Adult education centre honours students at its annual awards
READING Borough Council’s adult and community learning service has celebrated the achievements of its students, staff, support partners, and volunteers.
The Adult Learning Awards saw attendees commended for overcoming adversity, demonstrating professional skills in teaching, and showing independence in learning across 12 categories.
Nominations were put forward by students and staff at New Directions College, with the finalists selected by a judging panel.
The ceremony was opened by Cllr Tony Page, the mayor of Reading, along with the assistant director of culture at Reading Borough Council, Donna Pentelow.
New Directions is celebrating its 65th anniversary, and is hosting an anniversary exhibition at Reading Museum on Tuesday, November 14.
Andrea Wood, College Principal and Adult Learning and Skills Manager for Reading Council, said: “The Awards Ceremony is a truly wonderful event that celebrates the impact of adult learning.
“It also celebrates the dedication and commitment to lifelong learning from our staff, partners and volunteers,”
Chloe Luckhoo, Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Apprenticeship, won in the Outstanding Team Player category.
She said: “It was a great evening and to be invited and nominated for an award was a fantastic surprise.”
Emma Irelan Hill, studying English Functional Skills, won in the Demonstrating independence in learning category, and said: “Getting the award meant to me. It meant everything. I was so excited to receive such a beautiful award it will aways bring me joy every time I look at it and it also gives me strength to just keep on going.”
Natasha Hampton, studying maths skills, also won in the demonstrating independence in learning category.
She said: “I have gained more confidence in learning, so winning the award meant a lot to me and I thank my teachers Sue and Caroline so much, and also Helen for supporting me on the day of my exams.”
Cllr Ruth McEwan, lead councillor for education and public health, said: “New Directions College has been providing adult education in Reading for over 65 years.
“Adult education has often taken the form of evening classes for older people but, in the most recent years, a huge value has been given to learning at all stages of life, including for those in their twenties and thirties.”
She continued: “The positive impact of lifelong learning and its transformative effects include developing critical and reflective skills, fostering a better understanding of our place in the world and our relationship to others, and developing a more secure and fulfilled sense of wellbeing.”