Author Archives: Gareth Hall
While January 20th is sometimes called ‘Blue Monday,’ it’s important to recognise that mental health challenges don’t conform to a calendar. However, the winter months can be particularly demanding on our emotional wellbeing, with shorter days and post-holiday adjustments affecting how we feel.
The start of a new year often brings expectations of dramatic change and self-improvement. Yet these pressures, especially during the darker winter months, can feel overwhelming. Instead, let’s approach this time with understanding and compassion.
As we begin 2025, it can be tempting to set many big goals. But winter is a time for slowing down and reflecting. Instead of rushing into resolutions, think of this season as a chance to take care of yourself and focus on what matters most.
- Rest and Recharge: Winter is a time to pause and rest. The shorter days and longer nights are perfect for reflecting (looking back at) and gathering energy for the months ahead. Rest is important, so don’t feel guilty about taking time to relax.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Start the year with self-compassion (being kind to yourself). It’s okay to have high expectations, but also allow space for mistakes. Growth doesn’t need to happen quickly, and you can ease into your goals at your own pace.
- Explore What Inspires You: Instead of strict resolutions, think about what excites you. What brings you joy or curiosity? Use this time to reconnect with hobbies, skills, or relationships that you care about.
- Set Intentions, Not Just Goals: Instead of focusing only on specific goals, consider setting intentions for how you want to feel or what values you want to live by. For example, you could focus on kindness, creativity, or building connections.
- Enjoy the Present: Life happens moment by moment. Take time to enjoy the little things, like a walk outside, a warm drink, or spending time with loved ones. These moments can bring happiness and help you feel more grounded.
- A Year of Gentle Growth: 2025 doesn’t have to be about big changes or ticking off goals. It can be a year of slow, steady growth, focusing on what nourishes your mind and heart. Take it one step at a time—there’s no “right” way to go through the year.
This winter, embrace a gentle approach to wellbeing and set yourself up for a fulfilling year ahead.
Stockton Sixth Form College is celebrating a resounding victory in the UK Senior Mathematics Challenge. The college’s students have achieved exceptional results, demonstrating their mathematical prowess and dedication to academic excellence.
In total, the college secured 1 Gold award, 4 Silver awards, and 21 Bronze awards. This outstanding achievement reflects the hard work and talent of the students, as well as the excellent teaching and support provided by the college’s mathematics department.
The UK Mathematics Challenge is a rigorous competition that tests students’ problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge. The senior challenge is open to students in Year 12 and Year 13, and it requires careful consideration and strategic thinking to achieve success.
The college’s students prepared for the challenge through lunchtime sessions led by experienced mathematics lecturers. These sessions focused on practicing past papers and developing effective problem-solving strategies.
Dylan Fryer, a Year 13 student, achieved a Gold award in the challenge, qualifying him to represent the college in the next round, the Kangaroo. This is a remarkable accomplishment that highlights the exceptional level of talent and hard work within the college’s mathematics department.
Zahra Abbas, a Year 12 student, narrowly missed a gold award but secured a Silver medal. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication and ability, and she is undoubtedly poised for even greater success in the future.
The UKMT Challenge results can be an asset for students’ applications to universities, particularly for those pursuing STEM degrees. The awards demonstrate a solid foundation in mathematics and can help students stand out from the competition.
Stockton Sixth Form College is immensely proud of its students’ achievements in the UK Senior Mathematics Challenge. The college’s commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment has clearly paid off, and the students’ success is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College (part of the Tees Valley Collaborative Trust) has been accredited to the matrix Standard, demonstrating the high quality Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) services they provide to their students.
The college, with campuses in Guisborough and Stockton-on-Tees, offers a wide range of courses to both young people and adult learners. With around 1,300 students aged 16-18, adult learners accessing Functional Skills and Learning Support Assistant courses, and a specialised programme for SEND learners, the college plays a pivotal role in the local educational landscape. This matrix assessment covered the work of the Endeavour Faculty, which supports students with Educational Health Care Plans and adult learners, all underpinned by Tees Valley Combined Authority funding.
The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice, and/or guidance (IAG). Achieving this accreditation highlights the college’s commitment to offering tailored guidance that helps students and learners achieve their educational and career goals.
Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College, and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service, and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”
Commenting on the award, Anne Donovan, Head of Lifelong Learning, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the matrix Standard accreditation. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff in ensuring that every student receives the best possible guidance and support, tailored to their needs and aspirations. We remain committed to continually improving our services and helping students make informed decisions about their futures.”
For more information about the matrix Standard, please visit www.matrixStandard.com.
