Students and staff shine at Oaklands College Celebration of Success

The dedication, commitment and hard work of staff and students at Oaklands College was recognised this week as the college hosted a glittering end of year Celebration of Success Ceremony on Wednesday 4 July.

The annual awards mark the end of term, recognising achievement, progression and development in students across all curriculum areas of the college. This year awards were presented to students by children’s author Stacey Turner, a local St Albans mum who has used her background in childhood anxiety and early years as the basis for a series of information books and publications.

A packed audience of friends, family and college staff heard citations for each nomination, ranging from academic success to those who have overcome personal difficulties to enhance their academic development.

A Level student Oliver Bowbrick took the department’s trophy, praised for his academic achievements in presenting himself as ‘an outstanding student with a passion for education’.  At AS Level he received an unconditional offer to study at the University of Cambridge to study Human, Social and Political Sciences.

Level 2 Animal Care student Kieran Grattan received the Landbased Award for his commitment to the college and passion for learning. Since progression from the College Landmark scheme, Kieran has taken on the role of Student Representative, proactively engaging with senior management and supporting college enrichment initiatives. Tutors nominated him for his ‘caring and compassionate approach’ to students and staff, going above and beyond to help others.

The ceremony culminated in two key staff awards– the Principal’s Award which this year went to Level 4 Business Administration Apprentice, George Giles for the impact he has made in his role working within the college’s Marketing team. Most recently, he has taken the lead on events management for the college’s annual Summer Fair, which attracted around 8,000 visitors on site.

With an impressive 31 years in role, Director of Entry Level Studies Carole Jones was awarded the Chair’s Award for her ‘tenacious and innovative approach alongside motivational leadership’ in supporting young people with complex support needs.

The ceremony closed with a special recognition for Carpentry and Joinery Technician Peter Templeman, who was awarded with a BEM in Services to Technical Education in the Queen’s 2018 Birthday Honours list.

The college was delighted to make a donation of £1,000 on the behalf of Stacey Turner to the Bradley Lowery Foundation for the benefit of Siobhan Mather, a 3-year-old girl fighting stage four high-risk neuroblastoma.

College Principal Zoe Hancock said: “Success comes in many forms – overcoming obstacles, personal development, leading by example as well as academic success. Our end of year awards ceremony celebrates all the hard work that goes into enabling our students to reach their full potential. ”