Adult learners success celebrated at awards

Walsall College celebrated the success of students at its annual Adult Students’ Awards Ceremony.

During the evening, 23 outstanding students were presented with Student of the Year Awards for achieving excellence in their area of study, along with an award for the overall Adult Student of the Year, won by Access to HE Social Work student, Kerry Dupont.

After several years of being a full-time mother, Kerry returned to study full time at Walsall College, enrolling onto an Access to HE Diploma in Social Work.

Alongside the demands of her studies and raising a family, Kerry undertook voluntary work at local charity Home Start, providing support to families facing personal challenges.

Kerry had aspirations to become a social worker, but lacked the confidence to pursue a career in social welfare. Now, as she is on her way to completing her course, she has accepted a place to study a social work degree at Birmingham City University.

Angela Taylor, Learning and Development Coach for Health at Walsall College, said: “Right from the outset, Kerry has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to study. Not only does she maintain one hundred percent attendance and punctuality, despite the many conflicting demands on her time, she also ensures that she is always fully engaged in class activities and fully committed to deriving every possible benefit from her time in college.

Kerry deserves this award for the positive impact her presence has on the whole group and for the dedication, commitment and sheer enthusiasm that she has brought to her learning.”

The VIP event, held in the College’s £11m Business and Sports Hub, was attended by around 100 guests who enjoyed a pre-drinks reception and four course meal and performances by our Music students.

The guest speaker at the event was Dr Helen Paterson, Chief Executive at Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council.

After teaching in Yorkshire, Helen became a head teacher at three primary schools in Hampshire. Alongside her role as a Chief Executive, Dr Paterson is also the Secretary of the Association of Black Country Authorities and Black Country Executive Joint Committee.

Taking place during the Festival of Learning month, the college’s Adult Students’ Awards Ceremony provided a high profile occasion for outstanding adult students to shine.

Jatinder Sharma OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College, said: “The Adult Students’ Awards Ceremony was an ideal opportunity for Walsall College to celebrate the fantastic achievements our students have made.

Holding the event during the Festival of Learning is our way of supporting the initiative and demonstrates how outstanding learning really can change lives. Last year Walsall College helped thousands of adults get back into education and these exceptional students are real life examples of people who have excelled through vocational learning and are an inspiration to others.”

For more information about enrolling on a course at Walsall College, please call 01922 657000.