News
Cadbury Design Graduate Wins Global KSI Competition
One of Cadbury’s successful alumni, Hamza Ali, has won a competition to create a new Reddit icon for social media superstar KSI. Hamza, who is set to graduate from Birmingham City University as a Graphic Designer in the summer, has been praised for his “passion, imagination and huge flair” by the famous YouTube influencer.
Hamza saw off thousands of rivals from around the world with his entry, which will now be viewed by KSI’s army of 2.9m followers. KSI, who also has more than 20 million subscribers on YouTube, added: “I’ve seen Hamza’s work all over Reddit. I love his passion, imagination and huge flair for artistic design. I know his work is in hot demand by other YouTube influencers. He is very talented. Hamza managed to whip up a madness of colours and energy, combining all the things I love in this icon. The design is super awesome and sick.”
Hamza, who goes by the name Ballpoint Papi on social media and has more than 40,000 followers across TikTok, X and Instagram, said: “It’s pretty amazing and it’s hard to put into words what this means. KSI rarely changes his icon for Reddit, so it’s really massive. It means the entire KSI community will know my work. KSI is very into Dragon Ball Z, so the icon was inspired by this and the Reddit logo.”
Hamza hopes this competition win will improve his chances of impressing leading design agencies in the USA when he heads to New York later this year with a group of fellow creatives from the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media at BCU. He also plans on travelling to Japan to publicise his work next summer with a series of exhibitions.
He added: “Apart from my academic pursuits, I have arranged studio visits in New York City. During my visit, I will be exploring ‘SlangInc’ and Design Bridge to broaden my knowledge and gain real-time exposure to the professional world of graphic design. This opportunity follows a similar experience I had last year when I met with esteemed designers such as Michael Beirut at Pentagram and Georgia Stout at 2×4. These visits have shaped my approach to design and have inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity.”
Hamza credited his experience and lecturers at Cadbury for paving the way to his growing success. “The A Levels I chose have played a significant role in shaping me into the designer I am today. Stuart, my former graphic design tutor at Cadbury, challenged me creatively, and I am incredibly grateful for him pushing me beyond the boundaries of what is considered ‘normal’ for a graphics designer. He encouraged me to pursue a career in graphic design, and I attribute my success in this field to his guidance and unwavering support.”
You can view Hamza’s winning icon here
New £6.6 million STEM Centre at Cadbury
A new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) Centre has opened to its very first students at Cadbury Sixth Form College.
Due to the overwhelming demand for places at Cadbury Sixth Form College, the £6.6 million centre is focused on delivering a new technical curriculum, responding to a growing demand for specialist teaching facilities and learning for students. The centre aims to ensure that Cadbury Sixth Form College can offer students the broadest choice of advanced courses, including A levels, T Levels and vocational qualifications, across Birmingham.
The 1,000 sqm, two storey STEM Centre supports the education of young people looking to enter careers in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and other critical sectors of the economy. It houses dedicated suites for Digital Media, Health, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Employee Engagement. Digital learning labs and VR suites will offer robotics and coding opportunities for new T Level and A Level courses, alongside a media suite, a practical healthcare learning space, extended classrooms and flexible study and social spaces.
The project marks Phase 2 of Cadbury College’s ambition to position itself to support as many young people as possible who aspire to advanced learning and university; and continues the multi-year investment following the opening of its £3.5 million Science City facilities in 2021. This new facility will support the growing need for new skills and jobs across Birmingham and the West Midlands for both universities and employers.
Julia Stevens, Principal of Cadbury Sixth Form College, commented: “We’re so excited to open the doors to our new STEM Centre, providing local students with even more opportunities to study in state-of-the-art facilities.
“The new building allows students to get hands on and see what their industry looks like, preparing them for life after college – whether that be for university or straight into employment. By providing specialist teaching facilities in growth areas such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences, the new STEM Centre will be a huge benefit to the wider community and the regional economy.”
To find out more about the new STEM Centre at Cadbury College, sign up now for one of our next open days.
Images © Speller Metcalfe
Cadbury 2023 Wrapped!
Excellent Results
We celebrated record results this year at Cadbury and our pass rate went UP for the third year running!
BBC Breakfast visited us ahead of A Level Results Day to film an interview with our student Zeeshan, who was nervously (but confidently!) awaiting his exam grades.
Among our star students were:
• Florida who achieved A*AA and is now at the University of Birmingham studying Biochemistry
• Arun who got AAA and is now studying Law at the University of Nottingham
• Sherika who achieved A*AB and started an apprenticeship with tax, audit and advisory firm Grant Thornton
• T Level students Lucy and Jessica, who both achieved Distinctions. Lucy is now studying Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University and Jessica is studying Counselling at Newman University.
