Last week, RuTC alumnus Adele James, announced she was cast as lead in the upcoming ‘Queen Cleopatra’ docuseries on streaming giant, Netflix.

Emmy winner, Jada Pinkett-Smith along with actors Craig Russell and John Partridge, star alongside Adele in the Egyptian docuseries based on the life of Egypt’s last pharaoh, Queen Cleopatra.

In 2018, Adele began to establish herself as a screenwriter, with her debut award-winning short film, Last Call.

Following Last Call, Adele has started to develop her own original TV concepts with major broadcasters and production companies, including Channel 4.

Before her Netflix debut on the 10th of May, Adele’s best-known role was starring as Christina ‘Tina’ Mollett in the long-running BBC drama, Casualty.

Adele studied BTEC Acting during her time as a student at RuTC.

Adele is delighted to have taken on the role and is excited for the world to enjoy the docuseries, saying "This is by far the most exciting role and experience of my career so far. I hope that through this work my fellow RUTC students and alumni will feel seen and inspired that - regardless of what resources you have or haven't grown up with - it is absolutely possible for you to tell impactful global stories too."

Jane Swift, Adele’s acting teacher is so pleased and proud of Adele for attaining this role of a lifetime, saying “I am beyond proud and pleased for Adele for achieving a lead role in a ground-breaking series for the largest streaming platform in the world!

“Adele was an extremely hard working, conscientious student and this has carried over into her working life, she is a hugely talented actress as well as a down-to-earth, kind individual who has given back to the college in many ways since leaving.

“We are looking forward to seeing the docuseries and cheering her on from the side-lines as she continues to forge an illustrious career for herself.”

From 21-24th of March, 19 Travel and Tourism students along with teachers, Hannah Talabany and Pauls Matuta and, Joanne Little, headed to Barcelona for a weekend of sightseeing and exploring the city.

The students arrived in Barcelona midday on the 21st, allowing them plenty of time to spend the first afternoon getting to know the local area and exploring some of the main tourist attractions of Las Ramblas, El Born and the Sagrada Familia.

The following day started with a hop on, hop off bus tour of Barcelona, during which they visited a few must see spots around the city, including exploring the Park de la Ciutadella, La Barceloneta, finishing the day appreciating the magnificent view from Turo de la Rovira.

On the final day of the trip, the group visited Park Guell and after this, took a cable car to Montjuic and afterwards had spare time to explore Barcelona for themselves.

Assistant Head of Business and Services Industries, Joanne Little, has fond memories of the trip, explaining, “This trip was a fun and relaxing time for all involved, it was amazing to spend a weekend showing the sights of Barcelona to our students and seeing them learn in real time the importance the tourism industry is to a capital city.

“Our learners thoroughly enjoyed their trip and were a joy to take away.”

Learn about studying Travel and Tourism at RuTC here.

On 22nd March, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) level 2 plumbing students enjoyed a hands-on training experience day with ADEY, the world’s first magnetic boiler filter company. ADEY is based in the Octillion Training Centre, Uxbridge.

ADEY’s mission is to prolong the world’s boilers by protecting the world’s heating from the damaging effects of poor water quality.

With the recent growing media attention surrounding net zero and carbon emissions, the students were invited to attend a training session event with ADEY at the Octillion Training Centre.

At the training centre, students were given the opportunity to see how ADEY’s water treatment solutions (magnetic filters) are used by thousands of heating engineers to help customers save money on their energy bills and protect their boilers from breaking down and reducing carbon emissions from homes and buildings.

ADEY have recently been mentioned in the Houses of Parliament by MP Siobhan Baillie speaking in the Household Energy Efficiency Measures debate, Siobhan asked the government to consider advising households on technology like that developed by ADEY to help with ever increasing energy bill costs.

The students had a great day learning a lot from ADEY’s team and the company’s research into the effects poor water quality has on our heating systems.

Raj Johal, Assistant Head of Construction and Engineering at RuTC was delighted by how much the students enjoyed the trip, saying “The students learnt so much, ADEY is a world leader in water treatment products and there is a huge chance that in their careers they will come across ADEY products.

“In this economic climate, it is important for students to learn how to protect and maintain heating systems as opposed to replacing them, this is the way the industry is heading and it’s vital our students are up to date with industry developments. A huge thank you to ADEY for having us.”

Learn about studying Construction and Engineering at RuTC here.

On 28th of March, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) held it’s very own Comic Con!

The day started with a presentation by prop designer, Andrew Ainsworth, the original creator of the stormtrooper suit, designed at his own business, Shepperton Design Studios for the first Star Wars film, Episode IV - A New Hope.

Andrew set up his business, Shepperton Design Studio in 1976 after being asked by George Lucas to manufacture the iconic costumes.

Andrew also very kindly loaned the college two full stormtrooper outfits to use on the day, both of which were worn by Star Wars obsessed staff to greet unsuspecting students and staff.

The day was filled with fun and activities including, face painting, a photo booth and a green screen accompanied with a stormtrooper, for those wanting to re-enact their favourite Star Wars scene.

The college’s Dungeons and Dragons’ club (D&D) were heavily involved in the event. The club offered to give those interested in D&D a chance to learn more about the game and showed those interested how to make maps for the game as well as letting students paint figurines and various customisable objects in the game.

The D&D table was full all day with lots interested in learning more about what is involved.

During the day two cosplay runway shows took place in the College’s auditorium where students had the opportunity to strut their stuff down the catwalk showing off their amazing costumes to fellow students and staff.

The two winners of the cosplay runway, Shannon Mclaughlin who studies Art and Design Level 3 and Oliver Bermejo who studies a Life Skills course, both won a ticket to the upcoming MCM Comic Con London event.

Oliver came dressed as Mr Incredible and Shannon came as Nezuko Kamado from manga series Demon Slayer.

Lorna Edwards, Welfare and Engagement Advisor at RuTC organised the first Comic Con event held at RuTC and was delighted about how successful the event was, explaining, “I am so proud and happy at how well-received and attended Comic Con was, especially considering this is the very first college comic con event at RuTC. It was brilliant to see so many students and even staff getting involved and having fun, being a bit silly together.

“College is generally a serious place, so to lighten it up and allow students the freedom and creativity to express themselves was great. I can’t wait for next year which we hope will be even bigger and better!”

Learn more about studying at RuTC here. 

Check out some amazing photos from the day below.