College of FE names its best students

Friday 03 July 2020

Graduating students have been honoured with the annual Celebration of Achievement event at the College of Further Education, which saw Brandon Carberry named overall Student of the Year across all of the faculties and courses.

Other awards were given for progression, performance, personal achievement and community spirit across the different subject areas available, when all of the students and staff gathered at the Performing Arts Centre for the end of year event last Friday.

The College, which is one of three organisations that make up The Guernsey Institute, provides more than 300 courses with around 5,000 students enrolling every year. They are taught and supported by 240 staff, led by Principal Louise Misselke.

Pictured: College of FE Principal Louise Misselke. 

Ms Misselke said the students this year have faced a particular set of challenges, and they've all done really well.

“It was fantastic to be able to hold this event this year and I am so proud of all of our students’ achievements, particularly given the unique challenges they have faced this year with their study programme. Their success is a real testament both to their own individual commitment and also to our amazing team who have put so much effort into delivering the learning curriculum in the difficult circumstances the island has been dealing with. I would also like to thank Sovereign Trust and SPF for the generous support.” 

SPF Private Clients sponsored the overall Student of the Year award with Brandon Carberry chosen after completing his Level 3 University Arts London Extended Diploma in Creative & Digital Arts with a merit.

During his course, he produced animations, music videos, digital illustrations and written his own songs. Brandon joined the College from Le Murier and completed the Access course before moving on to the Creative and Digital Arts department. He is continuing his studies at South Essex College's brand new media campus. 

Pierre Blampied, Director of SPF Private Clients said Brandon was a great winner of the award.

"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to sponsor the College Student of the Year Award. College students - and those across the island - have shown incredible tenacity this year throughout the lockdown and I congratulate them all on their achievements. Brandon is a really worthy recipient of this award and I wish him every success in the next steps in his studying and in his future career."

Pictured: Overall Student of the Year winner Brandon Carberry with Gary Wallbridge from SPF and College Principal Louise Misselke.

The Sovereign Shield was presented to Phoebe Stewart who, as an Office Administration student, showed commitment to supporting others with mental health issues and volunteered with Guernsey Mind while studying.

Georgie Scott, Director of award sponsor Sovereign Trust (CI) Limited said Phoebe was one of many nominees but her profile stood out.

“We had some extremely deserving nominations for the Sovereign Shield this year. Students’ efforts are made even more impressive given that nominees are often overcoming their own personal challenges. Their acts of kindness and good deeds have enabled them to build their sense of self-worth and the positive activity has balanced out some of the daily challenges they face, improving their quality of life. The Sovereign Shield helps Guernsey College of Further Education show that, while it is in the business of teaching new skills and qualifications, it also deeply values students’ personal development. This is what makes the College thrive as a community.”

RESULTS

All of the winners are listed below: 

Progression Awards (awarded to one student from each subject area)

Chanel Carre - Hair & Beauty

Brandon Duquemin - Performing Arts

Liam Moore - Hospitality & Catering

Erica Watkin - Public Services

Macy Cortez - Sport

Brandon Carberry - Creative & Digital Arts

Nicholas Johansson - Business Studies 

Kelsea Bougourd - Office Administration 

Leon Hamon - IT & Computing Studies 

Mark Le Page - Engineering

Morgan Gamblin - Construction

Sophie Wickins - Health & Social Care

Jack Le Blancq - Early Years

Sovereign Shield 

The Sovereign Shield was created several years ago to recognise students who demonstrate an extra commitment to their community – whether through small acts of kindness or demanding voluntary roles, and ambitious fundraising endeavours. 

Winner – Phoebe Stewart

Phoebe is an Office Administration student and was nominated for her commitment to supporting and caring for those with mental health issues. As well as volunteering to support Guernsey Mind activities and fundraising for them, Phoebe actively helps to improve the mental wellbeing of those around her. She has kept this up while College was closed, keeping her course mates' spirits up by posting helpful tips and links on their Classroom message system. 

Faculty Awards/College Student of the Year 

Faculty A (including Retail, Creative & Digital Arts, Performing Arts, Hair & Beauty, Hospitality & Catering and Sport & Public Services)

Winner - Brandon Carberry (Creative & Digital Arts)

Faculty B (including Business, IT & Computing and Office Administration Studies)

Winner – Nikita Le Prevost (Business)

Faculty C (including Construction and Engineering)

Winner - Josh Tugby (Engineering)

Faculty D  (including Childcare & Early Years and Health & Social Care)

Winner – Mia Tapp (Childcare & Early Years)

Learner Support Services (including Access) 

Winner – Alex Adamson

WINNER OF OVERALL STUDENT OF THE YEAR (sponsored by SPF Private Clients) - Brandon Carberry

Brandon has just completed the Level 3 University Arts London Extended Diploma in Creative & Digital Arts for which he gained a merit. During his course, he has produced animations, music videos, digital illustrations and written his own songs. Brandon joined the College from Le Murier and completed the Access course before moving on to the Creative and Digital Arts department. He is continuing his studies at South Essex College's brand new media campus. 

Pictured top: The award winners. Images provided by the College of FE.