BACES Wellbeing Weekly Round up – Week 4

Monday – Body Care

Feeling Groovy, Have a Smoothie!

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Smoothies are very easy to make, are very good for you and taste delicious. They are a great way of getting your ‘5 a day’, can give you an energy boost when you are studying and can help to keep you hydrated. For some smoothie recipes, visit the BACES page on Moodle.

Tuesday – Achievement

Our Daily Bread

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You can’t beat fresh homemade bread and it is so satisfying and easy to make. I use honey instead of sugar and I like to put a tablespoon of olive oil in as well. Knead away your frustrations, be patient while it proves and then pop in the oven and enjoy the aroma. In no time at all you will have a magnificent loaf. Stand back and enjoy your success then serve, still warm, with good butter or olive oil. Enjoy – I bet you eat more than one slice.

Wednesday – Connect with Others

Create a Virtual Book Club

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Questions to consider at a virtual Book Club with family or friends:

1. What was your favourite part of the book?
2. What was your least favourite?
3. Did you race to the end, or was it more of a slow burn?
4. Which scene has stuck with you the most?
5. What did you think of the writing?
6. Did you reread any passages?
7. Would you want to read another book by this author?

Thursday – Enjoyment

Winter Watchlist

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Going out for more walks? Have a look at the BBC’s Winter Watchlist and see what you can spot when you are out and about.

Friday – Step Back

Reflect on your week

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WEEKLY REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1.What were my wins for the week?
2.What are my lessons from things that didn’t go quite as well?
3. Any projects or tasks I completed?
4. Any pending tasks?
5. Did I stick to my plan and stay organised?
6. How much progress did I make on my yearly goals
7. What (quote, affirmation or anything else) kept me inspired?
8. What action or habit am I proud of?
9. How much did I read?
10. What made me happy?
11.What made me stressed, unhappy or angry?
12. Anything I did to take care of my physical body?
13. Any area of life or skill I improved in?
14.What am I grateful for the most this week?

BACES Wellbeing Weekly Round up – Week 3

Monday – Body Care

Step Outside

“If you’re feeling sluggish, it might be because you are not getting enough natural light. Inside our brains, there is a master clock called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Natural light, even on a very cloudy and dreary winters day, has a powerful effect on regulating this clock and with reduced travel due to working at home, most of us are missing out on this effect. To make use of this, spend some time outside even if it’s just for a minute whilst you are sill in your PJs and drinking your morning cuppa”. Dr Faye Begeti (Neurology Doctor) 

Tuesday – Achievement

Music for Focus

Music shares neural pathways with other cognitive processes. Using classical music when studying can help to develop focus and self-control.Particular tempos, patterns and structures can help the brain enter the ‘Alpha mode’ which keeps the brain alert whilst the body relaxes. Our brains are naturally attracted to the rhythm and pattern of music. Music is also known to release dopamine which helps regulate attention. Research indicates that Baroque music, composed by Handel, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi for example specifically helps the brain enter the ‘Alpha Mode’. Not sure: Give ‘Brandenburg Concertos’ by J.S Bach or ‘Water Music’ by Handel a try. Music with lyrics can be distracting so choose wisely. If you’re not a fan of classical music then look for something with a steady bass rhythm of 60 beats/minute.

Wednesday – Connect with Others

Acts of Kindness

List five day-to-day activities you do. Then, next to each activity, write a way you can do the same activity, but with an added element of kindness. For example, “Floss & brush teeth” might get transformed into “Think of five things I’m grateful for while flossing and brushing.” This is an excellent exercise to think of ways to incorporate kindness (for others and yourself) into your daily routine.

Thursday – Enjoyment

Feathered Friends

Enjoy an hour with nature and discover the wildlife on your doorstep. Studies show that connecting with the natural world is good for our mental health and wellbeing. Gift yourself an hour of tranquility, grab a cuppa and sit somewhere comfortable to watch those robins, sparrows and starlings as they search for winter food.

