Check out our round-up of news from Bradford College

Organised by the educational charity LeedsDEC, the awards recognise the achievements of educators and young people tackling global challenges.

Ten awards were announced at a special ceremony in the Banqueting Suite at Leeds Civic Hall in front of guests, nominees, Leeds Youth Mayor, senior politicians, and the new Leeds Lady Mayoress.

Bradford College won the Intercultural Dialogue Award for the ESOL Global Learning project led by staff Monika Worthington and Seima Mahmood. The award celebrates initiatives where connections are made across diverse cultures on an issue relating to global justice and sustainability.

This year, the ESOL Global Learning Project involved four colleges from across the globe, working together on a blended learning project around Life Skills topics.

Bradford College Lecturer Monika Worthington said: “It’s incredible to see how technology can bring classrooms together across continents, creating a truly multicultural learning experience. By connecting students from diverse backgrounds, we’ve seen remarkable growth in cultural understanding and empathy.”

Colleague Seima Mahmood added, “This project has shown that when we break down barriers and encourage open communication, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable world for all.”

The Community Collaboration Award also went to the Bradford College Welcome Café, a project funded by Bradford Council and run in partnership with Millside Community Centre and SkillsHouse.

Participants are often refugees, asylum seekers, or face barriers to learning or work. Students are taught to cook delicious plant-based meals for the community from food donations going to waste.

Bradford College Sustainability Lead and awards nominator, Chelsie Naylor, said: “What a great result for Bradford College!! Well done to everyone involved. Projects such as Welcome Café support displaced learners in becoming part of a team, creating a sense of purpose and belonging again while also targeting zero-waste objectives.”

In recognition of the zero-waste ethos of the project, the Welcome Café has been invited to cater for the upcoming Eco Fest taking place this summer in the grounds of Cliffe Castle in Keighley.

The schools taster day gave students a look at the college and its various courses (Image: Bradford College)

BRADFORD College hosted a Year 10 taster day for more than 700 students from local secondary schools to explore its campus buildings.

The event gave students a taste of college life and the different courses available.

After watching a welcome video, students chose two subjects to visit across three College buildings - David Hockney, Lister Building, and Trinity Green Campus.

They took part in interactive workshops and activities related to each subject, such as science, art, and engineering.

One student said: “I had a great time exploring the different campuses and learning about the courses available.

"I can’t wait to come back to Bradford College in the future.”

Students from Bronte Academy, Beckfoot Thornton, Carlton Bolling, Guiseley School, Lightcliffe, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, Appleton Academy and Holy Family Catholic School attended the event.

* Apply for 2024/25 via apply.bradfordcollege.ac.uk or visit the Bradford College website for more course information.

Bradford College's 'Get Girls Into Sport' event was a day full of activities (Image: Bradford College)

GIRLS from across the district were welcomed to Bradford College for a special 'Girls into Sport' event.

Organised by Bradford Council for the second year, attendees enjoyed a full day of activities by sporting organisations from across Yorkshire, and tried a gym fitness session run by College sports staff.

Head of Sport & Fitness, Gary Bradwell, said: "By hosting this event, we wanted to showcase the range of exceptional Sports & Fitness facilities available at Bradford College, while also enlightening the minds of learners through a sports careers session with our staff. We've witnessed so much energy and positivity from the girls across every activity today, which hopefully bodes well for the future of female sport in the district and any hopes the girls have of a career in sport."

* Find out more about sports and fitness courses and apply for 2024/25 at bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Student Elise Fairbairn, centre, with her laptop prize (Image: Bradford College)

Bradford College celebrated after staff and students scooped a collection of awards at the fifth annual SkillsHouse Careers & Technical Education (CTE) Awards.

The awards celebrate young people’s learning achievements, local educators, and the critical role of vocational training in the region. Bradford Council, in partnership with local businesses and education providers, organised the awards at the University of Bradford.

The evening’s top honour went to Bradford College Uniformed Services Lecturer Gary Maindonald, who won the Post-16 Educator of the Year Award. Gary said: “The recognition for the work the Uniformed Services team and myself put into delivering a diverse and inclusive learning experience is humbly received.”

Other ‘Learner of the Year’ awards went to Bradford College students Elisha Maltby (Transport, Distribution & Logistics), Robyn Cummins (Public Service & Law), Elise Fairbairn (Business), Elouise Searby (Built Environment/Construction), and Shakeel Mahmood achieved a Business Special Recognition Award.