College Celebrates Student Excellence

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has recognised 170 students from across Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses as part of the College’s annual Excellence Awards. 

The annual Excellence Awards are one of the highlights of the College calendar. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, students will receive their Award Certificate by post and are invited to invite family and friends to celebrate their success by watching the Roll of Honour video featuring names of all Excellence Award recipients and celebratory messages from Steve Pollard, Vice Chair of the College’s Education Committee and Mollie Richardson, Student Governor.

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of SERC says, “The Awards are closely aligned to the values of SERC and are presented to students nominated by their Course Tutors from across a range of courses, training programmes and apprenticeships from Construction through  Animal Management, IT, Performing Arts, Professional Baking to Security and Alarm Systems. They recognise students who have overcome educational barriers, demonstrated an impressive commitment to learning or have shown excellence in entrepreneurship or project work."   

He added, “I would like to congratulate the students who have received Excellence Awards. The talents of our students never cease to amaze me, and it is important that we recognise all that they have achieved and encourage them in all that is possible for themselves in the future.”  

Watch out for profiles of some of our Excellence Award recipients in the coming weeks.

Downpatrick/Newcastle Campus

Jennifer Greer, from Newcastle who has just completed the Access Diploma in Foundation Studies over the past two years received a Student of the Year Excellence Award. She said, “I am delighted to receive an Excellence Award.  Coming to SERC was a great decision for me, a mother of three young children, so if I can return to education, others can too and the tutors at SERC are your biggest advocates. The Access course can lead to many things and has taken me to Queen’s University Belfast in September to commence a BSc (hons) in Psychology.” 

Sophie McKee, from Ballynahinch, Student of the Year Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science said, “It’s great to finish off the year and my course with an Excellence Award. I would have no hesitation in recommending SERC for Applied Science, the tutors are brilliant, and offered great support in College and when we were working online.  The Applied Science course opens so many different opportunities. I have received a few offers from different universities to study Podiatry - Ulster University is my first choice, so all being well come results day, I will be studying there.”

Lisburn Campus

Alana Irwin, from Lisburn, Student of the Year Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism.   Alana said, “I would rate my time at SERC 10 out of 10 because I enjoyed my course so much and my tutors and friends were so supportive and that helped me enjoy every minute – I am so pleased to have been nominated for an Award of Excellence.   If you are determined to get your education and have fun at the same time I would highly recommend coming to SERC. Right now I am deciding on my next steps into employment or further studies.

James McCluskey, from Hillsborough, Student of the Year Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering – Advanced Manufacturing said, “I was delighted to get the Student of the Year Excellence Award for my course.   It was a brilliant surprise to come home to. I believe that my two years in college have better prepared me for university and given me the academic and hands-on practical experience that A levels would not have facilitated.  I have confirmed my university choice for next year and will be heading to Ulster University to study a BSc (Hons) Engineering Management, made possible by my time at SERC.”

Bangor Campus

Jamie Hewitt, from Bangor, Student of the Year, Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport. Jamie said, “It’s great to have this recognition as part of your studies at SERC. I have really enjoyed the variety of topics and the assessment methods. My overall experience has been very positive.   I am planning to progress to further studies at university following completion of the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Sports Studies.”

Newtownards Campus

Alexander Wallace, from Carrowdore, Newtownards, Apprentice of the Year, Level 2 Apprenticeship in Fire and Security Engineering said, “Receiving an Excellence Award for Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic way to end what has been a difficult year for many people.  I am really enjoying the apprenticeship which has given me a route into a job where I can earn and continue to learn and am working in a growth industry.  SERC and my employer, BPS, have been very supportive of my work and studies and I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route which has given me security in a growth industry.

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be part of the next generation of professionals #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.