Cap and gown celebration for HE graduates

WELWYN GARDEN CITY — It was a night of celebration for Oaklands College higher education students as they came together to mark their achievement in front of a packed audience of family and friends at this year’s graduation ceremony.

The HNC, HND and Foundation Degree students adorned cap and gown for their ceremony, which transformed the main hall at Welwyn Garden City Campus for the occasion.

Graduates took to the stage to receive certificates from Pro Vice-Chancellor Sal Jarvis of the University of Hertfordshire, joined on stage by Oaklands Principal Zoe Hancock and Director of HE at Oaklands, Stephen Fox.

The College offers Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, with further Foundation Degree study offered in partnership with the neighbouring University of Hertfordshire. Each course gives students the opportunity to progress onto university and gain an Honours degree in their chosen field.

Natalie Bond, 21 from Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, graduated with a Foundation Degree in Animal Management after previous studies elsewhere. She said: “I took the opportunity to stay local and study so I can balance with my day to day care of my animals. This course allowed me to explore my passion for equine, I now work with stunt horses for film, and TV with Buckinghamshire-based company Steve Dent. It’s interesting work and has helped me really sharpen the specific skills which you need in that live set environment.”

Hector Hadley, 25 from Welwyn Garden City graduated with a HND in Performing Arts. After joining Oaklands for the course on a Level 3 basis, Hector decided to further his study to a higher level to widen his opportunities as he now looks for paid work as an actor.

He said: “The course has been great and so has the support from the tutors. We are such a great team here it made sense for me to make the most of it and stay to get the HND. A highlight for me was taking to the stage at The Cervantes Theatre in London earlier this summer. To perform to a packed crowd, all paying members of the public is a great opportunity for any aspiring young actor.”

Oaklands Principal Zoe Hancock said: “The graduation ceremony for some marks the end of their studies and beginning of their working life, and for some tonight’s celebrations will take them to the next chapter of their lives.

“We are incredibly proud of the success our higher education students have achieved and wish them all the best for their future successes.”