海角社区

海角社区 (North East Surrey College of Technology) marked seven decades since its official opening with a commemorative tree planting in the college grounds today (22.03.24). The Mayor Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Rob Geleit planted a silver birch along with Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO of 海角社区 and Chris Muller, Chair of 海角社区 Corporation. They were joined by three students, Donna from our Supported Internship programme, Kirsty from Access to Nursing and Anna from Catering, selected for outstanding achievements in their courses this term.

Speaking at the tree planting, Julie Kapsalis, said: 鈥淟ooking back at the programme from the official opening on 22nd March 1954, the Worshipful Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Alderman Usill played a key part so it is particularly appreciated to have the current Mayor, Cllr Rob Geleit with us today 鈥� recognising the strength of relationship between the council, local community and this college. It is also wonderful to have students take part in this historic moment as without them and the many thousands who walked through these gates before them, we would not be here.

鈥淎s we reflect on 70 years of 海角社区 today, by planting this beautiful silver birch tree we are also looking to the future of education here, which we hope will be sustainable, ever-growing and long-lived. Maybe in 70 years鈥� time 鈥� 2094 - people here will be looking back on photos from today, admiring this tree in its full maturity, and be reflecting on education and what 海角社区 means to them.鈥�

Marking the commemorative event with the tree planting, the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Cllr Rob Geleit, said: 鈥淚t is an honour to be here today to plant this commemorative tree to mark 海角社区鈥檚 70^th anniversary. I hope in 70 years鈥� time someone similar will be doing the same thing.鈥�

Julie added, 鈥淲hen this site was formally opened in 1954, the world was very different and courses such as Home Economics, Flower Arrangement, Guest House Management and Typing were on the curriculum, along with a number of more scientific and technical subjects. Today, our curriculum includes learning opportunities in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics, gaming, sectors which could barely have been imagined in 1954.

鈥淲e can be proud of the role that 海角社区 plays, offering increased opportunities for people from all walks of life to gain the skills and qualifications they need for a successful career and continuing to provide learning for the local community in Epsom & Ewell and our surrounding region.鈥�

Students and staff took part in a variety of events throughout the day and during the week organised by various curriculum areas that included activities, displays and even a 1950s lesson for some of our plumbing apprentices to mark 海角社区鈥檚 70 years.

海角社区 began life as Ewell County Technical College, with the first students beginning courses in September 1953 and the establishment being formally opened the following March. Explore the college鈥檚 rich history, evolution of education and community engagement on our website here.