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Cadbury College Thrilled to Announce Exciting Partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome
An incredibly exciting and pioneering new partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome is set to give Sandwell College and Cadbury Sixth Form College learners exclusive access to one of the city’s biggest theatre brands.
Creative Arts leaders at the college are embracing the extremely promising prospects of the partnership and the vital insights into the performing arts industry it will give to current and prospective students.
Valuable work experience opportunities will be a major plus for Performing Arts and Musical Theatre students keen to experience life in the spotlight.
Learners will also benefit from behind-the-scenes access to theatre productions and companies, and special appreciation of what goes into set construction and assembly, scenic painting and prop-making.
As a taster of what the future has in store, Sandwell Performing Arts students were recently treated to an exclusive preview of musical spectacular Play On! at the Hippodrome.
Set in the jazz scene of New York’s Cotton Club, this stylish retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong, fuses the thrilling music of Duke Ellington with street dance choreography.
Michelle King, Sandwell College’s Head of Creative Industries, said: “This new partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome is incredibly exciting for us – it will allow our current and prospective students to gain valuable experiences and insights into the performing arts industry, providing them with exclusive access to one of Birmingham’s biggest theatre brands and internationally-renowned productions and companies. We can’t wait to develop our relationship with the Hippodrome and offer so many more opportunities as part of the creative industries curriculum.”
Chris Sudworth, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Creative Director concluded: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sandwell College and Cadbury Sixth Form College to inspire the next generation of creative talent. By providing exclusive access to our productions, backstage experiences, and industry expertise, we aim to ignite students’ passion for the performing arts and equip them with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams. Collaborations like this are vital in nurturing a vibrant arts community, and we are excited to see the incredible opportunities this partnership will bring to life.”
SafeHaven launched in partnership with Cadbury Sixth Form College
We are pleased to announce the launch of SafeHaven, a new initiative created in partnership with Cadbury Sixth Form College, which will empower local youth through creative arts, sports, and community-building activities.
SafeHaven will provide a safe and inspiring environment for young people at Cadbury Sixth Form College with free entry for ages 9-17. The programme aims to foster self-expression, resilience, and teamwork among young people through a wide range of activities, from music production to sports and visual arts.
The initiative will run twice a week, offering tailored sessions to engage both primary and secondary school students. Mondays (4PM – 6PM) will feature activities for primary students ages 9-13, while Wednesdays (4PM – 6PM) will be focused on secondary students ages 13-17.
Each session provides participants with exciting opportunities to explore new skills and hobbies, including multi-sports, arts and crafts, music production, drama, console gaming, and Warhammer. Workshops will also feature hip-hop, graffiti, and drawing sessions led by Creative Birmingham Arts Therapy UK, encouraging creativity and cultural expression.
West Midlands Police played a pivotal role in securing funding from Clarion Housing, which was used for resources such as uniforms and gaming equipment, which will enhance the programme’s accessibility and engagement.
PC Constable Matt Shakespeare, West Midlands Police, said: “SafeHaven is a wonderful initiative that will provide young people with positive outlets for self-expression and growth. Our collaboration with Cadbury Sixth Form College on this project reinforces our commitment to supporting Birmingham’s youth and fostering a safer, more connected community.”
Lydia Maher, Principal at Cadbury Sixth Form College comments: “We are delighted to launch SafeHaven as a space where young people can feel empowered, safe, and inspired. This project aligns with our mission to not only educate but to actively engage with the community and help build brighter futures for the young people in our local area.”
This initiative will be a significant addition to Cadbury Sixth Form College’s community offerings. To book your space, please click here.
Asa Gordon Joins Sandwell Family of Colleges as Deputy Principal, Curriculum and Skills
This week, Asa Gordon joins the Sandwell Family of Colleges – of which Cadbury Sixth Form College forms part – as Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Skills, stepping into this role as David Holden retires after a successful decade at the College.
Asa comes to Sandwell from his previous position as Vice Principal at Bradford College, where he had a remit from the Governors to deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of students, employers and the community. His achievements there included introducing a skills-focused programme for young people, a responsive adult offering aligned to meet the skills gap identified through the Local Skills Improvement Plan, and the launch of Higher Technical Qualifications and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.
With extensive experience in leading apprenticeships, Asa previously led apprentices at Bradford to success before becoming Assistant Principal for Study Programmes and Adult Provision. He is committed to the transformative role of Further Education, having served the sector for over 20 years and participated on several strategic boards. Additionally, he is an experienced school governor.
Asa’s appointment will be followed in January by the new Senior Vice Principal for Quality and Student Success. Asa joins Lisa Capper MBE, the new CEO and Principal, who also took up her post this week.
Lisa Capper MBE commented: “I am delighted that Asa is joining the Sandwell Family of Colleges for his next challenge. Developing the skills pipeline for young people, adults, and apprentices is crucial for the areas surrounding our colleges and the West Midlands region. Asa brings invaluable experience in curriculum development across key sectors, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Asa shared: “I can’t wait to get started meeting colleagues and learners and supporting our plans for continued success. It’s an exciting time to be joining and contributing to the local area and the wider City region.”
