Member Article

Learners honoured at awards ceremony

ADULT learners and educators from across the North East were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony set up to mark the 20th anniversary of Access Validating Agency One Awards.

The organisation, previously known as TROCN and OCN North East Region, has helped thousands of people into higher education over the past 20 years.

Tyne Metropolitan College had plenty to cheer about being announced joint winner of the Outstanding Commitment to Student Experience Award.

The College was commended for its success in scheduling class timings to fit round school-drop off times and also offering students flexibility with their learning.

Gateshead College also came highly commended in the Outstanding Commitment to the Student Experience Award after establishing links with local care organisations and also hosting an allied health day.

On top of this, former students Ian Carr and Gemma Cullen who studied at Tyne Met College, and Louisa Storey from Consett, who studied at Derwentside College, were all honoured for their excellent achievements in education.

Teesside was also well represented, and Middlesbrough College had plenty to cheer about after landing the prestigious Innovation in Access to Higher Education Award and also being highly commended in other categories.

Stockton Riverside College had reason to celebrate after being commended for its contributions to the Access to Higher Education courses, and taking away the title of Outstanding Commitment to Quality Improvement.

On top of this former students from Redcar and Cleveland College, Rachael Johnson and Sharon Taylor Watson, were honoured for individual work along with tutor Michelle Kelso who was given the Student’s Choice Award.

The University of Sunderland took away the prestigious Higher Education Award for Engagement in Access to HE, after developing the Returners to Learning Scheme for students, which saw 358 people register on the course from regional colleges.

Sunderland College also impressed the judges after being announced joint winner of the Outstanding Commitment to Student Experience Award.

Lauren Rossall, 27, from Bishop Auckland was the Regional Winner of the Keith Fletcher Award for Outstanding Commitment to Study after her triumphs during her Access Diploma.

In just one short academic year Lauren suffered three personal tragedies, losing two grandparents and a very close friend, on top of this she also juggled her studies with being a single mum to twins.

Lauren, who is currently studying Psychology Bsc(Hons) at Durham University, was commended during the awards for her academic potential and positive relationships with her peers.

David Hall, Chair of the Board of trustees of One Awards, said: “I can’t think of anything better than to witness the fantastic achievements from inspiring people at the ceremony.

“There is a right time for education for everyone, the only problem is that for different people that happens at different times.

“One Awards Access to Higher Education courses have touched thousands of lives over its 20-year history, and will continue to provide valuable opportunities for adult learners to enable them to achieve their desired careers.”

To learn more about One Awards visit: http://www.oneawards.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Willis .