NCFE Student of the Year Awards 2008
On 12 November we celebrated the achievements of 21 outstanding students selected from across the country and from a wide range of backgrounds and specialisms. Feizal Glencross (pictured with NCFE's Chief Executive David Grailey and Tribal Learning and Publishing's Managing Director, Al Coates) was named as NCFE's Student of the Year 2008. Feizal demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for learning, and is a shining example to other students. As soon as he completed the NCFE Initial Training for Classroom Assistants Feizal was immediately offered employment at a local secondary school. He has made a huge impact on the children he teaches, and has been promoted twice. Feizal balanced his studies with employment as a long distance lorry driver, and had to use his entire holiday allowance in order to attend class once a week. Feizal's tutor, Jackie Clewley, describes him as 'inspiring' and as a 'champion for others'.
The full list of winners is below. They have all overcome challenges and achieved remarkable things, and all deserve praise and recognition.
West Midlands and Wales
Regional winner: Feizal Glencross, Telford College of Arts & Technology
In addition to being named as the overall winner of Student of
the Year, Feizal was also the regional winner in West
Midlands and Wales. He demonstrated commitment and
enthusiasm to learning, and far exceeded the requirements of
the course.
Runner up: Jay Eddolls, Royal National College for the Blind
Jay suffered a brain tumour which affected his short term memory and
was diagnosed with ADHD and a serious eye condition, yet he showed
determination to succeed and complete his studies. Jay independently
sought a work placement as part of the Level 2 Certificate in Customer
Service for Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism, and received the
highest possible praise from the hotel manager. Jay is now using his
new skills and confidence to achieve his goal of gaining full-time
employment in the hotel industry.
Runner up: Johnny Mejia, The Manchester College (presented to Johnny's tutor, Beverley Van-de-Velde)
Johnny exceeded the requirements of his course and used his new
knowledge to benefit others. He acted as a role model, advisor and
supporter on the Level 2 Introductory Award in Radio Production, and
his portfolio is being used as a benchmark for the course. Johnny
previously knew nothing about radio and is now a skilled operator. He
regularly contibutes to the radio by creating new programmes and
performs live, and is described by his tutor Beverley as 'a joy to work
with' and 'an absolute asset to the class'.
South West
Regional winner: Bonny Rowland, North Devon College
Throughout her course, Bonny demonstrated an extremely high quality
of work and showed creativity, care and control. She gave 100%
commitment to the course and offered support and encouragement to
others in the group. Bonny has exhibited two pieces of work and
teaches at the community based Stroke Club. As a result of
completing the Level 2 Creative Craft course, Bonny's confidence has
grown and she has now applied to do a part-time Arts degree.
Runner up: Julie Spencer, Poole Adult Learning
Julie flourished on the Level 1 Creative Craft course, and demonstrated
an excellent practical ability. She overcame a learning disability and
was always keen to help others in the class. Julie exceeded all
expectations, and her tutor describes her as an extremely talented
individual and a model learner.
East Midlands
Regional winner: Leanne Jakeman, Boston College
Leanne demonstrated outstanding skill and understanding of the Level
2 IT Practitioners course, and has progressed onto the National
Diploma in Computing. Her work was always of an exceptional
standard and she exceeded all expectations. Leanne showed
determination to succeed and her goal is now to build on her skills and
complete an honours degree.
Runner up: Wayne Christison, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies
Wayne showed great determination throughout his Music Technology
course and overcame learning difficulties to succeed. Wayne
excelled on the course, developed confidence and a range of life skills.
He is now using these skills to pursue a career in the music industry
as a mobile DJ.
North West
Regional winner: Samantha Murphy, Burnley College
Samantha produced an outstanding portfolio of work that was selected
by the External Moderator as an exemplar for the Interactive Media
course. Samantha encouraged and inspired other students, and was
the person others would turn to for advice. The course has played a
large part in not only Samantha's academic development, but also in
her personal development, and she has now progressed to further
study.
Runner up: Ellisha Kay, Tameside College
Ellisha was an integral part of the NCFE Level 2 Certificate for Teaching
Assistants course. She formed positive relationships with others, and
gave additional support to specific students when needed. Ellisha was
instrumental in encouraging others to enrol on the course, and is further
developing her skills and knowledge by working towards NVQ Level 3.
