiene Programme to various groups including Childcare and After School Care providers in the South Lanarkshire Council area.
Teamwork between the BDU and Faculties/Development Units is evident throughout the College and without it we would not have been able to deliver the following successful programmes:
• British Sign Language course to Strathclyde Police and South Lanarkshire Council
• First Aid Courses in response to demand from clients
• SAGE Accounts for CEDA (Castlemilk Economic Development Agency)
• Assertiveness Training for Gartnavel Hospital and the Passport Office
• Diploma in Training and Development for the Department for International Development
• SVQs in Horticulture for North Lanarkshire Council
These programmes provide vital income for the college. Well done to all involved!
High flying!
In edition 26 of the Blog we highlighted the advent of wireless technology in the College and the difference this had made to the service we can supply to students and staff. Langside staff are to be commended for the way in which they have embraced the use of the new technology after its introduction led by Fraser Organ and Phil McGurk. We have come a long way from the time the technology was introduced including the many hair raising installations which found Phil, ably assisted by Tom Hosie, the College electrician, harnessing themselves to safety wires at the top of the residences and local high flats to relay the signal to all College areas!
The foresight shown by Phil, in not only recommending the technology to the College, but in then playing a significant leading role in its implementation is one for which we should be grateful. Well done Phil.
Estates Update
In last week’s edition of The Blog it was indicated that a number of pictorial views of the new College buildings had been commissioned. Robert Paterson will be holding a series of events to showcase the graphics and answer questions on the new estate week commencing 5th November. Full details will be announced in the Blog – edition 31 published on Monday 29th October.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
SVQ Hospitality students would like to thank everyone who joined in the fun by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 28th September raising a fantastic £160 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The money raised will go towards providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer. The College would like to acknowledge the superb work and tremendous effort put in by Fiona Weir and her team consisting of Katie Brown, Margaret Coom and Donna McLintock.
Welcome Aboard!
The Langside led Pollokshaws Adult Literacies Team is back up to its full strength of two members of staff, with the appointment of Seema Sood as Project assistant. Seema's position is a mixture of administration responsibilities for the project and assisting Clare Malloy, project leader, in supporting learners' literacies needs. Seema has generously given of her time as a volunteer with the project for quite a while, as well as working as a literacies tutor in a similar project the college leads on in Castlemilk. This, along with her previous experience in community education, will be a great asset to the project.
There will be no issues of The Blog on 15th & 22nd October but we will be back on Monday 29th.
______________________________________________________________________
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
______________________________________________________________________
Monday, 8 October 2007
Monday, 1 October 2007
ISSUE 29 - 01 OCTOBER 2007
NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
BLOG ESTATES SPECIAL - WHERE ARE WE?
On 12th July two tenders were submitted for the redevelopment of the College estate. The original short list of four had reduced due to contractors being awarded other work and so unable to tender for our estate. At this stage both tenders were deemed to be non compliant as they had not followed the specification/conditions in the tender documents issued by the College. This meant that the tender evaluation committee chaired by Jim Scott (Board member) were not in a position to complete the tender evaluation process to properly compare both tenders against a number of set criteria. At this point (during July and early August) tender interviews, as well as technical review meetings, were held with both tenderers with comprehensive lists of non-compliances issued to both companies for comment and clarification. After these meetings and final meetings with both contractors on 20th August, chaired by the Depute Principal and attended by both contractors and the professional team of consultants, it was concluded that both tenders were now compliant. At this stage both tenders were in excess of the funding package identified and agreed with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). Immediately following the 20th August meetings, a strategy was agreed that involved discussions with the preferred contractor (lowest tender) that was specifically orientated around looking at instigating a realistic acceptable value engineering exercise whilst ensuring retention of the functionality and aesthetic outlook of the building. In other words we looked at where we might save money WITHOUT altering the space, specification or amenity of the building. This is not uncommon in the construction industry today and considerable savings were agreed. While this exercise was completed the full tender evaluation committee met and completed the scoring matrix. The recommendation of the appointment of the successful contractor was subsequently approved by the Board Property and Estates Committee.
At the SFC Capital Investment Committee (CIC) meeting on 13th September the Full Business Case was APPROVED by the Committee for full funding with the addition of added funding on the previously agreed figure. It should be noted that the original project start date was June 2007, this is now a January 2008 project. A considerable sum of money was therefore added to the project due to construction inflation. The exact final cost plan actually reflects a REDUCTION from the original cost analysis. The CIC decision was confirmed at a Scottish Funding Council meeting on 21st September. Formal notification of this decision is expected by Monday 1st October 2007. The Depute Principal/ Assistant Principal (Finance and HR) attended an implementation meeting in Edinburgh to discuss financial matters with the Director of Capital Projects
IMMEDIATE ISSUES
The main areas of work, at this point in time, to ensure a January site start are final planning approval, the final confirmation of the detailed specification for the new build and the completion of the legal contract with the successful contractor. We are confident that these issues can be resolved to allow us on site in January.
WHAT CAN I DO ?
