Over 80 students on Access to Higher Education and Foundation Programmes celebrated the completion of their programmes at a Celebration Event on Monday evening.
Gathering at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road Campus, which is where they studied at, students enjoyed a night of celebration with their friends, families and tutors, whilst being presented their certificates by Kath Mitchell, Vice Chancellor of University of Derby.
During the event, some students addressed the audience to share their experiences they have had whilst studying on the programmes. Philip Dyke commented “If the remit is to change our lives, then they have definitely done so!”. Henry Thomas Foy shared that he had secured a place on a Paramedic Degree at Oxford Brookes University, stating “…Never in my life did I envisage getting a place on a University Degree and I have done so because of the Access course….”.
As well as being presented with their qualification certificates, four students were presented with special achievement awards:
Access to Higher Education: Briony McGuinness, Philip Dyke and Nick Neville (pictured left)
Foundation Programme Outstanding Academic Achievement: Rochelle Brown
Presenting the award to Nick Neville, Curriculum Leader for Access to Higher Education Ciaran Fallon said “This time fifteen months ago, Nick did not have any maths or English qualifications. He signed up for an eight week fast track functional skills course in English and maths despite not being in education for a long time. He was an unofficial group mentor which many of the students appreciated. He demonstrated a fantastic attitude to study and he was obviously keen to learn and as he engaged enthusiastically in the classroom. He sums up what the Access course is all about.. He received 39 credits at Distinction and 6 Merits.”
Addressing the students and their guests, Len Tildsley, Principal of Buxton & Leek College said “This is the essence of what Further Education for adults is about; a second opportunity; an alternative route into higher education”.
Access to Higher Education and Foundation Programmes are ideal for students who have been away from education for some time or didn’t quite achieve college qualifications; they provide confidence and skills to take that next step to start a degree or equivalent University level course. Buxton & Leek College is proud to be part of the University of Derby, which is particularly beneficial for Access to Higher Education. The programmes can be studied at the University of Derby Kedleston Road Campus in Derby, as well as our College campuses in Buxton and Leek.