College pioneers student integration

Students from special schools in the Newtown area have been beenfiting from a pioneering project to help them integrate into Further Education.

Sports students from Grŵp NPTC Group’s Newtown campus have been taking part in a series of events as part of a Welsh Government project to aid the transition to Further Education for students at special schools.

The college, formerly Coleg Powys, has hosted a number of events in which they have been working alongside students from Brynllawarch Hall School and Ysgol Cedewain.

First on the programme last academic term was a Mini Olympics, held at Maldwyn Leisure Centre. Over 40 students took part in a series of energetic sporting challenges. Participants pulled on their trainers for team and individual athletic events including football, boccia, long jump and javelin.

Students from Ysgol Cedewain challenged the opposition and lifted a well-deserved trophy for the football challenge, while students from Brynllawarch School proved themselves champions of the boccia tournament.

Grŵp NPTC Group Tutor, Gareth Watkins said: “Every participant was awarded with a medal whilst individual medals were awarded by disability class.  The day was a huge success and big thanks have to go to all staff, parents and volunteers for making the day a great spectacle.”

Adventurous learners were invited to get involved in their next challenge by taking part in the ‘Ser Hafren’ performance.  Former students from Coleg Powys, as well as Ysgol Cedewain and Brynllawarch School, came together once more in a collaborative effort to show off their talents in their own version of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.  Performances included singing, dancing, readings and comic turns with over 20 students wowing the audience with their entertaining skills.

Gareth Watkins said: “The students had dedicated their Tuesday mornings to the rehearsals of the performance and had demonstrated excellent behaviour and effort during their rehearsals.  Each student was given a medal to congratulate them for taking part.  The day was a success with over 50 people coming the watch the performance, which included parents, staff and other students from the respective schools and college.”

He added: “A huge thank you must go to our three guest judges, Nicholas Hughes, Sue Lloyd-Jones and Maureen Davies who gave up their time to provide feedback for the performers.”

Sue Lloyd-Jones, Head of Faculty at Grŵp NPTC Group’s Newtown campus, said: “I felt privileged to have been asked to judge and was astounded by the wealth of talent displayed.”

Fleur Grigg, Course Tutor for Vocational Skills at the Newtown campus added: “It was a great opportunity to come together with schools in the area and showcase the talent we have in Powys.”

Caption: Former college student, Amy Hopkins.