In the early stages of design the College consulted widely on the exact new estate requirement and all Heads, in partnership with SLs/Lecturers, gave considerable and appreciated input to the design of the new build. This resulted in the production of individual room specifications which were agreed and signed off by Heads/Managers within the College. This level of exactitude is time consuming but it has allowed the College to be confident that it is about to embark on a project that delineates what staff want, not a space/specification factor that is/will be imposed on them. Although space and specification have been agreed there are still areas where staff can contribute. Do you have particular thoughts about the usage of the building which might mean some resource issues being faced at this time? Have you visited other Colleges or buildings where you saw something that you felt would be ideal for our new college? Do you have thoughts in terms of the interior design? Would you like to influence the hard/soft landscaping design? All thoughts, no matter how general or specific, would be welcome. Please contact Robert Paterson in person, by email or telephone/voicemail.
WHAT WILL THE NEW LANGSIDE COLLEGE LOOK LIKE?
I have commissioned a number of pictorial views of the new build so that all staff can gain a clear insight to the position, style and amenity of the new build. I plan to arrange a number of viewings week commencing 8th October. Watch the next Blog for details.
Robert W Paterson
Depute Principal/Project Sponsor
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
BLOG ESTATES SPECIAL - WHERE ARE WE?
On 12th July two tenders were submitted for the redevelopment of the College estate. The original short list of four had reduced due to contractors being awarded other work and so unable to tender for our estate. At this stage both tenders were deemed to be non compliant as they had not followed the specification/conditions in the tender documents issued by the College. This meant that the tender evaluation committee chaired by Jim Scott (Board member) were not in a position to complete the tender evaluation process to properly compare both tenders against a number of set criteria. At this point (during July and early August) tender interviews, as well as technical review meetings, were held with both tenderers with comprehensive lists of non-compliances issued to both companies for comment and clarification. After these meetings and final meetings with both contractors on 20th August, chaired by the Depute Principal and attended by both contractors and the professional team of consultants, it was concluded that both tenders were now compliant. At this stage both tenders were in excess of the funding package identified and agreed with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). Immediately following the 20th August meetings, a strategy was agreed that involved discussions with the preferred contractor (lowest tender) that was specifically orientated around looking at instigating a realistic acceptable value engineering exercise whilst ensuring retention of the functionality and aesthetic outlook of the building. In other words we looked at where we might save money WITHOUT altering the space, specification or amenity of the building. This is not uncommon in the construction industry today and considerable savings were agreed. While this exercise was completed the full tender evaluation committee met and completed the scoring matrix. The recommendation of the appointment of the successful contractor was subsequently approved by the Board Property and Estates Committee.
At the SFC Capital Investment Committee (CIC) meeting on 13th September the Full Business Case was APPROVED by the Committee for full funding with the addition of added funding on the previously agreed figure. It should be noted that the original project start date was June 2007, this is now a January 2008 project. A considerable sum of money was therefore added to the project due to construction inflation. The exact final cost plan actually reflects a REDUCTION from the original cost analysis. The CIC decision was confirmed at a Scottish Funding Council meeting on 21st September. Formal notification of this decision is expected by Monday 1st October 2007. The Depute Principal/ Assistant Principal (Finance and HR) attended an implementation meeting in Edinburgh to discuss financial matters with the Director of Capital Projects
IMMEDIATE ISSUES
The main areas of work, at this point in time, to ensure a January site start are final planning approval, the final confirmation of the detailed specification for the new build and the completion of the legal contract with the successful contractor. We are confident that these issues can be resolved to allow us on site in January.
WHAT CAN I DO ?
In the early stages of design the College consulted widely on the exact new estate requirement and all Heads, in partnership with SLs/Lecturers, gave considerable and appreciated input to the design of the new build. This resulted in the production of individual room specifications which were agreed and signed off by Heads/Managers within the College. This level of exactitude is time consuming but it has allowed the College to be confident that it is about to embark on a project that delineates what staff want, not a space/specification factor that is/will be imposed on them. Although space and specification have been agreed there are still areas where staff can contribute. Do you have particular thoughts about the usage of the building which might mean some resource issues being faced at this time? Have you visited other Colleges or buildings where you saw something that you felt would be ideal for our new college? Do you have thoughts in terms of the interior design? Would you like to influence the hard/soft landscaping design? All thoughts, no matter how general or specific, would be welcome. Please contact Robert Paterson in person, by email or telephone/voicemail.
WHAT WILL THE NEW LANGSIDE COLLEGE LOOK LIKE?
I have commissioned a number of pictorial views of the new build so that all staff can gain a clear insight to the position, style and amenity of the new build. I plan to arrange a number of viewings week commencing 8th October. Watch the next Blog for details.
Robert W Paterson
Depute Principal/Project Sponsor
Friday, 14 September 2007
ISSUE 28 - 17TH SEPTEMBER 2007
NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Graduation 2007
Last Saturday over 280 graduands gathered with family and friends in the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde to celebrate their success in completing their academic courses. The number of graduands was the highest in the history of College ceremonies and reflects the large numbers of SVQ graduands who were taking part in the ceremony for the first time. Students from SVQ Health and Social Care, Children’s Care Learning and Development, Early Years Care and Education, Playwork and Promoting Independence were all delighted to be included in the ceremony and they turned out in large numbers to enjoy their achievement.
The response to the Principal’s charge to the graduands was delivered by Willie Haughey,OBE DTech, who was both humorous, sensitive and brief!
Langside College staff also turned out in large numbers to support the graduands, over 60 academic staff and 14 support staff were in attendance. The support staff should also be commended for the efficient and professional manner in which all students were dealt with including the graduand who turned up at 10.55am for the 11.00am ceremony!