New Developments
Our state-of-the-art STEM centre is now complete and students are now beginning their first year of studies in this brand-new £10 million Science City campus.
Perfect Partnerships
Thanks to Old Friends Care Ltd – a local domiciliary care company, our Level 3 Health and Social Care students were able to complete their moving and handling training, and learn more about care assistant and care manager job roles in the healthcare industry.
Criminology students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in mock crime scenes and discover the fascinating world of collecting and analysing evidence at a CSI day with CSI Training Events.
Next-Level Events
• Cadbury Culture Day celebrated the amazing diversity of our college.
• King Charles III’s royal representative Deputy Lieutenant Ian Sargeant OBE was a special guest at the Cadbury Big Coronation Party and tree planting ceremony.
• Creative Arts students wrapped up their studies in style with a striking End of Year Show.
Landmark Visits
• Spanish A Level students put their language skills to effective use in Malaga
• English Language & Literature, French, and Early Modern History students explored the cultural and historic sights of Paris
• 3D Design students got a chance to catch the quirky Arnifurniture exhibition at the Design Museum and the inspirational Herzog & De Meuron exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts
• Science students spent an incredible day at BBC Birmingham where they teamed up with BBC STEM Ambassadors, who are experts in using and communicating science
• Performing Arts students went to see an immersive-style production of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre in London and had fun interacting with the cast members
• Ex-professional football player Luke Staton and entrepreneurial success David Baldwin hosted an Empowerment Day for Business and Finance students. David shared his story of building up his family business and selling it for £250m!
• Stage star Nic Myers worked with our Performing Arts Students on a Cabaret Masterclass. Nic, who has just returned from a four-mouth residency at the Lido in Paris performing in Cabaret, taught students choreography
• Law students from Cadbury got real-life Crown Court experience in a Bar Mock Trial Competition.
Inspirational Projects
Cadbury’s new Fab Lab was awarded funding from Millennium Point to invest in emerging technologies. The funding has been used to set up a 3D Immersive Learning Lab, introducing innovative STEM-related learning projects, such as virtual reality programming.
Stars of Tomorrow
• One of Cadbury’s Star Alumni Khalid Daley – currently starring in Hamilton – returned from the West End to run a musical theatre masterclass for Performing Arts students
• Science student Zainab Mallah was one of the 2023 finalists for Further Education/Higher Education Student of the Year in the Titan Awards at Aston University.
We’re looking forward to even more in 2024! Join us on our journey 😊
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**Here’s Everything You Need to Know About College Enrolment!**
With GCSE results day just around the corner, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves about what’s next. But don’t worry—whether you’re thinking about your course options or have any questions on the process of enrolment, we’ve got you covered.
At Cadbury Sixth Form College, we want to make your transition from school to our College as smooth as possible. That’s why we’ve set up a dedicated enrolment webpage packed with all the info you need to feel confident and prepared for September. From course selection advice to step-by-step guides on how to apply, it’s all there for you to access.
But that’s not all—if you have any questions which are on your mind, our friendly team is ready to help. You can reach out to them directly via our live chat feature, available Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM (excluding bank holidays). Whether you’re wondering which courses to pick or need help with your application, just drop them a message.
Don’t miss out on this chance to get all your questions answered. Check out our enrolment page and get ready to start your Cadbury College journey with confidence!
Find out more and chat to us here.
Cadbury Sixth Form College students have been celebrating record A Level results today, with an increase in the pass rate for the fourth year running!
The class of 2024 have achieved an exceptional 99% pass rate with many students getting the top grades. 28 different subjects and qualifications saw a 100% pass rate, including Physics, English Literature and Language, French, Italian, Geography and Sociology.
These results will give learners the best chance to embark on university and employment opportunities, including further education, apprenticeships and work placements across the city and throughout the UK.
Excellent results were also secured for students studying T Level courses, and alongside moving onto prestigious universities across the country, a number of students have secured high profile apprenticeships.
- Star Student Esther Scourse achieved the ultimate triple A star in Biology, Chemistry and Maths! She is about to embark on her next amazing academic journey to the University of Sheffield to study Medicine
- Star Student Cana Muneyi-Cargill achieved an amazing two A stars in Biology and Graphic Communication and an A in Chemistry!
She said: “It would have been nice to get the round triple A star but I mean, I can’t complain at all! I needed ABB to get into the University of Liverpool to study Veterinary Science so I’m really happy!”
