Top Talent Goes Toe-to-Toe in Inter College Championship
Rotherham College learners put their skills to the test against rivals at the Grimsby Institute in this year’s thrilling annual Inter College Championship.
The contest, hosted by the RNN Group, saw 300 learners compete across 16 subjects at the Group’s three college sites of Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College. Winners were decided by a judging panel from RNN Group, Grimsby Institute and external employers.
Despite Rotherham College claiming wins in several subject areas, Grimsby clinched overall success with a final score of 56-48. Rotherham College won in Brickwork, Computing, Childcare, Electrical Installation and Electrical Engineering, Games, Media Moving Image, Business, Hospitality and Hair and Beauty.
Grimsby Institute Vice Principal Julie Moore said the competition is something they look forward to all year round.
She said: “We are happy for the win, but it doesn’t really matter who wins – as long as the learners enjoy it and they all benefit from working together. It’s been a brilliant day; it’s one of the highlights of the students’ study programme. They have been talking about it and preparing for a long time, it’s been inspiring seeing them develop their skills from competence to excellence.”
Guest judge, music composer and former Rotherham College Level 3 Music learner Jack Pashley was judging the music competition. Among the competitors and genres performed were a 90s tribute act, a Sonic Youth tribute band, rock and rap. All were judged on performance, crowd interaction, musical competency, followed by industry-related questions from the judging panel.
Jack said deciding the winner was tough. “At one stage I changed my mind twice because the quality of the performances was outstanding.”
In the end, it was Bliss from Grimsby Institute that claimed gold.
Andy Thomas-Downes, judging from Grimsby Institute agreed the standard was very high.
He said: “It came down to the final point, but the reason we picked this band was that they were extremely tight, they had two original songs and their interaction with the crowd was also good. They are all-round winners.”
Rotherham College claimed victory in Level 2 Catering and Hospitality with a sophisticated menu including a lemon sole in a ginger tempura batter with coriander crushed peas for starter and pan-fried supreme of chicken with potato puree, a port jus and straw potatoes for main.
Rotherham College Level 2 Catering and Hospitality learner Jack Crane was part of the winning team.
Jack said: “The judges said everything was cooked perfectly and they were really happy with what we made. I’m ecstatic about winning because I took part last year and we lost out by two points, so to win this year was brilliant.”
Grimsby Institute Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up learner Katie Robsinson came first in her category with a vibrant festival design using brightly coloured hair extensions.
Katie said: “I don’t like to plan out beforehand. I just get all my equipment and see what comes into my head – and it seems to work. I didn’t expect to win – but I couldn’t be happier.”
Rotherham College Assistant Principal Claire Godfrey was delighted with the learners’ performances.
Claire said: “The quality has been so high and I know it’s been very difficult for our judges to decide the winners – thank you to our judges for taking part.
“There’s been some absolutely exceptional work. The skills, knowledge and behaviours that all learners have demonstrated today have been outstanding.”