EKC Canterbury College celebrated the hard work, dedication, and achievements of students, and the invaluable support of local employers, at this year’s Student and Employer Awards.
46 students and 30 employers from across Kent were recognised on the night, at a grand ceremony held on campus in the Main Hall. The evening was a chance for all departments in the College to come together to share student success, and to reward employers in-person that have stood out during the past academic year.
Student Awards:
Nominations for these awards were from department staff, who chose students based on their achievements. These included, being a key player in community engagement, and achieving high grades in their subjects. The winners were presented with a certificate, a gift voucher, and additional prizes from award sponsors.
The awards were hosted by Level 3 Film and TV students, Xavier Ford and Eli Orchard, who bagged the Pathway Award for Media in a joint win.
Head of Creative Media, Zoran Tesic, said: “Xavier and Eli are exceptional students, always striving to produce work of a very high standard. Their willingness to step in and assist with other students’ projects have made them standout candidates for the award.”
T Level Health student, Georgina Moore, won this year’s Outstanding Student Award for Health and Social Care.
Georgina was one of several students across the Country to visit the House of Lords to exhibit the T Level in Health to Politicians. She was also chosen to participate in a promotion of the College’s collaboration with East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, based on her work placement.
Speaking on the night, Georgina said: “I’m honoured to have received an award. I have loved my time both here at College and in my NHS work placement. I can’t wait to move further with my health career and am eternally grateful for the support I’ve received.”
After the Pathway Awards, it was time for the coveted Students’ Union Award, which was presented by this year’s SU President, Luca Fasulo. This award went to Niamh McCabe, who has provided help and support in her role in the Students’ Union, and will be taking over from Luca as SU President for 24/25.
Niamh said: “I’m so excited about taking on a huge responsibility and am looking forward for all the changes we can make at the College. I can’t wait to see as a community what we can all do together.”
Luca is sure that Niamh will be a real asset to the College this year, saying as he handed over her award: “Niamh has been an exceptional team member, and I know she will continue to bring positive change.”
To round off the night, Executive Principal Victoria Copp-Crawley took to the stage to present a series of special awards.
Scott Jacobs was honoured with the Outstanding Community and Social Engagements Award. Scott who studies health, volunteers at local NHS hospitals, providing care for patients and being a friendly face for them when they need it.
Evie Wan, who also won for the Art pathway, was awarded the Outstanding Inspirational Learner Award. On her course in and various art projects, her exceptional leadership and inspirational qualities have had a profound impact on her fellow students.
Jensen Perry received the Outstanding Outcomes for Learning Award. A T Level Design, Surveying, and Planning student, Jensen has excelled in his work placements and continues to impress his employer, Jenner, with his dedication and skills. He is now going onto a career within the company.
Last but not least was the Principal’s Award, given personally by Victoria to a student who has made significant progress in all areas over the past academic year. The winner was Grace Trott, who also won the Junior College award this year.
Victoria praised Grace, explaining to the crowd why she won: “Grace has applied herself diligently to her studies and is on course to achieve highly in both her GCSEs and her Vocational course. I have no doubt that she will apply herself in the same fashion in her A Levels and go on to achieve well.”
Employer Awards:
The winning employers were chosen by the relevant subject area, for going above and beyond with the support they’ve given over the past academic year. This ranged from offering exceptional work placement opportunities for students, to helping to change the curriculum based on the skills they need.
All Employers recognised on the night were awarded a certificate and trophy. The trophies were custom-made by our Engineering students in their workshops, as an extra way of saying thank you.
T Levels were in the spotlight throughout the night, with employers such as The Port of Dover awarded for their support with this qualification.
Upon receiving the Outstanding Employer Award for Engineering Award, Marisa George, Learning and Development Partner at the Port of Dover, said: “It’s been an honour to get this acknowledgement of the work that we do to support students.
“We have two Engineering students working on their T Level placements who are absolutely lovely, and it’s been really nice to come into the classroom, talk to them about our work, and give them context.
“We now have colleagues from areas across the port offering students work placements in various sectors including Business which has been great to see.”
Another business recognised was the charity, Demelza House, who won the Employer Award for Inclusive Learning. Ashley Henson, Retail Director, said: “It’s fantastic to be part of the community, and we appreciate the help and support the students give us, which helps them grow with confidence.”
Full List of Winners:
Student Winners (Pathway Awards)
Animal Management: Katie Moore
Landbased: Finley Gilmurray
Business: Caden Askew
Accounting: Connor Kerwin
Travel: Hollie Powers
Engineering: Kai Gavin
Motor Vehicle: Millie Tappenden
Computing: Edward Morris
Welding: Molly Hills
Foundation Learning: Abigail Cook
ESOL: Marat Imanov
Health: Georgina Moore
Early Years: Lillie Swain
English FS: Robbie Franklin
English GCSE: Caden Askew
Maths FS: Lacey Humphrey
Maths GCSE: Sam Collins
Media: Xavier Ford + Eli Orchard
Music: Freya Mckenna
Performing Arts: Anna Redmond
Theatrical Makeup: Kimberly Muggridge
Hair: Chloe Taylor-Bullen
Beauty: Katie Burden
Catering: Sarah Davies
Sport: Amos Brazier
Public Services: Shilton Hann
Inclusive Learning – Vocational Studies: Leo Blundell
Inclusive Learning – Work Skills: Ridwan Rahman
Inclusive Learning – Social Care Provision: Dondu Bakici
Art and Design: Evie Wan
Graphics: Heather Wolffe
Photography: Evie Kuschel
Textiles and Fashion: Jayden Strong
Brick: Jaiden Titshall
Carpentry: Javan Lawrence
Plumbing: Ronnie Woodham
Design, Survey and Planning: Jensen Perry
Science BTEC: Irnya Panasiuk
STEM Sixth Form: Millie James
Humanities Sixth Form: Elliott Spencer
Social Sciences Sixth Form: Ellie Brown
Creative Sixth Form: Harmony Read
Junior College: Gracie Trott
Student Winners (Special Awards)
Students Union Award: Niamh McCabe
Outstanding Community and Social Engagements Award: Scott Jacobs
Outstanding Inspirational Learner Award: Evie Wan
Outstanding Outcomes for Learning: Jensen Perry
Principal’s Award: Grace Trott
Employer Awards
Animal Management: April Lodge Guinea Pig Rescue
Landbased: Lees Court Estate
Business: Barretts Honda
Accounting: Medway Council
Travel: Premier Inn Canterbury
Engineering: Dover Port
Motor Vehicle: All Tyres and Wheels
Computing: RDDS
Welding: Contracts Engineering
Foundation Learning: Love Hambrook Marshes
ESOL: Porchlight
Health: Headway Canterbury
Early Years: Little Angels Preschool
Media: The Isle of Thanet News
Music: The Anchor Inn
Performing Arts: Marlowe Theatre
Hair: Salon 123
Beauty: Dermalogica
Theatrical Makeup: Marleybrook House
Catering: Snailbox Ltd
Sport: Team Theme
Public Services: Kent Police Crime Scene Investigators
Inclusive Learning – Vocational Studies: Demelza House
Art: Keel Toys
Photography: Winters Barn
Textiles and Fashion: STart
Brick: MKM – Canterbury Builders Merchant
Carpentry: MKM – Canterbury Builders Merchant
Design, Survey and Planning: Morgan Sindall
Science BTEC: AbBaltis