Friday – Step Back

Thinking about things

It can be really stressful to feel as though you are constantly having to react to new situation or events, without a chance to process how you really feel about them. It sounds simple, but taking some time to think can help you to feel more in control again. Lots of people find that it helps to find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Others fine listening to ambient classical music can help focus their thoughts too.

BACES Wellbeing Weekly Round up – Week 2

Monday – Body Care

Healthy Sleep Schedule

It is important for our mental health and productivity that we all establish healthy regular sleeping patterns. Why not try out Sleep Cycle, an android and IOS app which tracks and analyses your sleep by tracking your breathing and wakes you up at the perfect time, feeling well rested. It also allows you to track your sleep quality over time in order for you to work out how to improve it, i.e. try turning off your phone an hour before sleep for a week and see if there is an improvement. 
 

Tuesday – Achievement

The Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik Effect might help you.

According to the Soviet psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, an activity that has been interrupted, or is incomplete, is more easily recalled. Her theory states that not finishing a task causes mental tension, which keeps the task active in our memory. Why not try starting your homework straight after the lesson when it was set and get the ball rolling immediately? You only need to work on it for a few minutes but that should make it harder to forget that it exists. 

Wednesday – Connect with Others

Virtual Lunch

It’s important to keep connected!
If you are feeling like you want a chat or missing social events? Why not get together over virtual lunch or a cuppa with a friend from college, catch up with an old school friend or a check in with a relative. Sometimes you have to make the first move. Go on, do it today!
P.S keep your eyes peeled for some virtual events hosted by us..launching soon.

Thursday – Enjoyment

Happy Feet

Pop in your ear pods and get moving to your favourite tracks to beat lockdown fever.  Dancing releases more feel-good endorphins than any other exercise. It releases negative emotions and is uncomplicated happiness. It encourages creativity and self-expression.

Friday – Step Back

Your Future Self

We are living through extraordinary times that are impacting on us in so many ways, both good and bad.

Write a letter to your future self about your experiences of lockdown. 

You can tell yourself how you are feeling, your hopes and fears, what changes it has made to your life and future plans, how it is affecting your family and friends, what new things have you tried, how you fill your days, what you miss and what you don’t etc. The list is endless.  Putting it all down can help you reflect on your experiences and put them into perspective.

Today is the last day of teaching today before the half term holidays. We hope you all have a restful week, this has been a really difficult time and we are extremely proud of all our students for their hard work and resilience. BACES will continue again over on our Instagram page on Monday 22 February. 

Major investment in Greenhead College facilities announced

Greenhead College will be one of the first Colleges in the country to receive significant capital investment to improve its facilities as part of a major building programme announced by the Government on 5 February 2021.  

The College has been working with the Department for Education to plan significant improvements to the current estate.  This will involve replacing Biology and Chemistry facilities with brand new laboratories and classrooms.  The investment will also see increased social and dining space for students.

Principal Simon Lett said:

“Greenhead College is the top-performing provider of A Levels in the local area and one of the best Sixth Form Colleges in the country.  We are thrilled the Government has chosen our College for this investment which will ensure our students continue to receive outstanding teaching and pastoral care in modern, state-of-the art facilities.

“We are currently working with the DfE and contractors to explore the scope for further development of the site.  This would allow additional students to attend the College in future years in response to the significant increase in the 16-18 year old population in Kirklees over the next 5 years.  This is a really exciting development for the College.”

For further details of the Government’s proposals, please go to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-phase-of-school-transformation-launched

24 Greenhead College students celebrate as they receive offers from Oxbridge Universities

Congratulations to:

Joe Armitage, Chloe Ahuchogu, Marlon Austin, Zainab Bhamji, Lydia Boyle Erin Bridgewater, Finlay Cook, Caitlin Darby, Hoa Duong, Madeline Flaherty, Hannah Fogg, Scott Henderson, Klaudia Losiakowska, Francesca McBride, Ifunanya Molokwu, Ben Nelson, Harriet Ostrowski Jones, Madeleine Partland, Teresa Pretismuir, Hale Salman, Evelyn Surman, William Topham, Rachel Williams and Anthony Zhao.

