Warwickshire students celebrated at special FE awards ceremony

Exceptional students have been celebrating their achievements at special awards ceremonies at Royal Leamington Spa, Moreton Morrell, Rugby and Warwick Trident Colleges.

A total of 113 students studying at the WCG family of colleges were recognised for their hard work, dedication and attainment throughout the academic year. The events, held at the end of June at each college were enjoyed by family, friends and members of staff.

Angela Joyce, Group Principal and CEO gave out awards for each subject at each college for Outstanding Achievement, Commitment to Learning and Student of the Year, before an overall Student of the Year for each college was announced.

The Royal Leamington Spa College Student of the Year was Health, Social Care and Early Years student Elinor Bird. Elinor said: “I was overwhelmed and amazed to hear my name called out – thank you! I have had such a great time at the college and have been so well supported by my tutors and my friends. My confidence has grown so much since studying at Leamington College and has given me the skills I need to pursue my future career.”

The Moreton Morrell College Student of the Year was Dean Sharpe, a Level 3 Diploma in Floristry student. Dean, who won his first medal at the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year 2018 competition in May, said: “I was not expecting this award at all – I’m really happy! Moreton Morrell College is where I’ve learnt all my skills completing my Level 2 and 3 Floristry courses. It has helped me achieve so much in the last four years. I can’t thank my tutor, Jane Benefield, and the team enough for all the help and support during this time.”

Since starting his floristry education, the thirty-four-year-old former care worker from Stafford has won numerous awards including a first place at the British Floristry Association annual FleurEx competition in 2015 and a gold at the influential UK World Skills competition held at Birmingham’s NEC in November 2016.

He added: “From a young age, I always had that creative flair and a passion for design. Whilst studying, I was encouraged to enter national floristry competitions, where at first, the prospect of this seemed very daunting, especially when I received that first brief!  However, taking the leap into the world of competing is when my real passion for design and creativity blossomed. The confidence I gained from these successes has resulted in me achieving my long term goal of establishing my own professional floristry business.”

The Warwick Trident College Student of the Year was Jack King, a first year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering student. Jack, who also won Engineering Student of the Year, said: “It’s a really big surprise to win not one but two awards. It’s a great feeling be acknowledged by my lecturers and rewarded for all my hard work.”

After studying for a term at his old school he found that sixth form wasn’t for him and as a result his mental health suffered. Once recovered he enrolled at Warwick Trident and has ‘never looked back’.

The 18-year-old from Balsall Common continued: “The atmosphere here is so much more relaxed which really suits me. The tutors allow you to work independently but will always help you out when you need it. It’s a course where I’ve been able to be my own person. I’ve always really enjoyed engineering and have been passionate about it since I was a kid. This qualification gives you a really good introduction to what the subject is all about.”

The overall Rugby College Student of the Year was Health, Social Care and Early Years student Jamie Townsend. Jamie said: “I feel honoured that I was even nominated for this award. This came as such a surprise especially due to my difficult first year at college. The lecturers helped me a lot and have shaped me into the learner and practitioner I am today, so I really want to thank them for that.”

For more information about courses at all four colleges call 0300 456 0049.