WIREDGOV

An inspiring manager at Angus Council, and a respected further education college forging connections between Scotland and the Middle East, were among the winners at the annual Scottish Qualifications Authority Star Awards, which celebrate excellence in education and training.

Tricia Lowe, an Acting Assessment Centre Manager within Angus Council’s Social Work department, was presented with the SQA Champion Award, before being announced as the individual Pride o’ Worth winner. 

Tricia was nominated by her colleagues at the council, in recognition of the support she has provided many of her co-workers, helping them to build successful careers by encouraging them to undertake Scottish Vocational Qualifications.

Muscat College in Oman was named the Pride o’ Worth Centre winner, following earlier success in the International Centre category. 

The college is one of the oldest further education colleges in the country, and has been delivering Scottish Qualifications Authority certificates and diplomas for over 16 years. In partnering with Stirling University, students completing SQA diplomas in Computing Science, and Business and Accounting courses at the college are able to progress onto years two or three of degree level programmes at the Scottish university.

The SQA Star Awards are unique, recognising both the individuals who work towards and the organisations that deliver SQA qualifications; rewarding those that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning.

Students who have shown exceptional dedication to their studies were amongst the other winners on the night.

Whilst progressing from a National Certificate to a Higher National Diploma at Ayrshire College, James O’Neill has shared his coaching skills with his local community, and provided over 5,000 hours of volunteering work. He was rewarded by being named College Candidate of the Year.

Another young volunteer was recognised in the School Candidate of the Year category. Jack Park is not only an outstanding student at Kilmarnock Academy, he also dedicates much of his time away from school to his local Boys Brigade group and coaching community teams with Kilmarnock FC, where he is an excellent role model for the younger children.

Taking Academic Excellence to dazzling heights was category winner Elle Wyatt. During her time at the High School of Dundee, Elle achieved 100% in Advanced Higher Maths, and high scores in a number of science based Advanced Highers. 

Audrey Diamond, an English teacher from Kirkcaldy High School, has shown outstanding dedication to her colleagues and pupils during her 20 years as an SQA Appointee. Audrey, along with thousands of SQA Appointees across Scotland, support the delivery of SQA’s annual diet of examinations and assessments. Her efforts were recognised when she scooped the Appointee of the Year award.

Other stars that shone on the night were Susanne Arnott from the Childcare Management Company, who was named Lifelong Learner of the Year, and Roxanne Kerr, who came top in the Training Organisation Candidate category, for her efforts at Kent-based APeducation Online.

The SilverNote Music project at North East Scotland College in Aberdeen has enhanced the learning experience of students by offering them relevant work experience in the local community. The project gives budding engineers, musicians, film-makers and photographers the opportunity to work together, and with industry experts, to create evidence for their course work and assessment. The novel approach saw the project claim the Innovation category at the awards.

Another SQA entry to impress the judges with their efforts to support their students was the Thermal Insulation Contracting Association (TICA). At their base in Darlington, Thermal Insulation apprentices benefit from newly designed, fabricated and installed training rigs. TICA were delighted to be announced as Centre of the Year in the Wider UK.

The partnership between the University of Strathclyde’s ‘Engineering Academy’ and a number of Scotland’s colleges showcases the benefits of organisations working together. Having provided new pathways for students onto engineering degree programmes, the scheme claimed the Partnership of the Year award.

Also announced as category winners were Angus Council, whose Social Work department scooped the Lifelong Learning Centre of the Year award. Glasgow Clyde College claimed the SQA Star Award for Promoting Inclusion, for their efforts to develop inclusivity throughout its campuses.

Receiving SQA’s highest honour on the night, the SQA Fellowship, in recognition of his dedication to providing great learning and teaching, was Grant Ritchie, principal of Dundee and Angus College. Before becoming principal, Grant developed creative industries in the college and worked with SQA on developing the Higher National Certificate and Diploma courses in the Creative Industries.

SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the dedication of our winners and have been privileged to hear moving stories of learning journeys. Our winners are an inspiration to us all!

“The SQA Star Awards shine a light on the incredible support provided to learners by teachers, lecturers, schools, colleges, employers, and training providers, encouraging them to reach their potential, and it is right that we give our exceptional centres the recognition they truly deserve.

Dr Brown continued: “This evening the excellent work of our colleagues in schools, colleges, workplaces, and training centres, and the achievements of young people and adult learners have been recognised, and we are delighted to shine a spotlight on their success.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and achievement of people across Scotland, and of our education and training providers.

“It is absolutely right that we should celebrate these achievements which demonstrate the best in Scottish education and training. I would like to congratulate all the winners and wish them every success for the future.”

The SQA Star Awards ceremony was hosted by TV and radio presenter Kaye Adams, and is supported by a number of sponsors, including the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership, and Skills Development Scotland.