It wasn’t quite the cheering crowd and trophy acceptance they would have imagined, but despite the lockdown, this year’s City of Bristol College Student Award winners still received a pleasant surprise from the comfort of their own home.
Balloons, a gift voucher and a certificate were gifted to this year’s 18 award winners and delivered to their door steps. Radio presenter and a local celebrity, Paris Troy, supported by teachers and the college’s Principal and Chief Executive, were on hand to congratulate winners in the college’s first virtual awards presentation.
Principal and Chief Executive, Andy Forbes said: “What a great way to celebrate the hard work and commitment of all the award winners. The college has worked hard to make sure the Student Award went ahead this year, even during the lockdown situation and it is a real reflection of how the college puts the students at the centre of everything.”
Watch the Student Awards 2019/20
And the winners are:
Outstanding Achievement Award, Under 19s – Codie Lediard
“Codie’s hard work and motivation is an inspiration to others in the group. Codie is completing the second year of the Business Level 3 and has worked incredibly hard – balancing a part-time job, supporting family commitments and meeting all coursework deadlines.
“Not originally considering university as an option, having decided this was her goal, she worked tirelessly to achieve it and now stands to gain distinctions and merits in final grades and has received a conditional offer from Cardiff University.
“Codie has grown in confidence and inspires others to work hard to achieve their goals.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Katy Pearce.
Outstanding Achievement Award, Adults – Kathleen Katuszka
“Kat has an outstanding dedication to learning and personal development, continually striving to achieve while overcoming some personal challenges. At the same time as studying the Level 2 Community Development, Kat was appointed as a part-time leader with Foundation for Active Community Engagement (FACE) in Bristol.
“Each week, after college, Kat travels to work with 11-13-year olds on activities including circus skills, crafts and games – or running youth clubs for 13-19-year olds. She also supports work in schools with FACE, working with young people with poor attendance, special needs or young carers.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Becca Lloyd.
Effort and Determination Award, Under 19s and the Principal Award – Sheyanne Stephens
“Sheyanne is a real example of how perseverance and determination can allow a young person to grow, achieve their goals and reach their potential.
“Having joined the college as an Early College student on the Skills for Care course, at just 14, college was a challenge for Sheyanne, experiencing conflicts with other students. Continuing onto the Childcare Level 1 course brought new challenges, but despite these difficulties and, with support, Sheyanne completed the course, progressing as a Post-16 student to the Public Services Level 2.
“Sheyanne is now in her 4th year in College, studying Sports and Fitness Level 3.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Dianne Allen.
Effort and Determination Award, Adults – Abigail Spark
“Despite living near Southampton, Abigail was determined to study Animal Management at the college. And, as she did not have a science background, studied biology topics during holidays before starting College, in order to pass the required biology initial assessment.
“She is always punctual and has over 95% attendance. Coursework is always finished to a good standard and often ahead of deadlines. Abigail has been achieving Distinction grades in assessments and mock exams.
“A work experience placement, of set days at the College’s industry link farm, as well as working part-time, all show the great determination and commitment to achieve personal goals.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Jenny Douthwaite.
Contribution to the Community Award, Under 19s – Nicol Siewior
“Nicol studies on the Health & Social Care National Extended Diploma Level 3 course, works on the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Young Carers Group, as well as being passionate about helping other young people in the community.
“As a young carer, Nicol fully understands the issues and is genuinely concerned for other young people. She is keen to ensure practical support is widely available, providing leaflets and information for anyone who needs it.
“Nicol is very hardworking and compassionate, already doing a lot to help vulnerable young people in the community, creating positive ripples wherever she goes.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Remie Pitchers.
Contribution to the Community Award, Adults – Ali Alzubaidi
“Ali could not speak English, arriving in the UK in 2018. Enrolling in Pre-Entry ESOL, he made exceptional progress from Entry Level 1 through to Level 3.
“Ali works extremely hard, is married with a family, and always gives his time to help other students. Ali volunteers, with Bristol City Council, supporting asylum seekers and refugee families accepted on the UN Resettlement Programme having fled conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
“Ali supports families with hospital appointments, enrolling their children in schools and the parents into college, liaising with utility companies and, with his fluency in Arabic, Turkish and Kurdish, Ali acts as translator.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Sarah Green.
Contribution to College Life Award, Under 19s – Clare Smith
“Clare is a great role model. She was disappointed with her A2 results and, since returning to College to improve, Clare has made the very most of any opportunities to contribute to college life, in particular attending every AS tutorial session, with younger students, providing a stable and interesting force in lessons and getting involved in discussions.
