Creative Arts students at Cronton Sixth Form had the opportunity to soak in the rich history, arts and culture of Berlin during an exciting college trip to the German capital.

Over four eventful days, the students and teaching staff enjoyed visits to famous Berlin landmarks and cultural locations.

On the evening they arrived, the group visited the Holocaust Memorial and the famous Brandenburg Gate.

On the second day they visited Checkpoint Charlie and the Typography of Terror Museum. The day was highlighted with a visit to the Gianni Versace Retrospective which showcased the largest selection of the designer’s fashion ever exhibited. In the evening they also visited the Reichstag Dome, which gave a fantastic 360 degree view of the city.

On the third day they visited the world famous Hamburger Bahnhof Museum and the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, which challenged the students concept of what art can be. The day ended with an exploration of the East Side Gallery.

The fourth and final day included a visit to the Olympiastadion Berlin and some time to purchase souvenirs before departing back to college.

Daniel Crowe, Art Tutor at Cronton Sixth Form said, “Overall the trip was a huge success and gave the students’ knowledge and experience of Berlin’s history, art, architecture and culture.”

Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form came together for the third year running to raise money for Cancer Research UK with a spectacular Race for Life event at Victoria Park in Widnes.

Hundreds of students and staff members took part in the event which was organised by college staff members Helen Maddison and Paula Mitchell and was sponsored by Young Addaction Halton. It was the third college Race for Life after two hugely successful events previously.

Prior to the race the participants wrote down the reasons why they are taking part, with reasons such as losing a loved one to cancer or personal battles with the condition. These were proudly displayed by the runners during the race and are now displayed on a wall in the college foyer.

Councillor Eddie Jones of Halton Borough Council, Widnes Vikings player Chris Houston, Assistant Coach Mick Cassidy and Head of Strength and Conditioning Tim Holmes signalled the start of the Race for Life.

After five kilometres around Victoria Park, the race was won for the second year in a row by Cronton student Nathan Jones, a former pupil at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy who now studies Sport and Uniformed Services at the college. Kathryn Schofield, a former pupil at St Chad’s Catholic and Church of England High School and now studying Animal Management at Cronton, soon crossed the finish line as the fastest female runner.

Following the race, each participant headed to Riverside College’s Centre Stage Theatre for a celebration of their achievement. Widnes Vikings players Chris Dean, Gil Dudson and Stefan Marsh, Widnes Vikings Health and Physical Activity Co-Ordinator Becky Chambers and Everton FC legend Graham Stuart were special guests on the day to present the runners with medals.

A BBQ then took place to cap off the celebrations, which included food generously donated by Cronton Lane Bakery and bottled water which was donated by the Morrisons Widnes store.

Event organiser Helen Maddison said, “For the third year running our Race for Life has been a huge success; it was incredible to see so many people taking part in this special event and we have raised a fantastic amount of money for Cancer Research UK so far with lots of donations still coming in.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who took part and made donations, to Morrisons and Cronton Lane Bakery for their donations and also to our special guests who presented the medals; everybody was very excited to meet them. Preparation is already underway for next year’s event which will be even bigger!”

If you would like to make a donation to the college JustGiving page for Cancer Research UK, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/riverside-cronton-race4life-2018

Cronton Sixth Form College was host to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership board meeting, a gathering of high profile business leaders and politicians including Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, to discuss industry issues across Merseyside.

The LEP is a voluntary partnership between local authorities and businesses, set up in 2011 by the Department for Business. As an LEP member, Cronton Sixth Form was delighted to welcome the board to the college’s IDEA Centre. With state of the art learning facilities containing high end engineering equipment, spacious classrooms and meeting rooms; it was an ideal venue for the meeting.

Guests at the meeting included Liverpool LEP Chairman Asif Hamid MBE and Steve Rotheram. Steve Rotheram has been Metro Mayor of the Liverpool city region since 2017 and previously served as an MP for Liverpool Walton.

Jayne Smith, Head of Skills and Enterprise at the college said, “We hosted the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board meeting at the IDEA Centre on 20th September.

“The project has been developed with employers across the region to respond to skill shortages that have been identified in the Merseyside area including Innovation, Digital, Engineering and Applications.”