This year, 24 students from Greenhead College, Huddersfield are celebrating as they receive offers to study at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Universities to read a range of disciplines including Medicine, German, Mathematics, Computer Science, Philosophy, Law, English, History, Natural Sciences and Biochemistry.

Greenhead College is a highly sought after and oversubscribed Sixth Form College , with students travelling to Huddersfield from areas including Halifax, Bradford, Wakefield, Barnsley and Oldham to receive the first class education and support the college offers.

It consistently sends an impressively high number of students to these top universities and this year is no exception.

Richard Pember, Oxbridge Co-ordinator at Greenhead College said:

“This is an impressive achievement from our students, especially considering the huge disruption to their studies that the past twelve months has presented. Nationally, 1 in 7 students who apply to Oxbridge are successful in gaining an offer; roughly 1 in 3 of Greenhead students have made the grade this year. “

The continued Oxbridge success comes from a comprehensive support programme comprising of masterclasses, interview workshops, presentations by admissions tutors, residential visits, practice admissions tests and most of all, hard-working, dedicated students.
Despite this years’ limitations due to the Coronavirus, applicants were still able to take advantage of dedicated webinars and presentations delivered by staff at Oxford and Cambridge, virtual open days, virtual interview workshops and mock interview sessions and face-to-face support by their allocated Oxbridge Tutor.

The successful applicants came to Greenhead College from a range of schools including Holmfirth High, Colne Valley High, King James, Shelley College, Saddleworth High, Kettlethorpe School, Appleton Academy and more.

Evelyn Surman, who came to Greenhead College from King James School and has been offered a place at Cambridge University to study Human, Social and Political Sciences commented:

“When I first decided to apply to Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Cambridge, I was extremely daunted by the prospect of the admissions process. Composed of multiple interviews, an admissions assessment, and extra essays on top of the UCAS application, the workload seemed like an impossible task to undertake whilst studying for A-Levels. However, my Oxbridge tutor was fantastic in supporting me throughout and helped me every step of the way.

The news that I had received an offer from Cambridge came as a complete shock and it still feels surreal now! A year ago I’d never have believed I would apply, let alone secure a place! I am so grateful for all the support from staff and students at Greenhead who encouraged me to apply. “

Zainab Bhamji, who came to Greenhead from Heckmondwike Grammar and has been offered a place to study Medicine at Oxford University said:

“I’m very grateful for the support I have received during the application process from Greenhead College, and I’m really excited about the offer I have received to study Medicine, from St Anne’s College at Oxford!”

Hoa Duong came to study at Greenhead College from Bradford Academy, and has been accepted onto the Computer Science and Philosophy course at Oxford University. Commenting on his achievement he said:

“I chose to study at Greenhead College because I wanted to be surrounded by people wanting to harness their full academic potential. Even though the subject I wish to pursue at Oxford (Computer Science and Philosophy) is very niche, I felt motivated and supported I throughout the application process, and the success of the Oxbridge programme simply mirrors the ethos of the College – to maximise the chances of being successful in whatever discipline you choose.”

Simon Lett, Principal at Greenhead College said:

“We are thrilled to hear that once again Greenhead College has obtained an outstanding level of success for offers to attend either Oxford or Cambridge University. Many congratulations to all our applicants who I am sure will go on to achieve success in their future careers.”

BACES Wellbeing Weekly Round up – Week 1

Monday – Body Care

Restorative Bird Song

Winding down and feeling relaxed can help with our focus, attention and readiness to learn, so if you are finding it hard to concentrate “scientists at the University of Surrey have been studying the “restorative benefits of birdsong”. “They discovered that, of all the natural sounds, bird songs and calls were those most often cited as helping people recover from stress and allowing them to restore and refocus their attention”. 