The feedback from the graduates suggested that they experienced a
wonderful morning, enjoying the spotlight and celebrating their awards.
Graduates and staff photographs are available to view on the College web site
Wedding Bliss
Graeme Fraser, Administrator in Arts, Languages and Social Sciences was presented with a cash gift at a gathering of staff on Wednesday 12 September. Graeme (his mother Hannah Fraser was Student Services Manager at Langside College for many years) marries ex-Langsider Alison Fowler on the 15th September.
‘Jobs Fair’
The main concourse of the College was the venue for our annual ‘Jobs Fair’ on Wednesday 12th September. Among the exhibitors were the Hilton Hotel, Territorial Army, Staffinders Job Agency, Business Gateway and the Police. Myra Robertson from the College Guidance section was also available to answer questions and give advice. Many students have commented on the value of this day as it allows them the opportunity to consider part time work as a means of helping them fund their College course as well as considering the possibility of how they might use their qualification at a later date.
60th Anniversary Trivia
Wimbledon Winners in 1947: Women: Margaret Osborne d. D. Hart (6-2 6-4)
Men: Jack Kramer d. T. Brown (6-1 6-3 6-2)
Tennessee Williams’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened at Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre with Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski and Jessica Tandy as Blanche DuBois. The play won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize.
Movies premiered in 1947: Gentleman’s Agreement, Miracle on 34th Street, Great Expections, The Bishop’s Wife.
Books Published: Saul Bellow, The Victim
Gerald Warner Brace, The Garreston Chronicle
Martin Flavin, The Enchanted
Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl
Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano
Thomas Mann, Dr. Faustus
Jean-Paul Srtre, Existentialism
Science: The carbon-14 method of radiocarbon dating was developed by Willard F. Libby (US);
The microwave oven was invented by Percy Spencer (US); and
John Bardeen, Walter H Brattain and William B. Shockley (US) developed the transistor.
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
_____________________________________________________________________
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Graduation 2007
Last Saturday over 280 graduands gathered with family and friends in the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde to celebrate their success in completing their academic courses. The number of graduands was the highest in the history of College ceremonies and reflects the large numbers of SVQ graduands who were taking part in the ceremony for the first time. Students from SVQ Health and Social Care, Children’s Care Learning and Development, Early Years Care and Education, Playwork and Promoting Independence were all delighted to be included in the ceremony and they turned out in large numbers to enjoy their achievement.
The response to the Principal’s charge to the graduands was delivered by Willie Haughey,OBE DTech, who was both humorous, sensitive and brief!
Langside College staff also turned out in large numbers to support the graduands, over 60 academic staff and 14 support staff were in attendance. The support staff should also be commended for the efficient and professional manner in which all students were dealt with including the graduand who turned up at 10.55am for the 11.00am ceremony!
The feedback from the graduates suggested that they experienced a
wonderful morning, enjoying the spotlight and celebrating their awards.
Graduates and staff photographs are available to view on the College web site
Wedding Bliss
Graeme Fraser, Administrator in Arts, Languages and Social Sciences was presented with a cash gift at a gathering of staff on Wednesday 12 September. Graeme (his mother Hannah Fraser was Student Services Manager at Langside College for many years) marries ex-Langsider Alison Fowler on the 15th September.
‘Jobs Fair’
The main concourse of the College was the venue for our annual ‘Jobs Fair’ on Wednesday 12th September. Among the exhibitors were the Hilton Hotel, Territorial Army, Staffinders Job Agency, Business Gateway and the Police. Myra Robertson from the College Guidance section was also available to answer questions and give advice. Many students have commented on the value of this day as it allows them the opportunity to consider part time work as a means of helping them fund their College course as well as considering the possibility of how they might use their qualification at a later date.
60th Anniversary Trivia
Wimbledon Winners in 1947: Women: Margaret Osborne d. D. Hart (6-2 6-4)
Men: Jack Kramer d. T. Brown (6-1 6-3 6-2)
Tennessee Williams’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened at Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre with Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski and Jessica Tandy as Blanche DuBois. The play won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize.
Movies premiered in 1947: Gentleman’s Agreement, Miracle on 34th Street, Great Expections, The Bishop’s Wife.
Books Published: Saul Bellow, The Victim
Gerald Warner Brace, The Garreston Chronicle
Martin Flavin, The Enchanted
Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl
Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano
Thomas Mann, Dr. Faustus
Jean-Paul Srtre, Existentialism
Science: The carbon-14 method of radiocarbon dating was developed by Willard F. Libby (US);
The microwave oven was invented by Percy Spencer (US); and
John Bardeen, Walter H Brattain and William B. Shockley (US) developed the transistor.
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
_____________________________________________________________________
Monday, 10 September 2007
ISSUE 27 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2007
NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Subject Networks
Janet Cole from Arts, Languages and Social Science, has recently taken up a secondment post with the SFEU as subject mentor for social sciences. This post will involve developing the social sciences subject network in Scotland. Other subject networks that are being developed and may be of interest to staff are business, care, computing and IT, construction, core skills: numeracy (plus employability, citizenship), creative arts and performing arts, engineering, English and communication, hairdressing, beauty and complementary therapies, modern languages and ESOL, travel and tourism and sports and recreation. Some of the networks are just at the start of their development. They can be accessed through the SFEU website at http://www/sfeu.ac.uk. If you want any more information please contact Janet, ext 3875.
