Hayden crowned STAR learner
Photograph shows: STAR learner, Hayden Mills with ITV Central’s Emma Jesson and Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Christine Braddock CBE
An Erdington student who battled with a brain tumour while studying his A Levels was named STAR learner of the year by Birmingham Metropolitan College. Hayden Mills was awarded the title at a special awards ceremony which celebrated the academic and personal achievements of 24 short listed learners from across the College curriculum.
“I really wasn’t expecting to win the STAR Learner Award at all, so was really happy and proud,” said 19-year-old Hayden. “The award marks the end of the difficult times I had battling against my illness. It also reminds me of some of the great things I achieved and experienced at Birmingham Met, such as achieving my A Levels and taking part in College activities.
“I also met some great students and staff who were always friendly and would go out of their way to help me.”
Within a few months of starting his A levels in 2008, Hayden was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour and reluctantly had to drop out of his studies to receive treatment. He returned to the College the following year but was still experiencing headaches and dizziness which resulted in the discovery of a second cyst which had grown on the tumour.
Although he knew he would have to undergo regular intensive radiotherapy treatment that would prevent him from being able to attend college full-time, Hayden was determined to succeed. He impressed both fellow-students and staff by coming into College regularly, supporting fellow learners and enjoying student life as much as he possibly could. Through his hard work and determination Hayden achieved an A* in Maths, A’s in Physics and Computing and a B in AS Level Further Maths and earned himself a place at the University of Birmingham studying Computer Science.
“Receiving the award was an unforgettable moment,” Hayden continued. “I’m really grateful to everyone who nominated me. I’ll always remember my time at the College.”
The STAR awards ceremony was held at the College’s Matthew Boulton Campus and hosted by ITV weather girl, Emma Jesson.
“These STAR learners have made us extremely proud by showing a real commitment to their studies, a determination to succeed and an eagerness to support others,” commented Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Christine Braddock CBE. “We congratulate them all on their success and wish them the very best in their future studies.”
Other Student STAR’s were as follows:
DIRECTORATE OF CREATIVE, PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
Fiona Hobson - BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphic design
Fiona’s high standard of work was consistent throughout the two years that she studied at the College’s FEED studios at Millennium Point. After achieving an overall Distinction Star grade, she is now continuing her graphic design studies at Bristol University.
DIRECTORATE OF LANGUAGES AND SKILLS FOR LIFE
Anthony Platt – Level 1 and 2 Literacy
A full-time health care assistant, Anthony’s aim of progressing within the sector was held back by his reading difficulties. Determined to achieve success, he gained Level 1 and 2 Literacy qualifications in the same year. This led to him progressing on to an Access to Health course where he manages his studies and continues to work towards becoming a specialist nurse or a paramedic.
DIRECTORATE OF MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS, ACCOUNTS, LAW AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jessica Beeson – BTEC National Diploma in Business
An exceptional student, Jessica achieved a triple Distinction grade and was one of the most proactive members of the College’s Met Academy of Business and Enterprise where she attended Birmingham Chamber of Commerce events, guru lectures and workshops. The enthusiasm she showed during her Academy internship led to her gaining full-time employment as a marketing executive.
DIRECTORATE OF MEDICAL, HEALTH CARE AND LIFE SCIENCES
Tracy Parchment – Access to Health Science/Nursing
Returning to education after a 20-year break had its challenges for Tracy, but her hard work, excellent attendance and punctuality resulted in her achieving Distinction grades in all of her subjects. Her skills and abilities led to her securing one of 27 places on a midwifery course at Coventry University ahead of over 1,000 applicants.
DIRECTORATE OF SPORTS, PUBLIC SERVICES AND CHILD CARE
Lorraine Sparks – Foundation Degree in Early Years
Having always harboured ambitions of becoming a teacher, Lorraine returned to education after a nine-year gap. She gained a place at university to complete a teaching degree after embarking on an Early Years foundation degree which was preceded by level 2 and 3 CACHE teaching assistant qualifications.
DIRECTORATE OF TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL AND
BUILDING SERVICES
Peter Newbery - National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Peter was well deserving of the triple Distinction grade he achieved on his course. As part of his second year project, he successfully built an electronics track to follow a robot mouse with very little assistance, which impressed all of his teachers. Now at Portsmouth University, Peter continues to impress his lecturers and fellow-learners.
APPRENTICES
Tim Egerton - Advanced Modern Apprentice Engineering
An apprentice at BMW, Tim has proved to be a capable learner with a strong work ethic. He supports his fellow students and has also been a proactive member of the College’s Learner Voice student committee where he has shared views about student experiences, campus facilities and teaching strategies.
For further information about Birmingham Metropolitan College telephone 0845 155 0101 or visit www.bmetc.ac.uk
ENDS
November 2011
For more media information please contact:
Shobby Patel
Telephone: 0121 446 45 45 ext.8144 or
email:shobhna.patel@bmetc.ac.uk
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