Higher Education achievements of Norfolk celebrated in Norwich Cathedral
14th November 2024 – Tags: Degrees and Higher Education
The Higher Education achievements of more than 200 students were celebrated in Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 26th October, when City College Norwich and Easton College held their annual graduation ceremonies.
Graduates were presented with awards in a wide range of vocational, career-focused courses, from aviation engineering to zoology.
These included degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded by the colleges’ Higher Education partner, UEA, as well as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, teaching qualifications, and other higher-level professional qualifications.
The colleges’ graduation continues to be a celebration of local educational achievement, with the vast majority of the colleges’ Higher Education students living and working in Norfolk.
Many have been supported in their studies by local employers who recognise the value of developing higher level skills within their workforce.
This year’s ceremonies saw the first graduates receiving awards for completing the BA (Hons) Professional Policing degree, a College of Policing-approved programme that Easton College runs in collaboration with Norfolk Constabulary.
Outstanding student achievements
Rowan Venables, graduating with First Class Honours on the BSc Agribusiness degree, was presented with the college’s Higher Education Student of the Year award.
Having been working for a vegetable consultancy service as a trials officer, Rowan recently commenced a new role as a graduate farm consultant with Ceres Rural – an opportunity which will enable her to apply and further develop the skills and knowledge gained through her degree programme. She said:
“The degree gave me exactly what I needed to learn, allowed me to study close to home, and to continue working. I got everything I was hoping for and everything I needed to take the path I am now.”
“I’ve worked so hard, especially being from a non-farming background, and as a woman in agriculture. To be supported and believed in by my college lecturers, and to receive this recognition, it means the world to me. It proves that anyone, from any background, whatever they have been through, can go into farming and do really well.”
Annie Martyn, graduating with First Class Honours on the BSc Wildlife and Conservation degree, was presented with the college’s Outstanding Academic Performance of the Year award. Annie stood out to her lecturers for her intellectual curiosity, disciplined work ethic, and tireless pursuit of excellence, whilst embodying the very best qualities of both a scholar and a member of the college’s Higher Education community.
Katie Harris, graduating with a Merit on the Higher Apprenticeship - FdSc Assistant Practitioner (Health Studies) course, was presented with the college’s Higher Apprentice of the Year award. An integral member of her cohort, the award reflects the continuous development she has demonstrated throughout the apprenticeship, honing her academic skills, and consistently achieving marks at or near the top of her cohort.
Abbie Mitchell, graduating with Second Class Honours on the BSc Animal Science degree, was presented with The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour Undergraduate Recognition Award. The award recognises the innovative and pioneering project work in her dissertation, in which she studied the behaviour of captive crested porcupines in collaboration with Banham Zoo.
Bowen Fisk, graduating with a Merit on the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, was presented with the Clancy Award. Bowen was chosen for the award in recognition of his exceptional level of dedication, quiet leadership, curiosity, and his genuine passion for learning and personal growth.
Olivia Eves, graduating with a Distinction on the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Construction Management), was presented with the MJS Project Award. The award recognises not only her academic excellence, but Olivia’s warm spirit, determination and resilience, whilst fostering a sense of community among her peers.