Principal of Cadbury Sixth Form College, Lydia Maher, said: “I’d like to personally congratulate all our students at Cadbury Sixth Form College; they should be incredibly proud of the results that have been achieved today. Whichever path our students choose to follow – whether it’s university, apprenticeships or work placements – I’ve no doubt that they have a bright and exciting future ahead of them.
“I’d also like to thank our dedicated team of teachers and support staff, who go above and beyond to ensure every single student receives the support and guidance they need to achieve their full potential. It’s been a hugely rewarding year at the College and I’m so pleased to see the class of 2024 secure such exceptional results.”
Sandwell College Group Principal and Chief Executive, Graham Pennington, said: “We’ve had another exceptional year across the Sandwell family of colleges: Cadbury Sixth Form College, Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form College, and Sandwell College – reflecting the dedication and resilience of our students, and the outstanding support provided by our dedicated staff.
“We have also achieved outstanding results from our students studying BTECs and other vocational qualifications.
“While we’ve seen a record number of applications this year, we still have availability for young people who haven’t yet applied. Enrolment begins on Thursday August 22nd, and we welcome those eager to take the next step in their education.
“I also want to reassure any students concerned about their GCSE results. Rest assured, your place at the college is secure. Whatever your results, we’re here to guide you through your next steps. There is no need for concern – simply come in and enrol. We’re here to support you.”
More than 50 different A Levels, T Levels and BTEC Diplomas are delivered by Cadbury Sixth Form College’s specialist faculty. The team is committed to not only preparing students for the transition to university, but also helping them to build a strong skill set for the workplace, within an enriching and supportive learning environment.
Enrolment for September 2024 opens on Thursday 22nd August at Cadbury Sixth Form College. Visit enrol.cadbury.ac.uk for opening times and more information.
Create your Cadbury experience! Enrol today and discover a whole new world of opportunities to build your bright future with us.Enrolment for A Levels, T Levels and BTEC courses at Cadbury Sixth Form College starts as soon as you get your results. Not only will you get a warm welcome and one-to-one expert careers guidance, every single Cadbury student is entitled to a free bus pass for stress-free travel to college, courtesy of our Mega Deal.
40 years of innovation and tradition
Renowned as a centre of excellence, Cadbury is inviting you to take your first step towards making your future goals happen. We have invested £10 million in brand-new facilities and once you join us you will benefit from studying in a £6.6million state-of-the-art STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) centre, tapping into the region’s flourishing creative and digital sector.
50+ individual subjects to inspire
Yes, there are more than 50 different A Level, T Level and BTEC subjects for you to choose from. You can create your own customisable experience by opting for a massive variety of A Level courses – everything from Biology and Business to Law and English Literature – with the unique opportunity to combine these with vocational studies, such as Health & Social Care, Performing Arts or Criminology, to create a bespoke and flexible learning experience. If you’re looking for a more work-focused approach, Cadbury also offers T Levels, combining classroom study with a substantial industry placement, connecting you straight to early careers in Digital Design & Development, Health, Education & Childcare, and more.
Supportive and inclusive
Inspiring teams of tutors go above and beyond to not only prepare Cadbury students for the transition to university, but to also help them build a strong skillset for the workplace, within a supportive and enriching environment.
Priding itself on a diverse, inclusive and friendly learning environment which is designed to meet the needs and aspirations of every young individual, every student is supported to reach their full potential.
Trusted by parents
“When Zaynab got her results I was elated. I would recommend Cadbury Sixth Form College as it’s very supportive. The staff were very good and whenever Zaynab requested support, they were always there. Her results were outstanding.” This what the parents of former Zaynab had to say after her Cadbury experience. She is now studying Human Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham and is a Diana Award recipient.
Aspirational Alumni
Hamilton star Khalid Daley and BBC football expert Eniola Aluko to Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey and Auto Trader UK successful product design apprentice Eniya Ali – the list goes on!
Lydia Maher, Principal of Cadbury Sixth Form College, says: “At Cadbury Sixth Form College we pride ourselves on offering an inclusive, nurturing, and aspirational environment for young people to flourish in. Our mission is to provide high quality education leading to excellent higher education and employment prospects for our students. We want to unlock the full potential of every single learner, ensuring that they leave us fully prepared for a bright and successful future. Whatever your plans might be, we’re here and ready to help – so there’s no better time to see first-hand the exciting opportunities on offer.”
Get ahead
Join us at enrolment today! Whatever your results, we’re here to guide you through your next steps. There is no need for concern – simply come in, talk to us and enrol. We’re here to support you.