Congratulations to our September Student of the Month winners! Well deserved after a great start to the academic year for you.

Talented female students studying a new engineering course at Cronton Sixth Form addressed an audience of 500 professionals from the Construction, Engineering and Housing sectors at the Inspire Summit at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester last week about the future of females in the industry.
This year’s Summit was focused around attracting and retaining women in the construction and related industries and provided the students with a fantastic opportunity to meet many influential experts in industry, organise work experience and secure mentoring links for their time at college.

Seven female engineering students including Freya Corkhill Cantwell previously from Wade Deacon and Elizabeth Holian previously from Ormiston Chadwick Academy accompanied Jo Hall, Deputy Head of Engineering at Cronton to attend the national event. They all took part in engaging presentations, panel discussions, lively debates and hands on activities with large businesses and organisations. During the conference, Freya and Elizabeth took to the stage alongside Jo to speak to the delegates about the importance of influential industry role models and the colleges strategies on the growth of female students on the engineering courses within the college.

Both Freya and Elizabeth are currently studying on the new Level 3 Architectural Engineering course at Cronton; a new course that combines the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Engineering with the industry created Level 3 Design Engineer Construct qualification and aims to offer students live projects to provide vital skills for successful progression to university and careers in engineering and construction.
Elizabeth said, “The event was very empowering, seeing lots of different women working at all levels in construction.”

Freya said, “The day inspired me and made me realise that I could go much higher in my career. It was great to meet people from different companies and organise work placements for my course.”
Jo Hall said, “This event was a fantastic opportunity for myself and the students to address an audience of professional and highly acclaimed figures in the construction industry. I spoke about the wonderful facilities we have at the college including the new state of the art IDEA Centre, the variety of courses offered and the fact that 50% of the engineering staff are female all leading to fantastic opportunities for both female and male students.

“Freya and Elizabeth were fantastic when they addressed the audience, they spoke confidently giving their perspective of being female learners on male dominated courses. They talked about enjoying the course at college and how they are excited to manage their own project during their time at college. Both students were extremely professional and represented themselves and the college very well. It was a hugely successful event and I am proud of the students who attended.”

Students on the Professional Dance Programme at Cronton Sixth Form College enjoyed an informative masterclass from Hannah Tongue, dance teacher at the University of Central Lancashire at the colleges brand new Dance Studio and Performance Space.

Hannah delivered an in depth session which covered advanced contemporary dance techniques and provided an experience of lessons at a further education level.
The young dancers also received expert advice on progression to university and insight into taking dance as a career option

Benjamin Musa, Programme Area Leader for Vocational Performing Arts said, “Hannah made a massive impression on our students. They all loved being taught a class of this level, by someone who is a master of their craft.”

Cronton Sixth Form College are delighted to announce the launch of a new Female Rugby League Academy which will be delivered in partnership with Widnes Vikings, housed in the College’s Centre of Sporting Excellence.

The new academy programme will create a pathway for girls to gain an education while having an opportunity to develop their rugby skills at the college.

After a ground-breaking year for the Vikings Women’s team, the partnership is designed to provide girls with a clear pathway to the first team. It will also help the club enhance their player pool for the 2019 season, as there are currently no amateur or junior girl’s teams in Widnes.

The introduction of the Vikings Women’s team has already seen 15 girls from the town play the sport for the first time, jumping straight into a competitive Championship division.

Last season ended with back-to-back victories over the top two in the competition, as the Vikings picked up home victories over Stanningley and Wakefield Trinity, underlining the progress made since their first fixture.

Head of Education, Liam Clark, commented: “The launch of the Female Rugby League Academy is a huge step forward for girl’s rugby league in Widnes.

“Our Vikings Women’s team have made brilliant progress considering they are the only team in the town that provides girls with a chance to play competitive rugby league. This partnership with Cronton Sixth Form College will further enhance that progress in the coming years, and give the club a chance to produce a larger pool of homegrown young talent.

“On behalf of Widnes Vikings, I’d like to thank Cronton Sixth Form College for joining us in partnership and providing their Centre of Sporting Excellence as a base for the programme. Girls on the academy programme will also gain an education alongside their involvement in the academy, which falls in line with our ethos of providing youngsters with the opportunity to continue to further education or employment outside of the sport.”

