Successful level 2 BTEC students enjoyed their graduation last week. Students studying BTEC Level 2 courses in Art and Design, Child Care and Education, Business, IT and Sport were also the first students to receive the coveted Level 2 Sixth Form Baccalaureate (SFBac), an additional award in recognition of the overall breadth of the study and skills that they have attained while at Collyer’s.

Special guest speaker, Gill Buchanan (Manager of the Swan Walk Shopping Centre) gave an inspirational talk to the students. She said: “Sincere congratulations must go to all of the students. I’m passionate about vocational qualifications because they are extremely valuable in the work place. The students have all done incredibly well and their parents must be extremely proud”.

The graduation was attended by students, teachers, parents and representatives from the local community, including artist Martine Spencer, Christopher Skelton (Director of Mapp & Co Estate Agents), Major Steve Ansell (Army Careers Advisor Sussex), Clare French and Sally Anne Jackson (Headstart Day Nursery) and Philippa Aldrich (Future Perfect).

Principal Dr Jackie Johnston was delighted with the students’ achievements: “This is the first Level 2 SFBac graduation year and it’s fitting that we have such a special group of students to honour it. Some are going straight into the work place; others are staying on to study Level 3 courses with us. Wherever they move on to from here, I’m sure that they will be successful”. 

Special awards were given to the top student from each of the subject areas. The Art and Design prize went to Martin Dimitrov; Child Care and Education was won by Rebecca Tidy, Billy Basmadjian walked away with the top Business prize and the top student in IT was Adam Dedman. James Hickman was delighted to receive the award for Sport.

Rebecca Tidy, who won the Child Care and Education prize said: “I’d like to say a big thank-you, on behalf of my group, to our teachers. They’ve been brilliant. I’m really looking forward to studying Level 3 Child Care at Collyer’s from September.”

Martin Dimitriv, who scooped the Art prize added: “I’d like to thank my teachers for being extremely supportive and patient throughout the year.”

Jackie Johnston said: “Next year, level 3 BTEC and A-level students will also have the chance to achieve SFBac awards, in recognition of the high quality and broad educational experience they will have received at Collyer’s”.