Alan Taylor, Chair of Governors, added: “Asa is a great addition to our team as we move forward with our exciting developments and our relentless focus on learner success.”
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Which Careers Did Our Amazing Alumni Choose?
If you need inspiration for choosing your degree destination after sixth form, take a tip from Cadbury’s Class of 2023. Creative, scientific, business, health and humanities – they’ve got them all covered – along with the most popular career choices. In fact, there’s everything from nursing, criminology and architecture to data science, forensic psychology and film-making.
Sometimes it can feel like you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on that final degree direction, but it needn’t be a case of choosing one or the other. Our 2023 class found their perfect matches by combining Business & Marketing, Ancient History & History, Criminology & Psychology, Civil & Transportation Engineering, International Relations & Economics, and Radiotherapy & Oncology.
Enrich your experience
Want to investigate and really get under the skin of something new? If you’re looking for a completely new challenge, do some outside the box thinking and opt for higher study in Artificial Intelligence, Construction Project Management, Paramedic Science, Marine Biology, Professional Policing or even Horology.
Never work with children or animals the old saying goes. But that hasn’t deterred our alumni from going into teaching and studying Early Childhood Education and Care, Education and SEND, Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status, Working with Children, Young People and Families, or even Zoology with a (wait for it) Year Abroad!
Sandwich Placements 🥪
Looking to fill up your CV before you even graduate? Well degrees like Biochemistry, Computer Games Technology, Cyber Security, Digital Media Computing, Media and Communication can offer you a professional placement year or industrial experience as an integral part of your course. Food for thought!
So if you want to follow a similar path to our amazing alumni, or start your very own career trajectory, we’ve got some incredible courses that will set you on your way.
Bon appetit! Cadbury was the first of a series of colleges in the region to thank their local community with food and friendship by hosting the Big Community Lunch.
Cadbury students and staff were saying thank you to more than 60 guests from Kings Norton Primary School and local care homes, with a picnic-style lunch attended by HM The King’s representative, the Deputy Lieutenant Dr M Sakhawat.
The special occasion involved delicious food, creative craft activities, face painting and live music from students. Students were also responsible for helping to organise the event and make it as sustainable as possible.
Executive Director for Human Resources and Organisational Development, Becky Beaty, said: “The Big Lunch is a wonderful opportunity for neighbours and communities to come together for a few hours of friendship, food, and fun. It aims to connect people and foster friendlier, safer communities where conversations, ideas, skills, resources, and friendship can be shared.
“A big thank to our hosts, the hugely committed student support team who are key to our positive learning environment and to ensuring all learners have full access to their studies through a broad range of pastoral and welfare services.”
The project, which is being organised and run by the West Midlands Lieutenancy, means Cadbury will join fellow further education colleges in the region in hosting community events throughout June.
More than a thousand people are set to attend lunches, afternoon teas and picnics, which will coincide with the year’s Big Lunch project to celebrate everything that makes our communities great.
The Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said; “I’m delighted that so many colleges from right across the region are getting involved with this year’s #FE Big Lunch.
“Launched last year to coincide with the Coronation, the initiative has really taken off and is set to be bigger and better than ever.
“With a sustainable and environmentally friendly theme this year, the West Midlands Lieutenancy is pleased to be supporting these important community events and we hope everyone has a great time.”
The Sandwell family of colleges – of which Cadbury Sixth Form College forms part – is delighted to announce the appointment of its new CEO and Principal Lisa Capper MBE.
Lisa takes up the position from Graham Pennington, who has held the post since 2014, transforming the family of colleges into one of the largest providers of education to young people in the country.
Lisa joins from her role as CEO and Principal at Stoke on Trent College where she has transformed the quality of provision and financial health of the college, securing significant partnerships and profile for its continued success in meeting the skills needs of learners and employers.
Campus Principal Lydia Maher continues to lead the highly successful Cadbury Sixth Form College as it celebrates 40 years of tradition and innovation.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Capper said: “I am delighted to be joining the Sandwell family of colleges at such an exciting time. The college offers great opportunity for the young people and residents of Sandwell and Birmingham to achieve their education and skills’ ambitions and develop their careers. I am looking forward to working with the talented and dedicated teams across all sites and hope that I can bring my skills and experience to build on their tremendous achievements.”
Alan Taylor, Chair of the Governing Board at the College said: “Lisa brings extensive experience of senior leadership and governance in further education, and through the roles she has held in colleges, charities and in government, a demonstrable commitment to the learners we serve. We are delighted to welcome Lisa to the Sandwell family of colleges and look forward to her joining us in the autumn.
“On behalf of the Board, I should like to extend our thanks to Graham for all his work and contribution to the progress of the colleges over the past decade.”
