school Archives - Capital City College Group

Top 10 revision tips for exam success

Posted on March 10, 2023March 21, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Take these simple steps to help you achieve the best possible grades this summer

Exam revision is an essential part of school and college life. It helps us consolidate our learning, retain important information, and prepare ourselves for exams. However, revision can be a daunting task, and it can be difficult to know where to start.

Here’s our top 10 revision tips to help you make the most out of your study time.

Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start your revision. Start as early as possible, so you have enough time to cover all the material and go over the difficult concepts multiple times.

Break it down: Break down your revision into smaller chunks, so it becomes more manageable. This approach can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make the revision process less intimidating.

Create a study plan: Create a study plan that outlines what you need to cover, when you will cover it, and how long you will spend on each topic. This can help you stay organised and focused.

Practise active recall: Instead of passively reading your notes or textbook, practise active recall. This means testing yourself on what you’ve learned and recalling it from memory. This approach has been shown to be more effective than simply reading or highlighting.

Use memory aids: Use memory aids such as flashcards, mnemonics and acronyms to help you remember important information. These tools can be particularly helpful for memorising lists, formulas and other details.

Study in short bursts: Studies have shown that studying in short bursts of 20-30 minutes, followed by a short break, can be more effective than studying for long periods. This approach can help you stay focused and retain more information.

Mix it up: Instead of studying one subject for an extended period, mix up your revision by switching between different subjects. This approach can help you avoid boredom and keep your mind engaged.

Use past papers: Practising past papers can help you get familiar with the types of questions that may appear on exams and help you identify areas where you need to focus your revision.

Take breaks: Taking regular breaks during your revision can help you recharge your brain and improve your concentration. Take a short walk, do some stretching exercises or simply take some deep breaths.

Stay positive: Finally, stay positive and believe in yourself. Revision can be challenging, but with the right mindset, approach and support, you can achieve your academic goals.

In conclusion, revision is an essential part of the academic process, and it is crucial to approach it in a structured, organised, and effective way. By following these 10 revision tips, you can make the most out of your study time and achieve academic success.

For Online Learning Resources to support your studies click here.

Six fantastic reasons to choose college over school next year

Posted on January 18, 2023January 18, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

With the academic year halfway through, many Year 11 students are now knuckling down and revising ahead of their GCSE exams this summer.

Many will also be thinking about their future, and it is important for them to realise that staying on at school sixth form is not the only or always the best option.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) Is London’s largest further education college group and comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and apprenticeship provider Capital City College Training.

Here’s six fantastic reasons why those leaving school this year should choose CCCG’s colleges over school when it comes to taking the next step in their education.

A bigger choice of qualifications and pathways – Whether you want to take the academic or technical route to university or employment we have the right course for you. Choose from A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates or apprenticeships with top employers.
A huge range of subjects – We offer A Levels in many subjects along with courses in accounting and business, IT, creative media, art and design, construction, childcare, engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality and culinary arts, performing arts and music, public services, science and sport.
Students are treated like adults – There’s no ‘Yes Sir’ or ‘Yes Miss’ here. Students are often on first name terms with their teachers and given the personal responsibility for getting their work assignments done. Of course, we will still encourage, motivate and support our students to succeed.
Make new friends – A chance to widen your social circle and get to know more people. The more you broaden your horizons, the more opportunities that are presented to you in work and life.
Industry experienced teachers – Many of our lecturers and tutors have worked in the fields they teach and are able to share first-hand knowledge and experience to give students the professional skills and realistic expectations of their future careers.
Fantastic enrichment and support – Students benefit from a more rounded education including trips at home and abroad, talks from industry experts, debates and workshops, competitions, community projects, sports, clubs and societies, careers advice and support with UCAS applications.

Don’t forget our Open Days

City and Islington College

Centre for Business, Arts and Technology (including Health, Social Care and Childcare), Camden Road – Wednesday 1 February from 4.30pm to 7pm and Wednesday 8 March from 4.30pm to 7pm

Sixth Form College, Angel – Wednesday 8 March from 4.30pm to 7pm

Centre for Applied Sciences, Angel – Wednesday 8 March from 4.30pm to 7pm

Centre for Lifelong Learning, Finsbury Park – Wednesday 8 March from 6pm to 8pm

Westminster Kingsway College

King’s Cross Centre – Tuesday 7 February from 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Victoria centre – Monday 6 February from 4.30pm to 6.30pm

King’s Cross Centre – Tuesday 7 February from 4.30pm to 6.30pm

College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London

Drop-in sessions at Tottenham Centre and Enfield Centre every Monday from 4pm to 6pm

Book a place at our Open Days here and apply for our courses and apprenticeships here.

