Today, Day 254 of my BRIT 2012 mile
walk, I was hosted by Ystrad Mynach College in Caerphilly.
It was a pleasure to be welcomed
by the Mayor of Caerphilly, Councillor Gaynor Oliver. The Mayor is a delightful
lady who spent a great deal of time talking to me before I spoke to the students
of the college and she gave her wholehearted support to BRIT and the BRIT 2012
mile challenge. A great start to the day.
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| The Mayor of Caerphilly, Councillor Gaynor Oliver |
This year, The Mayor has chosen to support Tŷ Hafan which offers comfort, care and support for
life-limited children and young people and is dedicated to improving the
quality of life for the whole family.
Tŷ Hafan http://www.tyhafan.org/ are
a team of palliative care specialists with one aim: providing care and being
there for the child and their family. Since 1999, they have helped over 400
families and want to help more young children and their families.
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| The Duchess of Cornwall visiting Tŷ Hafan |
With life-limited children and
young people, care is often given over a number of years. Tŷ Hafan offer short
break care to give families desperately needed time-out, which can include
accommodation for any family member that wants to stay over. They also provide
relief and support outside the hospice, at home and in the community to ensure
that each child has a comprehensive care programme.
They are able to deliver an excellent standard of care through qualified and trained staff. These include children's nurses, social workers and play workers. Tŷ Hafan is monitored by Health Inspectorate Wales under regulations set by legislation, through annual and unannounced inspections.
They are able to deliver an excellent standard of care through qualified and trained staff. These include children's nurses, social workers and play workers. Tŷ Hafan is monitored by Health Inspectorate Wales under regulations set by legislation, through annual and unannounced inspections.
Right now, families may simply
want to focus on getting through each day, but when they are ready to get in
touch, they’ll be there for families and their child, every step of the way and
for as long as they need them.
A remarkable charity.
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| Ready to start the BRIT 2012 mile walk on Day 256 in Caerphilly |
The College, Ystrad Mynach, was
opened in 1959 to meet the needs of the local coal mining industry. Since the
1970s the curriculum has diversified to assist the diversification and
development of the locality. The College works closely with Caerphilly County
Borough Council to improve the economic future of the County Borough.
The College has several campus
locations throughout the Caerphilly Borough with each offering its own unique
learning environment:
The College Ystrad Mynach - The main campus site of The
College has changed dramatically in recent years with its state of the art
buildings and excellent facilities.
The College Rhymney - North of the Caerphilly County Borough
and serves the top end of the Valley. Its aim is to develop the basic and
intermediate skills of the area.
College @ Centres – Based in High
Street locations in Aber Valley, Bargoed & Blackwood, they provide ‘drop in’ training in IT in an
informal environment.
Centre Training – Located within
the Tredomen Business & Technology Centre, provides training for both
public sector and private sector companies delivering both “tailor made” and
off the shelf courses. The College also runs a number of courses throughout the
community in venues such as Community Centres and Schools.
The College has more than 13,000
students ranging from school leavers to adult mature students and offers both academic
and vocational courses from entry to degree level.
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| A fantastic atmosphere at the start of Day 256 of the BRIT 2012 mile walk with students of Ystrad Mynach College |
The college has a wide range of
courses available and for more information on the different opportunities you
can click on the categories below;
When I arrived today I was given
a super welcome from hundreds of students at the College. Following my talk to
the students and a Question & Answer session, we went outside for some
photographs before the students were split into two groups. The first group
joined me in the morning for the first three miles and the second group joined
me in the afternoon for the second three miles. Students had mapped out a 3
mile circuit that took us around the College, the surrounding woodland and the
local community and were given the responsibility of marking the route and
making sure we all stayed together.
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| Halfway through the walk with some of the super students I met on Day 256 of the BRIT 2012 mile walk |
This morning I was joined by 7
student groups studying on the following courses;
·
Public Services – BTEC Level 2
·
Public Services – BTEC Level 3
·
Public Services Diploma – BTEC Level 1
·
Travel and Tourism – BTEC Level 2
·
Travel and Tourism – BTEC Level 3
·
Travel and Tourism – BTEC Level 3
·
Air cabin Crew – BTEC Level 2
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| With Public Service Course students on Day 256 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk at Ystrad Mynach College |
To understand the Credit and
Qualifications Framework for Wales there is a great Fan Diagram that explains
the Learning and Progression Routes for young people to work out which level of
course to apply for;
The College website also has an
easy to use search tool to find the course a young person is interested in and
then a good explanation of what the course is for, what entry requirements are
needed, what will be leant, Assessments, Achievements and Important
Information. For example, the BTEC Level 2 Public Services Course is
explained as follows;
Who is this course for?
This is a one-year course
designed for people over 16 years of age who are interested in a career in the
Public Services, e.g. ambulance, fire and rescue, police and prison services,
as well as the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force.
Entry requirements and
Application
You should have a minimum of 3
grade D, one being English Language, and 2 grade E GCSE qualifications. You
should be able to work with others, communicate effectively both verbally and
in writing, follow health and safety instructions and have an acceptable level
of personal presentation. An interview and satisfactory reference are required.
A CRB check is required to enable you to gain an industrial work placement.
When we receive your application, you will be invited to The College on a
particular date for an informal interview and an initial assessment in literacy
and numeracy.
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| With students from Ystrad Mynach College who are studying on the Public Services course |
What will I learn?
