Student Achievement Marked in Awards Celebration

The achievements of students completing further education courses were celebrated last night when City College Norwich held its 5th annual Further Education Awards ceremony at St Peter Mancroft Church. The ceremony was followed by a reception celebration in the atrium of The Forum.

Ninety two awards were presented to students of all ages who have taken a wide range of courses from across the College’s 9 schools. Awards were presented for outstanding progression, special achievement and for Community Spirit and all were sponsored by local employers, most of whom were present on the night to present the awards and speak to successful students.

The College was proud to recognise the success of many learners on vocational courses, with awards presented to students who have studied skills such as plumbing, brickwork, hairdressing and catering. The College benefits from the immense support of local employers and works closely with business to ensure vocational courses are tailored to the needs of the workplace so it was fantastic to see so many employers supporting students and celebrating their success.

Three special awards were presented to students who have excelled in their time at College. The Students’ Union Award for Enhancing the Student Experience went to Stephen Brown for his work in the student parliament, school council and as a class representative as well as his voluntary work at college events.

The Governors’ Award for Outstanding Student Achievement went to Oliver Bock-Brown. Oliver achieved A grades in A level Biology, Physics and Chemistry and AS Level Maths. He said “I have enjoyed studying Science from GCSE. I am really excited to be going to Cambridge, in October, to study Natural Sciences. I am pleased and surprised to get the Governors award”.

The Governors’ Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life went to Hannah Doonan. With a 100% attendance rate, an impressive improvement from her school attendance, Hannah has become a mature young lady eager to get involved with all aspects of college life and gained a distinction in her BTEC Art and Design course.  She said “I never went to school but I have been 100% at college. The atmosphere is completely different, it’s much more grown up and I have been to every class. I am going on to study GCSE’s this year”.

The splendid St Peter Mancroft Church provided a fitting setting to honour the students’ success and friends, families, governors and local employers were treated to a performance by the Norwich Youth for Christ Gospel Choir. Guests then moved to the Forum to be entertained by College dance troop “Intensive Dance” and enjoyed buffet refreshments provided by students from the College’s Hotel School.

Dick Palmer, Principal of City College Norwich, said, “These awards are an opportunity to mark the many successes of our further education students.  Thanks to the continued support that the Further Education Awards receive from local employers we have tonight been able to celebrate success in vocational as well as academic courses.  The skills that these students have developed during their time with the College will prepare them for the world of work and will be invaluable to local businesses in the future.  Each student faces their own individual challenges and these awards celebrate the enthusiasm, determination and hard work they have demonstrated in order to gain their qualifications”.

Pictured: Dick Palmer with Oliver Bock Brown (winner of the Governors' Award for Outstanding Student Achievement) and Hannah Doonan (winer of the Governors' Robert Walton Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life).