Programme Area Leader for Sport at Cronton Sixth Form College, Mark Brennan, added “It’s great to see the Women’s game growing and the pathway we have created in partnership with Widnes Vikings will give young female athletes the opportunity to study academic qualifications alongside developing their on-field performance.

“We are hoping that this pathway will be a catalyst for student athletes to develop skills that could take them to the 2021 World Cup or a chosen career that their study path will take them to. Whatever the student wishes to study, whether that be A Levels or Vocational, we can ensure that they will have access to the Female Rugby Academy.

“We look forward to welcoming the current year 11 students to our next open evening where we can provide further information about the Female Rugby Academy.”

Cronton Sixth Form College Open Evening:

• Thursday 28th February 2019 – 5:30pm – 7:30pm

For more information on how you can get involved in the Female Rugby League Academy programme, contact Mark Brennan on mark.brennan@cronton.ac.uk

A Level Psychology students at Cronton Sixth Form have been on a fascinating trip to get an insight into the life of a prisoner and learn what prison life is really like, at the Behind Bars conference in Manchester.

The students had the opportunity to discuss and interact with a variety of ex-prisoners. They were able to challenge their own stereotypes of a typical offender and discuss how prisoners should be treated in prison, including opportunities for education, rehabilitation and most importantly employment training. The students took part in a Q&A session with each offender who had served a sentence that ranged between four and twenty-four years behind bars. It was an interesting day for the students who were very engaged while discussing questions on the effectiveness of prison as a punishment.

Shakira Raynes formerly of Wade Deacon High School said, “I found the day really interesting and it was refreshing to hear first-hand perspectives of the prison system.”

Charlie Thornton formerly of Saints Peter and Pauls Catholic College said, “The conference was very interesting – it was good to see how criminals have the courage to openly talk about their crimes and get themselves back into a normal life.”

Becky Spencer formerly of Great Sankey High School said, “Life behind bars was very interesting and gave me a real insight to prison life. It was an emotional but useful day.”

Sarah Devers formerly of Halewood Academy said, “Life behind bars was a great experience which provided a great insight into the individual within the prison system and rehabilitation afterwards!”

Joanie Low, Psychology tutor at Cronton Sixth Form said, “At Cronton Sixth Form College, our A-Level Psychology students have always enjoyed extra-curricular trips and visits to enhance their learning and understanding of psychology in everyday life. This is why we have celebrated A-B grades at 61% and A-C grades at 85%, with 100% pass rate.”

Georgia Chambers, a student on the Nursing Cadet Programme at Cronton Sixth Form College is celebrating after being crowned St John Ambulance Cheshire & Merseyside Cadet of The Year.

Taking place at the St John Ambulance Liverpool headquarters, Georgia was up against many other cadets from the Cheshire & Merseyside areas. Against strict criteria, they were assessed on a range of subjects including presentation skills, working with the media, first aid knowledge, and communication skills.

Georgia, who volunteers at Whiston Hospital as part of her course work placement, was also assessed in an interview where she was asked how she would represent St John Ambulance and be successful in the role if she were to win the competition. The former pupil at Ormiston Chadwick Academy impressed in all areas and beat the competition to be overall winner.

Following her win, Georgia commented, “I feel proud to represent Cheshire & Merseyside and I look forward to the responsibilities and duties that are ahead of me. I have had plenty of support from my College tutors, and I am grateful for it.

“I would like to also thank my youth leader who volunteered me for the competition; he believed I would succeed based on my first aid skills and how I get on well with others.”

Georgia was presented with an engraved shield to mark her success which will be displayed for the following year.

Four of Cronton Sixth Form’s gifted and talented science students have inspired their future careers after completing the prestigious Nuffield Research Placement.

The Nuffield Research Placement provides selected students with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to gain valuable experience in the workplace and university research centres during the summer holidays.

The hardworking students are all part of the Centre of Excellence in Science and Maths and they were offered the opportunity to apply for the scheme through the Tomorrow’s Scientists Programme at the College.

