News Autumn 2011

01223 507400  enquiries@longroad.ac.uk  www.longroad.ac.uk

Students celebrateour best exam results ever!

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Contents

  2  BBC Newsnight

  3   College celebrates best ever examination results

  4   Induction day 2011

 

  6  Visits and Visitors

  8  The Student Committee

10  Enrichment at Long Road

12  Sports Round-up

14  Students in the news

BBC Newsnight comes to Long RoadComputing students at Long Road and Computing Course Team Leader Adam McNicol appeared on BBC Newsnight this autumn as part of a feature on the shortage of computer scientists in the country.

Students Michael Kitchen and Ashley Bass commented on the lack of Computer Science at GCSE level and how pleased they were to be able to study the subject at A level

Michael Kitchen: “I studied ICT at school, but it was all about how to use the computer, not how to program it.”

Ashley Bass: “At school, ICT was a bit disappointing – we studied databases and spreadsheets and word processing, but that wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

A level Computing students

Adam, who studied Computer Science at the University of Glasgow, comments: “At Long Road we ensure that all students showing an interest in either Computing or ICT are given all the information and advice they need to make an informed decision about which course is the most suitable for them.” 

Whilst most secondary schools still do not offer a GCSE in Computing this situation is changing and more students are getting exposed to Computing earlier in their education. Hopefully as more students become aware of the subject they will opt to continue 

studying in a field that is challenging and rewarding and underpins many of the developments and advances in other subject areas.”

To see the full feature, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/9612063.stm

College celebrates best ever examination resultsBoth students and staff had cause to celebrate this year: we achieved our best ever A level and National Diploma results.

97.2% of A levels were Grades A*-E, with an excellent 68.0% at A*-C. Almost half of our A level courses had a 100% pass rate, and virtually every course achieved more than a 90% pass rate. 

National Diploma results were equally impressive. Students taking the 18-unit Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A levels) achieved a 100% pass rate, with the 12-unit Diploma (equivalent to two A levels) achieved 95%.

Leonie McQuillan (left) achieved a triple distinction in the Art Extended National Diploma, while Ashley Jordan (centre) achieved distinction in the 12-unit Sport National Diploma and a B in A level Psychology. Hayley Sayer (right) achieved an A in Psychology, B in Media Studies and C in History, and is now studying Diagnostic Radiography at University Campus Suffolk.

Kwame Acheampong achieved A grades in Business, Economics and ICT, and an A in General Studies AS. He is planning to study Economics at Manchester University. Bronte Jeffrey-Mann was one of the 36% of students who achieved A* in Art. She also achieved A grades in Media Studies and Psychology. 

Laura Tuttle, a keen golfer, achieved a distinction in the 12-unit Business National Diploma. She says: “I am planning to apply for a degree in Nursing to start in April 2012. In the meantime I am planning to volunteer in the healthcare sector, possibly as a Healthcare Assistant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. I still enjoy golf immensely - it’s all great experience playing in lots of different competitions and courses. I can’t wait for what the future holds.

Long Road Sixth Form College is entitled to use the Get Set logo because of our commitment to the London Olympics and Paralympics. We were awarded membership of the Get Set Network after the visit to the college by Lord Coe in May 2010.

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Every year around a thousand new students join us at Long Road. To help everyone get used to a new place, new subjects, new teachers and new systems, and of course to make new friends, the college organises an Induction Day.

Induction day 2011how we help our new students find their feet 

In June the college trains around a hundred Peer Mentors. These students, identifiable by their pink t-shirts, help at Open Evening and other college events, but one of their most important roles is to support Year 1 students in their new tutor groups. Peer Mentors are recruited towards the end of their first year at Long Road and undergo a thorough training programme to prepare them for their work with our new intake.

Peer Mentors attend Year 1 tutorials for two weeks and are available to help our new students with whatever questions they may have. They also take part in induction activities in class.

Teachers organise different familiarisation activities for students on Induction Day We also recruit students to be Equality Champions, identifiable by 

their yellow t-shirts. The role of these students is to make everyone in the college aware of our policy to promote and maintain equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination. Full details of the policy can be found in our prospectus and on our website. On Induction Day students are invited to visit our Equality tent to become more aware of the importance the college places on equality for all students and staff.