We are pleased to announce the recent appointment of Mike Mackin who have joined the Tees Valley Collaborative Trust as Head of Centre for Stockton Sixth Form College. They have stepped into their role over the past few months, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a commitment to educational excellence.
Mike brings a distinguished background from Prior Pursglove College, where he has been a cornerstone since 2000. He began his journey as a business teacher and expanded his expertise to include accounts, economics, and politics. His extensive experience of teaching and leading across various subjects has equipped him with a broad and nuanced understanding of what constitutes strong teaching and learning.
Michael Mackin
A passionate advocate for community engagement, Mike has been instrumental in fostering strong relationships with local support groups, including the De Brus community. His leadership extends beyond academics, having successfully managed multiple elements of operations, data, marketing, and finance.
Mike also has a profound appreciation for the arts, recognising their vital role in holistic education. He supported his previous College to secure the prestigious Gold Arts Award, reflecting his commitment to nurturing creativity and cultural awareness among students.
At the heart of Mike’s educational philosophy is the belief that every student, regardless of their background or ability, deserves the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful progress. His vision aligns with our mission to provide an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving environment for all.
“I’m thrilled to be leading Stockton Sixth Form College at such an exciting time,” Mike shared. “I look forward to working with the entire college community to build on our recent successes and to ensure that we continue to offer an outstanding educational experience for all our students.
This post come alongside a variety of new roles within the Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, all focused on enhancing the quality of education and supporting the growth of our students across the region.
Nichole Munro, Chief Executive Officer for the Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, expressed her confidence in the new appointments. “We are delighted to welcome our new heads of centre to our leadership team. Their passion for education and commitment to student success are perfectly aligned with the values of our Trust. I am confident they will make a significant positive impact on their respective colleges.”
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between Stockton Sixth Form College, part of the Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, and Middlesbrough Football Club.
Established in 2017, Tees Valley Collaborative Trust is a multi-academy trust based in the north-east. It is dedicated to fostering a love of learning through high-quality educational provision, inspiring every learner to reach their full potential while contributing positively to their community.
Liam McGuinness, MFC Head of Commercial, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to begin this collaboration with Tees Valley Collaborative Trust and believe we can work closely together for mutual benefit. The trust’s commitment to improving life chances for young people in our region aligns with our own objectives, and we are excited to support their goals and enhance opportunities for learners in the local community.”
Michael Mackin, Head of Centre for Stockton Sixth Form College, added: “This partnership is an exciting opportunity for the Trust and its member colleges and schools, including Stockton Sixth Form College, Prior Pursglove College, Errington Primary, and Bishopton PRU. We look forward to working closely with Middlesbrough FC to develop links that will enrich the educational experiences and opportunities for all our students and pupils.”
This partnership opens up a wealth of opportunities for our students, including the chance to explore the inner workings of a professional football club from a business perspective as well as exclusive opportunities and once in a lifetime chances which we haven’t been able to provide before. These unique learning experiences will not only enrich their education but also equip them with the skills needed to excel in their future careers.
You’ve got your results, but what comes next? Choosing your next step is a significant decision and Stockton Sixth Form College is here to help you navigate it. Whether you’re aiming for A Levels or vocational courses, we offer a broad range of options tailored to your goal. It’s all about finding the path that gets you where you want to be.
Even if you’re unsure about your next move, don’t let that hold you back. Our friendly team is just a chat away, ready to help you explore your options and make an informed decision.
Our courses aren’t just about learning – they’re about leading you to success, whether that’s further education or stepping straight into a career.
Why Choose Stockton Sixth Form College?
- Free public transport for all students
- Use of our brand new, state of the art gym
- Bursaries available from weekly subsidy, free meals, free UCAS application submissions and more.
- Free Wi-Fi across our campuses
- Microsoft 365 Access for up to five devices.
- Diverse and exciting enrichment programme
- Dedicated expert careers, employability and entrepreneurial advice with support with your application for university.
- Work experience opportunities in your chosen field.
- Dedicated employability and entrepreneurial events with industry experts.
- Mental health and wellbeing support available to all of our students.
- Outstanding Pass Rates with a 100% pass rate in most A-Level subjects and a 99% pass rate in BTECs.
We’re proud to share that we’ve achieved our best exam results since 2019, with higher A* to B grades, and we’re committed to continuing this trend of success. Be a part of our future achievements and choose Stockton Sixth Form College.
For even more reasons to join us, check out our prospectus here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start your application here.
Need Assistance?
We’re here to help:
- Email us at Stockton.info@tvc.ac.uk