The students that were selected from Cronton Sixth Form this year were:

• Charlie Lamb, formerly of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College
• Mecmillan Rajaratnam formerly of Wade Deacon High School
• Lauryn Hall formerly of Wade Deacon High School
• Patricia Davies formerly of Wade Deacon High School

After completing their projects in the summer the successful students from Cronton have joined other students from across the country to showcase their research skills and hard work to an audience of parents, mentors and guests from the Science, Technology and Engineering sector at The University of Liverpool.

Charlie Lamb said, “The Nuffield Research Placement allowed me to gain experience in STEM areas that would not normally be accessible to 17 year olds.”

Dr. Paul Jackson, A Level Physics Lecturer at the College said, “The Nuffield Research Project is a fantastic opportunity for the students to find out what life as a research scientist is really about. This year’s students have gained valuable experience which will help them identify future careers and will also look amazing on their university application forms.

“Students that took part in last year’s Nuffield Research Project have progressed to some of the most prestigious universities such as Manchester and Chicago USA to study courses including Pharmacy and Physics. We look forward to finding out what interesting projects they will work on in the future.”

Fourteen new students at Cronton Sixth Form College have experienced a wonderful start to their studies after each receiving a prestigious scholarship worth up to £2000.

The outstanding students were selected for scholarships in one of the College’s three Centre of Excellence subject areas; STEM, Performing Arts and Sport, after impressing during a series of interviews which took place earlier this year. This year the successful students are:

• Hannah Aspinall, from The Sutton Academy (Performing Arts)
• Louise Carter, from Great Sankey High School (STEM)
• Liam Clarke, from Wade Deacon High School (STEM)
• Samuel Clayton, from Wade Deacon High School (STEM)
• Olivia Gorton, from Great Sankey High School (Performing Arts)
• Isabel Griffiths, from Penketh High School (STEM)
• Alix Hushin, from The Heath School (Performing Arts)
• Jake Keller, from Penketh High School (STEM)
• Danika Martin, from Great Sankey High School (STEM)
• Erin McLennan, from Wade Deacon High School (STEM)
• Poppy Scholefield, from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (Sport)
• Ceira Sergeant, from Gateacre School (STEM)
• Kiara Wilson-Smith, from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School (Sport)
• Jonathan Worrall, from Wade Deacon High School (STEM)

The students were presented with their scholarship cheques at College by Head of Cronton, Leeann Bellfield. The conscientious students have big plans to use the money to improve their studies.
Kiara Wilson-Smith was awarded a scholarship in sport. She said, “I was really pleased to have received it. The money will really help me towards paying for training and competitions in my sport (trampolining). The College has given me lots of support.”

Louise Carter, who was awarded a STEM scholarship, commented, “I was so happy and excited to have received a scholarship; to represent the College and be a role model is an honour. There are so many opportunities with the Tomorrow’s Scientists Programme and possible work experience placements which will help me achieve my goal of studying medicine at university.”

Sam Clayton, who received a scholarship in STEM, added, “It is an honour to know that out of hundreds of students I was chosen to receive a scholarship. I was extremely proud of myself when I found out. The College gets excellent results and there are so many opportunities that I can get involved in to help prepare me to go to university.”

Mary Murphy, Principal at Cronton Sixth Form commented, “Congratulations to the scholarship student class of 2018, they are well deserved. These scholarships will support the students and provide financial assistance towards fulfilling their full potential in each chosen field. For example, students may use the money for purchasing equipment, paying for specialist coaching or tuition, attending competitions or studying towards extension awards.

“Students fulfilling certain criteria can apply for scholarships as part of the College application process and successful students are awarded financial rewards over their two years of study. We look forward to meeting next year’s potential scholars at their college interviews over the next few months.”

Cronton Sixth Form’s Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts proudly presents The Phantom of the Opera at St Luke’s Church on Thursday 13th December.

Doors open 6:30pm with tickets priced at £5; please call the box office on 0151 257 2032. All proceeds will be donated to the St Luke’s Church Restoration Fund.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world famous musical production tells the tale of a soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opéra House.

Cronton Sixth Form’s talented students step into these iconic roles for one night only in December, don’t miss out!