Setting up the Reflection and Equality tents

In addition to the Equality tent, we also provide a place for quiet reflection for students on Induction Day. This Reflection tent is a place where students, regardless of their beliefs, can take ‘time out’ from Induction Day activities. The Reflection tent is organised by the Faith and Belief Group at the college.

Some of our new students for 2011

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The world of real statistics Talk by David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor of The Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge

• Is using a mobile ‘phone more dangerous than using talcum powder?

• Can an octopus really predict the result of a football match?

• Are some regions luckier in the lottery than others?

Earlier this autumn David Spiegelhalter visited Long Road to introduce A level Maths students to the world of real statistics. Taking the 

students deep into the applications of statistics he showed how these are used to predict outcomes in diverse areas such as sports results, financial markets and medical research. Significantly, David also outlined where mathematical models can fail. He explained the use of two ‘new’ units of measurement, the micro-mort, and the micro-life. The micro-mort is a risk of 1 in a million of something killing you, and the micro-life represents premature aging by half an hour per day from an unhealthy life style.

Professor David Spiegelhalter

David Spiegelhalter discusses risk with students and staff

Visual Arts students visit LondonAlexandra PalaceVisual Arts Textiles students visited the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. Art Extended National Diploma students Billie-Mae Barbary and Holly Sondhi had this to say about the trip:

“The show was very interesting, including many textile items such as fabric, buttons, jewellery and textured papers. The trip gave us inspiration for our own textile work.” Visual Arts students at Alexandra Palace

The National Gallery and the V&AIn a separate trip, Art students also visited The National Gallery to study 16th century renaissance and mannerist works by Titian and Bonzini then went on to the V&A to look at sculptures by Raphael and Giambologna.

Relaxing outside the V&A Museum

Towards the end of the summer term, Politics and Sociology students set off for Liverpool and Manchester to explore areas related to their courses. Once in Liverpool, they visited Huyton and met Local Councillors. They also visited the Albert Docks and the Museum of Slavery. They spent the following morning at Port Sunlight learning about philanthropic capitalism and then travelled on to Manchester where they visited the City and spent time in the Manchester People’s Museum.

The trip wasn’t all fact-finding though. The students also stayed in a hall of residence at the University of Liverpool, had a tour of the campus and attended workshops in the Politics and Sociology departments to get an idea of what it would be like to study these subjects at degree level.

Politics and Sociology students visit Manchester and Liverpool

Outside the Maritime Museum at the Albert Docks, Liverpool

At the University of Liverpool

Applied Science fieldworkat Wicken FenApplied Science students visited Wicken Fen as part of their A2 unit “Ecology and Managing Ecosystems”. They investigated how the fen was managed by human intervention and by natural means (Highland cattle and Konik ponies). They heard about the unsuccessful attempts to reintroduce the swallowtail butterfly and why it has not worked as yet. They also collected data to use for calculations to compare the diversity of species found in different areas.

Students at work at Wicken Fen

On the bus with Anglia RuskinAnglia Ruskin University visited the college this autumn – with its own double-decker bus for students to board to discuss university matters. There was also a programme of talks throughout the day on Student Finance and Writing Personal Statements. 

Careers Corner

Design & Technology Architecture students visit Accordia site in CambridgeArchitecture students were invited to take a tour of the award-winning Accordia housing development site on Brooklands Avenue in Cambridge. The site, with 378 residential units, was originally owned by the Ministry of Defence and used by the Inland Revenue. The housing development shares the site with recently-built government offices. The first phase of the Accordia development became the first housing development to win the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize in 2008. Design & Technology students at Accordia

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The StudentCommunity 2011 ReportThe Chair of the Student Committee recalls events from the year and explains why this year has been a real turning point for Long Road Students.

Since starting back in January it has been a challenging, yet very rewarding, time for me as Chair of the Student Committee. One of the biggest challenges that the Committee faced to get everyone more involved. Student participation makes this College so great and the past year has been a real testament to that – everyone here works hard, but knows how to play hard too. A social core is vital and I think the Committee has really expanded on that. 

In the first term I introduced the Student Community Facebook page and Twitter account, these have perhaps been the sources that have fuelled our success the most. We have been able to regularly update students with news and upcoming events in a way that has never been done at this College before and with over 1,000 members involved it’s clear that we have the support and interest too. The Student Committee addressed new students on their first day here in September where our message to them was to get involved and they certainly did, we had over 450 new interactions with our Facebook page within the first few hours.

