Awards ceremony at Bath College recognises English and maths achievements

Students returning to college to study English and maths had their achievements recognised during a special awards ceremony.
 
The ceremony, at Bath College’s Shrubbery Restaurant, was a proud moment for students who are working hard to improve their qualifications.
 
Through the Adult Community Learning team, students can start at entry level and progress to a Level 2 qualification. From there, they have the option to study English and maths at GCSE level.
 
Student Thomas Watson has worked in general administration at the Post Office for 10 years and has just achieved a Level 1 in maths.
 
He said: “I’m 46 and this is the first thing I’ve ever achieved. I left school at 15 with no qualifications, so to get something like this definitely gives you a sense of achievement.
 
“It’s something I would recommend. Now I’ve learned these skills, I’ve adapted things at work to make my job easier. You don’t have to sit a big test, you can tick a module off and go onto the next one.”
 
Bath College Principal Laurel Penrose handed students their maths and English certificates at the ceremony on Monday December 4.
 
Students also enjoyed the chance to catch up with classmates and tutors before Christmas, as well as musical entertainment and refreshments.
 
English and maths student Kieran Fry said: “I’ve taken the courses because I want to better myself. I started at entry level and now I have my Level 1 qualifications.
 
“My friends and family are immensely proud. It’s not an easy task, but I hope to progress and to have the chance to do my GCSEs soon.”
 
Entry level English student Lesley Hillier hopes to continue learning so that she can enrol to study bereavement counselling in the future.
 
She said: “It really means a lot, taking this qualification pushes you forward all the time and means I can do what I really want to do – I can follow my dream.”
 
Community Engagement Manager Anna Wheeler said: “This event was an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of just some of our brilliant learners.
 
“For many people, school isn’t the right time or place to gain their qualifications, so it is really important that there are opportunities to develop skills at a later point.
 
“Our learners work extremely hard, fitting their studies around responsibilities and challenges in their everyday life in order to attend class.
 
“We are immensely proud of the effort and dedication they have shown, and of our skilled English and maths tutors who have contributed to their success by guiding them through.”