City of Westminster College works hard to ensure students not only achieve their goals, but also enjoy their time with us.

Hosting regular parent and student events is a vital part of our pastoral work, helping to ensure not only that our students are on track, but that their parents/guardians are happy with the education and environment here at the College. It is also important that parents are engaged and involved in supporting their sons and daughters’ learning aspirations.

Finally, it is also a chance to remind a generation that may have been out of education for a while that there are lots of opportunities for students of all ages.

We attended a Parents’ Evening hosted by the Faculties of Technology and Culture, Media and Sport to find out the views of our students’ parents – and we couldn’t resist asking if they might consider returning to learning themselves!
 
Shemsi Shalaku and son Tirron – Kosovan-born Tirron, 16, is studying BTEC Introductory Diploma in Engineering. It was Shemsi’s first time speaking to the tutors, although he accompanied his son when he came to enrol here. Tirron is happy with his progress and Shemsi is proud of his son’s achievements so far.

Shemsi added: “This is a good College with the best teachers. It is very good for parents to understand what the students are doing and I would like to come to the College more often. Maybe I would consider coming here myself to get qualifications in plumbing.”

Melanie Dewey and daughter Amy – Amy, 17, is studying a BTEC National in IT plus evening classes in Spanish. Mother Melanie came with her for enrolment but was using the parents’ evening to get to know tutors and find out a bit more about her daughter’s progress.

Melanie added: “I like the College – it has a nice atmosphere. Amy is very happy that she got onto her first-choice course and is making good progress. It’s been very useful to have this opportunity to speak to tutors and check that everything is going well for her. I’m a nurse so I’m not sure I would be able to come back to College – anyway, Amy wouldn’t want to study alongside her mum!”

Jannet Mauricio and son Jordan – Jordan, 18, from north-west London, is studying for BTEC Level 2 in Art & Design. Having studied Level 1 with us, he initially chose a more local College for Level 2, but wasn’t happy so dropped out. He then reapplied for Level 2 with us and joined in September. Jannet is relieved that things have finally worked out for her son.

Jannet added: “I’ve heard very good things about this College and its teachers. Jordan likes coming here so that makes me happy. I wasn’t sure what to expect this evening and it was the first time I’d met Jordan’s tutor. It’s set my mind at ease to know he is attending and doing very well. I wouldn’t mind coming back to College - I would probably choose Accountancy.”