Langside Leavers
We say farewell and good luck to two members of staff. Melanie Fariss, International Recruitment Co-ordinator leaves to take up her new appointment as International Adviser for the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Thomas Lorimer, Facilities Assistant leaves to join Glasgow City Council as a carer/driver. Good Luck to Alison and Thomas in their new appointments.
Wedding Congratulations
Our congratulations and best wishes to Graeme Fraser, Administrator for Arts, Languages and Social Science on his forthcoming wedding to an
ex-Langsider Alison Fowler (International Office). Although the romance began about five years ago it wasn’t love at first sight! However this soon changed when Alison bought Graeme a crème egg as an apology and romance blossomed into a proposal. The wedding takes place on Saturday 15 September at Tigh Mor, Trossachs (rumour has it that the wedding favours may be crème eggs). Wishing every future happiness to Graeme and Alison.
Ruby Wedding Congratulations
Warmest congratulations also to Jean Duffy from the Secretariat and her husband Pat, as they enjoy a break in Dublin to celebrate their
40th wedding anniversary on 16 September. (Jean most definitely must have been a child bride!)
Community Learning and Development Unit - International Literacies Day
The Graduation ceremony at Barony Hall wasn’t the only learner celebration going on at Langside College this week.
Due to it being International Literacies Day on 6 September, a number of celebrations were on the go across the city. On a much smaller scale than the Barony do, but just as enjoyable, was the Celebration event at Glenwood Campus Flexible Learning Unit, affectionately called the FLU.
Langside is a key partner in the Castlemilk Learning Together Partnership which seeks to maximise learning opportunities in the area, especially in literacies and basic computing skills. With funding from Learning Connections, Scotland, the event celebrated the achievement of local learners, including both literacies learners and local people, Glenwood staff and volunteers who had completed the PDA ITALL, a qualification.in teaching and supporting literacies. Certificates were awarded by Elaine Proudfoot and, despite a hiccup when lunch failed to arrive at its allotted time, a great time was had by all.
On a larger scale, East Renfrewshire had its learner event on Thursday evening and Langside was represented by Frances Thom, Christine Davidson and Linda Chambers who are all involved in the East Renfrewshire Adult Literacies Partnership. Over 130 learners attended, along with friends and family. The guest speaker, Ted Millburn, formerly in charge of Adult Learning and Youth work at Jordanhill College, gave an inspirational speech.
Frances presented certificates to ESOL learners and those who had completed certificated core skills.
Many thanks to Christine Davidson and her team for their input.
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
_____________________________________________________________________
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Subject Networks
Janet Cole from Arts, Languages and Social Science, has recently taken up a secondment post with the SFEU as subject mentor for social sciences. This post will involve developing the social sciences subject network in Scotland. Other subject networks that are being developed and may be of interest to staff are business, care, computing and IT, construction, core skills: numeracy (plus employability, citizenship), creative arts and performing arts, engineering, English and communication, hairdressing, beauty and complementary therapies, modern languages and ESOL, travel and tourism and sports and recreation. Some of the networks are just at the start of their development. They can be accessed through the SFEU website at http://www/sfeu.ac.uk. If you want any more information please contact Janet, ext 3875.
Langside Leavers
We say farewell and good luck to two members of staff. Melanie Fariss, International Recruitment Co-ordinator leaves to take up her new appointment as International Adviser for the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Thomas Lorimer, Facilities Assistant leaves to join Glasgow City Council as a carer/driver. Good Luck to Alison and Thomas in their new appointments.
Wedding Congratulations
Our congratulations and best wishes to Graeme Fraser, Administrator for Arts, Languages and Social Science on his forthcoming wedding to an
ex-Langsider Alison Fowler (International Office). Although the romance began about five years ago it wasn’t love at first sight! However this soon changed when Alison bought Graeme a crème egg as an apology and romance blossomed into a proposal. The wedding takes place on Saturday 15 September at Tigh Mor, Trossachs (rumour has it that the wedding favours may be crème eggs). Wishing every future happiness to Graeme and Alison.
Ruby Wedding Congratulations
Warmest congratulations also to Jean Duffy from the Secretariat and her husband Pat, as they enjoy a break in Dublin to celebrate their
40th wedding anniversary on 16 September. (Jean most definitely must have been a child bride!)
Community Learning and Development Unit - International Literacies Day
The Graduation ceremony at Barony Hall wasn’t the only learner celebration going on at Langside College this week.
Due to it being International Literacies Day on 6 September, a number of celebrations were on the go across the city. On a much smaller scale than the Barony do, but just as enjoyable, was the Celebration event at Glenwood Campus Flexible Learning Unit, affectionately called the FLU.
Langside is a key partner in the Castlemilk Learning Together Partnership which seeks to maximise learning opportunities in the area, especially in literacies and basic computing skills. With funding from Learning Connections, Scotland, the event celebrated the achievement of local learners, including both literacies learners and local people, Glenwood staff and volunteers who had completed the PDA ITALL, a qualification.in teaching and supporting literacies. Certificates were awarded by Elaine Proudfoot and, despite a hiccup when lunch failed to arrive at its allotted time, a great time was had by all.
