Progress Tutors

Every student will have a specialist Progress Tutor to advise, guide and support them through their journey at OSFC.

Our highly experienced team of Progress Tutors work closely with you and get to know you as individuals, so they can provide specific support to help you achieve your potential. Progress Tutors help students set and work towards aspirational academic and career goals. We develop you as motivated and independent learners, who can thrive in the college environment and in the wider world. The Progress Tutor team support you by being a critical friend, who can help you to reflect and take responsibility for your progress. Our Progress Tutor team undertake regular training, such as the Youth Mental Health First Aid qualification. This training allows them to support and signpost students, so they can receive specialist support that may be required to be successful in their studies.

We develop motivated and independent learners, who can thrive in the college environment and in the wider world.

 

 

Progress Tutors also play a key role in delivering weekly group sessions on key topics that are relevant to the Pathway students are studying. Sessions are themed and include topics such as Learning how to learn, Mindfulness, Wellbeing and health, Futures, Personal safety, Charity and community and Preparing for life after college.  The weekly tutorials look at how students can make the most of their college experience and support you in making the big choices about your future. There is also a focus on careers-related activities, including looking at university, apprenticeship and job options after college.

The Progress Tutors are headed by Amanda, Caron and Doug. Meet your progress tutor below.

Student Support Leaders

 

• Amanda Lucas
  Student Support Leader
  Amanda Lucas

  Supporting students to be successful is at the heart of everything I do. Having worked as an overseas holiday rep in Ibiza and as a trainer for overseas holiday reps, I managed to combine my love of travel with my passion for working with people. I now teach Travel & Tourism, alongside my Student Support Leader and School Partnership responsibilities. I love travelling and have visited Japan during their cherry blossom festival, South Africa and was lucky enough to also go on a safari and see wild dogs, the USA and Canada where my visit to Niagara Falls was the highlight of the trip, as well as many places in the UK, Europe and the Baltic States. The one thing I would still love to experience is the Northern Lights!

• Caron Rainton
  Student Support Leader
  Caron Rainton

  As well as being a Progress Tutor, I'm an English Language teacher and a Student Support Leader. In my role, I help to manage the team of tutors and support them in helping students make the best decisions about their studies with OSFC and next steps into university, apprenticeship, or employment. As someone who was born in Oldham and attended a local partner school, I am well aware of some of the challenges faced by young people in the area today. My son was a student here, so I also know what it is like to be in the parent's shoes too. ￿

 

 Progress Tutors

 

• Gemma Curto-Alonso
  Progress Tutor
  Gemma Curto-Alonso

  I am a fully qualified teacher and I am currently Course Leader for Spanish, Literacy Coordinator and Ed Tech Demonstrator; teaching AS/A-Level Spanish, GCSE English Language, ESOL and Literacy Workshops and Tutorial Sessions at OSFC. I am an examiner for AQA, and I have run an Exchange Programme (which includes residential trips) with a Spanish High School for the last five years. Academic success and achievement are at the core of my teaching practice; this year I am leading a cross-college project entitled 'Active Reading Strategies in Remote and Blended Learning'.

• Amreen Akhtar
  Progress Tutor
  Amreen Akhtar

  Since graduating from the University of Salford with a First Class Honours degree, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for a number of years before joining ￿the police force as a Police Constable. I am excited and proud to be taking on this role as a Progress Tutor working alongside students to ensure that they have the best experience possible here at OSFC.

• Fathimah Anwar
  Progress Tutor
  Fathimah Anwar

  Transitioning from secondary school to college is a big jump and can be quite scary for many students, but knowing that there are people willing to support your progression at college can make all the difference. This is the message that I aim to put across to all my students, just like my progress tutor did with me when I was a student here. Staff and students at OSFC know me for my firm but fair, and supportive approach towards my students and their overall student performance (as well as my love for high-heeled shoes!).

