He might be new to the role of Principal, but Oliver Symons is certainly no stranger to Moulton College – and he’s relishing the prospect of being part of something he’s admired and held in high regard for some time.
In a previous role with Landex, an organisation that supports colleges and universities that offer land-based education and training, Oliver visited Moulton College on many occasions and has already spotted several familiar faces from the training he used to deliver as he transitions into his new role.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have visited most of the specialist land-based colleges in this country, and Moulton College was always the one I wanted to lead one day, it feels like home,” he said. “Th e college has been through some challenging times; the outgoing principal Corrie Harris has done a remarkable job over the last five years to turn that round and now I think we are ready to get back to being one of the great colleges in the sector.
“One of my first goals is to continue to build relationships with external stakeholders. I want employers to feel they have a say in the curriculum because they know what they want and need now and in the future. Partnerships will be the key to deliver the skills needed and ensure students are equipped with what they need to enter the world of work. Combined with listening to our students and making sure they feel they are part of what we are trying to do.”
Oliver started out as an Outdoor Sports instructor and expedition leader, gaining knowledge about leading people in often challenging and high-risk environments.
“When you are in a remote environment, days away from support you learn how to rely on others and develop a team culture,” he said.
“I feel these experiences have shaped the way I approach leadership now: high expectations, high challenge but with high levels of support. Th is is what results in high rewards. Leadership has and must evolve to reflect our progressing society. I am passionate about this authentic, adaptive approach which prioritises workplace wellbeing and inclusion, recognising that diversity is our strength.”
Oliver has spent 20 years in the Further Education sector and is passionate about the role it plays in changing lives and creating opportunities for all. He spent part of his career training teachers to provide exceptional teaching, learning and assessment in their specialist fields – something that is relevant and important in his new role.
“We have some amazing staff at Moulton College. It’s a real challenge when you step away from industry, for instance, and go into teaching. Having something you’re passionate about and being able to pass that knowledge on in a way that is accessible and relevant, making itmeaningful and understandable is very special. When you can combine it with classroom management skills and knowing how to get the best out of every student. That’s life changing.
“The vocational and technical nature of all Moulton’s courses mean there is a direct line to the world of work and students are often fully engaged because they are learning about a subject they really feel is going to be relevant to their careers. And keeping it relevant and current is why we need input from the employers out there, who can tell us exactly what they want in a student coming through one of our courses.”
Moulton College is a renowned land-based college that specialises in training young people and adults in skills associated with the natural, built and recreational environment. Th e curriculum includes land-based and agricultural courses; construction skills; animal welfare and equine courses; food courses; business studies and sports-based courses.
It takes students from the age of 16 and off ers courses that can potentially take them through to degree-equivalent Level 6, including the introduction of T-Levels and HTQs from September. The college has around 2,000 full-time students as well as part- time and older learners, and applications for the next academic year are tracking significantly higher than last year, building on an impressive three years of continuous growth.
“One of the best impacts of the renewed emphasis on skills through Local Skills Improvement Plans is that is has brought an even wider range of stakeholders together to really make sure we have the curriculum that is right for the region,” said Oliver.
“I plan to go on a skills expedition of sorts, meeting businesses, engaging with our civic and community partners and inviting them into the college to find out exactly what we have to offer here. I see it very much as a win-win – we ask them what they need from us and tell them what we need from them – and if we get that right we have potential to be the very best.”
A Stakeholder and Skills Celebration Event is being planned for September and any business that feels they have something to offer – work experience placements etc – should contact the college to register an interest. Schools are also welcome to collaborate with the college in terms of careers advice and the transition from school to further and higher education.
“We need everyone working together to ensure our curriculum is the best it can be,” said Oliver, “we’ve got to keep up to date and keep pace with changes in industry. Technology moves at such a pace and the employees of tomorrow have to be ready for that. The college hashigh expectations of students and so we must deliver the courses they need. We also need to continue to be part of the community, showcasing our facilities and broadening the reach of Moulton College.
“Hand in hand with that goes our commitment to the green agenda, something that matters to all of us. The environment is fundamental to the land-based sectors and we need to build that expertise. We need to come together to tackle the increasing issues of areas like supply chains and food miles, which are going to become more and more important as time goes on.
“Moulton College is addressing that in terms of how it operates, with a commitment to Net Zero by 2030. It is also embedding sustainability throughout its curriculum, ensuring that its students are ready to respond to these challenges and opportunities after they leave college.
“It’s an exciting time for me starting this adventure. An expedition is ‘a journey with a purpose’ and the purpose here is clear; to provide an exceptional experience for all our students and staff alongside meeting the needs of stakeholders. We want to become known as the best place for land-based education, for sport, for construction and business and build a reputation for excellence, in everything we do.”
Find out more about Moulton College here.