On a larger scale, East Renfrewshire had its learner event on Thursday evening and Langside was represented by Frances Thom, Christine Davidson and Linda Chambers who are all involved in the East Renfrewshire Adult Literacies Partnership. Over 130 learners attended, along with friends and family. The guest speaker, Ted Millburn, formerly in charge of Adult Learning and Youth work at Jordanhill College, gave an inspirational speech.
Frances presented certificates to ESOL learners and those who had completed certificated core skills.
Many thanks to Christine Davidson and her team for their input.
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
_____________________________________________________________________
Friday, 31 August 2007
ISSUE 26 - 3 SEPTEMBER 2007
NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Farewell to Fraser
Fraser Organ, Assistant Principal, Information Systems and Services retires on Tuesday the 4th September after 32 years of distinguished service to Langside College. Fraser started his teaching career at Langside on the 1st Febuary 1975 in the old Prospect Building and with the exception of a short time at Woodburn House made the Langside campus his professional ‘home’. Fraser, with or without a pint in his hand, can relate many tales of the teaching regime within the Prospect Building that are both funny and hark back to an era distinctly different to today. Fraser has ‘come through the ranks’ and his experience of College life is extensive and wide ranging.
In his present role Fraser was instrumental in the introduction of wireless technology to the College, in doing so he was, in many ways ahead of his time. This has allowed the College to benefit from the flexibility of wireless technology and the important future proofing benefits it brings to the College. Fraser met with friends and colleagues on Friday the 31st August in the Qua Italian restaurant in Glasgow to receive a number of gifts from Langside staff. Fraser will now have more time to spend on his beloved allotment, on the golf course and with his wife Fiona who retired last year. Fiona received a bouquet of flowers on Friday with a card which said ‘ we have had him for 32 years – over to you!’ All staff wish Fraser a long and happy retirement and Happy 60th Birthday for Tuesday.
GHA
Langside College was recently awarded the contract to deliver SVQ Health and Social Care courses to 95 members of Glasgow Housing Association’s (GHA) housing support teams. These teams are responsible for GHA’s older and vulnerable tenants living in sheltered housing across the city.
Legislation within the care industry has recently changed. This has lead GHA to make a commitment to register all staff with the Scottish Social Services Council by autumn 2009. The Scottish Social Services Council registers and regulates the delivery of sheltered housing, publishes codes of practice and provides education and training.
As part of this commitment GHA has joined forces with Langside College and we will be responsible for the training over the next three years.
Currently, we are delivering SVQ Level 2 training throughout Glasgow to 30 members of staff, who were inducted in June 2007. The next cohort is commencing in February 2008 and the final group in July 2008. Additionally, we are delivering SVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care to 5 managers within the housing support team.
Grad’ 2007
The College Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday the 8th September at the usual venue, the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. This year 281 graduates will attend the ceremony – this is a record number since the College graduation event was first held in 1992. In addition, the highest number of staff will attend and the College are very grateful that so many staff will attend to share with graduates and colleagues the success of our students.
Let Them Eat Cake?
On Thursday 30th August the College arranged for the distribution of a 60th anniversary cake to all students in the main concourse. Elaine Proudfoot, well supported by Caroline Matheson and Craig McCormack from Student Services, handed out the cut cake as a means of highlighting the 60th Anniversary year for our new students and welcoming them to the College as part of Freshers week. The SMT had originally been scheduled to hand out the cake but unfortunately a Property and Estates Committee prevented the attendance of other members of the SMT but Elaine stepped up to the mark and, with Caroline and Craig, did a splendid job.
60th Anniversary Trivia
February 1947 – In New York City, Edwin Land demonstrates the first
‘instant camera’ the Polaroid Land camera to a meeting of the Optical Society of America.
August 1947 – Following decades of non-violent resistance the periodic civil unrest from 1919, India gains independence from the British Empire.
Following this Pakistan splits from India.
Also in 1947 David Letterman, American entertainer and Salman Rushdie, Indian born author were born.
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
__________________________________________________________________________
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Farewell to Fraser
Fraser Organ, Assistant Principal, Information Systems and Services retires on Tuesday the 4th September after 32 years of distinguished service to Langside College. Fraser started his teaching career at Langside on the 1st Febuary 1975 in the old Prospect Building and with the exception of a short time at Woodburn House made the Langside campus his professional ‘home’. Fraser, with or without a pint in his hand, can relate many tales of the teaching regime within the Prospect Building that are both funny and hark back to an era distinctly different to today. Fraser has ‘come through the ranks’ and his experience of College life is extensive and wide ranging.
In his present role Fraser was instrumental in the introduction of wireless technology to the College, in doing so he was, in many ways ahead of his time. This has allowed the College to benefit from the flexibility of wireless technology and the important future proofing benefits it brings to the College. Fraser met with friends and colleagues on Friday the 31st August in the Qua Italian restaurant in Glasgow to receive a number of gifts from Langside staff. Fraser will now have more time to spend on his beloved allotment, on the golf course and with his wife Fiona who retired last year. Fiona received a bouquet of flowers on Friday with a card which said ‘ we have had him for 32 years – over to you!’ All staff wish Fraser a long and happy retirement and Happy 60th Birthday for Tuesday.
GHA
Langside College was recently awarded the contract to deliver SVQ Health and Social Care courses to 95 members of Glasgow Housing Association’s (GHA) housing support teams. These teams are responsible for GHA’s older and vulnerable tenants living in sheltered housing across the city.
