College News

'Spread the Sign' Website

‘Spread the Sign’ is a signed website in six languages for deaf people who want to work or travel in Europe.

Doncaster College for the Deaf is involved in a partnership with deaf colleges from five other European countries to develop a website for deaf people wanting to visit or work in a different European country. The site contains a visual dictionary showing a wide range of everyday signs and vocational signs used in Woodwork, Construction, Catering and Hospitality.

The site is user friendly, just search for a word and then click on the flag of the country to view the sign for that word in Czech, English, Lithuanian, Spanish, Swedish or Portuguese.

‘Spread the Sign’ is a pilot project and is supported through the European Commission’s Leonardo da Vinci Language scheme.

The aim of this project is to enhance job and travel opportunities for Deaf people who want to experience working or holidaying in other European Countries.

Future development includes more countries in Europe being invited to contribute and additional vocational areas being added to the website.

You can find the website at:www.spreadthesign.com

Posted: Mon 17-Mar-2008 4:35PM

Catering trip to Paris!

Two weeks ago, Kevin Logue, Lucinda Waudby and Jonathon Artis went on a trip to France with the Catering Department from the Hub. They stayed in a hotel in the Clichy area of Paris.

On the trip they visited the Moet & Chandon champagne house where they were given a tour of the cellars- there are 200 miles of them! All full of champagne!

Their next visit was to a chocolate factory in Reims where they watched the chocolates being made before buying gifts from the shop for Mothers’ Day.

Finally they visited a snail farm in Try-Dormans. After an interesting talk given by the proprietor they were each offered a dish of garlic snails and a complimentary glass of champagne. Kevin, seemed to enjoy the snails more than the rest of them!

They also spent a whole day enjoying Euro-Disney, trying out the rides and chasing Minnie Mouse! It was such a good day that it was dark when they finally left the park. They had a good time and enjoyed the trip very much.  

Posted: Wed 12-Mar-2008 5:01PM

Gold for Zoe

Gold rush for deaf Doncaster swimmer as Paralympics beckons

A deaf teenage swimmer from Doncaster is making waves in the Paralympic world after clinching two gold medals and a British junior record at a national swim event.

Zoe Clayton, from Scawthorpe, claimed gold and the record of 42.86 seconds in the 400m freestyle race at the Disability Sports Event (DSE) National Junior Championships, held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield recently. She also won gold in the 50m butterfly.

The 17-year-old Doncaster College for the Deaf student then won silver medals in 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley events before a shoulder injury forced her to withdraw from the competition ahead of the upcoming Paralympic trials at the end of March.

Zoe, a sports studies student at the deaf college, said: “I’m delighted to have won two more gold medals but it was sensible to withdraw with the trials coming up. I want to be in perfect condition to give myself the best chance of going to Beijing.

“I am confident in my ability and know that if I perform I’ll qualify. Once I’m there I’ll be going for a Paralympic Gold and that really excites me!”

Zoe will be competing at the British Championships from March 31 until April 5 and the British International Disability Swimming Championships from April 25 to 27 at Ponds Forge, which will also incorporate British selection trials for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Jon Smith, programme manager for sports at Doncaster College for the Deaf, said: “We’re all extremely proud of Zoe. She is a naturally talented swimmer and her dedication is second to none.

“She trains five times a week from 5am and fits her studies in on top. She is an incredible talent and we are giving her all the support we can so she can get to Beijing and bring that gold medal back to Doncaster.”

Posted: Fri 07-Mar-2008 9:03AM

NaRS Pool Lifeguards

Huge congratulations to our 6 Sports Studies students who are all now qualified Pool Lifeguards. Claire Kamis, Jemma Townend, Zoe Clayton, Rachel Haywood, Harry Perry-Lewis and Chris Taylor have all been committed to the NaRS course since last November, giving up 2 hours on a Wednesday evening to attend classes in our swimming pool, and another 2 hours on a Thursday evening in lectures, to learn both the practical and theory aspects of saving lives. Since Christmas yet more hours were needed to apply their new abilities into a realistic setting over in the Dome, so Friday afternoons were added to their busy timetable.

On the 27th of February we were pleased to hear that they had all passed their theory exam, and so were just left to prepare for their final hurdle- the practical exam. Every spare minute has been used since then to polish their skills, and they could often be found practicing CPR at the end of our corridor. Back at the Dome on Wednesday the 4th of March, it was 7 o\’clock in the morning when their talents were tested, and they proceeded to show their expertise in the pool. We are very proud to say that again, they all passed. This course has been a great success, and a huge confidence boost to our students, showing that they can achieve so much when they are dedicated and really enjoy what they are learning.

Special thanks to Wes for conducting the course in such a way to suit our students learning style, and also to Katie and Tracy for supporting them every step along their way.

Laura Ormandy.

Posted: Thu 06-Mar-2008 11:28AM

Doncaster student building bridges at home

A deaf Doncaster student has set his heart on a career in construction after building a strong reputation with his hometown council.

