Graduation puts students’ success centre stage
Celebrations rang out on Stockton High Street this week, as Stockton Riverside College and Redcar and Cleveland College put the spotlight on their higher education students.
The colleges’ joint graduation ceremony returned to Stockton Globe where some 70 students officially received their qualifications in front of an audience of family and friends.
The ceremony in Stockton recognised those achieving level 4 and 5 certificates, HNCs, foundation and full honours degrees, many delivered in partnership with Teesside University.
Stockton Riverside College principal and ETC executive principal, Rebecca Cadden, said: “It is always incredible to see students enjoying this moment, surrounded by their families and friends.
“Higher education takes a lot of hard work and for many of our adult students this is balanced around the demands of family, work, or often both. But the ambitions fulfilled and the friendships made along the way, all clearly evident today, are what makes it worthwhile.”
Sarah Johnson, principal at Redcar and Cleveland College, said: “The commitment and determination shown by all these students has brought them to this point today.
“Graduation offers the chance to take a breath, reflect on all that has been achieved and enjoy the moment ready for whatever comes next.”
Invited to speak on behalf of her fellow students during the ceremony was valedictory speaker, Amy.
For the mum-of-three, graduation marks the culmination of a 23-year wait to complete the qualification she first set out to achieve at 19.
Receiving the Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning from Redcar and Cleveland College she said: “My speech was about the journey everybody has been on to get us to this point and how everyone’s journey is different.”
She left university first time around after starting her family early. Going on to work in retail for 20 years, it wasn’t until her youngest child was in school that she braved a change in direction.
She said: “I started on the part-time level 2 course, and it has just gone from there.”
Starting work in learning support at the college, at one point Amy was working two jobs, holding down a work placement and her studies. She said: “It has been challenging but it has been worth it.”
Finally receiving the foundation degree this week, with her family in the audience, she said: “I wanted my parents to have that picture of me in my cap and gown.”
Amy’s studies don’t stop there as with a new role as an early years lecturer, she has already progressed on to the BA Hons degree in Education and Training.
Also making her parents’ proud was Claire, the first in her family of four siblings to graduate at 50.
Picking up her Level 5 Certificate in Education, she had surprised mum and dad with the invite to the ceremony as part of their 60th wedding anniversary gifts.
Mum-of-three Claire from Darlington said: “They knew I had previously started the qualification but had decided it wasn’t for me.”
It was while working as a progress coach at Stockton Riverside College that she was encouraged to pick it back up.
“It has been difficult,” she said, but with the support of her husband at home and the college team cheering her on at work, she is glad she stuck with it.
Both Amy and Claire joined fellow graduands from the two colleges, both part of the Education Training Collective, who paraded through Stockton High Street.
Stockton Riverside College and Redcar and Cleveland College offer a variety of higher education opportunities for adult students of all ages and those considering their university options. Visit: www.the-etc.ac.uk
