Andover Achievers celebrate the College’s best year yet

View the Andover Achievers’ Awards 2017 Gallery!

 

Academic prowess, sheer ambition and undeniable hard work were all recognised last night at Andover College’s annual Achievers’ Awards. Students along with their proud families and friends were invited to join with lecturers, governors and sponsors for the special celebration held at The Lights theatre. The Awards showcase the College’s expert ability to provide support and knowledge that enables students to head into outstanding futures with confidence and conviction, whether that be at university or straight into employment.

The Achievers’ Awards mark what has been the College’s most successful year to date. Having secured an 100% A Level pass rate for the second consecutive year and receiving Value Added data that indicates students of all abilities achieve more at Andover, the College’s community role is now at its strongest.

Principal Tim Jackson described the evening as an inspiring and uplifting opportunity, not just for students but the entire community. Tim said: “Through established connections with local employers and organisations, students at Andover College have access to a wealth of work opportunities that simultaneously enrich their learning and contribute greatly to local businesses. It’s this blend of work experience and stellar education that ultimately allows students on A Level programmes, BTEC professional courses and apprenticeships, to grow into fully-rounded and resilient human beings with bright future prospects.”

This year’s event was launched by special guest speaker and Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, whose message to students was: “Be tenacious, determined and persistent. You might not get where you want to go overnight but through tireless, resolute hard work, you will get there as long as you believe in yourself.”

The top accolade of the evening, the prestigious ‘Principal’s Award’ was presented to Alice Bathie for her ability to bind together a passion for art, writing, music and film into a portfolio of thoughtful beauty in spite of difficult circumstances. Principal Tim Jackson explained: “Alice immediately demonstrated the potential to be outstanding. She showed extraordinary talent in her subjects, as well as a quirky, mercurial personality that refused to give up, and refused to give in. Throughout her two years at Andover College, Alice has showcased all the skills that embody a student with true star quality.”

Sam Sutton, double winner of the Science and Maths Achievement Award and Academic Achievement Award is described as being highly focused and consistent. His lecturers said: “When Sam joined the College part way through his first year, there were concerns that his late start would leave him behind. However, these concerns were unfounded as Sam’s learning attitude and expansive knowledge has been exemplary, resulting in A* and A grades in all of his subjects and a place at a top Russell Group university.”

Amongst the other winners this year was Lucas Boulton, who was presented with the Humanities and Social Sciences Achievement Award for his drive, determination and raw talent as a writer. Lucas said: “My lecturers have been a joy to work with and I will miss them all! I’m grateful for the endless support they have provided in realising my academic, creative and personal potential.”

Emma Willis, winner of the Business and Professional Studies Achievement Award has secured a nursing apprenticeship with the NHS as a result of her tireless hard work on the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma. Her lecturers describe Emma as a determined and tenacious individual, saying: “Emma’s continuously sought work placements during her studies and despite a jam-packed schedule and studying full-time, she’s never let her grades slip below a Distinction*.”

New for 2017, The Entrepreneurial Award was awarded to Creative Media duo, Nathan Mountain and Megan Townsend who alongside studying a full-time BTEC qualification, built their own production company. Nathan and Megan’s lecturer Pete Hearn is thrilled with the success of their partnership, saying: “Megan and Nathan bring innovative and determined qualities to the fore. Setting up their own company, sourcing work and implementing a plan for the future makes these two ‘ones to watch’ in the media industry and deserving winners of this particular award.”

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.”

The 2017 sponsors were: Andover Advertiser; Bioquell UK Ltd; Onimpact; Simplyhealth; Test Valley Borough Council; The Stannah Lifts Group; University of Winchester; Valley Leisure; Winchester School of Art.

 

The 2017 Winners

• Alice Bathie– winner of the Principal’s Award. The Principal’s Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated an outstanding achievement or contribution to the College.
• Lucas Boulton – 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.
• Sam Sutton – 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.
• Jack Tibbitts – 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.
• Emma Willis – 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).
• Megan Townsend and Nathan Mountain – joint winners of the Entrepreneurial Award, sponsored by Test Valley Borough Council. This award is to celebrate the work of students who demonstrate proactivity and creativity in developing entrepreneurial skills.
• Sean Hirang – 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.
• Magdalena Brown – 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.
• Liming Yang and Mollie Cook – winners 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.
• Sam Sutton – 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.