BTEC Level 2 Diploma is a
practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and
assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and
demands. It introduces you to the employment area you have chosen and provides
a good basis to go on to a more advanced work-related qualification. A BTEC
Level 2 Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs grades A*- C. You will study four
compulsory units and three specialist units. Compulsory units include:
Employment in the Uniformed Public Services, Public Service Skills and
Improving Health and Fitness for Entry to the Public Services. Additionally you
will study three specialist units: Adventurous Activities and Teamwork for the
Public Services, Sport and Recreation in the Public Services and Volunteering
in the Public Services. The Welsh Baccalaureate (or Welsh Bac) is a nationally
recognised qualification aimed at improving the skills that employers and
universities are looking for. Whilst completing your main course you will also
study Wales, Europe, the World, Work Related Education and Personal and Social
Education. Together with the above, you will also study Essential Skills and
develop skills through Learn Direct.
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| With Public Services students on Day 256 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
Assessment
To gain the Level 2 Diploma in
Public Services you must complete a range of written and practical assessments.
Assessment will cover practical skills, oral questioning, assignment work and
written questions. You will receive feedback on your progress throughout the
course. You will need to be prepared to participate in regular physical fitness
activities and outdoor activities as part of your course assessments.
On Completion / Achievement
Progression
On completion of this course, you
may be able to progress to higher qualifications such as the BTEC Level 3
Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services. The Level 2 Diploma provides
opportunities for you to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal
qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life.
Important Information
The Course Information held on www.ystrad-mynach.ac.uk
is correct at today's date. The College asserts its right to modify or cancel
courses and amend prices without prior notice. All courses are subject to
sufficient enrolments and appropriate approval from external bodies. Awarding
bodies are currently reviewing some qualifications and this could result in the
content of some courses being amended. Tuition fees cover one Academic Year or
the duration of the course if less than one year.
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| With students studying sport at Ystrad Mynach College on Day 256 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
This afternoon I was joined by a
further 7 groups of students studying on the following courses;
·
Public Services Diploma – BTEC Level 1
·
Sport – BTEC Level 3
·
Sport – BTEC Level 3
·
Sport (Exercise & Fitness) – BTEC Level 2
·
Public Services – BTEC Level 3
·
Public Services – BTEC Level 2
·
Sport
For those interested in sport,
this is the BTEC Level 3 Sport Course information which gives a feel for what
is required and what the course provides;
Who is this course for?
This two-year, full time course
is designed for young people over the age of 16 who seek a career in the
sports, leisure or health industry.
Entry requirements and
Application
You will need 5 GCSEs grade A*- C
or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma qualification in a relevant qualification with a
merit profile.
What will I learn?
As part of your course you will
study a variety of topics such as the anatomy & physiology, training and
fitness, assessing risk, fitness testing for sport and exercise, sports
coaching, sports development and practical team sports. Specialist areas
include: sports nutrition, sports injuries, rules/regulations and officiating,
exercise, health and lifestyle, psychology for sports performance and
instructing physical activity and exercise. You will also have the opportunity
to take additional courses in Sports Coaching and Health and Safety
qualifications and work alongside CCBC Sports Development Department at various
coaching days in the local community. The Welsh Baccalaureate (or Welsh Bac) is
a nationally recognised qualification aimed at improving the skills that
employers and universities are looking for. Whilst completing your main course
you will also study Wales, Europe, the World, Work Related Education and
Personal and Social Education.
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| With Ystrad Mynach students studying on their 2nd year of their Level 3 Sports Course |
Assessment
To gain the National Diploma in
Sport you must complete internal assessments. Assessments will cover practical
skills, oral questioning, assignment work and written questions. All units are
assessed, graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.
On Completion / Achievement
Progression
First Diploma in Community Sports
Development, HND / Degree in Sports Studies, Leisure Management, Recreation
Management, Teacher Training, Fitness / Leisure Centre Officer.
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| With some of the students from Ystrad Mynach College who joined me on the BRIT 2012 mile walk and are studying sport |
Important Information
The Course Information held on www.ystrad-mynach.ac.uk
is correct at today's date. The College asserts its right to modify or cancel
courses and amend prices without prior notice. All courses are subject to
sufficient enrolments and appropriate approval from external bodies. Awarding
bodies are currently reviewing some qualifications and this could result in the
content of some courses being amended. Tuition fees cover one Academic Year or
the duration of the course if less than one year.
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| With Sports Course students from Ystrad Mynach College who are studying sport and joined me on my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
I had a fantastic day and hardly
a minute went by during the 6 mile walk when I wasn’t speaking to or being
joined by a student. It was an education for me to listen to so many young
people who shared their aspirations, difficulties or thoughts on a wide variety
of subjects. We had great fun and I was absolutely captivated by so many
young people who were totally honest, open and trusting in me to share their
journeys. I felt privileged to spend today at the College and to be joined by
such a super group of young people.
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| With the students from Ystrad Mynach College who planned the 6 mile route to make Day 256 of the BRIT 2012 mile walk happen |
I wish all of the students I met
the very best of luck with their studies and following their aspirations to
achieve what they want to. As tough as it can be to reach those goals,
particularly with the many difficulties they face, I felt that the young people
I met today desperately want to reach their goals and are doing all they can to
make it happen. I was inspired by the courage and determination of the
students I met.
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| Sports Course students from Ystrad Mynach College who supported me on my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
I am sincerely grateful to the
staff of the college who helped to coordinate the walk and the students joining
me. Many thanks to Dave, Gabbie, Gail, Gemma, Geraint, Greg, Lisa, Mark, Myra,
Neil, Nick, Rebecca and Rhian for supporting me and giving me the opportunity
to spend time with the students today.
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| With the staff from Ystrad Mynach College who coordinated the BRIT 2012 mile walk on Day 256 |
A great Day 256 of the BRIT 2012
mile walk and an absolute pleasure to be in Hengeod, Caerphilly.
Finishing the day with 395 miles
to go.
Best wishes,
Phil