Andover College’s class of 2016 celebrate a record-breaking year

View our 2016 Achievers Awards Gallery!

 

Andover College celebrated the academic achievement and hard work of students, which contributed to their record-breaking 100% A Level pass rate, at the annual Achiever’s Awards this week. The ceremony saw students along with proud family and friends join together with Andover College lecturers, governors and sponsors for a celebratory evening at The Lights. The Awards showcase the College at its best, highlighting its ability to prepare students for future careers, through university, further study or employment.

It has been an outstanding year across all areas of the College as A Levels, BTECs and vocational results were excellent. This demonstrates Andover College’s vital role in the local community, supporting students in the development of both academic knowledge and industry skills.

The ceremony was set off with some words of inspiration from former Andover College student and guest of honour, Kristina Freeman who encouraged students to seize opportunities. “I believe it’s integral to step outside of your comfort zone. By living a diverse life, dreaming big and above all, taking responsibility for your life aspirations, you can succeed in any endeavour you choose.”

 Kristina has recently returned to the UK from an eight-month traineeship in Brussels, Belgium at the Directorate-General for Translation in the European Commission. Now set to return to her studies back in the UK, she is preparing to pursue an MA in Translation at the University of Surrey to advance her skills set higher still.

The top accolade of the evening, the prestigious ‘Principal’s Award’ was presented to Lucy Bourne. Her assertiveness and strong engagement with her chosen courses has seen her travel to the Gambia, the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Courts during her time with the College. Tim Jackson, Principal said: “Lucy has excelled as an academic, a creative, a volunteer and ultimately as an individual. Off to study Music Management at Southampton Solent University, Lucy is a fitting example of Andover College’s commitment to making sure students achieve their full potential and develop on a personal level as well as academically.”

For the second year running, Daniel Phillips’s remarkable natural ability secured him the Science and Maths Achievement Award. Now due to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, his lecturers said: “Daniel’s A*A*A* success comes from a perfect marriage of graft and ability that has seen Daniel consistently achieve 90% or above throughout his studies at Andover College. He is a once in a lifetime student.”

Amongst the winners this year was Amelia Black, who was presented with the Humanities and Social Sciences Achievement Award for her creative and analytical flair for English Language and Literature. Her lecturer, Carys Overfield said: “Amelia has never given less than 100% to her studies, stretching herself to meet every available opportunity. Her confidence has soared and if her academic performance at the College is any indication, she will do excellently at St Mary’s University studying Primary Education.”

The Apprenticeship Achievement Award went to Mathew Jones, who following a Motor Vehicle apprenticeship at PFK Engineering Ltd is set to work at Emtec of Salisbury Ltd, a BMW and Mini Specialist. “A thoroughly worthy winner, Mathew has not only shown exceptional commitment to his Motor Vehicle studies but has become an integral part of the team with his employer, receiving a glowing reference.”

Lloyd Mitchell, winner of the Creative and Performing Arts Achievement Award said: “It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged for my hard work at the College. On my Music course we are encouraged to be ourselves and create freely in a comfortable environment with fantastic energy. I’m ecstatic to have won and am looking forward to now progressing onto to the third and final year of my course.”

Concluding the ceremony, Deputy Principal Martin Simmons said: “At Andover College, talented and capable students of the town are provided for. Our successes are not only a result of the perseverance from our students, but also through our College’s lecturers, staff and the continued support of the industry links around us.” Many of Andover’s leading employers provided sponsorship of the awards, in recognition of the significant role Andover College plays amongst local businesses. Representatives from these companies, as well as other sponsors presented their award to the category winners.

The 2016 sponsors were: Andover Advertiser; Bioquell UK Ltd; Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; OnImpact; Simplyhealth; Test Valley Borough Council; The Stannah Lifts Group; University of Winchester; Valley Leisure; Winchester School of Art.

 The 2016 Winners

• Lucy Bourne – Principal’s Award. The Principal’s Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated an outstanding achievement or contribution to the College.
• Amelia Black – winner of the Humanities and Social Sciences Achievement Award, sponsored by Andover Advertiser. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated excellence in a Humanities or Social Science subject including law.
• Daniel Phillips – winner of the Science and Maths Achievement Award, sponsored by Bioquell UK Ltd. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated excellence in a Maths or Science subject.
• Lloyd Mitchell – winner of the Creative and Performing Arts Achievement Award, sponsored by Winchester School of Art. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated excellence in a Creative or Performing Arts subject.
• Rosie Shearer – winner of the Business and Professional Studies Achievement Award, sponsored by Onimpact. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated excellence in a Business or Professional subject (including Business, Accounts, IT, Health & Social Care and Early Years).
• John Amor – winner of the Professional Industries Achievement Award, sponsored by Test Valley Borough Council. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated excellence in a professional/service industries subject (Hair and Beauty, Media Make-up, Construction and Motor Vehicle).
• Tom Tobin – winner of the Nigel Spackman Sport Achievement Award, sponsored by Valley Leisure. This award is presented to a learner who has made an outstanding contribution to sports activities.
• Mathew Jones – winner of the Apprenticeship Achievement Award, sponsored by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated progress and commitment to an Apprenticeship programme.
• Sian Diaper-Wells – winner of the Alan Guyatt Mature Learner Achievement Award, sponsored by The University of Winchester. This award is presented to a mature learner demonstrating outstanding achievement.
• Amy Whysall – winner of the Personal Achievement Award, sponsored by The Stannah Lifts Group. This award is presented to a learner who has made tremendous progress and effort to reach excellent standards without necessarily achieving the highest grades.
• Georgina Harris – winner of the Academic Achievement Award, sponsored by Simplyhealth. This award is presented to a learner who has worked extremely hard to consistently achieve excellent grades in their chosen programme of study.