• Sahreen Ashfaq
  Progress Tutor
  Sahreen Ashfaq

  I am a former OSFC student and really enjoyed my time at college, so much so, I came back to work here as a Progress Tutor in 2017 and have continued to love it. Previous to this role, I worked as a secondary school science teacher for several years, after studying Chemistry at The University of Manchester, and then completing my PGCE. Having worked as a teacher and now as Progress Tutor, I have seen the impact that excellent pastoral support can have on a students' academic progress. My main aim is to help my students realise that nothing is unachievable so, as corny as it sounds, never give up on your dreams! ￿

• Melissa Costello-Brown
  Progress Tutor
  Melissa Costello-Brown

  I was previously a sexual health and wellbeing practitioner so there is very little that fazes me! I have worked at OSFC for the last 3 years, initially as a Learning Support Assistant. As a progress tutor, I aim to support my students in making sure that they make a successful transition from secondary school to college. I believe that working with my students is key in making sure that my students are achieving their best. Regularly having 1-1 discussions enables me to voice any concerns I have with my students, as well as discussing how we can overcome any issues and be successful in their studies here at OSFC.

• Lauren Daly
  Progress Tutor
  Lauren Daly

• James Fletcher
  Progress Tutor
  James Fletcher

  I studied History at university up to a Master's Degree in the south and have returned to OSFC as a former pupil with a good knowledge of what it is like to both live, study and work in the Oldham area. The move from secondary school to college, where you're looking more at your future than ever, can be a difficult one but here at OSFC we will help you as much as we can to help you reach your potential. Most days outside of college, I can be found playing various musical instruments or binge-watching another comedy on TV.

• Ioana Fragulea
  Progress Tutor
  Ioana Fragulea

  Throughout my career, I've worked at schools in Romania, Scotland and England. I have been a teacher across many different core subjects including Modern languages/ French, English Language, English as a Second Language, Religious Studies and History & Civilisations. I am an enthusiastic, creative and adaptable person and feel nothing but pure excitement at the prospect of easing the learning, understanding and progression of all the OSFC students I work with.

• Samantha Gladwin
  Progress Tutor
  Samantha Gladwin

• Jessica Goodson
  Progress Tutor
  Jessica Goodson

  Prior to joining OSFC, I completed a First Class Honours degree in dance as well as obtaining a distinction in my Masters at the University of Chester. I have always strived to work in further education and previously worked as a tutor in various environments including sixth forms, schools and private agencies. I work creatively with an open-minded attitude and am always up for a challenge! I hope to help ease the transition for students from secondary school to college and support students in their progression beyond OSFC. I firmly believe that everything is achievable when you put your mind to it and when provided with the appropriate support!

• Emma Hart
  Progress Tutor
  Emma Hart

  As well as being a progres tutor, I am also an assistant principal and the College's Designated Safeguarding lead. I look after additional support, welfare and the mental health of our students and I also oversee the college marketing.

  As a teacher, my specialist subject is English.

  I love being a progress tutor, as I can be part of the great team at OSFC leading our students towards their goals and helping them to make the right future plans and choices.

  I have four young children, who keep me very busy outside of college. I also love reading and socialising with friends and family.

• Liz Hurst
  Progress Tutor
  Liz Hurst

• Nealm Johnson
  Progress Tutor
  Nealm Johnson

• Tiree Kirk
  Progress Tutor
  Tiree Kirk

  I started as a Progress Tutor in February 2019 after finally moving back home to be close to my family. Since graduating Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in English Literature in 2014, I have worked abroad in America at an all-girls Summer Camp for 5 summers, I have spent 8 weeks driving across Canada, exploring in a campervan and I have worked and lived in Scotland for 5 years as a Duty Manager of an Outdoor Activity Center. I am a qualified Climbing, Zip Wire, Segway and Archery Instructor as well as being a great off-road driver - OK I crashed the work Land Rover once. I have helped people face their fears, nurtured their hobbies and aided them with life experience beyond education. Now I aim to support and guide students in their goals for life.

• Doug King
  Progress Tutor
  Doug King

  Alongside my role as a Assistant Principal, I'm also a Progress Tutor and tutor for Sport and have worked at the college for nearly 20 years! I really enjoy my Progress Tutor role as it gives a great opportunity to work with our students and support them on their next steps. I'm really interested in how we help students get into good study habits and become independent learners by understanding the most effective ways of studying. The fantastic students I've been lucky to work with over the years have shown me that when students are able to get into good routines, have positive study habits and high standards for themselves, they can move onto some fantastic opportunities after college.