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Four students from the Women’s Rugby Union team at Cronton Sixth Form College are delighted after being selected to participate in trials to represent the North West College’s regional team.

After representing the College against other college’s in the North West, Darcy Stott former Sutton Academy pupil, Megan Jackson from Wade Deacon High School, Chelsey Fairclough and Hannah Quirk both from St Peter and Pauls Catholic College were the standout performers. The girls were chosen to represent Cronton Sixth Form at the University of Nottingham where the trials will take place. If they are successful in the trial games they will go on to play for the North West College’s Regional team against other Regions across the UK in the AoC Regional Championships.

Megan, a fly half, who has been playing Rugby for four years and is currently playing for Widnes Vikings outside of college said, “It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to play at this level. The College has given me so much encouragement to push myself and play to my best ability.” Megan is studying towards a Public Services qualification and has dreams of one day joining the police force.

Hannah, a centre, who has played Rugby for three years and also plays for Widnes Vikings said, “It’s an honour to have been selected amongst such talented girls, I think I can develop massively as a player from the trials.” Hannah is currently studying A Level Biology, Maths and Chemistry and would like to pursue a career in Science.

Chelsey, a winger, who has played rugby for just a year and a half and currently plays for Widnes RUFC said “The trials are a great opportunity for me and my team mates to get selected by a professional rugby team and put all of the hard work we do at the College training sessions into practice.” The tricky winger is currently studying Health and Social Care and has aspirations of becoming a paramedic.

Darcy, an inside centre, who has been playing rugby for almost eight years and is currently playing for Leigh RUFC said, “Playing for the College team is a fantastic chance to meet new friends that I would never have met outside of rugby. I love the training sessions at College, they are played to such a high standard.” Darcy is also studying Public Services at Cronton and has aspirations of joining the police force.

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First year Physics students at Cronton Sixth Form College have enjoyed a fantastic trip to the National Space Academy in Leicester to learn about and experience the variety of careers available in the UK space sector and related industries.

The day was a brilliant opportunity for the students to have the chance to talk to staff graduate trainees, post graduate students and apprentices about potential career choices and working environments at an early age. Amongst having the chance to talk to all these people, the students had some time to look around the Space Academy and really got to explore what it is like to be working in the space industry sector.

Towards the end of the event our students were captivated by an amazing planetarium show that delved into the beginning of time and space and truly captured the wonders of science.

Cronton Sixth Form Physics tutor Dr Paul Jackson said, “The National Space Academy has worked with schools and colleges to offer a masterclass on careers to complement studies in physics, using the expertise of project scientists and the National Space Centre itself to bring the curriculum to life.”

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Cronton Sixth Form College welcomed back former A Level students who are now studying at some of the top universities around the world to receive awards, honouring their outstanding achievements during their time at College.

The annual celebration is a key event in the College calendar, allowing staff to acknowledge the hard work and results of their former students and to hear about the exciting destinations and career paths they have now progressed on to.

Left to Right: Rahim Raja and Ben Smith

Head of Cronton Sixth Form, Leeann Bellfield welcomed attending guests who included The Worshipful the Mayor of Halton Councillor John Bradshaw, Mayoress Councillor Marjorie Bradshaw and Chair of Governors at Wirral Metropolitan College Paul Smith, alongside past students and their guests.

Over thirty awards from different A Level curriculum areas were presented on stage by The Mayor of Halton to the exceptional students who had gone above and beyond during their studies.

Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths student Rahim Raja took home the prestigious ‘Student of the Year’ award on the night. Rahim, previously from St Gregory’s Catholic High School, “was an exceptionally gifted student who fulfilled his academic potential through sustained commitment to his studies.” He “lit up all of his subjects and added great value to the broader College community as well.” Rahim has now progressed to the University of Chicago in the United States where he is studying Physics.

Former A Level student and Student Governor Ben Smith took home the ‘History Student of the Year Award’ and the ‘John Collins Award for Contribution to College Community’. Ben, from Widnes, was chosen for the awards based on his “formidable work ethic” and how his “contributions to every lesson quite simply made each one better.” Throughout his time at Cronton, Ben embraced every opportunity presented to him and gave so much back to the college community. Whether in his role as Student Governor, College ambassador, class member or friend, Ben’s “commitment and support to those around him never wavered.” Ben is now studying at the University of Liverpool where he is studying Modern History and Politics.

