College News: Local MP Visits Lewisham College

Joan Ruddock, MP for Lewisham and Deptford, visited Lewisham College today (11th January) to tour the Deptford campus and meet staff and students.

The tour began in the sports hall where a number of local school children were enjoying their weekly workout session with some Football Academy students. The Year 3 and 4 pupils from Lucas Vale Primary School in Deptford had enjoyed a morning of basketball and hockey and were all very keen to show off their new skills.

The pupils also had the opportunity to meet sporting legend Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, 11 times Paralympic Gold medallist, who was filming a promotional sports video at the College.

Head teacher Alexandra Hardy said: “Our links with Lewisham College are extremely important to the children and this programme really helps to improve their sporting skills, self confidence and enthusiasm for sport. The whole experience helps them develop different skills and the Football Academy students are very positive role models for them.”

After chatting to some of the College’s Modern Apprentices - students who assist staff and students in everything from football to filing – the tour moved on to the Beacon Award winning Trade Union Studies Centre.

The employed students, who are all taking a one year TUC Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, took the opportunity to quiz their local MP on a range of issues, including the importance of having environmental representatives in the workplace.

Mrs Ruddock said: “I was delighted to visit Lewisham College again to see the excellent work they do to develop the skills of our young people. I am always impressed by the students and it is a source of pride that we have such a valuable organisation based in the community.”

Having also been briefed on the College’s redevelopment plans for the Deptford campus she added: “There is no doubt that the redevelopment is an exciting prospect that will add dramatically to the regeneration of Deptford. It will help lift the local economy and offers great potential for small businesses in the community.”

The Principal, Dame Ruth Silver commented: “Lewisham College is brilliantly served by Joan Ruddock and we were delighted to welcome her again. Even as a busy minister she proactively stays in touch with the developments in this fast moving sector and her visits are both welcome and involving.”


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