• Corisse Ledward
  Progress Tutor
  Corisse Ledward

  I am a Tutor for Dance and a Progress Tutor at OSFC and have previously also taught the A Level Graphic Design Course! I am very passionate about performance and visual arts and when I'm not dancing, you'll find me with an iPad in hand creating digital illustrations. As a former OSFC student, I chose the college because of the supportive and friendly atmosphere, approachable teachers and extra curricular opportunities such as the college production. After college I moved to London to study at Middlesex University, where I gained a First Class Honours Degree in Dance Performance. I completed my PGCE in 2018 and have worked in various roles at the college since 2017!

• Richard Lee
  Progress Tutor
  Richard Lee

  As well as being a Progress Tutor, I'm an English Literature teacher and a member of the college's SLT. As Assistant Principal, I am responsible for our work with students in schools, before they join OSFC, and their progression to university, when they leave us, and I am passionate about helping students reach their aspirations. I run our programmes for our high achieving students, such as the Varsity Programme, the Oxbridge Group and our programmes for Aspiring Medics (AMP) and Aspiring Lawyers (ALP). I love learning, particularly reading and writing, and have a PhD in English. The only thing I enjoy as much as reading is cycling, and I spend all my holidays riding my bike up the steepest mountains in Europe. I have been working at the college for 26 years and can't imagine working anywhere else.

• Linda Mallon
  Progress Tutor
  Linda Mallon

  ￿

  Alongside my role as Course Leader for Geography, I'm also a Progress Tutor and AS/A-Level Geography Tutor. I am passionate about the student experience and helping students reach their aspirations. Inspiring the academic success and achievement of my students gives me great pleasure and is at the core of my teaching practice. I enjoy supporting students throughout their time at OSFC and guiding them with their next steps after college. I love learning and have both an MSc and an MA and understand the many opportunities and challenges students may experience in pursuing their goals. I adore travelling and have been lucky to participate in many conservation projects in locations such as Borneo, Nepal, India and South Africa. ￿

• Edward Pullin
  Progress Tutor
  Edward Pullin

  I studied Music at university and have since enjoyed working with students in support roles at primary, secondary and college level. I came to OSFC to work as a Progress Tutor in 2017, having previously gone back to university to do a Master's degree in Musicology. I came to music quite late, only taking up my first instrument when I started my A Levels, so I particularly enjoy working with students to figure out what they want to do in the future and reminding them that life's path is rarely straightforward! Outside college, I enjoy writing music, reading, and walking my dog, Tetley.

• Ellie Reeves Ward
  Progress Tutor
  Ellie Reeves Ward

  I started working at Oldham Sixth Form College as a Learning Support Assistant in 2017 and have had various roles at the college and now as Progress Tutor. Before working at OSFC, I was at Manchester School of Art studying Textiles where I specialised in Fashion knitwear. I have always been interested in art for as long as I can remember and enjoy visiting galleries and museums to explore it further. During my role as a Progress Tutor, I have been able to develop my knowledge of supporting students with mental health and wellbeing and working with students 1-1 and in groups. While working in many different areas of the college, I have enjoyed getting to know all students and supporting them with their next steps for when they leave college.

• Khushnooda Zaman
  Progress Tutor
  Khushnooda Zaman

  I've supported students at OSFC for 16 years, in my role as a tutor and course leader of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, as well as a progress tutor. ￿ Being an ex-student, I highly valued the many opportunities studying here opened up for me and would urge students to make the most of the curricular and extra-curricular opportunities available to them. ￿ I understand that the transition from school to college can be a difficult one for some students and ￿for many years I have supported students with settling into college life and building good study habits. ￿ When it comes to next steps, I've offered support to students researching their future options, writing personal statements and looking at how to manage their workload and stay organised. Students can feel confident coming to me for help and support with any matter - If I don't know the answer I'll always try and help you find it. ￿