The pride of Vaduma

Inspirational students awarded for achievements at Awards Ceremony

www.northamptoncollege.

Eighty nine students who have overcome difficulties or achieved outstanding academic success had their inspirational stories read to guests at the College’s thirteenth Annual Awards Ceremony.

Students were awarded with a certificate during the event at The Guildhall on Friday 20 November. Principal Len Closs said, “These learners have all been on an inspirational journey to reach their goals. The stories we heard during the evening were a testament to their ongoing hard work, attitude and dedication to learning. We recognise and reward the accomplishment of our outstanding learners in this way because we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved.”

Some of the students’ achievements have been summarised below…

Angela Casey, 65 from Chapel Brampton
It was a brave decision for Angela to return to study and join a group of 17 year olds at the age of 64! But Angela was not daunted by the challenge and worked diligently and patiently with the younger members of the A Level English Language group.

Angela is now continuing her A Level study and is an established member of the class. She is a positive, energetic contributor to sessions and is expected to achieve a strong grade in her final exam next summer.

Tinashe Musadavira, 38
Tinashe joined the HND Digital Film-making course as a mature student who had originally come from Zimbabwe to join the British Army. He worked incredibly hard, whilst at the same time working nights as a lorry driver to support his family back home in Zimbabwe.

Tragically, in the second year of his studies, his wife died and Tinashe had to take sole responsibility for supporting his children. Despite this trauma, he still attended all his classes, producing some fantastic films of an extremely professional quality. Tinashe is now topping up his HND to a degree in Media Production at the University of Northampton.

Melinda Frankland, 18 from St James
Melinda benefited from the freedom and independent nature of studying at Booth Lane. Her performance in class discussions, personal tutorials and coursework was of a consistently high standard. Having always been an avid reader, she studied A Levels in English Language and English Literature, as well as taking Psychology to keep her options balanced.

Achieving grade As across the board, Melinda is now studying English Literature and Language at King’s College London and is hoping to pursue a career in Literary Criticism.

Tim Maguire, 23 from Rushden
Tim’s experience on the First Diploma in Music course has opened doors and helped him overcome the disabilities he suffered as the result of a car accident in ways he never thought possible. Before he came to college he had no qualifications at all.
With the help of his tutors and carers, Tim found ways to overcome his limited writing skills to complete his assignments and theory tests. A popular member of the class, he developed a computer system that allowed him to develop his DJ mixing talents.
Tim is now on track for a successful music career having already secured regular DJ slots at The Roadmender’s popular club night for disabled people, known as ‘the Rocking Roadrunner’.