East Riding College celebrates degree success at double graduation
CELEBRATION: Graduates and staff from East Riding College
Almost 200 graduates and over 700 guests attended East Riding College’s double graduation ceremony to award degrees to students who completed their studies in 2020 and 2021.
The special event was held at the historic Priory Church of St Mary, in Bridlington, after the originally planned ceremonies had to be postponed because of Covid restrictions.
Honours were conferred by the University of Hull and the University of Huddersfield to graduates from across the East Riding.
Kelly Silvester was named HE [higher education] Student of the Year 2020 at the ceremony after gaining first class honours in her BA in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Hull.
She started her studies in 2017 and has since trained to teach as well, completing her PGCE at the college. Kelly now teaches part-time on the Foundation Degree in Learning Support she previously studied, alongside studying for a Masters in Education and working at Bricknall Primary School in Hull.
Kelly, from Hull, said: “I would recommend East Riding College as there’s support throughout your studies. It’s a warm, welcoming college and starting my studies here in 2017 was the best decision I ever made.
HE STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2020: Kelly Silvester, centre
“I would also encourage anyone thinking about teaching to start. Inspiring others, sharing experiences, and passing on expertise is very rewarding.”
HE Programme Leader Sara Rackham said: “When Kelly first turned up to college she didn’t have a lot of confidence in her ability but she worked hard and took on board all the constructive feedback that was given from the tutors.
“She showed great perseverance and tenacity to ensure that the work she submitted was of the highest quality. She did all this whilst juggling a job working in schools and being a parent to two young children.”
The HE Student of the Year for 2021 was Will Smith, from Aldbrough, near Hornsea. Will, who has dyslexia, achieved first class honours in BA Contemporary Media, Design and Production.
He said: “The degree at East Riding College was much more practical than some other degree courses I looked at. It was really hands-on and you learn what you’ll do in the job.
“I really do recommend East Riding College. The course is amazing, the price is amazing, the small class sizes are a bonus and the tutors are great. I can’t praise them enough - they know you on a one-to-one basis and you can ask them anything.”
HE STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2021: Will Smith
Will is about to start his first job in marketing, which is where he sees his career heading.
He said: “I’m really proud. I worked hard to get a first and I’m confident the practical nature of the degree has got me ready for the industry I want to work in.
“I’ll be creating marketing content in my new job, using all the skills I’ve learnt and practised on the course.”
Head of Curriculum Tracey Murray said: “Will is the perfect candidate for Student of the Year. He went above and beyond in his commitment whilst studying for his degree and his enthusiasm and work ethic is infectious.”
Higher education at East Riding College is built on partnerships with the University of Hull, the University of Huddersfield and other national validating bodies.
The college runs an expanding range of degrees, foundation degrees and higher national certificates and diplomas in a wide variety of subjects, as well as a Master’s in Education and various teacher training courses.