Bradford College

International Acclaim for Healthy College

Visitors from Hamm, Germany jetted into the UK to find out more about the Healthy College Programme at Bradford College – and why Bradford College was one of the first colleges in the country to be awarded full ‘Healthy College’ status.

The innovative exchange programme is supported by the European Union, Bradford College and Bradford Council, encouraging new learning and career development opportunities for learners from both institutions. 

During their trip to the UK, the German delegation attended an exclusive meeting with Jane Marshall, Healthy College Manager to discuss the Healthy College Programme in a bid to share good practise.

During talks, students discovered that with the backing of College Principal Michele Sutton, OBE and College Directorate, Jane Marshall has been instrumental in helping to reform the health and wellbeing culture at the College – with spectacular results. Confident, healthy, and personally fulfilled staff and learners are just some of the benefits Bradford College has enjoyed since Jane Marshall’s appointment in 2007.

Commenting on the inspiring new partnership,Jane Marshall said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn from each other, not only from a practical perspective, but also from a cultural perspective.”  Speaking to students and staff from Elisabeth Luders Berufskolleg, Jane added: “We hope that your visit to the UK will strengthen the long term relationship between the two institutions and provide lasting memories and friendships for both students and staff involved in the project.”

During their trip to the UK, the German delegation visited some of England's most vibrant and varied cities, including: Leeds, Manchester, and London. Healthy College Manager Jane Marshall and Bradford Council Official, Zuby Hamard accompanied students and staff on many of the trips including the acclaimed Tutankhamun exhibition in Manchester.

Students also visited Haworth, the home of the Brontë sisters, the authors behind some of England’s most famous literature and Saltaire - World Heritage site.  The students rounded off their trip with front stage seats to the sell-out production of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, which was described by the Sunday Times as "This is the funniest night you'll ever have at the ballet!"

Students and staff from Elisabeth Luders Berufskolleg, spoke with great delight about their trip to the UK and what they enjoyed most about the visit.
Student Nicola Bauer said:  “It’s been such a great experience to learn first hand about another culture.  We’ve got so much out of the trip and the people are so friendly and lovely.”

Student Karina Kampert added: It’s been great to experience a different culture… everything’s so different to Germany.  For example the Healthy College programme.  It’s a good idea to offer health initiatives – I can see how the students here benefit.”

Lecturer, Anita Stoltz, accompanied the students on the trip and said: “I find it important to see what Bradford College is doing for its students and staff in the field of ‘Health Management. I am confident Jane will be able to give our teachers and school ideas on how to deal with health and implement a health programme.”

Anita Stoltz went on to express her thanks to all partners involved in the cultural exchange programme, including Bradford College, Bradford Council and the European Union.  Anita reflected: “Without these partners it wouldn’t have been possible to send our students to Bradford College to have such a great experience and get to know another culture and how people really live here.”