Bath College recognises outstanding students’ achievements

Outstanding students at Bath College had their achievements recognised at a special ceremony, where they collected awards in front of tutors, family and friends.

Over 30 students were nominated by their tutors and invited to the annual Celebrating Success Awards Ceremony at the Guildhall.

The ceremony included students from departments across the college, studying subjects from graphic design, hairdressing and performing arts to computing, construction and sport.

Jade Carr-Daly was one of the first students to collect her award as Photography Student of the Year. The 18-year-old, who is now studying photography at degree level, was praised by exam moderators who said her final major project was “detailed, informative and creatively powerful”.

She said: “I was quite shocked to get the invitation in the post, but I was really happy that my hard work had paid off and I was able to get an award.

“It was a surprise to get the grades I did at college, I achieved more than I thought I could. I would like to say a big thank you to my tutor Ozzie, who was there any time I needed support.

“If I hadn’t gone to college, I probably wouldn’t have learned film photography and that’s one of my favourite styles. My dream is to go into the music industry documenting and working with black and white film.”

The college’s floristry, catering and hospitality and music departments helped make the evening special by decorating the Guildhall, as well as providing food and entertainment.

As well as course awards, the ceremony included a number of special awards, recognising outstanding students across the college.

Tutors chose Ryan Dunford for the Sarah Woodhouse Achievement Award, Rachelle Wabissa for the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and Freya Game for the Young Person’s Service in the Community Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Freya, who is a 2nd year health and social care student, gives up her time to care for young people via a number of different organisations.

She said: “I just like helping people, it’s really enjoyable. You’re doing something for them, to help improve their lives, but it also makes you feel good to be doing something at the same time.”

Hayley Hayward-Boyle, Student Participation Officer at Bath College, said: “Freya volunteers for social services providing respite care for a nine-year-old boy with severe autism on a weekly basis.

“In addition, she volunteers as a befriender for Time to Share, befriending a five-year-old boy with ADHD and foetal alcohol syndrome, taking him out to different places.

“Freya also volunteers every Saturday for Keynsham Mencap Group, providing fun activities and trips for children aged five to 18 with learning disabilities.

“She gives opportunities to many young people in a selfless and caring manner, and is a great example of students volunteering to help within the local community.”

Bath College Principal Laurel Penrose told students at the ceremony: “As a college we want to ensure that each and every one of you achieves well and is highly employable. Our aim is to develop your individual talents and equip you to stand out from the crowd.

“Qualifications are important, but our tutors go beyond this, encouraging resilience and determination. Behind each award is a person determined to make their way in the world, determined to do their friends and family proud, and to play their part in their local community.

“I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations to each and every one of you, knowing that that without your individual perseverance, grit and tenacity, we wouldn’t be here tonight.”