Cheshire College Learners Celebrated At Virtual Graduation Ceremony

The accomplishments of more than 200 Higher Education learners from across the region were celebrated last night at Cheshire College’s Graduation Ceremony. Graduates, their friends and family all came together virtually, along with staff and stakeholders of Cheshire’s largest provider of post-16 education to celebrate this academic milestone.

Learners who graduated during the ceremony have all studied a Higher Education course at one of the College’s three Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, achieving a range of qualifications from full Degrees, Foundation Degrees and PGCEs to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).

In total, over 500 guests tuned in live to watch the ceremony which included an inspirational introduction from Principal and Chief Executive of Cheshire College Dhesi, as well as individual presentations from a range of the College’s Higher Education tutors and an interview with one of the recipients of this year’s Class of 2020 ‘Learner of the Year’ award.

Claire Barton, Dean of Higher Education at Cheshire College, said: “Attending a graduation ceremony is a huge milestone in any learners’ academic career and it was fantastic to be able to host this year’s ceremony virtually and celebrate the achievements of our Graduates.

“Completing a Higher Education course, no matter the qualification, is no mean feat - it takes a lot of hard work, determination and commitment and our learners who graduated last night truly demonstrated this. Over the past twelve months they have shown great adaptability and resilience whilst continuing with their studies during the pandemic, some whilst working or juggling home-life, and we wish them every success as they go forward in their chosen careers.”

As part of Cheshire College’s Graduation Ceremony, a ‘Learner of the Year’ award is presented to a Higher Education learner who has shown dedication to their studies, exceeded expectations and gone above and beyond. With an exceptionally strong Class of 2020 cohort, the ‘Learner of the Year’ award was presented to two learners - Francesca Smallwood who achieved a HND in Art and Design (Graphic Design or Photography) and Isobel Lewis who graduated with a HNC in Performing Arts (Acting).

Francesca embarked on her Higher Education course having completed A Levels at Cheshire College and was nominated by her tutor for pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Whilst studying for her HND in Art and Design, Francesca actively entered competitions and worked on live client briefs alongside her studies to increase her creative confidence, growing stronger with her experience and achieving distinction grades throughout her modules. 

Isobel joined the College five years ago as a school leaver to study Level 2 Acting and has progressed through her studies to achieve a HNC in Performing Arts (Acting). Performing in many College productions throughout the course of her training, Isobel also successfully auditioned for shows with professional theatre company, Action Transport Theatre.

Commenting on her ‘Learner of the Year’ award win, Isobel said: “I am over the moon to be named Learner of the Year. I’m so proud of everything that I have achieved and can’t thank my tutors, Paul Moss and Natasha Hudson, enough. I’m about to embark on the next stage of my journey progressing to university and I really don’t think I would have been able to do it without their support and encouragement.”

Higher Education at Cheshire College offers high-quality teaching from industry and academic professionals at a lower tuition fee with smaller class sizes to ensure learners are able to get the most out of their studies and achieve the qualification they’ve always dreamed of. 

With a range of courses available across subjects such as, Education, Business, Visual Arts, Construction and Engineering there’s never been a better time to Stay Near, Go Far. To find out more about Higher Education at Cheshire College visit https://www.ccsw.ac.uk/higher-education-2/.