Following that we spent some time hosting a series of events to create a good vibe around the College. When Comic Relief came about we saw it as a chance to get students actively involved as well as helping out with a worthy cause. Our Sports Liaison Officer, Jack DeMartino, and Health and Welfare Officer, James Stoye, worked with the Sports Department in setting up a 5-a-side football tournament. Entertainment Officers, Charné Bruford-Row and Kathleen Hedges, organised an always popular cake sale whilst other members of the Committee went around College with collection buckets. Throughout the year we have also helped students fundraise for their own charities and causes. 

In the spring we took a step back from events. Mel Pinto, Vice-Chair of the Committee had successful meetings with Nigel Ballard, the Enrichment Manager, resulting in a program to get more people involved in extra-curricular activities. Gary Woolley the Site Manager joined us for meetings where we looked to invest into site facilities and improved social areas for both summer and winter periods, which came as a result of student feedback - we bought new benches for the Quad, new footballs and sofas for the Internet Café.

We all took our summer break to focus on exams but soon reconvened to concentrate on plans for the new students starting in September – I feel that this has been where we’ve really hit our stride in getting students involved, especially the ones joining this year.

Student Committee 2011Alex LambChair & Student Governor

Melissa PintoVice-Chair

Alex ArmitsteadTreasurer &  Student Governor

Jennica Del MundoSecretary

Charné Bruford-RowEntertainments

Kathleen HedgesEntertainments

Georgina JonesNational Union of Students  Representative

James StoyeHealth and Welfare

Sian CowellHealth and Welfare

Student Committee

We organised a Freshers’ party at The Junction on October the 6th where we put on a night supporting up and coming young bands and DJs. We rebranded the party under the name Long Road’s ‘Fall Formal’ and it went down a hit with every ticket being sold! I’m really thankful to everyone that came and supported the event. 

If this is ever the chance to congratulate the people behind the success it’s now: Firstly, to the whole Committee for taking the time to plan and organise the event, attending meetings and getting everything just right - it all paid off in the end. To the bands and DJs that played on the night, with special thanks to the headline act, AUX Innocent, who stole the show – you had everyone talking about the event the next day and created a real buzz around College. To Alex Armitstead who did an excellent job managing the lights on the night, you made the place look amazing. To Chas Salmon who was a fantastic help in printing posters to help advertise the event around College. To all the staff that came on the night to lend a helping hand and to all those in College that promoted the event your efforts were really appreciate by the Committee. To Pete Edwards and Alan Bond from The Junction who allowed us to use their marvellous venue for our event. To the talented student photographers: Graeme Beck, Daniel Phillips, Charlie McLaughlin and Flossie Maltby – you all did a brilliant job capturing the night. Finally, to the students - I don’t think the night would have been a success if we didn’t have a College with such enthusiastic people behind us and I think it’s a reflection of a year’s hard work creating a strong Student Community, thank you.

I opened by saying how the biggest challenge facing the Student Committee was getting more people more involved and interested – I believe our social networks have been a great success and the Fall Formal gave everyone the chance to meet new people outside of the classroom to develop new bonds. These two major things along with a load of other things behind the scenes have really pushed the Student Community in a positive direction, and I’m sure whoever succeeds me will have the pleasure of making it even better. 

The Committee still has a load more plans lined up before the year is over, but looking back at what we’ve done so far I feel very proud to have been Chair. Without the kind people in this College, Long Road wouldn’t be what it is today without them and I’m really grateful for everyone who’s supported me over the last year – whether that’s the governors, senior management, the student supervisors or the marketing team allowing me to do this article. Everyone here highlights what it means to be friendly and helpful, proof that this is one of the best Colleges around and everyone here should be very proud to be a part of it.

Alex Lamb

Facebook.com/LRSC2011 Twitter@Long RoadSC2011

10 11

Enrichment at Long RoadLong Road Sixth Form College believes that there should be more to sixth form than classroom study. 

“We want our students to leave college ready for work or further study,” explains Assistant Principal, Georgina Atkinson, “We encourage students to participate in a range of enrichment activities while at Long Road to help them develop their personal and social skills and abilities. The more students can demonstrate their commitment, the easier it will be for them to find a place at the university or in the career of their choice.”

