Awards Ceremony 2008

More than 450 students with their family and friends gathered at Christ Church, Erith on Saturday 8 November for the Adult Education College Bexley’s Annual Award Ceremony.

 This ceremony recognises the achievements of those learners who have been studying part-time either day, evening or weekends in addition to all of their other family and work commitments. This year saw a diverse range of subjects again including GCSE’s & A Levels, British Sign Language, Counselling, Childcare, Accounting and Alternative Therapies.

 The ceremony was attended by many staff and Governors’ of the College, local councillors and representatives from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).The certificates were presented by Will Tuckley, Chief Executive of London Borough of Bexley. Mr Tuckley has been with the Council since May this year and was delighted to be asked to present the certificates to the College’s Students.

 In his opening address Mr Tuckley emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating the students’ achievements and the very real impact it has in the wider community. Of the students he said “Their dedication to lifelong learning not only enhances their own lives but makes an enormous contribution to the community as a whole. In raising the standards we are stronger as a community and have more to offer”. He also praised the contribution by family and friends in supporting the learners to achieve their goals.

 Of all the learners who collected certificates, a special mention is reserved for Caroline Jahans.

Caroline collected no less than 5 certificates for Literacy, Numeracy, Book-Keeping & Accounts, Computerised Accounts and ECDL, this is all the more remarkable as Caroline was born profoundly deaf. She has been studying with the College for some time now with the help of a communications support worker. Learner Support Manager Glenda Jackson said of her “she is the most determined student I have ever met. She is absolutely focussed and reliable and has never let her disability get in the way of her goals”. Caroline particularly wanted to improve her education so that she could find a job that was fulfilling. She is now working in an office environment in a voluntary capacity to gain valuable work experience. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude is infectious and an inspiration.

 Another learner who was singled out was Jenny Grace, who received this year’s Paul Davidson Award. Jenny was nominated by her tutor on the Teaching Assistants Course for her dedication and determination to succeed. Jenny was referred for support after her tutor reviewed her first unit of work. It was found that Jenny had dyslexia and her first unit had to be completely re-done. With the support of the College, her husband, another student and the tutor Jenny proved that hard work and determination can win through. She completed the next four units of the course with amazing ease and has now gained employment as a Teaching Assistant.

Principal of the College, Malcolm Tite said ‘I am pleased for every individual for their commitment and hard work. This ceremony gives us the opportunity to offer our congratulations publicly for the hard work and dedication of learners and the support given to them by their family and friends, and I take great delight in their success.”