Legislation within the care industry has recently changed. This has lead GHA to make a commitment to register all staff with the Scottish Social Services Council by autumn 2009. The Scottish Social Services Council registers and regulates the delivery of sheltered housing, publishes codes of practice and provides education and training.
As part of this commitment GHA has joined forces with Langside College and we will be responsible for the training over the next three years.
Currently, we are delivering SVQ Level 2 training throughout Glasgow to 30 members of staff, who were inducted in June 2007. The next cohort is commencing in February 2008 and the final group in July 2008. Additionally, we are delivering SVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care to 5 managers within the housing support team.
Grad’ 2007
The College Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday the 8th September at the usual venue, the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. This year 281 graduates will attend the ceremony – this is a record number since the College graduation event was first held in 1992. In addition, the highest number of staff will attend and the College are very grateful that so many staff will attend to share with graduates and colleagues the success of our students.
Let Them Eat Cake?
On Thursday 30th August the College arranged for the distribution of a 60th anniversary cake to all students in the main concourse. Elaine Proudfoot, well supported by Caroline Matheson and Craig McCormack from Student Services, handed out the cut cake as a means of highlighting the 60th Anniversary year for our new students and welcoming them to the College as part of Freshers week. The SMT had originally been scheduled to hand out the cake but unfortunately a Property and Estates Committee prevented the attendance of other members of the SMT but Elaine stepped up to the mark and, with Caroline and Craig, did a splendid job.
60th Anniversary Trivia
February 1947 – In New York City, Edwin Land demonstrates the first
‘instant camera’ the Polaroid Land camera to a meeting of the Optical Society of America.
August 1947 – Following decades of non-violent resistance the periodic civil unrest from 1919, India gains independence from the British Empire.
Following this Pakistan splits from India.
Also in 1947 David Letterman, American entertainer and Salman Rushdie, Indian born author were born.
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
__________________________________________________________________________
Monday, 27 August 2007
ISSUE 25 - 27 AUGUST 2007
NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Langside College Aims Higher
2007 has seen many Langside College students produce excellent results with a high percentage of students accredited with ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade passes. Most notably, all fourteen students studying Intermediate 2 Spanish gained an ‘A’ grade pass and 90% of students studying Italian at the various levels (Int2, Higher and Advanced Higher) offered by the college achieved an ‘A’ grade pass. Each year the results highlight an outstanding student and this year, a ‘Highers’ student who had additional support needs, gained 5 ‘A’ grade passes in Chemistry, Human Biology, French, Mathematics and Physics. This was another successful year for asylum seeker Andrei Rubashkin. In 2006, Andrei achieved 3 ‘A’ Band 1 passes in Human Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. This was an outstanding result for any student but especially for Andrei as English is not his first language. Andrei was entitled to additional time in the exam and use of a dictionary but he refused this offer. This year Andrei gained an ‘A’ grade pass in A Level Chemistry and successfully completed the ‘Access to Nursing’ course here at Langside College. He hopes to continue his studies by undertaking a B.A. in Nursing at Glasgow University once he has received indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
College Enrolments
We are well underway with the new Enrolment procedures for this year and are happy to report that they are proving to be a success!. To date, we have fully enrolled in excess of 1,900 students and have taken payment from those who are due to pay course tuition fees. Please note that no student can attend their class until they have been through enrolment and have received their student ID card. Student ID cards should be checked by the class lecturer in order to ensure that all students have completed the enrolment process. If students are not in possession of a student ID card, they are not enrolled students. Your Faculty Administrator or Student Database will be able to provide you with up-to-date class lists if required. These class lists (from Unit-e) show all the currently enrolled students, thus enabling you to use these lists as a double check for enrolled students. The Enrolment Team will be present in the Conference Theatre from 8.45am on Monday 27 August 2007 and again from 8.45am on Tuesday 28 August 2007. We do envisage that it will be extremely busy and we will deal with non-enrolled students on a first-come-first-served basis. From Wednesday 29 August onwards, the enrolment process will take place in Student Services in the Main Campus. On these additional enrolment days, we hope to continue to provide an excellent student experience. To do this, the non-enrolled students (in the absence of a staff member) must be fully equipped with the details of their course (Course Code and Class Code). We would ask you to ensure that this is clearly indicated to the non-enrolled students when they are sent to the Conference Theatre. We will not be able to carry out enrolment unless the team are furnished with the correct Course Code and Class code for each student. Thanks for your co-operation!
Freshers Fair
This year, the annual Freshers Fair is planned for Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 August. There will be loads of fun, freebies and discounts available to students as well as careers and welfare information. Please encourage all your students to attend these events as it a great introduction to student life.
60th Birthday celebrations – ‘Let them eat cake!’
After the success of the staff event at Hampden Park, we are extending our celebrations to include our students. On Thursday 30 August, free cake will be available on the Main Concourse at morning break time. Please inform all your students to ensure no-one misses out!
Changes at CLDU
Evie Whiting , admin assistant and tutor for the Pollokshaws ALN project since it started in 2005, has left to travel in India with her partner. We look forward to hearing about her travels. Another event within the project was the wedding of project coordinator Clare Whiteford. Clare's new name is Malloy. Congratulations to Clare and also to Pauline Moore on her secondment as Govanhill Support worker. Hazel Ruth will replace Pauline at Glenwood for the duration of the secondment.