To encourage students to pursue enrichment activities, Enrichment Manager Nigel Ballard arranges an annual award ceremony. This is for students who have accrued at least a hundred Enrichment Credits. “We award these credits for different categories of activity,” explains Nigel. “It may be regular participation in sport teams, drama productions, orchestras, gym membership, coaching, caring or taking an additional qualification, both inside and outside college. We also encourage our students to take part in the wider community through voluntary work.”

High-achieving students with Georgina Atkinson (left)

Enrichment award ceremony to celebrate student success

Ellen Bridges formerly attended The King’s School Ely and is taking the 18-unit Sport National Diploma and A level Economics.

“I gained my enrichment credits through my involvement in the Isle of Ely Rowing Club in the Junior Scullers team. I am a cox for my team and have taken part in lots of competitions. We won a silver medal at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta in Nottingham this year. I was also cox in the City of Cambridge Novice team which won the Intermediate 3 coxes eights competition in Peterborough in June, I use the college fitness suite and have taken a rowing coaching course.

Jasmine Murphy formerly attended Linton Village College and is studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology A level.

“I am an Equality Champion and Peer Mentor at Long Road. Outside college I work as a volunteer at a youth group. I have also been involved with a drama group in Haverhill, Centre Stage, and have taken part in musicals and pantomimes.

Extended Project Qualification AS levelGeneral StudiesAsset SpanishStudent CommunityPeer MentorsEquality ChampionsLong Road Basketball AcademyThree male football teamsFemale football teamRugby teamNetball teamHockey teamFitness suite (with female only sessions)Just Jog

BadmintonFutsalSports Leaders AwardIyengar YogaHarmony and Composition SkillsCollege ChoirJazz ClubPit BandDance ExtraGrade V Music TheoryFilm ClubVolunteering Opportunities

Advisory Service

This year we are offering more college-based enrichment opportunities than ever before, including:

Making the most of enrichmentExtended Project and Asset Spanish One student who has made the most of enrichment opportunities at Long Road is Javariyah Naseer. Javariyah is taking English Language, Psychology and Sociology, and decided to use her studies as the basis for her 6,000-word Extended Project.

“I am considering two questions: Does meaning exist independent of society or culture? and Do societal norms/patterns determine the meaning of language?

“I also took the Asset Spanish course. I have always been interested in languages – I already speak French, Urdu and Malay – and I decided that an extra qualification would help with my university application. There was a lot of pair work involved so I worked with my Student Support Assistants, Becky Partridge and Erin Corrigan. The exam was in reading and listening, and I didn’t find it that hard. In fact, both Becky and Erin took the exam as well and passed!”

Javariyah (right) with Becky Partridge, Student Support Assistant, who also passed Asset Spanish

Asset Spanish is a ten-week beginner’s course which any student at Long Road may take. It covers a range of topics, focusing on useful, practical language skills for use within a working environment.

An Asset Spanish class in action

Back to schoolStudents have been going back to their former schools to take part in post-16 advice sessions for year 11 students.

“We are always very happy to go into 11-16 schools to work with year 11 students” explains Assistant Principal Heather Chambers, “because we know that making the right choice of post-16 study is extremely important. Our students take part in a range of activities at their former schools including helping to run the Long Road quiz, taking part in networking, or ‘speed-dating’, activities and talking at assembly. We believe that this activity is also of benefit to our students, and we award them enrichment credits for their participation.”

Former Sawston Village College students go back to meet Year 11

the bell-ringerAdam

Adam Harlock, who is studying Sociology, Psychology, Business Studies and History has an unusual hobby – he’s a campanologist, or bell-ringer.

“Our next-door neighbour is a bell leader, and he suggested I take up bell-ringing as part of my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, but after that I decided to carry on. I’m not musical at all – it’s more a matter of good timing, co-ordination and some physical strength. I have taken part in bell-ringing for weddings and for ringing in the New Year as well as for regular services.”

12 13

Sports round-upLong Road Sixth Form College has an enviable record as an excellent place both to study and play sport. The Sport National Diploma, available as a 12-unit (two A levels) or 18-unit (three A levels) course is long-established and highly successful. Students taking the A level programme can choose Physical Education as one part of the A level programme. All the courses achieved a 100% pass rate in 2011 with more than half attaining A*-B in PE A level and nearly a third gaining triple distinction in the 18-unit Diploma. Here are some of our many sporting stars.

