Andover College celebrate the class of 2015
Academic excellence, determination, commitment and sheer hard work were all recognised last night at Andover College’s 2015 Achievement Awards. Students along with their proud families and friends joined Andover College lecturers, governors and sponsors for the special evening held at The Lights. The Awards showcase the very best of the College which is renowned for expertly preparing students for their chosen future, be that University or employment.
The annual ceremony recognises and celebrates those students who have all contributed to an outstanding year. This year 31 students were shortlisted for prizes with 12 winning the prestigious awards, all of which were sponsored by local employers and organisations. It has been an outstanding year for the College with strong student numbers, excellent A Levels, BTEC and vocational results, and the College continuing to play a vital role in the community supporting the academic and skills development of local students.
The event was launched by guest of honour and former A Level student Rebecca Stockwell whose key message was ‘resilience’ saying: “As an individual you won’t get handed things on a plate – you have to be resilient. There were times when I applied for roles which I didn’t get but you have to keep trying. That way, new and often better opportunities will arise.”
Rebecca is now the Policy Manager in the Cabinet Office within the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, where she is involved in work on UK emergency planning and resilience. Despite these extensive commitments, Rececca has never lost touch with her Andover roots, acting as a Governor at The Winton Community Academy.
The evening’s top accolade, the Principal’s Award, was presented to Catherine Upfold a student who is a very fitting example of the College’s commitment to ensuring students achieve their full potential and achieve the highest academic results while also developing on a personal basis. Tim Jackson, Principal said: “Catherine has demonstrated considerable academic prowess achieving four grade As and two A*s in her AS and A2 levels both this year and last – she has also excelled musically composing original pieces which have been performed by the Hampshire Youth Orchestra – an exceptional talent who has secured a place at the University of Bath to study Chemistry.”
Amongst the other winners was Jack Deery, an outstanding student who was awarded the Humanities and Social Sciences Achievement Award. “Jack exemplifies the ideal learner; always polite, prompt and never misses a deadline. At Andover Jack has grown academically and personally. He will leave the College a mature, diligent learner, ready for the challenges that higher education will bring.”
Daniel Phillips, winner of the Science and Maths Achievement Award is described as having a natural mathematical ability, quick to grasp abstract mathematical concepts. “Daniel is an extremely conscientious learner and the standard of his work is impeccable.”
This year the Apprenticeship Achievement Award went to Jade Moses, who following a Business and Administration Apprenticeship at Winchester City Council is now working full time as a Market and Town Centre Development Officer at Eastleigh Borough Council. “Her work ethic, determination and professionalism will no doubt be treasured by her new employers.”
The Alan Guyatt Mature Learner Achievement Award went to Nikita Hoyte-Bradshaw, described by her tutor as “the hardest working and most committed to success. Extremely dedicated to her studies, Nikita is wedded to only the highest standards.”
Concluding the evening Deputy Principal Martin Simmons said: “Andover education doesn’t happen in vacuum and we are proud to be part of a network of educational providers including our secondary schools in Andover – and a growing number from Salisbury and Wiltshire who like us are committed to providing a platform of high educational standards and credibility.” Recognising the significant role the College plays amongst local businesses many of Andover’s leading employers provided sponsorship. Representatives from these and other sponsors presented their award to their category winners.
The 2015 sponsors were: Andover Advertiser; Bioquell UK Ltd; Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; Institute of Carpenters; Onimpact; Simplyhealth; Test Valley Borough Council; The Stannah Lifts Group; The University of Winchester; Valley Leisure; Winchester School of Art.
The 2015 Winners
- Catherine Upfold – Principal’s Award. The Principal’s Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated an outstanding achievement or contribution to the College.
- Jack Deery – 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.
- Megan Rolfe – 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.
- Samantha Boddington – 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.
- Chris Robbins – winner of the 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).
- Kieran Nicholls – winner of the Institute of Carpenters Award. This award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated academic and professional achievement in Carpentry and Joinery.
- Jenna Barrett – 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.
- Jade Moses – 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.
- Nikita Hoyte-Bradshaw – Alan Guyatt Mature Learner Achievement Award, sponsored by The University of Winchester. This award is presented to a mature learner demonstrating outstanding achievement.
- Amy Roberts – 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.
- Catherine Upfold – 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.