Once the awards had been handed out, Ben delivered an outstanding speech discussing his time as Student Governor, his memories at Cronton and the support he received during his time at the College. Special guest Paul Smith then took to the stage to deliver an inspirational talk to the audience discussing his incredible life and career pathway.

Head of Cronton Sixth Form Leeann Bellfield commented, “It was my honour and privilege as Head of this wonderful College to present the class of 2018 with their awards and certificates during the evening. We were delighted to welcome back so many of our former students, who have now gone on to study at top universities across the country.

Left to Right: Ellie Greaves, now studying History at the University of Oxford, and Emily Murdoch, now studying English and the University of Cambridge.

“The Class of 2018 achieved our best ever A Level results with a 100% pass rate and 86% high grades, exceeding all national benchmarks. Many of them have now gone on to study at some of the top universities both nationally and internationally, including Oxford, Cambridge and the University of Chicago. I would like to wish all of the students the very best of luck for the future.”

Student of the Year 2018 Award Winners

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Dance – Hannah Williams
Film Studies – Dylan Fletcher
Fine Art – Jade Woodier
Graphical Communication – Hannah Temple
Media Studies – Dylan Fletcher
Music – Tiegan Wright
Photography – Hannah Wescombe
Theatre Studies – Cara Sullivan
Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts – Connor Evans

SCIENCE AND MATHS
Biology – Sophie Maddock
Chemistry – Kirsten Headspith
Physics – Rahim Raja
Maths – Thomas Whitfield
Further Maths – Jake Boughey
IT – James Bell
Computer Science – Liam Warnock
Mond Achievement Award – Shauna Rogers

LANGUAGES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Accounting – Thomas Prowting
Business – Emily Howe
Economics – Maya Paes
English Language – David Hearity
English Literature – Jennifer Speakman
English Combined – Amy Fisher
French – Jake Boughey
Geography – Leah McChrystal Burt
Government & Politics – Kate McCabe
History – Ben Smith
Law – Lucy Birch
Psychology – Ellie Southern
Sociology – Ben Hearn
Spanish – Jairus Patoc
Humanities Achievement Award – Emily Murdoch

SPORT
Physical Education – Jack Kinsella
Centre of Sporting Excellence – Chloe Fisher

JOHN COLLINS TROPHY – Ben Smith

STUDENT OF THE YEAR – Rahim Raja

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Students studying on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business at Cronton Sixth Form have enjoyed a fascinating 3-night residential trip to one of Europe’s most vibrant capital cities, Brussels to educate themselves about their current course and visit some of the amazing local surroundings.

The trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain a better understanding of the ongoing Brexit negotiations at Europe’s political centre. Based in the heart of Brussels, the EU Parliament Buildings were also on the itinerary for the eager students along with the National Bank of Belgium and other main tourist hot spots in the city.

During the visit to the EU Parliament Buildings the students were captivated by an interactive session with staff where they learned about how the EU works and how it supports businesses within Europe. First year student Peter Behan said, “Seeing one of the most important buildings in Europe was an eye opening experience and I now feel that I am more informed about the European Union and understand the implications of Brexit more.”

Following the trip to the Parliament Buildings and some lunch, the students had a guided tour of the breath-taking building that is the National Bank of Belgium. In one of the activities student Jack Jolley played the role of a bank manager to get an educational insight into the day to day life of a bank manager. Jack said, “participating in this game has given me more of an appreciation for just how much work banks do and how integral they are to our daily lives.”

When students had some time away from the educational activities in Brussels they headed over towards the magnificent Christmas Markets to sample some of the local delicacies and take a look around the market stalls. They also to participated in a spooky ghost tour of the city.

Trip leader and Business lecturer Bryan Doyle said, “the trip was another huge success for the Business department and it was a privilege to spend 4 days in the capital of Belgium with our students. It is always fantastic to bring the learning that is taking place in the classroom to life and allow students to see how the theory they have learned is applied in the real world. I am already thoroughly looking forward to our next residential trip in the spring!”