Dominic Haldane, from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, is currently studying City and Guilds Construction at the Doncaster College for the Deaf and spent two weeks work experience at Three Rivers Construction, a division of the Three Rivers District Council in Rickmansworth, Herts, as part of the course.

Dominic put into practice the painting, plastering and labouring skills he’s been learning in Doncaster and he became an important part of the Three Rivers Construction team due to the high standard of his work.

Students at the Doncaster College for the Deaf are encouraged to experience work in their chosen industries or professions as part of their learning and placements are organised by a special employment liaison facility within the college.

Dominic, 18, said: “I really enjoyed working at Three Rivers. I like the job and the people were great too. I am in my final year in Doncaster and then if possible I’d love to try and get a permanent position with the company.

“All the skills I am learning at college were useful and the actual work experience has given me a good insight into what to expect when I graduate next year.”

Although Dominic is deaf communication with his workmates wasn’t a problem as they used writing and text messaging to get round it.

Dave Andrews, Dominic’s supervisor at Three Rivers Construction, said: “It was a pleasure having Dominic working with us. He has a lot of talent and was great to have around.

“I’m glad Dominic got a lot out of his time here because we learned a lot as well. It was the first time most of us had worked with a deaf person and it was good to see how quickly he settled in and became a valued member of the team.

“We will maintain our relationship with the Doncaster Deaf Trust and hopefully we can link-up again in the future.”

Posted: Tue 12-Feb-2008 8:41AM

Master plasterer on the Mark with housing bosses

A deaf student from Doncaster is causing a stir in the construction industry after impressing housing bosses with his plastering skills.

Mark Chettleburgh, who is currently studying a City & Guilds course in construction at the Doncaster College for the Deaf, has been making a name for himself as a master plasterer following work placements with St Leger Homes and, most recently, with Stevenage Homes in his hometown.

Mark, 20, received a glowing reference from St Leger, the Arm’s Length Management Organisation responsible for maintaining Doncaster’s 22,000 council homes, after completing a placement with the maintenance team.

And he returned to his hometown of Stevenage in Hertfordshire to work for two weeks with his local council in the Buildings Maintenance Operations (BMO) team.

Bosses from both companies expressed their desire to offer Mark an apprenticeship but he still has a year left of his course at the Deaf College.

Blaine Baumber, Training Co-ordinator at St Leger Homes, said: “Mark was a pleasure to work with from the first minute. He fitted in instantly with the team and his wonderful sense of humour kept everyone laughing.

“He was so eager in his work that if he finished a job he would actively find something else to do until the next job. The high standard of his work as well as his hunger to learn meant I moved quickly to offer him an apprenticeship when his college course finishes.

“Unfortunately for us, he intends to move back home to Stevenage when he graduates but our loss is most definitely somebody else’s gain. He’ll be an asset to whichever company employs him.”

Mark, who aims to graduate from Doncaster College for the Deaf in March 2008, communicates through British Sign Language and lip reading.

“The experience has been very good and I was able to call on it to help me at college. Blaine taught me a lot that I will be able to use when I graduate in March,” said Mark.

“I was really pleased that Blaine offered me an apprenticeship and if I wasn’t returning home to Stevenage, it would be the perfect job.”

Posted: Tue 12-Feb-2008 8:37AM

POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL SET TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN DONCASTER

A Saturday School for Polish youngsters is set to open this week (December 8th) at Doncaster College for the Deaf.

The school will see more than 70 youngsters aged 3-15 learning Polish language along with Polish culture and tradition.

Bobbie Roberts, Chair of Trustees for Doncaster College for the Deaf said: “We are delighted to be able to play host to this Saturday School for Polish youngsters.

“Doncaster Deaf Trust plays an important role in the Doncaster community and we are always pleased to be able to work with groups to enable them to hold vital sessions.”

The Saturday School will compliment the education and English language skills that the children are learning at their own school.

Mrs. Katarzyna Socha, chief organizer of Jan Pawel II Polish Saturday School, said: “we will welcome all youngsters from the Doncaster borough and beyond to come along and learn the Polish language and our customs.”

The school begins at 09:00 until 13:00 every Saturday and costs only £5.00 for the first child and £3.00 per child for all additional children. Parents can leave their children in the safe hands of trained teachers and teaching assistants.

Posted: Tue 12-Feb-2008 8:36AM

Doncaster College for the Deaf is a Good College, say inspectors

Doncaster College for the Deaf is celebrating following a recent Ofsted visit, which gave an overall Grade 2 ‘Good’ report.

The report recognises the college for its achievements with high standards of learners work, good teaching and for offering a wide range of realistic working environments with opportunities to develop work related skills. The College was also recognised as providing outstanding enrichment opportunities whilst being good value for money.

Doncaster College for the Deaf was formed as a further education department in the 1970s from the Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf, now known as Doncaster School for the Deaf. It achieved College status in the mid 1980s and is now recognised as one of the leaders in providing education and training to deaf people both nationally and internationally.

