Students celebrate success

Exceptional students at Riverside College were an inspiration to all as they gained recognition for their achievements at Riverside College’s Graduation and Access Ceremony.

The ceremony, which took place at Riverside College’s new ‘Centre Stage’ theatre at the Kingsway Campus, was hosted by Performing Arts A levels Tutor Matt Plant, saw a record number of students collecting awards.

Students graduated in subjects ranging from the, Foundation Degree in Business Management, Foundation Degree in Engineering, Foundation Degree in Bioscience, AAT and Counselling Diplomas, with an audience of family, friends and college staff.

After an opening address by the college Principal, Michael Sheehan, who welcomed the Access students and Graduates, the students were presented with their certificates by Vice Chair of Governors Alan Bennett.

Principal Michael Sheehan said “The Graduation and Access Ceremony is certainly one of the high points of the academic year. We hope the occasion will serve as a lasting memory of a happy and important day. It is a fantastic way for us to celebrate the success of some of our exceptional students and to inspire others with their achievements”

Guest speaker of the evening was Paul Craven. Paul, who studied on the HNC Business and Management course at Riverside College before going to Chester University achieving a First Class Honours Degree, Paul has recently completed the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualification at Riverisde College in June 2010.

This year the ‘Part Time Award for Higher Education student of the year went to Clare Barker, for displaying exceptional intelligence, versatility and determination throughout the Foundation Degree in Engineering.

The ‘Full Time Award for Higher Education student of the year went to Lisa Uren who not only demonstrated the commitment and dedication need to achieve on the course but pushed herself to achieve her goals and develop the study skills that are required to achieve her Foundation Degree in Business Management.

Students on the Access course have excelled themselves with a record number of gaining a full Access qualification progressing on to various universities to continue their education at a higher level.

The successful students have been offered places from some of the most prestigious Universities in England including Liverpool University, Liverpool John Moores, Chester University, Liverpool University, Salford University.

The Access to Higher Education programmes are specially designed to meet the needs of adult without traditional qualifications wishing to progress on to various universities.

Joanne Edge was awarded the Overall Access ‘Student of the Year’ course due to her commitment to the course and her attitude to studying which was described as ‘a testimony to her determination to fulfil her desire to become a teacher’. She also showed relentless enthusiasm towards all her subjects.