Holly ArcherFull scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas

Holly went to Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College in Haverhill and is studying the 18-unit Sport National Diploma.

Gemma O’ConnorWorld class Tae Kwon Do practitioner

Gemma went to Bassingbourn Village College and is studying the 18-unit Sport National Diploma.

Holly always knew that she wanted to study at a university in the United States, so making an application to the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, which has an excellent sporting reputation, was the obvious course to take. Holly is a very successful track and cross-country runner, but to get the full scholarship, she knew that she would have to up her game.

“When I first applied, they told me that I would have to run 1500 metres in 4’ 34”, and my personal best was 4’ 42”. After lots of hard training, I set off for a British Milers Club race in Watford at the end of August. It was a mixed race – we weren’t running against each other, but trying to improve our personal best. I was overjoyed to reach my target.”

Holly’s success means that not only will her $55,000 per annum fees be paid: she will also have her accommodation and food provided for the four years and also have her kit supplied by Adidas.

“There are only six places for track and cross-country each year,” she adds, “So I was extremely pleased to get the scholarship. All I have to do is pay for my flights. In return, I have to run for the college. I also run 400 and 800 metres. I haven’t yet decided what my main area of study will be: Education, Sport Management or Applied Physiology. Of course I am nervous about going, but this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Image of Southern Methodist University reproduced with kind permission of the university

“I started Tae Kwon Do when I was ten, “she explains, “but it has really taken off in the last four years.” 

Gemma came third in the Junior (14-17) World Championships in South Korea last year, and led the six-person British team to victory against Argentina. This year she is competing as an adult for the first time, and is taking part in the European Championships in Naples.

“I have also just taken part as an adult in the British Championships and won a silver medal. I belong to the Hitchin Tae Kwon Do club but have been training with the England team in Bristol for the last two seasons. My dream is to qualify for the World Championships in Canada. I am hoping to go to Brunel University to train to be a sports teacher.”

Tyler PhillipsMCC Young Cricketer

Tyler attended Witchford Village College before coming to Long Road and is studying A levels in Physical Education, ICT, Psychology and Sociology at AS.

“I have always loved cricket and was very pleased when I got a chance to take part in the Bunbury Festival in 2010. The event, which is aimed at the best 50 U15 cricketers, was originally set up by cricketer David English and is an excellent way to start your career.” 

Tyler was picked as one of the top sixteen fast bowlers in the country and has now been contracted to the Academy at the Middlesex Cricket Club (MCC). He plays for Cambridgeshire and Middlesex, but if anyone else wants to borrow him, they have to pay a fee to Middlesex!

“I am really lucky – I also get sponsorship from Hunts County, the cricket equipment manufacturers. This year for the first time I will be playing with Cambridgeshire, which is second in the Minor Counties.”

Tyler is hoping to go to Australia for a year when he leaves Long Road then hopes to pursue his career back in England, either with Cambridgeshire or Middlesex. Alternatively, he might go to university to study Criminology.”

Rugby Extravagance:Long Road Rugby teams off to a great start

The Long Road Rugby teams showed their mettle by coming both first and second in the Cambridge Area Sixth Form 10s tournament held at Shelford Rugby Club this autumn. We entered two teams in the competition and took the top two spots. The trophy was presented by Lee Adamson of the Eastern Counties RFU.

The Long Road rugby players with coach Richard Cowley (left)

Long Road Basketball Academy in Barcelona

In April this year the Long Road Basketball Academy jetted off to Spain for a week of intensive Basketball experience that would challenge the squad at the highest level of European basketball. Fourteen Academy players and two members of staff took part in an action packed five-day schedule of training sessions, fixtures and sightseeing in Barcelona.

The squad stayed in Badalona, “The City of Basketball”, which is home to professional ACB Club Joventut Badalona. The Academy was privileged to be able to use their facilities to train, giving our players the experience of a professional environment. 

The Academy had a full programme of training and fixtures against local teams, but the highlight was being able to use the Badalona arena in the game against the Badalona Club’s U16s.

