A bright forecast for Cymoedd learners

As the academic year ends, Coleg y Cymoedd celebrated the success of its learners at the Nantgarw campus. Principal, Karen Phillips welcomed the learners, guests, Governors, sponsors and staff to the ceremony, before introducing the Guest Speaker for the evening – Weather Presenter Behnaz Akhgar.

Behnaz congratulated the learners who were receiving awards for their achievements in recognition of their hard work and commitment. She gave an overview of her career, outlining some of the disappointments she had experienced during her career and emphasised the power of self- belief.

Amy Williams, studying Performing Arts at the Rhondda campus compered the event and provided the amazing musical entertainment with fellow learner Rachel Evans. Over fifty awards were presented to the learners who had been nominated from over 10,000 learners across all departments at the Aberdare, Rhondda, Nantgarw and Ystrad Mynach campuses.

Tayanne Williams was presented with the Bev Harding Award for Creativity and the Emily Kendrick Award for Optism in the face of adversity was presented to the family of Siobhan Mullan.

Mr Geoff Hughes, Master of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales presented this year’s Welsh Livery Award to two A Level learners Thomas Tiltman and Daniel Bray. Both learners have just completed their A Levels and on receipt of their results; Daniel will go on to study Computer Science at Bristol University and Thomas, Maths at Bath University.

The evenings programme culminated in the two final awards – Overcoming Barriers and Outstanding Achievements.

The Overcoming Barriers Award; is presented to the learner who has overcome barriers during their studies. This year’s recipient was Charlotte Bell who is studying on the Events Management & Marketing at the Ystrad Mynach campus. Since attending college she achieved Distinction Distinction* in her first year and this year has been predicted to achieve three Distinction* grades. Charlotte has also worked tirelessly as a Student Governor, taken part in Skills Challenge Wales Enterprise and been an excellent role model for all college learners. She is planning to join the Network 75 scheme at University South Wales – and has received 3unconditional offers to study Events or Business Management

Josh Jenkins and Brychan Probert were presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of their academic results and creative collaboration. Their short factual film ‘A Red Documentary’ won the 2019 Wales Skills Competition for Digital Video and their Extended Project film ‘Retribution’ is one of the most outstanding pieces of Level 3 film work the course tutors have seen to date.

Alongside their coursework, they have also set up a production company and have taken on editing work, produced short films, promotional and wedding videos. Their talent, professionalism, work ethic and creativity has been an inspiration to learners on the course.

Both Josh and Brychan are progressing on to the BA (Hons) in Film Production at the University of Gloucester.

Closing the event, the Principal thanked everyone involved with the evening – the Hospitality and Catering learners who prepared and served an array of delicious canapés’ and beverages throughout the evening, the sponsors, Governors, guests and staff and wished the learners every success as they travel along their exciting Career path.

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