Paras Career for Public Services Student

Public Services student Kieran McLaughlin, 17, is celebrating being accepted into the army’s highly prestigious Parachute Division. Kieran had his Attestation on May 18, at which he swears his oath of allegiance, prior to joining on May 21.

Kieran comments, “The Parachute Regiment is one of the best you can join. It will be really hard work, but I like to push myself and feel proud when I achieve something. The idea of parachuting really appeals to me as well.

“The course at Dunstable College got me interested in it; we had a visit and talk from the army, which got me thinking about my career and so I went down to the careers’ office and took it from there. The course trip to Bassingbourn, which I loved, helped me finalise my plans. The course is good, it’s hard work but worthwhile. The teachers know what they are talking about and it’s the right course for anyone considering a career in the public services.”

Accessing new opportunities – two adult success stories

In the past month two Access to Higher Education learners have applied for/been granted cash awards from two local charities.

Karen Brandom is a second year part-time Access learner who has been nominated for the Helena Kennedy Foundation, Nursing Bursary of £1,000. Karen has successfully completed year one of the Access course and has accepted a place on the Higher Education Diploma in Adult Nursing at Stoke Mandeville Hospital (University of Luton). Karen is an inspiration to other learners and a credit to her cohort. She lives in Heath and Reach and is the mother of seven children. Although Karen has to rely on public transport to attend College (taking four bus journeys each day) her attendance and punctuality are excellent; as is the quality of her work and her attitude to learning. Should she be awarded this bursary, Karen will put the money towards the purchase of a car.

Kylie Howard is a full-time Access learner who has been awarded £1,500 from the Kathleen and Michael Connolly (UK) Foundation. Kylie is due to complete her studies this year and has accepted a place on the BSc Midwifery course at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital (University of Luton). Kylie is a diligent and committed learner who always produces work of the highest standard. Kylie will put the money towards the cost of childcare for her two pre-school age children.

Access to Higher Education is a full-time/part-time, one year/two year, level three course. It provides a direct route into Higher Education for learners over 19 years of age. Traditionally learners go on to Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work degree courses at either the University of Luton or De Montfort University. The Access course provides them with a guaranteed interview at either of these universities.

Both of these learners personify the possibilities available locally to adults who wish to go on to study at university. They are a credit to their course and we wish them well in their future careers.

Girls' team success too

The girls on the football development programme played in the final league 7-a-side tournament at Middlesex University on Wednesday 10 May. They have qualified for this in previous tournaments that have been played throughout the year.

There were nine teams who played a round robin competition with each game lasting 11 minutes. Our squad consisted of nine girls and they rotated for each game played. The overall result was that they came 4th, only losing to the teams ranked above them.

They all played enthusiastically and gave 100%. The conditions were very warm but the last two games were excellent and they won both 4:0.

The photo shows some of the girls in the team.

Cup Glory for Dunstable Boys

The boys' team from the Dunstable College Football Development Programme has won the SESSA Cup 2006. SESSA is the Southern England Students' Sports Association and the boys came away as the Soccer Intermediate Plate Winners 2005-6.

The final against West Herts College took place at the Ford Training Ground in Essex on Wednesday 26 April. The boys did not play particularly well at the beginning of the first half, but started to get together before half-time; however, they were unfortunate to go into half-time 1:0 down. They came out in the second half a much better, more controlled team and eventually managed to grab an equalising goal from Terry Billy. Towards the end of the half, the Dunstable boys were playing good football and seemed in control and were lucky to get a penalty 5 minutes from time. Phil Feakes mis-kicked the ball and it went wide. It was a nervous last few minutes to the final whistle. The final result then went to penalties.

The first penalty was taken by Phil Feakes who put this one in the net, the following goals were scored evenly with the opposition. Niall Lynch, Danny Howson and Gary Catlin all scored from the spot. Gary then went on to save a penalty from West Herts and the final kick was left to Ryan Mulford, who was playing his first match of the season due to a bad back injury. Nervously he took the kick, which was spot on target which allowed the boys to triumphantly collect the well deserved trophy.

The photo shows the boys in training.

Girls' Football Team success

The girls on the football development programme played in the final league 7-a-side tournament at Middlesex University on Wednesday 10 May. They have qualified for this in previous tournaments that have been played throughout the year.
There were nine teams who played a round robin competition with each game lasting 11 minutes. Our squad consisted of nine girls and they rotated for each game played. The overall result was that they came 4th, only losing to the teams ranked above them.
They all played enthusiastically and gave 100%. The conditions were very warm but the last two games were excellent and they won both 4:0.
The photo shows some of the girls in the team.