The achievements of more than 200 college professors from across the region were celebrated at Cheshire College’s graduation ceremony.
Graduates, their friends and family, along with staff and stakeholders from Cheshire’s largest provider of education after 16 years, came together virtually to celebrate the academic milestone on Wednesday April 21st.
Students who graduated during the ceremony have all completed a college course at one of the college’s three locations in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, earning a range of qualifications in the process, from full degrees, elementary school degrees and PGCEs to higher national diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).
In total, over 500 guests watched each other live to watch the ceremony. This included an inspiring introduction from the Headmaster and General Manager of Cheshire College Dhesi, as well as customized presentations from a number of college professors and an interview with one of the professor recipients of this year’s 2020 Class Learner of the Year award.
Claire Barton, Dean of Higher Education at Cheshire College, said, “Attending a graduation ceremony is a major milestone in any learner’s academic career. It was fantastic to be able to host this year’s ceremony virtually and celebrate the achievements of our graduates.
“Completing a college course, regardless of qualification, is not an easy task – it takes a lot of hard work, determination and commitment, and our students who graduated last night really proved it.
“Over the past 12 months they have shown great adaptability and resilience as they continued their studies during the pandemic, some at work or juggling personal life, and we wish them every success in their careers.”
At Cheshire College’s graduation ceremony, a Learner of the Year award is presented to a college student who has demonstrated commitment to their studies, exceeded expectations, and went way beyond.
With an exceptionally strong 2020 class cohort, the Learner of the Year award was given to two students – Francesca Smallwood, who has an HND in Art and Design (Graphic Design or Photography) and Isobel Lewis, who has an HNC in the Performing Arts has (acting).
Francesca began her college course with high school graduation from Cheshire College and was nominated by her tutor for exceeding the limits of her creativity.
While studying for her HND in Art and Design, Francesca actively participated in competitions and worked on live customer intelligence alongside her studies to build her creative confidence, build her experience and earn awards in her modules.
Isobel graduated from college five years ago to study Level 2 Acting and has continued her studies to earn an HNC in Performing Arts.
Isobel appeared in many college productions during her training and also successfully auditioned for shows with the professional theater company Ellesmere Port-based Action Transport Theater.
Isobel commented on her “Learner of the Year” award as follows: “I am overjoyed to be named Learner of the Year. I am so proud of everything I have achieved and cannot thank my tutors Paul Moss and Natasha Hudson enough.
“I’m about to move on to the next leg of my journey to university and I really don’t think I could have made it without your support and encouragement.”
- To learn more about higher education at Cheshire College, visit https://www.ccsw.ac.uk/higher-education-2/.