College News

Doncaster Deaf College Players to meet Young Lions

Players from the Doncaster Deaf College disability teams made a special visit to the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday (2nd March) to watch Stuart Pearce lead a training session with his Young Lions before the 2011 UEFA European U21 Championship Qualification match against Greece on Wednesday evening.

Doncaster Deaf College team players compete in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Ability Counts League. The college has three adult male teams and one adult female team. The female team will represent Sheffield & Hallamshire FA in the National Ability Counts competition.

For season 09/10 the League has undergone a significant overhaul and provides a pan-disability football fixture programme for a range of football ability levels. They have set up a new website using The FA Full Time League administration system and have developed a new League logo.

Despite the League having a focus on the Sheffield & Hallamshire region the new format has obviously hit the right chord as teams from Gainsborough (Giants) and York (Copmanthorpe) have entered the League alongside South Yorkshire sides Barnsley Tykes, Doncaster Deaf College, Rotherham Dynamoes, Sheffield Wednesday Ability Counts, and CP Sheffield FC.

Doncaster Deaf College have been involved with the football development programme within the County FA region for many years. Their Futsal team won the FA National Futsal Cup back in 2005 and went on to represent England in the UEFA European Futsal Cup. In addition they regularly host coach education courses and County FA events at their venue.

Christopher Bly, Senior Football Development Officer from Sheffield & Hallamshire FA said: “I would like to thank Stuart Pearce and the squad for inviting the Doncaster Deaf College players to the training session. Players of all ages and abilities look up to our young internationals. This provides them with inspiration with their own participation, performance and dedication to the game.

This experience is a reward for all the players’ hard work this season; they have been exceptional in all League sessions and have helped to build the reputation and quality of the League. Sheffield & Hallamshire are looking to further develop and grow the League so there are more opportunities for pan disability players to play football, and are working towards achieving their Charter Standard League status.

Posted: Tue 02-Mar-2010 1:44PM

Long-Service

Duo notch up half a century of service to Deaf Trust

A Doncaster duo have each notched up 25 years service at a local specialist college.

Derek Morris, Programme Manager and Sally Barnacoat, ICT tutor, have been commended by the Trustees and Governors at Doncaster Deaf Trust for their long service and dedication to their roles.

Bobbie Roberts, Chair of the Trust said: “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate two members of our team having reached such a tremendous milestone.

“Long service is a real achievement in this day and age and we know how fortunate we are to be able to mark this occasion with two such dedicated members of our team.

“Both Derek and Sally have made a real difference to the lives of hundreds of students from across the UK who have been resident at Doncaster Deaf Trust over the past 25 years.”

Derek, aged 61, a local lad from Rossington, has worked as a Programme Manager for 15 years and was an Electronics tutor for 10 years before that.

Sally Barnacoat, aged 55, first came to Doncaster College for the Deaf as a student in 1983 to study IT, the following year she started working at the college as an IT Technician. She qualified as an ICT tutor in 1991.

“It is a great testament to the hard working dedicated team at the college that we have such long serving members of staff.”

Posted: Wed 27-Jan-2010 4:54PM

Royal Visit

DONCASTER’S LITTLE LEARNERS GET THE ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL

Children attending the Little Learners Day Nursery, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, got the royal seal of approval when HRH the Countess of Wessex officially opened their nursery following a redevelopment.

The Countess, who is a Trustee of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), opened the nursery by unveiling a plaque at the Doncaster Trust and spent time walking around the nursery, chatting to children, families, staff and trustees.

Bobbie Roberts, Chair of Trustees at the Deaf Trust, said: “Everyone at the Trust was honoured to meet HRH the Countess of Wessex who does such fantastic work for charities across the nation.

“It means so much to everyone here, that the Countess took the time to come to Doncaster to open our redeveloped Little Learners Day Nursery, which is a vibrant environment where babies and toddlers both hearing and non hearing and those with special education needs thrive.”

Through various grants and fundraising efforts, the Deaf Trust, which is a registered charity, has been able to transform the nursery into a more suitable and exciting learning and play area.

Bobbie added: “It was a great joy to show the Countess around the nursery and she unveiled a plaque with the help of one of our nursery children.”

Harvey Stuart, who is almost 3 years old, who is a pupil at the nursery, willingly presented a posy of flowers to the Countess and his parents were delighted to meet Her Royal Highness.