Link to the Restorative Bird Song

Tuesday – Achievement

The Pomodoro Technique

1. CHOOSE A TASK YOU’D LIKE TO GET DONE
Something big, something small, something you’ve been putting off for a million years: it doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s something that deserves your full, undivided attention.
 
2. SET THE POMODORO FOR 25 MINUTES
Make a small oath to yourself: I will spend 25 minutes on this task and I will not interrupt myself. You can do it! After all, it’s just 25 minutes.
 
3. WORK ON THE TASK UNTIL THE POMODORO RINGS
Immerse yourself in the task for the next 25 minutes. If you suddenly realize you have something else you need to do, write the task down on a sheet of paper.
 
4. WHEN THE POMODORO RINGS, PUT A CHECKMARK ON A PAPER
Congratulations! You’ve spent an entire, interruption-less Pomodoro on a task.
 
5. TAKE A SHORT BREAK
Breathe, meditate, grab a cup of coffee, go for a short walk or do something else relaxing (i.e., not work-related). Your brain will thank you later.
 
6. EVERY 4 POMODOROS, TAKE A LONGER BREAK
Once you’ve completed four pomodoros, you can take a longer break. 20 minutes is good. Or 30. Your brain will use this time to assimilate new information and rest before the next round of Pomodoro.

Link to a useful video on how to use this technique
 

Wednesday – Connect with Others

MoodMaster ‘Understanding Panic’

MoodMaster is back!

Our third course ‘Understanding Panic’ will being w/c 22 February.
Sessions include:
Week 1 Panic attacks
Week 2 Confronting phobias
Week 3 Getting your thinking straight
Week 4 Breathing and relaxation

Contact moodmaster@greenhead.ac.uk to sign up!

Thursday – Enjoyment

Dust down your Instrument

Got an instrument gathering dust in a corner? Used to have lessons or play in a group? Why not use some ‘lockdown time’ to dust down your instrument and have a go at playing again. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube and it’s a great way to relieve stress too! 
Did you know we are currently holding a music competition? Write your own piece of music for a chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher! Good luck! 

Link to Music Competition

Friday – Step Back

Self-esteem Journal

Tend to focus on what went wrong rather than what went OK? Glass half empty rather than half full? This journal template helps you to think through your day and focus on the positives. It’s often surprising what went well when you stop and think.

Link to journal template

Introducing BACES – Daily Bitesize Wellbeing Boosters

Introducing BACES..

We understand that the second lockdown has been particularly difficult for both students and staff, with the shorter days there have been fewer opportunities to get outside and benefit from the natural mood enhancement that nature and daylight provides. It can be really stressful to feel as though you are constantly having to react to new situations or events without a chance to process how you really feel about them.

Our BACES series will comprise of daily bitesize reminders to self check our wellbeing along with some tips and ideas. There will also be opportunities for students and staff to connect with others through organised online activities.

Please keep your eye out on our Instagram page and stories for our daily bitesize wellbeing tips starting on Monday 1 February. We will also be sharing all of our daily boosters via a weekly roundup on our website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 
 
Monday  – Body Care
Tuesday – Achievement 
Wednesday – Connecting with others
Thursday – Enjoyment
Friday – Step Back (reflection)

Reminder
Students can still book: 
An appointment with our College Counsellors
A place on the next MoodMaster course ‘Panic’
Contact a member of the Safeguarding Team safeguarding@greenhead.ac.uk

GC Alumna Nicole celebrates national journalism success

Our very own GC Alumna, Nicole Bower, is celebrating as her heartwarming news article is published in the national press. 

Her article shares the story of a 7 year old boy, Stanley, who was inspired by Marcus Rashford’s Free School Meals campaign, fighting for underprivileged children to have access to food during the holidays. Stanley, who starred in a recent advert for cadbury’s, has hand-written letters and delivered to his neighbours asking them to donate food.