The squad with Head Coach Pete Charlsworth (front right) and Sport teacher Nigel Ballard (extreme left)

Academy player Dan Lovell wins basketball scholarship to US universityDan Lovell, who completed the 18-unit Sport National Diploma in 2011, is the first Long Road Basketball Academy student to be offered a place at college in the United States to continue his basketball and academic education 

Dan is now at Adam State College in Alamosa, Colorado, which is an NCAA Division 2 college with an outstanding basketball programme. He has received a part academic scholarship to take a four-year programme studying ‘Human Performance and Physical Education’ 

Dan Lovell with Sandra Hamilton-Fox, Principal, and Head Coach, Pete Charlsworth

14 15

Spanish A level students benefit from work experience

Jade Parnin went to Netherhall and is taking Spanish, English Language and Literature and Photography. She already has French A level.

“I went to Salamanca, a historic city west of Madrid, in the May half term week, just before my Spanish oral examination. We filled in questionnaires about what type of 

work we’d like, and I worked with a florist – I had asked for retail. The only people working in the shop were the owner and me, and she didn’t speak any English, so I had to work very hard to communicate!

Jade worked from 10am-3pm each day so had plenty of time to experience life in Spain. “Salamanca is a beautiful city, and there was lots to do. The best thing though is that I got an A grade for my oral, so it helped enormously, although I also had an excellent language assistant at Long Road.”

Jade is planning to study French and Mandarin at university, possibly at Leeds or Sheffield, and would like to work as an interpreter in the future. “Having Spanish A level as well as French will really help me in my career.”

Salamanca

Louise Harper vet in the makingLouise attended Abbey College in Ramsey before coming to Long Road and is taking Biology, Chemistry and Physics A level.

“I would very much like to be a veterinary surgeon and was lucky enough to be able to take part in the Vet-Medlink conference in Nottingham last December. While 

I was there I took courses in pathology, parasitology and nanaotechnology and went onto carry out further research into nanotechnology. My paper was then published on the Vet-Medlink website.”

This wasn’t the end of Louise’s veterinary activities 

this year, though. “One of my contacts at Nottingham called me to ask if I could help out at a stud farm near Newmarket. My work wasn’t with racehorses though – it was with sheep!”

Louise was asked to help with lambing at February half-term this year. “I wasn’t actually helping to deliver lambs though – we were helping sheep that might be having difficulties, such as ones giving birth to twins or breeds of sheep that find labour difficult. We waited until they had given birth then picked up the lambs – the mother would then follow, and we could lead them to a horsebox to take them elsewhere. Some lambs had to be fed by stomach tubes if their mothers had no milk, while orphaned lambs needed to be trained to suckle.”

Louise has also taken part in a project in The Gambia to help rebuild a school and teacher accommodation. “I was there at the same time as another Long Road student, Elliot Pain,” (Eliot, who finished his studies at Long Road in summer 2011, was featured in an earlier newsletter), “but I am going back there again in December. Twenty years ago, when the school was first built, the village was promised a market garden, and we are now going to build that as well.”

Louise helping to rebuild the school in the Gambia

Rebecca Thompson, who is taking Biology, Chemistry and Sociology A levels, carries out voluntary work for the Cambridgeshire Ferret Welfare and Rescue Society.

“My father kept ferrets as pets when he was young and inspired me to keep them as pets. At the moment I have thirteen, seven of which were rescued.”

Rebecca helps the society raise both money and awareness for ferret welfare. “I go to country fairs with my ferrets to 

show to people. Also, when the society needs someone to look after an abandoned ferret, they turn to me to look after them until the ferret can be rehoused permanently.

“I also enter my ferrets into competitions, and earlier this year won nine rosettes and two trophies. I won best in show and second place for one of my kittens (baby ferrets).”

However, Rebecca is not planning to work with ferrets as a career. “I would actually like to be a police dog handler. “We have four working dogs: a labrador, a springer spaniel, 

a labrador cross and a whippet. However, to become a police dog handler, you have to join the Police first. I am going to work as a Special when I leave college and then can be fast-tracked to join the Police in 2015.”

RebeccaThompson the Cambridgeshire Ferret Welfare and Rescue Society

Rebecca with her ferret Hannah Montana at a country fair

Tsubaki

Former Politics student Andrew Rowland visits the collegeAndrew Rowlands studied A levels in Politics, English Language and Religious Studies and AS level History at Long Road.

