Two Access to HE students win CAVA awards
We’re delighted to announce that two of Petroc’s Access to Higher Education students have won awards with CAVA.
CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency) designs and validates Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and each year, lecturers from across England and Wales are invited to nominate their students.
Mikey Phillips (Access to HE Diploma: Sciences) won the Outstanding Academic Achievement award and Tanya O’Connor (Access to HE Diploma: Teaching Humanities Education & Social Work – pictured), won the Award for Outstanding Commitment to Study.
Mark Rivers Lecturer in the Faculty of Academic and Science nominated Mikey and said, “With every assignment, Mikey showed his willingness to explore each subject thoroughly and on a much deeper level than was expected. Mikey was very popular amongst his fellow Access students for his cheerful, personable approach and his willingness to help and advise them despite his challenging work-life balance. It is no surprise that Mikey is going on to read chemistry at Bath University and will be a real asset to that institution and, no doubt, to the chemical industry, academia or education in the future, whichever path he decides to follow.”
Tanya was nominated by Clare Collins, Literary Studies Lecturer at Petroc. Clare said, “Tanya approached the subjects of Literary Studies, Sociology and History with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and positivity, making outstanding progress despite numerous challenges, in order to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. At a time when many learners have been particularly anxious about learning, Tanya took the time to offer inspiration and support to her peers. Not only will her story motivate many learners in similar positions, but I know she will make an outstanding teacher, using her experiences to evidence the life-transforming power of education for generations of learners to come.”
Tanya told us, “I’d like to say thank you to Clare Collins for nominating me and to Suzi Smale for listening to my thousands of emails. I’d just like to say for anyone that thinks they cannot do this, you can, you are stronger than what you think. Your lectures will be there to support you 100% of the way. There will be highs and lows in your studies but choose to remember how far you have come. You’re all amazing teachers and I can’t wait to be in your shoes to inspire the next generation. Thank you all once again.”
CAVA received a number of really strong nominations this year, and we’re proud to see both students gain the recognition they deserve.
This year, winners are being invited to accept their award at the CAVA online conference on 4 December.
Access to HE Diplomas provide an opportunity for adults without the relevant formal qualifications to go to university. You can find out more on the website.