Executive Principal of the School and College, Alan Robinson, said: “We are delighted by our Ofsted report which is a great recognition of all of the hard work that our students and staff continually put into making the college a wonderful place to learn and work.”

“The College’s approach to meeting the needs and interests of learners is outstanding, along with good teaching and learning. These are areas of which we are extremely proud.”

“We enjoy excellent facilities and resources set in beautiful spacious grounds. We have retained a very strong emphasis on partnership with students and our ‘open door’ policy ensures that everyone feels a valued member of our college community.”

“Our committed staff deliver an exciting, balanced and stimulating experience within a total communication environment that benefits each individual learner.”

“The College provides post-14 vocational and independence education and training for deaf people and those with additional complex needs such as physical and/or behavioural difficulties.”

“Students can study for a wide range of national external qualifications including NVQs, BTEC Nationals, GNVQ and HNDs. Single subject qualifications are offered within the independent living skills, Skills for Life and vocational areas.”

“Along with the Trustees and Governors I want to thank each and every member of staff for their dedication and commitment to meet the education, social and employment needs of deaf and hearing impaired students.”

Posted: Tue 12-Feb-2008 8:33AM

'Bike Safe' training for students

Computer Hardware students took part in the recent Bike Safe Event which was held at the college. The competitive nature of the students came out as they tried to ride the course with as few penalties as possible. The best score went to Kevin Gibbons, with Kevin Flahavan a close second. Well done!

Posted: Tue 05-Feb-2008 11:44PM

Keep looking for an update on our Sporting Achievements

Our College is respected for its Sporting Achievements - during 2007 many activities and competitions took place. An update of those achievements will be posted soon. Keep looking!

Posted: Wed 16-Jan-2008 9:34PM

College celebrates students achievements CLICK here to view the latest photographs in the gallery

2007 was another very successful year, and the College prize day was a time for staff and students to celebrate their achievements during the last academic year. You will see from the gallery what a special day everybody had.

Posted: Wed 16-Jan-2008 9:25PM

PICTURE CARDS SET TO HELP FIRE SERVICE LIAISE WITH THE DEAF

A series of picture cards have been developed to help firefighters liaise with deaf and hearing impaired casualties.

The cards developed by the Doncaster Deaf Trust and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are now carried in all appliances.

Rick Rolt, Community Safety Officer, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “These cards are an invaluable tool in enabling us to communicate with deaf or hearing impaired people who have been involved in accidents.

“As highly trained professionals we want to be able to do our job to the best of our ability and a number of road traffic accidents that we have been called to have involved people with hearing difficulties. This makes our job very hard when we are trying to reassure the person and find out if they are hurt.

“We have been delighted to work with staff from the college to develop these simple cards that will help us to communicate with people.”

Posted: Mon 17-Dec-2007 10:13AM

National Champions

On the 26th May 2007 Doncaster College Deaf FC lined up to play in the English Deaf Challenge Cup Final against St John’s Arsenal. Both teams struggled with the waterlogged pitch, finding it difficult to keep possession and chances were hard to come by.

It was St John’s Arsenal who took the lead with hard driven shot from former Doncaster student and rover’s trialist Daniel Ailey who rocketed the ball low inside the left post, beating a helpless Jon Atkinson.

Doncaster searched for the equaliser and made the most of a free kick inside the gunners half. Rowan Dixon swung in a dangerous ball in from the right, this bounced awkwardly passed the St John’s keeper and rolled into the net. Both teams went into the half time with scores level.

St John Arsenal then got off to a terrible start when Doncaster took the lead following a classic counter attack from a poor Corner. Atkinson reacted quickly and threw the ball towards Mark Sinclair on the right wing who then easily outpaced the covering Matthew Byfield. After breaking clear, Sinclair then shot towards goal, which the keeper could only palm into the path of Peter Drury who slotted the ball home. Daniel Ailey added his second goal in the game for the gunners making it 2-2.

Eventually Doncaster had the last say, three and a half minutes into the allocated five minutes of injury time, Hogan found Sinclair unmarked in the box and he made no mistake heading the ball past the stretching keeper and in doing so, sending the Doncaster supporters into raptures. The game finished 3-2 to Doncaster helping them clinch the EDF Challenge Cup for the 3rd time in 4 years.

Posted: Thu 14-Jun-2007 2:27PM

Prize Day 2006

We had a very successful 2006 Prize Day celebrated all the students achievements - to see the photographs and download your favourite click here

Posted: Mon 12-Mar-2007 7:02PM

Fantastic Sporting Year

2006 was a fantastic sporting year for Doncaster College for the Deaf - All the sporting achievements will be updated soon.

Posted: Mon 12-Mar-2007 7:01PM

Day Nursery

We have an on-site Day Nursery that includes a Baby Unit for Deaf and Hearing Children from birth to 5. http://www.deaf-school.co.uk/little-learners-nursery.html

Posted: Mon 12-Mar-2007 6:59PM