Donna Stuart, Harvey’s Mother said: “The Countess expressed how impressed she was with the nursery which Harvey has been attending since he was six months old.

“It was such a pleasure to meet her, she’s so down to earth and easy to talk and relate to. The whole experience has been mind blowing.”

Posted: Wed 27-Jan-2010 4:51PM

Sunshine

December 2009

Little ray of sunshine for deaf pupils

The future is bright for pupils at Doncaster Deaf Trust, who can now travel on their learning adventures on a Variety Club Sunshine Coach.

The Yorkshire Region of the Variety Club Children’s Charity, has provided the Trust with one of their ‘Sunshine Coaches’, to help enhance learning experiences, adding to the vast programme of activities already in place within the school and the college.

The coach, which has a specialised fixed lift to help disabled passengers, has been sponsored by Evans Properties in Leeds, and will enable pupils under the age of 19 years to travel on various educational outings.

Alan Robinson, Executive Principal at Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are so delighted with our new sunshine coach, which is a fantastic addition to all the facilities we have here at the Trust.

“We are looking forward to seeing our pupils benefit from such a wonderful donation and would like to say a huge thank you to the Yorkshire Region of the charity who so kindly chose us as part of their scheme.”

The Yorkshire Region of the Variety Club Children’s Charity raises hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children, with more than 4,900 sunshine coaches being donated since 1962.

David Wilson, chairman of the Yorkshire Region of the Variety Club Children’s Charity, said: “We recognise that there are thousands of disadvantaged youngsters across the UK and we aim to help to brighten their lives and give them the opportunity to explore and experience great things.

“The Doncaster Deaf Trust does so much for all of its pupils and students, supporting them throughout their most important years and we hope the Sunshine Coach will bring much happiness and many happy memories to all.”

To make a donation or find out more about the work of the Variety Club visit www.varietyclub.org.uk/yorkshire

Posted: Wed 27-Jan-2010 4:39PM

Ready Steady Store

Ready Steady Store Doncaster, will donate fifty pounds to Doncaster Deaf Trust if you ‘store’ with them! Please click the ‘Ready Steady Store’ link for more information

Posted: Wed 27-Jan-2010 4:04PM

National Cup Success for College Team

National Cup Success for College Team

Doncaster College for the Deaf ended the 2008/09 season on a high by winning the English Deaf Cup Final, beating Everton Deaf 2-1 at Wrexham football club at the weekend. Doncaster took an early lead thanks to Sinclair, this was quickly followed by set piece taken from the training ground a disguised shot from Wood outfoxing the Everton defence allowing Denmead to slot home for 2-0.

Doncaster went in with a 2-0 lead at half time. The second half saw Doncaster take control of the game keeping possession and applying the pressure without any reward. 10 minutes from time Everton capitalised on some poor defending and slotted home making it 2-1.

Everton where awarded a dubious penalty on the stroke of half time. Kitchen saved from the spot low to his right. Doncaster put the ball in the back of the net again but had this ruled out for offside. Doncaster saw out the game and were comfortable winners.

The team is made up of current and of previous learners all of whom are deaf or hearing impaired. To get to the final the team beat Barnet, Birmingham, Leeds, Arsenal and Charlton before beating Fulham 2-0 in the semi final.

The College team has now won the competition 4 times in the last 5 years. Brian Green a support worker at the College and key player said ‘to be the best deaf football team in England is a wonderful achievement’.

The team also compete against there hearing counterparts in the Doncaster Premier Senior League, where they finished a respectful 8th place and made it to the semi final of the premier league cup. All in all another very successful season for College team.

Posted: Thu 04-Jun-2009 2:44PM

Boxing at College

Last Friday former commonwealth champion boxer John Jo Irwin came into the college to do a boxing lesson for the Sports students. Students were given the opportunity to receive coaching and instruction on different boxing techniques from John. The session went very well and everybody involved enjoyed it (it is all non- contact of course!!!). John will be coming back after the half term to deliver more sessions to the students.

Posted: Wed 29-Apr-2009 1:38PM

College Celebrates Deaf Awareness Week

We are celebrating Deaf Awareness Week at the College w/c 4th May. We are offering Deaf Awareness Sessions to the public that comprises some Sign Language and basic techniques to help communicate with deaf people.

