Outstanding students
Outstanding Student and FE Student of the Year
Outstanding Student and FE Student of the Year was Alison Hibbert, a UAL Level 3 General Extended Diploma in Art & Design: Fine Art whose work had achieved national recognition.
Lecturer Steve Harris said:
“For Alice’s work to be chose from 21,000 entries as one of only 100 to be exhibited at the Royal Academy this year was a tremendous achievement.”
Outstanding Engineering Student
Daniel McAllister, who completed an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering was the Outstanding Engineering Student. He was one of two college students who were finalists in the Association of Colleges awards this year.
Apprentice of the Year
Apprentice of the Year was Lijo Kandathill, Higher Apprenticeship Care Leadership & Management who overcame the challenges of studying during Covid within a care home setting.
Training co-ordinator Carole Hobbs said:
“I don’t think we can underestimate how challenging it was to study during the Covid period in a care setting. Lijo really is an inspiration and role model to others and proof and what an be achieved during exceptionally difficult circumstances.”
Student successes
Higher Education Student of the Year
Higher Education Student of the Year was Ben Grayson, with a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing. Ben is now working in cyber security having taken part in the World Skills UK representing The Bedford College Group. Ben worked with tutor Daniel Hulatt to develop cyber security expertise across the whole college department.
Student Participation Award
Shuttleworth College student Abigail Stevens, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, won the Student Participation Award. She engaged confidently with students, governors and even Ofsted inspectors.
Super staff
Winners among the 1,300 super staff at The Bedford College Group were:
Angela Harding, Team Leader at the Learning Resources Centre based at Shuttleworth – widening participation at the facility for all.
Martin Johnson, IT Technician who made an outstanding contribution during the challenges of lockdowns and the demands of “working from home”.
Jess Day, Practical Instructor Outdoor Adventure.
Her line manager Helen Day said:
“Jess is the heart and soul of the Outdoor Adventure course. She is student-focused and committed to ensuring every student achieves their potential.”
Jess also won the Elizabeth Nash Unsung Hero of the Year award.
Teaching award finalists
James Woolley and Team were honoured to be finalists in the national Pearson Teaching Awards and he was “presented” with his “Silver” Award at the college event on Thursday November 24th. The actual national ceremony was held on Saturday November 26.
Here he is pictured with new Bedfordshire Principal Karen Campbell. The new role is mirrored in Northamptonshire by Principal Robin Webber-Jones, while Ian Pryce CBE remains Group-wide CEO, with two deputies Em Lowe and Pat Jones.
Inspirational words
Inspiration speaker for the evening was Amani Simpson, an award-winning social entrepreneur and life coach. He has received 4 million view of his You Tube film Amani.