Young chef ‘humbled and proud’ to win Compass Group’s Apprentice of the Year

Posted on November 16, 2022November 23, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

A “phenomenal” young chef from Westminster Kingsway College has been named Apprentice of the Year 2022 at Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards.

Dylan Patel, 25, who is undertaking a Chef de Partie Level 3 Apprenticeship at Compass Group’s head office in Chertsey, Surrey, won the award in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism category.

The awards showcase the huge talent and hard work within multicultural communities that is made possible through the contribution and support of employers and education providers.

Dylan, from Hounslow, who started his culinary career on a Commis Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship, said: “I am so humbled and proud to being named the winner of this award.

“Taking on this apprenticeship has allowed me to follow my passion, balancing learning with practical work whilst getting paid. I love being part of the team here and learning from others around me.

“There is always something new to uncover and that’s what I enjoy most about being a chef and I hope to build my knowledge further, as I continue this exciting journey.”

Compass Group UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the largest contract catering company in the world employing 500,000 people and serving 5.5 billion meals to 55,000 clients each year.

Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, congratulated Dylan on his “wonderful achievement.”

He further praised Dylan’s “phenomenal efforts” as he has progressed in his career and described him as a great role model for anyone looking to start an apprenticeship.

Tom Damen, Chef Lecturer at WestKing, said: “Each week at college I see Dylan’s commitment to improving his culinary skills. Through his apprenticeship at Compass Group he has excelled to a new level of professionalism and confidence.

“I would like to congratulate him on wining Compass Group’s Apprentice of the Year, which is so well deserved. He is an outstanding young chef and destined to go far in the industry.”

Apply now for Hospitality and Culinary Arts apprenticeships here.

Black History Month: Students discuss ways to tackle racism with black Met Police officer

Posted on October 31, 2022January 23, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Students shared their views on tackling racism with a black Metropolitan Police officer during a series of events at Capital City College Group (CCCG) to mark Black History Month.

Inspector Chris Excell, who has served the Met for 15 years, was among the guests invited to give talks to students at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Insp Excell shared his experience of being a black police officer, a brief history of black police officers in Britain and his role as the Chair of the Black Police Association at the Met.

Students at CONEL also heard from Corporal Nyerere St John who spoke about being a black soldier in the British Army and gave his advice on careers in the Armed Forces.

There were also talks and presentations on black history, the slave trade, Marie Seacole, black Olympians, black footballers, black scientists and inventors, black hair and beauty, black music and the screening of a documentary on the Windrush generation.

Metropolitan Police Inspector Chris Excell, who is also a member of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA), spoke to students at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, about his career and how former members of the MBPA have strived to carve and strengthen their place as part of the public services. ‘We are black all year round,’ said Excell. ‘Black History Month is really a time to celebrate, come together and not be the only person in the room to celebrate each other.” Find out more about courses we have that will support your future your career joining the public services by visiting www.capitalccg.ac.uk

City and Islington College (CANDI) hosted a Chat and Chillax session where students took part in a discussion about Black History Month, what it means to them, why it is important and ways to tackle racism in society.

Students also participated in workshops where they wrote positive affirmations to promote more tolerance in society on leaf-shaped pieces of paper that were then stuck to a large picture of a ‘tree of hope’ for their peers to read.

Among the uplifting messages placed on the tree were ‘Everyone is allowed to live freely’, ‘Respect each other’, ‘Love each other’ and ‘Educate ourselves and others.’

The atrium at Westminster Kingsway College’s King’s Cross Centre was adorned with flags from countries around the world to represent the diversity of its staff and students.

Students heard talks from guest speakers from BAME backgrounds including entrepreneur Tlwalola Ogunles, youth mentor Luke Malillah, actor and presenter Jordan Kensington, social mobility advocate Kevin Osei, property investor TJ Atkinson and WestKing administrator Lorna Blackman.

They were also encouraged to read books by black authors in the college’s Learning Resource Centre including Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams and Slay in Your Lane by Elizabeth Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené.

There were screenings off Becoming, the documentary on life of former US First Lady Michelle Obama, and Rocks, a drama about a black teenage girl and her brother in Hackney whose mum abandons them, forcing them to try and avoid being taken into social care.

Music students also put on live performances of their own songs inspired by black music.

CCCG runs many enrichment activities across its three colleges for students personal and professional development.