“Clare is also part of the Students’ Union, regularly attending meetings and campaigns to improve the College experience for all students. Clare was also involved in the Samaritans ‘shoe box’ project, supporting other students to collect donations to be sent abroad.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Ellie Gillis.
Contribution to College Life Award, Adults – Ahmed Aden
“Ahmed is positive, motivated and pro-active in class and the community. He had a difficult migration from Ethiopia, arriving as an unaccompanied young person, supporting himself whilst on the ESOL course. Ahmed’s recently suffered a hit and run accident, resulting in a broken leg.
“Ahmed returned to College after only two weeks, with positive attitude and unfailing determination to do well. Ahmed is a true inspiration to others, actively involved in community youth projects: supporting young people in 16-25 Independent People; Bristol City of Sanctuary; ‘Lift the Ban’ campaign helping asylum seekers into work; House of Commons debate on behalf of Bristol Youth; work experience with Bristol Mayor.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Michelle Kambarami.
Apprentice of the Year, Under 19s – Shawna Hannam
“Shawna’s hard work, commitment and great work ethic resulted in completing the Level 3 Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship 18 months earlier than the planned four years deadline.
“Her dedicated efforts have allowed Shawna to achieve a double grade Distinction: the highest grade possible in Technical certificate framework in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma – this has never been achieved by any other learner in this specialism.
“As a mechanical engineering apprentice within the NHS, working at the BRI in Bristol, Shawna has proved herself to be integral to the team and will soon be taking up a full-time position.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Jon Bussey.
Apprentice of the Year, Adults – Rich Daly
“Rich is fantastic role model and ambassador and has consistently a high attendance levels of over 99%, is fully engaged and highly regarded member of the Site Carpentry group and the company he is apprenticed with.
“New to the industry, and more mature than others in the group, this student’s commitment is exemplary, with phenomenal attention to detail.
“On site visits, both site manager and supervisors cannot speak too highly of Rich, reporting 100% reliability and hard work every day. Rich is due to complete the college diploma course well ahead of schedule.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by David Bull.
Progression Award, Under 19s – Shadiamond Brown
“Shadiamond stands out from peers in exhibiting College Values every day in class: taking pride in work whilst maintaining high standards – working extremely hard to organise her work and prioritise tasks: all with calmness and a smile.
“She has grown in confidence during the time at College: progressing from struggling to understand some aspects of the course at the beginning of the year, and lacking in self-belief, to the confident, polite and caring class member she is now. It is rare to see such speedy progress and it is clear that Shadiamond is set to go on and achieve her goals.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Grant Spencer.
Progression Award, Adults – Edno De Jesus Moreira Filho
“Edno progressed from the Level 2 Art and Design to the Level 3. Having received offers at all universities applied for, he will attain great final grades and is taking a place at his first choice.
“Edno continually pushed himself to improve, never being afraid to ask for help and being confident to join in with peers. Edno has continually striven to improve, showing great enthusiasm for gaining new skills and knowledge, in College and independently, has great enthusiasm for the course and subject – all of which has a great influence on peers. Edno made great progress over the past three years and is sure to continue at university.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Nicola Payne.
Early College Award – Tyler Buck
Tyler received three separate nominations a real achievement in itself. All nominations speak incredibly highly of his great attitude to College and the course: with outstanding behaviour, politeness and always smiling: showing a maturity beyond his years.
Tyler showed a great eagerness to learn and do well, since joining the College as an Early Years student, and has very clear personal goals. Amazing work was submitted within the required time frame, passing with Merits and in some cases Distinction. Tyler has grown in confidence and flourished in the College environment and a very successful work experience placement.
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Shamis Farah, Max Kwasniewski and Gemma Cross.
Star Award – Jack Brace
Jack received more than one glowing nomination: citing constant enthusiasm, a real desire to learn and do well and being a positive force for good directly impacting on others-he treats others with respect and clearly cares about other people.
Jack progressed from a lower level course last year and has embraced the more challenging work of this year’s course with enthusiasm, continually achieving 100% attendance and punctuality.
A great work ethic has shown consistent improvements in practical work, accompanied by good theory- passing all exams. Tutors cannot speak highly enough of Jack: “This is a wonderful student. Every teacher should have one in their class”.
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Matthew Kavanagh and Neil Wilmett.
