Filton College Hold Annual Adult Foundation Presentation Evening, Recognising Brave Learner

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Adult learners of all ages came together last week to celebrate their academic achievements at Filton College’s annual Adult Foundation Presentation Evening.

Many of the learners gaining their Essential Skills Award had previously left school with few or no qualifications, and so a tremendous sense of pride and achievement pervaded the atmosphere during the evening. Clare Griffin, Filton College’s Learning Area Manager for Essential Skills praised their commitment, stating: “This is an important day for us – the adult learners and staff have worked incredibly hard over the past twelve months – they should all be very proud of themselves”.

Filton College’s Curriculum Area Manager for the Essential programmes also offered his congratulations to the learners claiming: “Tonight is all about celebrating the students” personal achievements in adult education.” He highlighted the courage needed for adults returning to education regardless of their previous educational experiences. He explained: “Adult and lifelong learning gives students the self-confidence to go and do more in life.”

Former Skills Student Returns to Speak

The Guest speaker for the evening was former Essential Skills adult student Ellie Higgins, aged 41, from Patchway she stressed the key message “you are never too old to learn”. She described her experiences at school as a child and compared this to her learning as an adult claiming: “Unlike at school, I was never made to feel inadequate during my course. We were told from the start to ask if we didn”t understand. I asked and I learnt a lot.”

She proclaimed it had been a “very enjoyable experience” that had boosted her self confidence stating: “I am now looking forward to the many more opportunities available to me. You are never too old to do anything”. Another adult learner attending the evening, Paul, praised the reading and writing course he undertook to be able to help his baby with its homework.

The College

Filton College runs over 200 courses under the Essential Skills Programme. The adult achievers were received City & Guilds Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as well as a variety of Computing qualifications. Students were granted their certificates by Filton College’s Vice Principal, Nigel Eagers who commended the courage and effort of those returning to the classroom he described it as a “tremendous achievement” and extended his thanks to the teaching staff also involved.

The final certificate of the evening was presented to the daughter student, Helen Chorlton, who had died tragically. Helen had already achieved her OCR & ICT and would have achieved her Literacy Level 1. Adult Foundation (Essential Skills) courses are free and open to adults of all ages who feel they missed out at school, would like to get back into learning, want to help their children or would generally like to enhance their future opportunities and career prospects.

Sara Hashash

Congratulate bravery in FE in the FE Blog

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