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Five gifted and talented IT and Computer Science students are celebrating after being invited to take part in the TCS Oxford Computing Challenge after they placed in the top 10% in the country of the Bebras Computer Thinking Challenge.

The Bebras Computing Thinking Challenge is a global test that introduces computer skills to student and is designed to inspire students in over 40 countries around the world.

Over 70 Cronton students took the test that included solving the kind of difficult problems that software engineers would be challenged with on a daily basis.

 The majority of the students achieved a distinction or a merit with five high achievers being invited by The University of Oxford to take part in the TCS Oxford Computing Challenge in March.

Debbie Kennah I.T tutor at Cronton Sixth Form said, “We are so proud of what Lewis Davies, Adam Grannell, Samm Balderstone, Ben Harding and Jonathon Worrall have achieved to date and will be carefully tracking their progress, and wishing them luck in the next stage. It is a fantastic achievement for all five students to reach the top 10% in the country in the challenge and receive an invite from such a prestigious university.”

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Animal Management students at Cronton Sixth Form College had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the filming of the hit BBC TV show Countryfile and share their knowledge about topics including wild animal rehabilitation.

The filming took place at Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital which provides an educational reserve and helps over 2000 sick and injured animals every year. Cronton’s Animal Management students regularly visit the centre in Knutsford where they enjoy theory and practical lessons from Ray Jackson MBE, founder of Lower Moss Wood.

The students were invited to the wildlife hospital on this occasion to be involved with the filming of a BBC Countryfile segment which focussed on hedgehog rehabilitation and the differences in caring for wildlife animals compared to domesticated pet animals.

Countryfile has been on televisions for over 30 years. The excited students were able to meet the BBC production crew, including presenter Steve Brown and appear on camera for interviews. Six students were interviewed for the programme which is due to air on BBC 2 on Sunday 3^rd February.

Along with filming, the students enjoyed talks about wild life species with Ray Jackson and were able to get up close and personal with some of the wildlife kept at the centre.

One student commented, “The day was really interesting and gave us a better insight to the care of native wild animals.”

Keelie MacDonald, Animal Management Programme Leader at Cronton said, “The BBC Countryfile crew were very friendly and made us feel part of the team. The students really enjoyed the experience.”

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SNOW UPDATE: The College is open as normal. Please travel safely. If you have any problems call the absence line on 0151 257 2008 after 8.30am.
College buses confirmed as running but be prepared they will need to take the roads slowly.

BUS UPDATES:
Anthony’s Travel number 1 bus is stuck in Helsby area after an accident. Expect delays.

The 49 bus is currently stuck in the Burtonwood area. Expect delays.

The 48 bus is also experiencing delays due to the conditions.

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Gifted and talented students from twelve local high schools recently attended the Prestigious Universities Programme event at Cronton Sixth Form College for a morning of inspiring activities and taster lessons, designed to encourage the young learners to aspire to study at one of the top universities in the country and learn about how Cronton can help them achieve these goals.

The morning was a great success offering over 150 pupils the opportunity to sample A Level subjects that they may be interested in when applying for college. The day was extremely beneficial for the pupils that attended and provided them an understanding of higher education from an early age.

The Prestigious Universities Programme is a fantastic programme offered by Cronton College that provides support, advice and opportunities to students who are applying to some of the top universities in the world. This programme also gives these students the opportunity to visit some of the Russell Group universities before they apply.

Lesley MacCallum, Careers Coordinator at Halewood Academy said, “It’s been a great day; the students have really enjoyed themselves. The Prestigious Universities Programme taster day gives these Year 9 students the chance to focus on higher education and give them an opportunity to try subjects that they do not normally do at school.”

Luke MacMahon, Head of the Prestigious Universities Programme said, “This morning was fantastic for me. Not only was it really enjoyable to work with so many obviously talented young people, it was great to see how determined they were to succeed. Although university may seem like a distant target for Year 9 students, it is so important for their ultimate success that they start thinking about it now.

“If there was one thing I wanted the students to take away from their visit to Cronton, it was the belief that every one of them has the right to go to which ever university they choose. In addition to everything else they learned this morning, if they took that lesson away with them then I could not be happier.”

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