Yorkshire & Humberside
Regional winner: Alison Nicholson, Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education
Alison returned to education after a negative experience at school and
excelled at the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Developing Skills for
Working with Children and Young People. The course helped Alison
overcome some learning difficulties and boosted her self-esteem, and
she is now using her new skills and knowledge to pursue a career in
childcare. Alison is continuing her studies and now works as a midday
supervisor and as a classroom volunteer.
Runner up: Matthew Patchen, Manor Church of England School
Matthew started the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology at
just 14 and showed a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. The
Chief Moderator described Matthew's work as exemplary, and Matthew
has demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. Even with 10 other
subjects to study, Matthew achieved the award more quickly than
anticipated, and has now progressed to study a qualification in Music
Business.
East of England
Regional winner: Barry Douglass, Easton College
Barry took a very positive and active role in the group when studying
the Working Together qualification. He befriended newcomers and
supported the rest of the class, and embraced learning with a genuine
enthusiasm. Barry has built on the skills he developed as a result of
the NCFE qualification, and has enrolled on another course in order to
further his education. Barry is described by his tutor as 'dependable',
'conscientious', and 'a delight to teach'.
Runner up: Aaron Harrild, City College Norwich
Aaron's tutor described him as a 'star' in class, producing work of a
very high standard. While studying the NCFE Certificate for Airline
Cabin Crew, Aaron developed his team working and communication
skills to a professional standard. Aaron's hard work has paid off as he
has recently been offered his dream job with Thomas Cook, and will
start his cabin crew career in February next year.
London
Regional winner: Annette Davis, Lambeth College
Annette is visually impaired and showed determination when studying
her diploma in Radio Production. Throughout the course she exceeded
all expectations and had an excellent on-air presence. Annette
mentored and encouraged other students, and aims to continue
studying to gain employment in radio, an area she has developed a
passion for.
Runner up: Karen van Mierlo de Souza, Kaplan Aspect School
Karen's tutor described her as a 'super star'. She demonstrated a 'can
do' attitude, and her enthusiasm influenced other students, motivating
them to succeed. She has put her skills to good use in her job, and
within one month of starting the NCFE qualification in Customer
Relations, Karen was given the additional responsibility of training new
starters. Karen exceeded all expectations and is held up by her tutor
as a shining example to future candidates.
South East
Regional winner: Josh Barrow, Chichester College
As part of the NCFE Certificate in Sports Coaching, Josh took
part in a work placement at his old school. He made such an impact
he was offered employment as a teaching assistant in the PE
department. Josh is now registered with Brighton & Hove FC as a
junior coach and is determined to continue with his studies and extend
his qualifications. He was described by his tutor as a 'true champion'
and as a model student.
Runner up: Kerry Fenner, Andover Family Learning (Hampshire County Council)
Kerry demonstrated a positive attitude throughout the Preparing to
Volunteer course. The course provided her with a career path for the
future and she has now started training to become a breast feeding
councillor for the National Childbirth Trust. Kerry has also completed
further training to become a mentor for teenage parents.
North East
Regional winner: Sophie Hartop, Middlesbrough College
As a result of completing the NCFE Level 2 Certificate for Developing
Enterprise Capabilities, Sophie has developed her knowledge on
business and enterprise. She has demonstrated excellent social skills
and has secured part-time employment. Sophie was described by her
tutor as an extremely dedicated student who gave 100% to the
qualification.
Runner up: Kirsty Douglas, Gateshead College
Kirsty overcame issues of confidence to exceed in her course in
Employment Skills. She studied every aspect of the theory on the
course and applied this to secure employment as a health trainer,
receiving fantastic feedback from her employer after her interview.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Regional winner: Chris Cobb, Garvald Edinburgh (Borders College)
Chris was nominated by his tutor for his commitment,
creativity and amazing progress on the Making a Lyre course.
He sets very high standards of craftmanship for himself, and
has developed a high level of skill. The finished lyre is of such
a high standard it will be available for public sale.
Runner up: Stephen Rainey, WEA (presented to Stephen's tutor, Victoria Bradshaw)
Stephen was very committed to the Interactive Media course, and
produced work of an exceptionally high standard. Throughout the
course Stephen excelled, and the experience has increased his
knowledge and boosted his confidence. Stephen contributed to the
class by inspiring other students and helping whenever he could. His
increased confidence and skills encouraged both his tutors and his
peers.