Last term, Southwark College proudly launched the NCG Guarantee Community Badge as part of the initiative from the leading college group, NCG, to support student development through extracurricular activities. Sponsored by City and Guilds, the NCG Guarantee focuses on five core principles — Community, Digital, Mental Fitness, Enterprise, and Employability — each designed to prepare students for success in their future careers and broader life experiences.
The NCG Guarantee Community Badge was the first of five badges that students worked towards and encouraged participants to become active members of their local and College communities. To earn the badge students were required to engage in a range of community-building activities, both on and off campus, including volunteering, fundraising, joining clubs or societies, and participating in local events that fostered a sense of social responsibility and inclusivity. An example of some of the activities that students took part in included: Remembrance Day fundraising, volunteering at the Graddies Awards Ceremony, National Theatre visit, Black History Month events, Mayor of Southwark FGM talk and Cultural day amongst many others.
345 Southwark College students earned the NCG Guarantee Community Badge, demonstrating a strong commitment to making a positive local impact, with successful participants coming from different subject areas across the College:
- Business, IT, and Services: 166 learners (including 9 ‘Above and Beyond’)
- Creative Arts: 37 learners (including 10 ‘Above and Beyond’ recognitions)
- ESOL Young Learners: 69 learners (including 11 ‘Above and Beyond’ recognitions)
- Health and Science: 18 learners (including 6 ‘Above and Beyond’ recognitions)
- Supported Learning: 32 learners (including 2 ‘Above and Beyond’ recognitions)
recognitions)
- T-Level: 23 learners (including 2 ‘Above and Beyond’ recognitions)
In recognition of their dedication and hard work, Southwark College recently hosted several award ceremonies for students from different faculties. At these ceremonies, the students were presented with their NCG Guarantee Community Badges, vouchers, and certificates, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the students’ achievements.
Ria Willoughby, Assistant Principal for 16-18 Students at Southwark College, shared her thoughts on the programme:"The NCG Guarantee Community Badge is a fantastic way for our students to engage with their communities, locally and at Southwark College. By participating in these activities, they develop valuable skills like empathy, collaboration, and social awareness—qualities that will help them succeed in their future careers and become responsible, engaged citizens."
As we move into the new term, students will be focusing on the Digital Badge, which introduces new activities and challenges aimed at developing their digital skills and knowledge. Finishing with a Digital Conference at the college campus on 6 February, the badge aligns with the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s world and will help prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace.
In the coming months, students will continue to work towards earning the remaining NCG Guarantee badges — Employability, Enterprise, and Mental Fitness — all of which will contribute to their holistic development and employability skills on leaving the College.
Find more information on the NCG Guarantee here.
