September 2018 - Coleg y Cymoedd

Coleg y Cymoedd celebrated another successful year at its Annual Prize evening this week. Award winners together with their guests, Governors, sponsors and staff gathered at the Nantgarw campus to recognise the achievements of the learners; for the academic year 2017-18.

The Senior Leadership Team, led by Principal Judith Evans played a part in the programme, which was ably compered by Amy Williams â€“ who is studying on the Performing Arts course at the Rhondda campus.

After welcoming the guests the Principal introduced the evenings Guest speaker Bethan Darwin, partner at Thompson Darwin Law Firm; who congratulated those receiving awards. She highlighted their motivation and commitment and wished them well for the future â€“ sharing her experiences, proving the Welsh have the X Factor!!

Over 50 learners from across all levels and departments received their awards culminating in the two final awards â€“ Overcoming Barriers and Outstanding Achievements.

The Overcoming Barriers award is presented to the learner who has indeed overcome barriers during their course and still achieved their qualification. This yearâ€™s recipient was Booker T Skelding â€“ Foundation Degree in Photography.

This year Ryan Brain was presented with the Outstanding Achievement award in recognition of his outstanding â€˜learning journeyâ€™.

Mrs Madeline Bidder, Chair of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales Committee attended the event to present A Level learner Harriet Hooper with this yearâ€™s Welsh Livery Award. Harriet achieved A*Maths, B Further Maths, A History and A Welsh Baccalaureate in her A Levels and has secured a place at Exeter University where she will study Economics.

The eveningâ€™s entertainment was provided by Rio Scibona- who is studying Level 3 Rockschool Diploma for Music Practitioners at the college. His performance of a varied genre of music received a rousing applause.

Catering and Hospitality learners were also involved with the evenings celebrations, providing and serving a delicious assortment of light refreshments for the guests, on arrival to the campus.

Closing the event, the Principal statedâ€ This event is one of the highlights of the academic year â€“ a time when we recognise the fantastic achievements of our learners. It gives us the opportunity to show them how proud we are of their hard work and commitment during their time at the college. We wish them every success for the future, whether they are heading to university, an apprenticeship or employment or progressing on to a higher level course at the college â€“ we hope that we have played a part in their future. I think it is right and proper to thank the staff for their dedication and also the parents, families and friends for their support to the learners.

My grateful thanks to all the sponsors â€“ University of South Wales, Tom Wilcox Bequest Fund, WJEC, Inferno FireÂ Safety & Security Solutions Ltd., ARUP, VTCT, Environtec, Brecongate, Tesco and EE; who supported the event and their attendance here this eveningâ€.