“After I left Long Road I spent a gap year in South Africa working in an orphanage in Pretoria.  I am now in the second year of my Politics degree at the University of Leicester.”

Andrew came back to Long Road to get some careers advice from his Politics teacher. “I can’t decide whether to take a PGCE to become a teacher, or whether to go on to study Law, or maybe even further my career in politics.”

Andrew has fond memories of Long Road. “I came here because of the excellent learning environment. I felt that I had the freedom and the opportunity to express myself. My teacher inspired me with his wisdom.”

Former student John Young teaching in the LebanonJohn Young studied A levels in History, Philosophy and Politics with AS General Studies. John sent this to us from Tyre, on the coast south of Beirut.

If I could pinpoint one moment that changed the course of my life, it would be my time at Long Road. Before Long Road I had never been keen on academia: reading and writing were things that bored me. It wasn’t until I took Philosophy A level that I felt an excitement for academia and a love for everything intellectual, and I knew I had found my calling in life. Without a doubt I can attribute my high achievement at university as well as the work I am doing in the Middle East, to the teaching I received at Long Road. 

After leaving Long Road I took a gap year and deferred my entry to university. In my gap year I travelled to Lebanon to work in the same school at which I am teaching now: the Lebanese Evangelical School in Tyre (which is in south Lebanon, near the border with Palestine). I taught English to primary school age kids. It was in this year that I started learning Arabic.

After my year out, I went to the University of Reading to study Politics, International Relations and Arabic. I was very grateful to the university for taking me on archaeological trips to Jordan, Egypt and Syria, as a translator. This meant that I could return to the Middle East every year and practise my Arabic. This summer I graduated top of my class with a first class honours degree in Politics and International Relations.

Four weeks ago I returned to the Lebanon to teach A level History. There is a huge UN presence in the south, and their children need schooling. The problem is that they don’t speak Arabic and so when they have any lessons in Arabic they have to sit in the playground doing nothing! That’s where I come in. I am currently heading up the foreign system department; there are about 100 students to about 6 members of staff including myself. I love all of my students: they’re all so grateful for actually being taught something, they’re extremely well behaved and love participating in class. I have based the curriculum on the British system, and this year we will study World War 1, World War 2 and the Cold War. I also hope to run a history trip to Berlin at Easter time.   

Next September I plan to study for my MPhil in Middle Eastern Politics at Cambridge University. I have been accepted, and they are now searching for a supervisor who is fluent in Arabic willing to supervise my thesis. After that, I hope to apply to work in the Foreign Office or the diplomatic service and combine my passion for academia with my love of the Middle East.

John with his students

Long Road students take part in Malta TattooJoseph Pawley was one of four Long Road students who took part in the Malta Tattoo this autumn. Joseph explains what the event involved.

“I joined the Cadets five years ago and became a member of the Corps of Drums just before Easter. I play the piccolo.  We were invited to take part in a major tattoo in Malta. We paraded through a small town before joining lots of other marching bands in a stadium.  There were two other bands from England, but we were the only cadets.”

Joseph explained what is involved in being a cadet (when not being part of a marching band!). “We study seven subjects: Military Knowledge, Skill at Arms, First Aid, Field Craft, Maps and Compass, Drill and PT. I was a scout first of all, and was very keen to move up to be a cadet. I would like to be an adult instructor in the future.”

Joseph is studying A levels in Maths, Physics, Psychology and AS General Studies.  “I want to study Physics at university and am applying to the Army for a scholarship.”

NewsflashHere are a few students whose news was too late to include::Rosie Ball Rosie is now studying at the Norwich University College of the Arts and appears on page 101 of the 2012 University prospectus. Rosie spent her summer working with a small group of the design of a game especially for ipads.  This was entered for a competition, and the prize was to be nominated for a BAFTA in this category.  Rosie has also just been offered a one-year paid internship at Disney in London.Rose Marroncelli Design & Technology Textiles student Rose Marroncelli is doing work experience at the headquarters of Next in the autumn half term. She will be working with a design team.Owen and Joshua Lucas Owen was awarded a first class degree in English Literature from Goldsmiths, the University of London, and is exploring the possibility of working in the United States.  His brother Joshua is currently reading Drama at the University of Exeter.

The Corps of Drums

Long Road Sixth Form College  Long Road  Cambridge CB2 8PX

Long Road Sixth Form College 2011/12 LR6FC