A group of Tees Valley teenagers have had their hard work and dedication recognised at a special ceremony.

Redcar & Cleveland College’s annual Shine Awards took place last night (Thursday 7^th May) where students from the college’s Curriculum Enhancement Programme, which creates vocational and work based learning opportunities for 14 to 16 year olds, were honoured. 

The event brought together students, their families and education professionals to celebrate achievement and see how the Curriculum Enhancement Programme is working to open up new opportunities for young people in Redcar and the wider Tees Valley.

Pupils from schools across Redcar and Cleveland, have been working with the college to give their 14 to 16 year old students the opportunity to come into the college and study for vocational qualifications as part of their progression through secondary education. 

Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, presented the winners with their awards and certificates on the night. He said:

“Congratulations to all of our winners and nominated students. They have shown tremendous commitment over the course of their time with us. 

“Our work with local secondary schools through the Curriculum Enhancement Programme brings tremendous value and opportunities to the area by giving students the chance to get a taste of vocational based learning and study for practical qualifications that they can use to progress their careers in the future.”

Schools involved in the scheme include Bydales School, Redcar; Freeborough Specialist Engineering College, Saltburn; Gillbrook College, Southbank; Redcar Community College, Redcar; Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough; St Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing, South Bank; Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar; Huntcliff School, Saltburn; and Rye Hills School, Redcar.

Hamish Joyce, Head Teacher of Rye Hills School, said of the Curriculum Enhancement Programme:

“The students from Rye Hills School have produced some excellent work whilst studying for vocational qualifications at Redcar & Cleveland College. 

“As well as this, they have gained some great experience of studying in an institution other than school.”

Amongst the winners on the night were a group of students who have been studying on the CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children.

Jade Wright, Tanya Foxton, Katie McCutcheon, Rebecca McEwan, Flair Steyert, Molly Stevens, and Demi Phillips, who go to Sacred Heart RC School, were recognised for the tremendous commitment and teamwork skills over the last two years whilst studying the on the programme.

Talking about the course and her award win, Molly Stevens from the group said:

“I was really shocked when they announced that we had won an award tonight as we thought we were just here to do a presentation for the audience about our course.

“I really enjoy coming to the college. The way that we learn here allows you to be a lot more independent and individual, but the staff are still there to help you out when you need them. 

“All of us from the group are planning to come back to the college next year full time to study further childcare courses. I’m really looking forward to it.” 

Sandra O’Rourke, Head of the Education, Management and Wellbeing Faculty, said of the group: 

“Throughout their studies the group have been willing to go the extra mile and as a result they have become involved in projects with the University of Teesside and with local community projects to encourage improved literacy through the use of Story Sacks.

“Every student on the programme has demonstrated a strong work ethic and as a result all of them are predicted to receive Merits or Distinctions as their final grades. 

“All of this was only achievable due to the peer support and the respect the students have shown towards each other during their studies.  They are a credit to their school and college.” 

Other winners on the night were:

·      Ben Henderson from Bydales School in the GCSE Engineering category 

·      John Michael French from Gillbrook College on the BTEC Introductory Certificate in Engineering programme

·      Shaun Gell from Freeborough Specialist Engineering College for NVQ 2 Performing Engineering Operations

·      Morcel Azizi from St Peter’s Catholic College in the IT @ Work category

·      Sophie Dixon Bydales School for NVQ 1 Hairdressing

·      Jessica Dunkerley from Laurence Jackson School for NVQ 1 Beauty Therapy

·      Bethany Weedall Rye Hills School in the GCSE Art and Design category

·      Jade Wright from Gillbrook College won the individual award for CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children

·      Becky Turnbull from Huntcliff School in the 1^st Diploma in Horsecare

·       Anthony Melville from Redcar Community College won in the Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Plastering category

·      Jay Bowie from Sacred Heart School won the award for Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Brickwork

·      Reece Howes from Gillbrook College won in the Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Paining and Decorating category

 Further pictures from the ceremony can be found here.