Outstanding achievements, effort, potential and community work were rewarded at the annual student awards ceremony at Lowestoft Sixth Form College.
The celebration of achievement took place in the college’s Atrium where more than 200 students, former students and their families, staff and sponsors gathered to hear testimonials of hard work and excellence. Guests were treated to live music throughout the evening as well as delicious refreshments including a chocolate fountain. Many current students lent their support to the evening; musicians, photographer and ambassadors. Following the event the balloons were donated to Warren School, where pupils enjoyed them as part of the Christmas party. There was also a retiring collection in aid of Help an East Coast Child.
At the event, the guest speaker was Samuel Fenn, a former student who is in his first year of a Maths degree at Durham University having left L6FC this past summer with outstanding A Level results (4 As at AS Level followed by A* Further Maths, A*Chemistry A* Maths at A2). Sam spoke of his college experience eloquently and passionately. Many of the guests commented that his speech was one of the highlights of the evening including David Bye, Chair of Governors; ‘This [the speech given by Sam] was hugely inspirational and was a timely reminder of why it is we do what we do.’
He urged his peers and current students to pursue their dreams regardless of barriers and to make the most of opportunities however difficult the choices and decisions might be in the moment. He closed: “Two years ago, we were all just getting to know one another. Now, it feels as though we have known each other for a lifetime! So finally, thanks to all of the students of this college who have made my time here truly unforgettable.” Sam was also the recipient of the…
Award for Mathematics nominated by subject teacher Jack Keeler.
Awards were sponsored by Atkins, designers and architects of the college, Morgan Sindall, the construction and regeneration group that built the college, Beach Radio, Harrod UK, Park View Financial Planning Ltd and Lowestoft Sixth Form Corporation.
The evening was also generously supported by Adnams Plc, Help an East Coast Child and Special Design Studio.
Most of all, it was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the achievements of all those young people. Listening to the words of their teachers, we could all hear how much effort they (the students) had put in. It was a pleasure to see their hard work rewarded with the recognition they deserved. – Sarah Brown (parent).
Atkins sponsored the Award for Science. Richard Christmas, Associate Director for Atkins, presented the prize to Emma Connolly. As well as achieving an A* in Biology Emma has been out to Ghana with the charity Thrive Africa on a month long volunteering project; building libraries in unused rooms of schools, taking part in children’s home development to hopefully improve the living conditions the orphans who live there and working towards disaster prevention. Emma had to fundraise in order to take part including bake sales and other activities. She also received the Governors’ Travel Bursary Award. Emma is considering going onto medical school in the future and has sat her UKCAT.
The Award for Professionalism sponsored by Park View Financial Planning Ltd went to Sophie MacMillan.
Sophie has completed an internship at TMS Media, is currently working with the College marketing team and will start at the University of Lincoln in September as an English Literature student. English Teacher, Ann McGovern wrote in her nomination; ‘Sophie’s motivation to succeed was matched by her lively, imaginative and independent engagement with the texts we studied. She was a real pleasure to teach and will, I am sure, do brilliantly at university.’
The Community Award awarded to Rachel Johansson
Presented by Dave Busby (a Director Trustee of the Anglian Radio Trust and a member of the Help An East Coast Child Grant Board) and accepted on her behalf by her parents as Rachel is currently away volunteering in Sweden. Nominated by Paul Guttridge and Antonia Coote described how her decision to take part in the project in Stockholm; ‘…not only shows her sacrifice for others which she displayed here but also her maturity and courage to take on such a challenge.’
Joseph January was presented with The Progress Award by David Bye, Chair of Lowestoft Sixth Form College Corporation.
Joe progressed from a Level 2 programme onto a Level 3 Forensic Science course. He hadn’t planned to go to university but during his time at college he changed his mind when he realized he could achieve that goal. Joe is pursing Psychology & Criminology at Anglia Ruskin.
The winner of the Principal’s Award was Harriet Alder.
Having completed her A levels and secured her place at Anglia Ruskin University to read History, Harriet has also gone onto become a published author. The Motives Trilogy, her first novel, completed whilst studying for her GCSE’s and later her A-Levels is now available to buy (Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd). She has often dreamed that one day she would see her own book on the shelves. Finally it has happened, proving that dreams really can come true.
Other award winners were:
Award for Creative Media: Danielle Story and Paul Youngs
Described as an extraordinary script writer and shows huge potential in this area by her nominating teacher Joy Chidgey, Danielle is hoping to go to university next year.
James Meads who nominated Paul commended his approach to Music Technology and learning as a whole. He came with no assumptions, an open mind and an appetite to succeed. Also praising his incredible (drumming) talent and creative flair. Paul is working with a Christian group in a musical capacity this year before attending Guildford ACM.
Award for Visual Arts: Kate Thompson
Nominated by Chris Walker for being a dedicated and self-motivated photographer. Always going the extra mile to ensure her work was exceptional; pushing boundaries in all her projects, both technically and conceptually. Kate is now at University of Greenwich reading Film and TV Production.
Award for Performing Arts: Georgina Hall
Nominated by Katy Grayshon as a stand-out student in a very talented group of students. Georgina’s attitude towards learning was exemplary. She was focused, determined and arrived every day with a smile on her face, prepared, ready to learn and give it her all to be the best she could be. She is now studying Dance at DeMontfort University.
Award for Social Science: Chloe Pallett
Chloe is aiming to be a teaching assistant. Nominated by Jan Measures-Brown; Chloe never stopped striving to be the best she could and this resulted in her exceeding her target grades.
Award for Sport sponsored and presented by Harrod UK: Nathan Russell
Now at UEA studying to be a PE teacher, Nathan demonstrated excellent commitment and dedication to college football. We are sure he will be a welcome addition to the profession and be able to enthuse, inspire and encourage the next generation of sports students said Matt Page, his teacher.
Award for Technology: Karl Casteleiro
Nominated by Keith Shiels who said; As well as his outstanding achievement grade in this subject Karl also found time along the way to support and help others. He frequently shared his knowledge and expertise with others and was always ready to spend time helping fellow students to develop both their theoretical knowledge and their practical skills. Studying at UEA – Computing Science with a year in industry.
Award for Business & Political Science: Danielle Masterson
Danielle is now reading Accounting and Finance at UEA having exceeded her target grade. Jenni Coles who nominated Danielle commented her she used her own experiences in business to demonstrate her knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, contributing to her high grade.
Endeavour Award sponsored and presented by Morgan Sindall Plc: Chantelle Longthorne
Combined her studies with an apprenticeship opportunity. Despite many commitments, including a part time job Chantelle’s hard work and determination saw her exceed her target grades.
Award for English: Eva Maher
Nominated by Michelle Cator for her incredible hard work and as a student who now knows her true potential. Eva successfully progressed from a GCSE programme to A levels at L6FC.
Photographs of the evening were taken by Elliot Bond, Sarah Cook and Tom Smith. These are available to view on the ‘College Photo Gallery’ page of the website.
The College is holding an Open Evening on Wednesday 11 March from 6 pm to 8:30 pm