27/05/2011

Top performing colleges and learners awarded

At a glittering ceremony at the Hilton Hotel Cardiff on 26 May, outstanding learners and teachers were recognised as the top performers across colleges in Wales, and seven colleges were awarded for driving improvements that benefit learners.

ColegauCymru’s Annual Awards recognise outstanding achievements by learners, teachers and colleges and the quality of submissions for the ColegauCymru Awards 2011 was notably high. The judging panels were very impressed, noting that the colleges had “raised the bar” this year.

Dr John Graystone, ColegauCymru Chief Executive, said: “On the day that the Education Minister Leighton Andrews congratulated colleges for responding to the Welsh Government’s agenda for change, it was fitting that the evening ended with showcases of the very best of college practices.

“Congratulations to all the winners.  These awards ensure that best practice is properly recognised. The awards are also central to colleges’ continual efforts to raise standards across the board by learning from the best.”

The winners are:

• Effective use of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) to engage employers: Deeside College
• Digital learning resources: Coleg Sir Gâr
• Effective leadership in the delivery of skills: Coleg Morgannwg
• Outstanding practice in maintaining and improving quality: Coleg Llandrillo Cymru
• Innovation in responding to the learner voice: Coleg Gwent
• Outstanding use of technology: The College Ystrad Mynach
• Innovative use of curriculum planning to meet collaborative arrangements: Neath Port Talbot College

Chief Executive of ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, John Graystone, said: “In addition to the seven categories of ColegauCymru Awards 2011 open to colleges, the ColegauCymru Awards 2011 also recognised two individuals: a Learner of the Year and a Teacher of the Year. 

Dr John Graystone said: “It is important that we remember at all times that the purpose of colleges is to support learners in reaching their goals. Excellent teachers are key to enabling learners achieve, and it is right that they are recognised on the national stage. Congratulations to Maria McCarthy of Coleg Glan Hafren, who was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award against a very strong shortlist.

“Outstanding learners are of course the success story of colleges. Congratulations to joint winners James Fraser, Barry College and Shane Evans, Coleg Sir Gâr in winning the Learner of the Year Award.  They are both outstanding role models.”

Dr Graystone continued: “The ColegauCymru Awards 2011 not only benefit learners but also have a clear value to a wide range of highly-respected national organisations. We are delighted to have received sponsorship and strong support once again this year from: Agored Cymru, City & Guilds/ILM, Edexcel, Learndirect, Lifelong Learning UK, OCR Cymru, WJEC, and Tribal Education.”

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Contact: Sylvia Davies on 029 2052 8384 or 07968 771913.

Notes to editors:

1. ColegauCymru / CollegesWales is the national educational charity that represents all 21 further education (FE) colleges and institutions in Wales. Its mission is to raise the profile of further education with key decision-makers to improve opportunities for learners in Wales. For further information about ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, and the colleges it represents, visit www.colegaucymru.ac.uk or www.collegeswales.ac.uk
2. The awards ceremony took place in the evening of 26 May 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff.
3. Photographs of the award winners are available on request.
4. The categories of the ColegauCymru / CollegesWales Awards 2011 and their sponsors:
 

Awards for Individuals

• Learner of the year (ColegauCymru / CollegesWales)
• Teacher of the year (LLUK)

Awards for Institutions

• Effective use of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) to engage employers (Agored Cymru)
• Digital learning resources (WJEC)
• Effective leadership in the delivery of skills (City & Guilds / ILM)
• Outstanding practice in maintaining and improving quality (Tribal)
• Innovation in responding to the learner voice (OCR Cymru)
• Outstanding use of technology (Learndirect)
• Innovative use of curriculum planning to meet collaborative arrangements (Edexcel)