On Wednesday 6th May we have an Open Day and would welcome anyone wanted to see what we do at our College.

Posted: Wed 08-Apr-2009 9:30AM

Deaf student inspires car technicians to sign up

An inspirational deaf student from Doncaster has put the finishing touches to his CV by impressing body shop bosses at a leading luxury car manufacturer in the borough.

Doncaster College for the Deaf student James Jennings, 19, attended BMW’s Vehicle Preparation Centre in Thorne on a two-week placement as a vehicle body refinish trainee and received a glowing reference from his supervisors.

The quality of James’s work and the impact the Edlington lad has had at BMW has led employees to call for tutors from the Deaf College to give them a refresher course in British Sign Language (BSL) to aid communications with future work placement students.

BMW Thorne has previously held Deaf Awareness and Basic Sign Language courses for its staff in conjunction with Doncaster College for the Deaf but want to brush up on their sign skills.

Paul Arnison, paint technician at BMW Thorne, said: “James really knew his stuff. He was able to put into practice everything he has learned at the Deaf College and performed what was asked of him to the highest standard.

“His duties included repairing body work and preparing vehicles to be painted, and we were absolutely delighted with him.

“The standard of teaching James is receiving is clearly top notch and there are a few people now who want to learn how to sign properly.

“I had a basic grasp of BSL but he taught me more and more words as the placement went on until I was able to communicate quite well in sign by the end and we’ve since approached the Deaf College about a refresher course.”

James, in his third year at Doncaster College for the Deaf, is studying towards his Institute of Motor Industry Award Refinishing (IMIA) Level 2 having already completed his IMIA Level 1.

He said: “I learned a lot during my time at BMW including some really new techniques that I’d never come across before.

“I enjoyed a great working relationship with all the guys there, who were all really helpful and took the time to share their expertise with me. Paul in particular was very supportive and his sign language skills were fantastic, which helped me to settle in quickly.

“I taught him some more signs too so hopefully we both learned from each other!”

BMW Thorne has requested details for a Deaf Awareness and Basic Sign Language training course as a result of James’s work placement.

Barry Davenport, programme leader for the Vehicle Engineering Department, added: “Congratulations must go to James. He received a personal letter from Phil Walker, Bodyshop Manager at BMW Thorne, commending him on his performance as well as positive feedback from all the senior technicians and supervisors.

“He was able to undertake a number of specialist tasks to enhance his portfolio such as paint mixing and tinting, which is great experience for him.

“James is a credit to himself and the Motor Vehicle Department and we’re thrilled with his efforts.”

Posted: Wed 01-Oct-2008 9:50PM

Posted: Wed 01-Oct-2008 10:22PM

Posted: Wed 01-Oct-2008 10:39PM

The DeaF.A Cup

On Saturday the 17th of May 2008, 12 men’s and 3 ladies’ teams came to Doncaster College for the Deaf to take part in the ‘DeaF.A Cup’ 5-a-side football tournament. Throughout the day there was a steady stream of people who came along, altogether around 150-200!

The matches kicked off at 10.00am on 4 different pitches. The men were put into 2 leagues, each playing 5 matches before the top 8 teams battled it out in the knockout stages. The ladies played 6 matches each, with the top 2 making the final.

A large number of students took part on the day in many different teams, each doing fantastically well. But it was down to ex-Sports Students Moazzam Rashid, with ‘The Ex-Donny Crew’ and John Atkinson, with ‘D.C.S’ to fight it out in the final of the men’s tournament. After a close match, it finished 1-0 to ‘The Ex-Donny Crew’.

Special mention for Claire Kamis from Sport for getting the award for being the ‘Top Goalscorer’ in the ladies tournament, her team ‘The Owls B’ also finishing runners up to a stronger ‘The Owls A’ team in the ladies’ final. Winning men’s team ‘The Ex-Donny Crew’ stole the show, when both individual trophies were awarded to members of their team; the ‘Top Goalscorer’ award went to Mukhtar Mohammed from Business and Theron McLean from Car Body was awarded ‘Player of the Final’.

It was a fantastic day for all involved, a great sense of community was shared by those taking part and those spectating. It was also a perfect opportunity to see some old faces return, and to see how well they were doing, as well as possibly meeting new faces of the future.

Thank you to everyone involved on the day who helped out and made it such a great success!

Posted: Thu 22-May-2008 10:34AM

'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

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