Highly Commended in Star Award – Ellie Slater and Nicole Butler
Ellie’s effort, hard work and determination to overcome difficulties early in the course, impressed. With support from teachers and parents, Ellie has shown that determination and hard work can result in great personal achievement: in this case with A* in every unit.
Ellie’s confidence has grown, excelling at placement opportunities, now gaining employment once the qualification is complete. It is also important to note that, although Ellie has some serious physical challenges, she received no additional support or adaptations for this: she is very independent and has 100% attendance.
Nicole’s outstanding effort and perseverance to achieve goals, always giving 100% effort and often asking for extra work and support is impressive. Nicole is of Romany descent and does have some speech and language challenges: she is also a perfectionist, which means that finishing work takes longer – but confidence has grown, whilst working hard to develop a greater understanding of vocabulary. Nicole is a very enthusiastic, friendly class member, who has worked hard to build strong relationships within the peer group. It is clear that others in the group have seen Nicole’s determination and have followed this example to push themselves.
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Rachel Bailey (Ellie Slater) and Susan Kollar (Nicola Butler).
Community Partner of the Year Award – Prince’s Trust, South West
Prince’s Trust, South West, has been a College partner for many years, consistently giving exceptional support. Offering a huge variety of opportunities, including employer workshops; work experience; team building activities; mock interviews or providing support assistants: all improving experiences for many difficult to reach learners.
In additional, they offer fantastic practical support, including grants to buy equipment and offering progression opportunities on courses and even employment. The personal touch offered is particularly impressive: visiting the Teams on several occasions throughout each course and taking time to get to know individuals, ensuring they feel valued and listened to so that support or opportunities can be tailored to individuals.
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Danny Alfaraj.
Employer Partner of the Year Award – Baker Hughes
College has enjoyed a great working relationship with this employer partner, and particular the assessor directly involved, since 2004. This sub sea oil and gas company currently works with 16 learners at its Nailsea, with very high success rates due to the hard work and the outstanding commitment of the company. Regular reviews with every learner, individually at the Nailsea site, ensure full discussion and show great care and understanding for the learners working towards an apprenticeship achievement.
The company is fully engaged, using Smart Assessor, working in very close liaison with the College to ensure completion of all elements of the learners’ apprenticeship framework.
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Jon Bussey.
Lee Sheriton Award for Endeavour – Nicola Jones
The Lee Sheriton Award for Endeavour was introduced last year in memory of a much-loved colleague who lost his hard-fought battle against cancer in December 2018.This award is not necessarily awarded to the student with the highest academic achievement but rather to the student who has made the most of the opportunities offered to them by studying at City of Bristol College.
“Nicola is new to her chosen subject area of Light Vehicle (traditionally a male dominated area). Having been out of education for several years, with previous negative experiences in education leaving a lasting impression, Nicola persevered with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn, determined to do well despite personal barriers.
“Nicola has also had to work to support themselves financially through College, but despite some long working hours and late nights, she has studied hard to learn an entirely new subject. Nicola’s great determination and hard work has resulted in excellent practical skills in the workshop environment and exams passed with Distinctions, achieving the highest marks in the class.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Stuart Beaven.
Principal’s Award – Sheyanne Stephens
“It was a very difficult decision to make but I finally decided upon choosing Sheyanne as the winner of the Principal’s Award. Her story stood out because of the long journey she has made from having almost completely fallen out of the education system at the age of 14 to being an advanced student with really good career prospects.”
Citation extracted from the nomination made by Andy Forbes.
He added: “It shows how many obstacles can be overcome with the right attitude and the right support.
“I would like to congratulate all the award winners. You all greatly deserve your awards and I wish you all the best whatever you are doing in the future.
“Thank you again for including me in the celebrations. I hope you have enjoyed it. Stay safe and we hope to celebrate again, in person, another time.”
Contribution to the Community, Adults award winner Ali Alzubaidi said: “I want to say thank you so much for this wonderful gift and for the motivating talk, it means a lot to me. I am very grateful to you all.
“I owe the last day of my life to all the English people for all their support, attention and care I received when I came with my family for this country of peace.
“I promise I will do my best to serve these great people with all my effort because this is one of my ambitions in the coming days.”
City of Bristol College offers a range of courses for all ages and abilities from foundation to further and higher education. Don’t let the pandemic become a barrier to your learning and development and take advantage of the spaces still available on our courses starting this September. Find the right course for you at www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/courses