Nicole, who studied English Literature, Politics and Modern History at Greenhead College from 2018-2020, is delighted to be able to share Stanley’s story and we are so proud of her success.  Click here to read the full story.

Commenting on the article, Nicole, now a student at the Manchester School of Journalism, said:

“I saw a post on Facebook about the little boy sending letters to his neighbours for food in aid to help the free school meals campaign and spoke to his mum only thinking it would be a little story but the national paper ended up wanting it! Even though I don’t have a by-line I can still proudly say that I sourced, interviewed and wrote the story!”

“The advice I’d give to other students wanting to get into journalism would be just to be confident and know your stuff. This will come in really handy when wanting to interview people, even if you aren’t a employed journalist tell them that you are a journalist because anyone can actually be one, they will be more likely to speak to you then. You also have to show you are interested not just for the title but show that you are interested because you love doing it, write articles and stories on things you like, hobbies, reviews, this will all show to employers or universities that you really really want to do it. And especially, no story is too small, you never know where it might end up or who likes it!”

A huge congratulations Nicole, we can’t wait to see even more of your stories hit the headlines in the future!

A2 student Ubayd wins Entrepreneur of the Year award

2020 saw a brand-new entrepreneurship competition launched for Greenhead College students with an idea and passion for starting a new business. We’re delighted to announce that A2 student, Ubayd Knight was the proud winner of the £500 prize, donated by a local Huddersfield Business Owner.

Ubayd produced a business plan for his niche business venture supplying customised body kits for card to target a high-income market segment. Using the latest 3D modelling techniques and 3D printing Ubayd hopes to exploit a gap in this premium market and follow the passion he has had for cars since a young age. 

Ubayd said:

“As a determined entrepreneur, my experience of winning the Entrepreneur of The Year contest at Greenhead College has given me the drive and motivation to keep working hard towards my goal of becoming a successful business owner. As an A2 student, my current task is to excel at my studies to get the grades that I need, then take a gap year to focus on starting and growing my business. I then plan on applying to a University in Japan to study Business Management and Entrepreneurship.”

He plans to spend his prize money on 3D design software and is determined to gain the relevant experience to make his dream happen. 

Mark Mitchell, assistant principal and teacher of business at Greenhead College commented:

“The competition aims to foster enterprise skills and innovation to encourage people to start a successful business and provide a positive contribution to the UK economy.  Ubayd showed a particular passion for his business idea and stood out because of his focus on a particular market segment, with his unique concept of customised body kits for cars.”

We wish Ubayd the very best with his exciting venture. 

James Clare #WeMakeEvents

Meet GC Alumnus, James Clare. James is Head of Technical & Facilities at Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Last Wednesday 30th September, Greenhead College joined  thousands of other organisations around the country to light up  the building red, supporting the national  #WeMakeEvents  campaign. 

We have many alumni, including James, who have thrived in the events and arts trades and we recognise the importance of cultivating the next generation of talent within creative arts and playing our part in saving the industry. 

The current Covid-19 crisis has impacted many jobs in the events and arts industries, including James’, and as part of the campaign we are reaching out to our alumni to comment on what they would be doing in their job roles right now and how they have been impacted. 

Commenting on the impact of his job role, James said:

This time of year is usually our busiest, and I’d be working to coordinate all the shows coming to the theatre. I’d also be getting ready for our pantomime season in December (oh no he wouldn’t….).

Although we’re currently running a small season of socially distanced events, it’s nowhere near our usual output.

COVID may have damaged the larger industry, but it’s been lovely to see the smaller, grass-roots theatre companies taking their moment to shine and produce unique, alternative works.

If any GC alumni currently work in the events/arts industry, please email parts@greenhead.ac.uk and join the campaign!

#WeMakeEvents