Students, staff and members of the public got to enjoy a host of festivities put on by Colleges across East Kent to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

All six of EKC Group’s Colleges got in the royal mood to mark the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70^th year on the throne, with games, live music and food on offer at each campus. 

Despite the official day taking place during the half term, students and staff still got to enjoy special celebrations during term time. Afternoon teas were laid out, cake slices munched and cardboard cut-outs of Her Majesty took centre stage in a number of selfies. 

Trees were planted across the Group earlier in the year as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project. Each business unit got the chance to install a native tree, and it’s hoped they’ll brighten up campuses for many years to come.

Even the primary schools under the EKC SchoolsTrust got in on the action, with students from Briary Wood and East Stour helping to brighten up Whitefriars in Canterbury. 

Here’s a round-up of all the events that were held in The Queen’s honour across the Group. 

Ashford College 

Assistant Principal Alexandra Syrotiuk came up with the idea for a Jubilee Crown design contest, which involved students and staff. Health and Social Care made a crown celebrating their pathway and involved every single one of their students, which won for best course themed crown.

Music students switched up their skills and handmade a series of Mario and Star Wars themed crowns, winning them best community crowns for coming together. Music student Ben won for his Princess Peach crown.  

During our crown contest was our Jubilee Party and BBQ filled with great music and even greater food provided by our Catering department. The students and staff in our Catering pathway made sure that everything went exactly to plan, and we had many happy students and staff who were able to really celebrate. 

Ashford College is also taking part in the Ashford Tree Trail – a collection of 30 locally designed trees to celebrate the Jubilee. The map for the trail and more info about this project can be found on the Ashford Borough Council website. 

Finally on Friday 27, Ashford College took the lead in redesigning the decals at Ashford International station’s main walkway for the Jubilee and organised this involving 26 groups including local schools such as EKC Schools Trust’s East Stour. College Services Manager Joanna Brown made sure this project went as successfully as possible. All the designs really make the station look so bright and colourful. 

Broadstairs College 

Our campus has been decked out with some fantastic Jubilee themed wall displays from Health & Social Care students, and PSA students have created a lovely memorial displayed outside Welcome building. Before half term our Student Experience Officer also hosted a Jubilee Party in the Student Centre, treating students to traditional afternoon tea treats and celebrations. Supported Learning students will also be celebrating with a ‘street party’ of their own this week. 

But our main celebration will take place on 17 June, as we invite 200 primary school children onto campus for their own Jubilee Street Party! The whole campus has been involved in the preparation of this event, with each department planning a variety of activities, games, food, treats and decorations for the children to enjoy. Students and staff are very much looking to supporting the event that is set to be a huge success. 

Canterbury College 

We have had a fantastic time celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the last few weeks at Canterbury College.  

We are thrilled to have worked on an exciting project with Whitefriars Shopping Centre to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We invited local primary schools across the local district to design banners and received nearly 700 entries. Our Canterbury School of Visual Arts helped to judge and choose the 21 winning designs, which are now being displayed around the city centre. 

Our Students' Union and Student Experience Officers decked out our campus with bunting, flags and even a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Queen Elizabeth II! The historic anniversary was celebrated with a Jubilee Street Party in our very own ‘Street’, enjoyed by students and staff. Delicious cakes and sandwiches were served as part of an afternoon tea, all made in-house by our Catering students. 

The Supported Learning Department also had their own party to celebrate the Jubilee, with lots of food, activities and live music from local 60’s and 70’s soul band, Six Shades of Grey. 

Back in March, students and staff planted a tree on our grounds as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Scheme, which encourages people to plant a tree to commemorate the 70^th year of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. 
 

Dover Technical College 

Here at Dover, we held a jubilee street party inviting people from the community to enjoy refreshments, face painting, music and party games. We were thrilled to have 80+ people attend throughout the day. 

One visitor, Jo, said: “I just wanted to send a quick thank you for the jubilee party at college on Saturday.  It was a lovely event and my family really enjoyed it!  
“Our son is autistic and often finds these sort of events quite overwhelming but he was really settled and happy the whole time. The music wasn’t too loud for him (usually a real bugbear of mine) and it was the first time he’s ever wanted his face painted! There were plenty of things to keep our daughter amused too, plus it’s always nice to spend time with colleagues outside of working hours! 
“So for us it was a real winner and we’re very appreciative of the efforts made.  Please pass on my thanks to all who were involved in organising the party.” 

Folkestone College 

Student Experience Officer Claire Coulson and Students Union President Luke took the lead on the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations! Students enjoyed a Free afternoon tea made by our Catering learners on the college grass, along with fun games such as Jenga, Connect Four, and pin the diamond on the crown. There was music and deck chairs laid out for students to relax. Supported Learning students also made their own crowns and there was a ‘trashion show’ where students were able to use recycled materials to make an outfit to celebrate. 

Claire said of the day: “Through wind and rain the students came out and enjoyed the festivities. Lawn games and the Ascot-themed ‘trashion show’ were a real success, and the Catering students provided a fantastic afternoon tea!”