Langside College at the Fringe
Soon to be a graduate of Langside College HND Acting and Performance student Lee Johnston is appearing in ‘Waiting for Groucho’ at the Zoo Venue in Edinburgh as part of this year’s Fringe Festival. This new play is produced by ‘Rhymes with Purple’ Productions and covers an imagined conversation in which the Marx Brothers reminisce about their journey from two-bit vaudeville performers to Hollywood legends. It is great to see Langside College represented at the Fringe and we wish Lee every success in the future!
_____________________________________________________________________
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
______________________________________________________________________
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Langside College Aims Higher
2007 has seen many Langside College students produce excellent results with a high percentage of students accredited with ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade passes. Most notably, all fourteen students studying Intermediate 2 Spanish gained an ‘A’ grade pass and 90% of students studying Italian at the various levels (Int2, Higher and Advanced Higher) offered by the college achieved an ‘A’ grade pass. Each year the results highlight an outstanding student and this year, a ‘Highers’ student who had additional support needs, gained 5 ‘A’ grade passes in Chemistry, Human Biology, French, Mathematics and Physics. This was another successful year for asylum seeker Andrei Rubashkin. In 2006, Andrei achieved 3 ‘A’ Band 1 passes in Human Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. This was an outstanding result for any student but especially for Andrei as English is not his first language. Andrei was entitled to additional time in the exam and use of a dictionary but he refused this offer. This year Andrei gained an ‘A’ grade pass in A Level Chemistry and successfully completed the ‘Access to Nursing’ course here at Langside College. He hopes to continue his studies by undertaking a B.A. in Nursing at Glasgow University once he has received indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
College Enrolments
We are well underway with the new Enrolment procedures for this year and are happy to report that they are proving to be a success!. To date, we have fully enrolled in excess of 1,900 students and have taken payment from those who are due to pay course tuition fees. Please note that no student can attend their class until they have been through enrolment and have received their student ID card. Student ID cards should be checked by the class lecturer in order to ensure that all students have completed the enrolment process. If students are not in possession of a student ID card, they are not enrolled students. Your Faculty Administrator or Student Database will be able to provide you with up-to-date class lists if required. These class lists (from Unit-e) show all the currently enrolled students, thus enabling you to use these lists as a double check for enrolled students. The Enrolment Team will be present in the Conference Theatre from 8.45am on Monday 27 August 2007 and again from 8.45am on Tuesday 28 August 2007. We do envisage that it will be extremely busy and we will deal with non-enrolled students on a first-come-first-served basis. From Wednesday 29 August onwards, the enrolment process will take place in Student Services in the Main Campus. On these additional enrolment days, we hope to continue to provide an excellent student experience. To do this, the non-enrolled students (in the absence of a staff member) must be fully equipped with the details of their course (Course Code and Class Code). We would ask you to ensure that this is clearly indicated to the non-enrolled students when they are sent to the Conference Theatre. We will not be able to carry out enrolment unless the team are furnished with the correct Course Code and Class code for each student. Thanks for your co-operation!
Freshers Fair
This year, the annual Freshers Fair is planned for Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 August. There will be loads of fun, freebies and discounts available to students as well as careers and welfare information. Please encourage all your students to attend these events as it a great introduction to student life.
60th Birthday celebrations – ‘Let them eat cake!’
After the success of the staff event at Hampden Park, we are extending our celebrations to include our students. On Thursday 30 August, free cake will be available on the Main Concourse at morning break time. Please inform all your students to ensure no-one misses out!
Changes at CLDU
Evie Whiting , admin assistant and tutor for the Pollokshaws ALN project since it started in 2005, has left to travel in India with her partner. We look forward to hearing about her travels. Another event within the project was the wedding of project coordinator Clare Whiteford. Clare's new name is Malloy. Congratulations to Clare and also to Pauline Moore on her secondment as Govanhill Support worker. Hazel Ruth will replace Pauline at Glenwood for the duration of the secondment.
Langside College at the Fringe
Soon to be a graduate of Langside College HND Acting and Performance student Lee Johnston is appearing in ‘Waiting for Groucho’ at the Zoo Venue in Edinburgh as part of this year’s Fringe Festival. This new play is produced by ‘Rhymes with Purple’ Productions and covers an imagined conversation in which the Marx Brothers reminisce about their journey from two-bit vaudeville performers to Hollywood legends. It is great to see Langside College represented at the Fringe and we wish Lee every success in the future!
_____________________________________________________________________
Any ideas, thoughts, scribbles to the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
______________________________________________________________________
Monday, 20 August 2007
ISSUE 24 - 20 August 2007
NOT THE LANGSIDE BLOG
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Welcome back
Summer is over. What summer you may ask? Whatever the weather, the hope is staff had a restful break and return to the rigours of delivering our curriculum refreshed and ready for what will be a very important academic year for the College. In 2007/08 the new build should commence and that will present a challenge to all staff and students as we progressively demolish and rebuild the new Langside College (see update below) This is also the year that we have a HMIe Review in February 2008. The College have always taken the view that the review process is to be welcomed and we look forward to the element of ‘free consultancy’ that comes from a close scrutiny of our work and processes.
As ever annual events such as our Awards Evening and Graduation Ceremony are headline events and we look forward to both as an opportunity to celebrate the success of our students.
