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Alumni Spotlight: Mervely’s Digital T Level Experience
Mervely Kiese is currently studying Software Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University after successfully completing his course at Cadbury Sixth Form College in T Level Digital Production, Design and Development.
During his T Level course, Mervely acquired problem analysis skills and web development experience from his 315 hour work placement with The Graded Gallery.
He also completed an LTSB Bootcamp and explains his aims now are to: “leverage my analytical expertise and learn from the best during an apprenticeship while travelling the world and meeting diverse people. I have a natural passion for precision and attention to detail.
“My goal is to get an internship to further develop my technical skills in places that matter. I am currently working on multiple programming projects that I will be posting in the near future. As part of T Levels Week, it’s great to be able to support the initiative and share my story.”
Great start Mervely!
Film Production Tour for T Level Media Team
T Level Media, Broadcast and Production students from Cadbury Sixth Form College were introduced to the many facets of film production at Wolverhampton Screen School.
It was a highly engaging experience for our Young Professionals Academy students as they had the opportunity to design a set and experiment with all the professional equipment needed to shoot a short film.
The T Level students were also given the chance to tour the site, see the green room and animation studio, and learn more about their creative courses.
Learners really enjoyed expressing their performing talents as well as using all of the high-tech industry equipment.
Even our T Level Employer Co-ordinator Jessica Gardner and T Level Media Lecturer Andy Shaw got involved in the action!
Nex-T Level Maltese Experience for Cadbury Childcare Learners
A life-changing adventure for Cadbury Sixth Form College students! Twenty of our T Level Education & Early Years and BTEC Travel & Tourism students recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the stunning island of Malta for a work experience programme like no other!
Learners swapped the classroom for real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience in schools, nurseries, hotels, and travel agencies across the island for two weeks. They not only put their knowledge into practice but also developed invaluable skills to boost their future employability—all while soaking up Malta’s rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience was made possible thanks to our partnership with TravelEdventures, which focuses on combining education and travel to unlock students’ potential.
Becky Westwood, Travel & Tourism Lecturer and Curriculum Lead, said: “It’s such a fantastic opportunity for our students to not only expand their learning outside the classroom but also experience a new culture and create memories with their friends that will last a lifetime. They all fitted into their work placements really well and did the college proud.”
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What can I tell you to make Cadbury Sixth Form College your best experience yet? Well here are my best tips for really making the most of your time and preparations for the big move!
3 TIPS FOR APPLYING TO COLLEGE (Trust me, you’re going to want to know the last one!)
Number 1: Do Your Research
Make sure you seek advice and visit open days to see the college for yourself.
Number 2: Apply Early
The earlier you apply, the sooner you can secure your place and concentrate on your exams. Makes sense right?
Not only that, you can take advantage of exclusive support available to offer holders.
Number 3: Pick Subjects That You Enjoy And That You’re Good At
Not everyone knows what they want to be when they’re older – and that’s fine!
Cadbury has one of the largest course offers in the region. And for that reason you don’t have to compromise what you enjoy.
5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE
Number 1: Pick A Subject You Enjoy
The subjects you choose will be your primary focus for the next two years. Why don’t you make those next two years as enjoyable as possible?
Number 2: This Isn’t Like School
Say goodbye to assemblies, morning registration, and most importantly detention. You’ll be treated like an adult here.
Number 3: Time Management Is Super Important
Free periods aren’t always about catching up with your mates. They should be used to get ahead, whether that’s revising or studying certain subjects.
Number 4: Everybody’s Too Caught Up In Their Own Appearances To Worry About Yours
In College you finally get to wear your own clothes and express yourself. The last thing you want to be doing is worrying what other people think. Trust me!
Finally, Number 5: Take Care Of Yourself
College can be a big step from school and whilst it does involve a lot of study and work time, it’s really important that you take care of yourself and your wellbeing. And just enjoy it – you’ve got this guys!
