Dearne Valley College Supports Colleges Week 2020

Following the success of last year’s ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign, Dearne Valley College dedicated Colleges Week 2020 to highlighting the amazing work colleges do and why long-term investment is crucial for their future.

Dearne Valley College is at the heart of its community, working with businesses and helping to educate and train many young people and adult learners each year.

This year’s theme was ‘At the centre of…’ giving colleges a chance to celebrate the role they play in supporting people, communities and industries, particularly throughout the challenging times of COVID-19.

Horticulture students planted trees to raise awareness of the effects of climate change. Horticulture Curriculum Team Leader Ian Marshall was at hand guiding the students.

Ian said: “It’s terrific to involve our green-fingered students in something so poignant and practical. They’ve done a stellar job planting the trees on our site and should be proud of themselves for fostering something that will grow for generations.”

Motor Vehicle students also got their digital hands dirty, making a series of short videos about the fantastic work they do on internal combustion, hybrid and electric motors. Acting as a handy assistant was a mask-wearing James May cardboard cut-out in each video – see if you can spot him!

Staff from Manvers Boathouse and Lake visited Dearne Valley College and provided students plenty of advice and information about how they can top up their physical and mental wellbeing by taking part in one of the many available water-based activities at their site. The company, which provides access to the lake for the College’s public service and sports students, will be working with the College’s horticulture students to help maintain their pristine recreational and learning environment.

Trevor Coldron works with both Manvers and Dearne Valley College, facilitating student participation in its many sporty opportunities.

Trevor said: “With restrictions on international travel, we’ve found people rediscovering gems on their doorstep.

“Whether it’s sport or a leisurely walk around the lake and stop at our café, there’s plenty to do to help your physical and mental health.”

Dearne Valley College is also looking to kickstart a Dragonboat Academy in partnership with Manvers. Level 2 Public Services student Blake Mawson-Burren is the paddleboarding Quadrathlon national champion and plans on helping lead the upcoming academy’s activities.

Blake said: “It’s great to help show the rest of the students at College how they can get involved with outdoor activities, especially at a time like this with everything going on

“I just hope to see more fresh faces turning up and getting stuck in with any of our water-based sports.”

Find out more about the wide range of choices for your future.