Working with the community
Oxford & Cherwell Valley College is recognised as making a valuable contribution to the economic and social well-being of Oxfordshire. It is vital that we respond to the education and employment needs of our communities, even more so in the current economic climate.
Employment and skills
We actively engage young people who are not in education, employment or training to help them enhance their skills and return to the world of work. Working with Job clubs and community groups, we deliver careers guidance support in one-to-one settings and in group sessions.
We focus on providing economically valuable skills to help ensure that our region remains competitive. For example, developments such as Eco Bicester introduce the need for skills training in eco technologies in the county, and we have a centre for renewable technology training at our Bicester campus.
Community projects
We work in partnership with a wide range of voluntary sector organisations to deliver community learning programmes to vulnerable and disadvantaged adults, such as the homeless, ex-offenders, people who have mental health difficulties or are recovering from addiction.
We also work in partnership with the Thames Valley Probation Service to deliver a range of provision in probation offices to build the confidence of offenders serving their sentence in the community.
Students in the community
Our students get involved in a number of community projects, either as part of their course or through the Students’ Union. One example was the Miller Road Housing Project in Banbury where 20 of our students worked alongside sub-contractors to build 10 new one-bedroom maisonettes.
An example of a completely different project is a new Young Company in partnership with the Oxford Playhouse Learning Department, aimed at young people aged between 12 and 15. The eight-week series of workshops will focus on learning drama skills, creating work and discovering talents.
Charitable environment
Our students and staff find interesting ways to support local charities. For five years we have run our ‘Make a Difference’ awards which recognise the difference they make, often in group projects to charities and the community.
Learning for leisure
Hundreds of local part-time learners enrol on our learning for leisure courses - it’s easy to pop along to your community college. With courses ranging from artist book-making and contemporary dance to psychology and woodworking, we can help you tap into your creative side.