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CADBURY STUDENT
8am: I left the house – I’ll never get used to these dark mornings. I got on the bus with my free bus pass because Cadbury girlies do not pay for their transport 😊
9am: I headed to my first health class which I’m doing a T Level in. I’d love to be a nurse someday and this course is the first step to getting there.
11am: Ok, this is when my day got weird. Our college has a brand-new building and it’s kitted out with loads of hi-tec stuff, including VR. This was actually the most fun lesson ever. We even printed out Lego!
1pm: VR made me so hungry, so it was time for lunch. On the menu today was my favourite cheesy pasta bake with a cheeky bit of garlic bread.
2pm: I had a free period where I caught up with some coursework because I really do not want to be falling behind.
3pm: I headed over to music club which is always such a laugh. What a tune!
4pm: I grabbed a drink and headed home.
I BET YOUR COLLEGE DOESN’T HAVE THIS!
This is Cadbury College’s brand-new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths centre – and I am loving it!
This huge centre supports students looking to enter careers in manufacturing, life sciences, digital media and loads more. And it even has digital learning labs and virtual reality suites which offer coding and robotics opportunities for T Levels and A Levels.
My favourite part has to be the flexible studying and social spaces – absolutely perfect for catching up with your mates. If you fancy having a look around, make sure to check our upcoming open days.
Cadbury Sixth Form College has officially opened its new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Centre.
To mark the official launch of the £6.6 million STEM campus building, guests enjoyed an exclusive tour of the centre and its state-of-the-art facilities. The new sign was even unveiled by our robot dog Toto!
Due to the overwhelming demand for places at Cadbury, the new centre is focused on delivering a new technical curriculum, responding to a growing demand for specialist teaching facilities and learning for students. Funded by the Department for Education and the College, 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 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 our multi-year investment following the opening of our £3.5 million Science City facilities in 2021.
Lydia Maher, Campus Principal, said: “We’re incredibly proud to open the doors to our new STEM centre, which supports the growing need for specialist skills across the region, so we can continue to foster leading talent for advanced manufacturing, life sciences and other critical growth sectors of the economy. In line with our commitment to provide exceptional teaching standards, our new centre empowers students to capitalise on the hugely exciting career opportunities in STEM, with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field that will equip them with the future-proof skills they need for their next step – whether it’s university, an apprenticeship, or their first job.
“Cadbury College celebrates 40 years of success this year, and we can now offer students the broadest choice of advanced courses, including A Levels, T Levels and vocational qualifications, across Birmingham, and the opportunity to study in industry-leading facilities.”
Cadbury College Careers team is celebrating the culmination of three years’ hard work by clinching a prestigious award for its high-quality provision.
The Quality in Careers Standard recognises the team’s outstanding contribution to enhancing the employability of the college’s alumni, focusing on personal development, industry partnerships, and innovative career workshops.
Three years ago, the journey began when the team started working towards the quality award, creating a holistic careers programme that prepared and empowered students to pursue their passions and enter the job market with confidence as part of its strategy.
Schools and colleges are all strongly recommended to achieve and maintain the Quality in Careers Standard, which is the national quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in secondary schools, colleges and work-based learning.
Careers Coordinator and Adviser for Cadbury Sixth Form College, Andrew Farthing, said: “For the past three years we have been collecting evidence about the quality of our Careers delivery and content, and students’ understanding.
“This included mapping what we do cross-site, cross-curriculum and within the careers team, against extensive criteria. Two external professional assessors spent the morning with students and staff after trawling through masses of documentary evidence submitted by the team.
“We are delighted to see that our perseverance and commitment to excellence have helped us gain the national standard.”
Assistant Principal for Student Services, Angela Tombs, said: “This award is something for us to be very proud of. This is not just a testament to the team’s hard work but also a beacon of inspiration for our current and future students.”
The Standard is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance and fully complies with the Department for Education’s statutory guidance.
Learning providers must supply sufficient current evidence to demonstrate that they meet all national accreditation criteria in their overall careers provision to gain the national Standard.
