New facilities in Cambridge (28/09/09)

Last week saw the opening of fantastic new learning facilities at the College of West Anglia’s Cambridge campus, based at Milton. The college, which is the first general further education college in Cambridgeshire to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, has invested over £3m in the redevelopment of the campus, which includes a new teaching and learning facility and a new farm workshop.

The official opening, on the 23rd of September, of the new state-of-the-art Discovery building by Mr Hugh Duberly, the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and our local Olympic equestrian event rider, Sharon Hunt, signals the start of a new chapter in the life of the campus.

The Discovery building has been designed to be environmentally responsive with features such as self-regulation of its own temperature and light, and is leading the college’s plans to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. This fantastic new facility houses a learning resource centre, an IT suite, laboratories, a cafeteria with ‘stand and surf’ internet technology, video conferencing, veterinary nursing facilities and a dog grooming parlour as well as housing the main campus reception.

The campus facilities are set to improve even further with the opening of a new equine therapy centre in November. This joint project with Anglia Ruskin University will see the installation of an aqua treadmill, solarium and equine spa. Alison Barber, Cambridge Campus Director said, “Our new equine therapy centre opens its doors for an "infotainment" event in November. This technologically advanced facility will promote and assist with the recovery, rehabilitation and fitness of horses, enabling our students to explore both the science and the practical application of the latest techniques in the equine world”.

The campus is a dedicated land-based facility offering a range of full-time and part-time courses in agriculture, countryside management, horticulture, equine studies, animal management, dog grooming and veterinary nursing. This year the campus has enhanced its curriculum further, with the launch of its higher education provision including a foundation degree in equine studies with a foundation degree in animal behaviour and veterinary nursing to follow in 2011. In addition, the campus will deliver qualifications in sustainable technology and outdoor pursuits. The campus will also see the launch of its golf and rowing academies as well as its army training programme.

Arlene Clark, Executive Director Curriculum and Learning said, “Our students get the opportunity to study outdoor subjects that give them a real opportunity to gain vocationally relevant skills as well as stretch themselves academically. The students attending the campus enjoy a success rate exceeding national targets. Throughout their time at the College they are stretched mentally and physically to ensure that they are among the best and most competent”.