This is also the year in which the radical changes to the College Strategic Plan will be enacted in terms of protocol and process. It is intended that, as promised, regular updates will be given (including attendance by SMT members at Faculty/Unit/Section meetings) so that all staff may monitor the process and influence the operational delivery of the strategy.
During August to December the 60th Anniversary Committee will again organise events to mark the Diamond Anniversary. The 60th Anniversary Celebration Lunch held at Hampden Park in June was very well attended by staff and Board members. This event was intended as a headline event for the anniversary year and was the culmination of a great deal of work by the 60th Anniversary Birthday Bash Committee. The comments received from all areas of staff would suggest their efforts were appreciated and the time, place and general organisation of the event was enjoyed by all who attended. A special word of thanks to the Committee.
New Estate
The summer has been extremely busy as both tenders for the new build were received and they had to be checked and validated by the project sponsor and the College professional team. Part of this scrutiny involved interviews and meetings with both contractors to ensure they were compliant with the specification issued within the College tender documents. This process (still ongoing) has been intricate and exhausting! Our target is to have the final cost plan ready for the Funding Council to present to the September meeting of the Capital Investment Committee of the Council (CIC). It is still ‘in the balance’ if we can meet this deadline but we are giving it our best shot. If we can make the September meeting and get final approval we should be able to appoint the contractor and start on site in January 2008, with completion of the first phase of the new build in March/April 2009. If we have to delay until the December CIC meeting the schedule would have a site start in March 2008 with completion June 2009.
It’s All change in MST
August sees a number of staffing changes in Maths, Science and Technology. In the Beauty Therapy section Dawn Paterson has moved north to take up a full-time teaching position at Moray College, and Julie Wales returns to her Senior Lecturer post after the birth of her daughter Xanthe. Jane Buet also moves north from Wigan and Leigh College to join the floristry section at the Rutherglen Campus.
Congratulations to….
Paul Ferguson and his wife Jackie on the birth of their daughter Rebecca, a welcome little sister for Alastair and Jennifer.
_____________________________________________________________________
This is edition 24 of the Blog which was first published in December 2006. Comments from staff have suggested that the Blog has been a welcome addition to the communication process within the College. I know you appreciate the lifeblood of the Blog is the information, ideas etc that staff contribute therefore if you have any ideas, thoughts, scribbles for the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
_____________________________________________________________________
( or it is at langsidecollege.blogspot.com )
Welcome back
Summer is over. What summer you may ask? Whatever the weather, the hope is staff had a restful break and return to the rigours of delivering our curriculum refreshed and ready for what will be a very important academic year for the College. In 2007/08 the new build should commence and that will present a challenge to all staff and students as we progressively demolish and rebuild the new Langside College (see update below) This is also the year that we have a HMIe Review in February 2008. The College have always taken the view that the review process is to be welcomed and we look forward to the element of ‘free consultancy’ that comes from a close scrutiny of our work and processes.
As ever annual events such as our Awards Evening and Graduation Ceremony are headline events and we look forward to both as an opportunity to celebrate the success of our students.
This is also the year in which the radical changes to the College Strategic Plan will be enacted in terms of protocol and process. It is intended that, as promised, regular updates will be given (including attendance by SMT members at Faculty/Unit/Section meetings) so that all staff may monitor the process and influence the operational delivery of the strategy.
During August to December the 60th Anniversary Committee will again organise events to mark the Diamond Anniversary. The 60th Anniversary Celebration Lunch held at Hampden Park in June was very well attended by staff and Board members. This event was intended as a headline event for the anniversary year and was the culmination of a great deal of work by the 60th Anniversary Birthday Bash Committee. The comments received from all areas of staff would suggest their efforts were appreciated and the time, place and general organisation of the event was enjoyed by all who attended. A special word of thanks to the Committee.
New Estate
The summer has been extremely busy as both tenders for the new build were received and they had to be checked and validated by the project sponsor and the College professional team. Part of this scrutiny involved interviews and meetings with both contractors to ensure they were compliant with the specification issued within the College tender documents. This process (still ongoing) has been intricate and exhausting! Our target is to have the final cost plan ready for the Funding Council to present to the September meeting of the Capital Investment Committee of the Council (CIC). It is still ‘in the balance’ if we can meet this deadline but we are giving it our best shot. If we can make the September meeting and get final approval we should be able to appoint the contractor and start on site in January 2008, with completion of the first phase of the new build in March/April 2009. If we have to delay until the December CIC meeting the schedule would have a site start in March 2008 with completion June 2009.
It’s All change in MST
August sees a number of staffing changes in Maths, Science and Technology. In the Beauty Therapy section Dawn Paterson has moved north to take up a full-time teaching position at Moray College, and Julie Wales returns to her Senior Lecturer post after the birth of her daughter Xanthe. Jane Buet also moves north from Wigan and Leigh College to join the floristry section at the Rutherglen Campus.
Congratulations to….
Paul Ferguson and his wife Jackie on the birth of their daughter Rebecca, a welcome little sister for Alastair and Jennifer.
_____________________________________________________________________
This is edition 24 of the Blog which was first published in December 2006. Comments from staff have suggested that the Blog has been a welcome addition to the communication process within the College. I know you appreciate the lifeblood of the Blog is the information, ideas etc that staff contribute therefore if you have any ideas, thoughts, scribbles for the Blog – please contact Robert Paterson or the Secretariat
_____________________________________________________________________
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
