Barnfield Wins at Big Skill

Barnfield College Luton had seven winners and four highly commended in the Big Skill Awards 2009.

Run by the Learning and Skills Council with BBC Three Counties, the Big Skill Awards recognise people who have improved their life or the lives of others in the community through learning.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "This is a brilliant achievement for Barnfield, recognising the high calibre of our staff and students and our extensive role in working with the local community. My sincere congratulations to those involved."

Janet Vickers, who won the Learner's Champion Award, is Barnfield course team leader for Access to Health Studies which fast-tracks students to degree courses. She said: "To be part of the learning experience that allows people to make their dreams a reality is a privilege."

Her first group of Access students recently graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with one achieving first-class honours.

The nomination for Janet Vickers, who has been teaching for 25 years, said: "Her drive to deliver a high quality learning experience is truly inspirational."

Other successes were: Kerry Rowley, hairdressing apprentice who won the Apprentice Award; Isabelle Pike, beauty student, highly commended for the 14-16 Learner Award.

Student Governor Tracy McFadden, sports therapy, won the Family Learning Award; Jefferson George, exercise and fitness, highly commended for Adult Learner Award
Mark Beddow, Barnfield tutor and Bedfordshire Police coordinator, won the Learning through Partnership Award, Rashida Bouchada, health and social care, won the Skills for Work Award, Tina Hollingworth, child, health and social care, highly commended for Tutor of the Year, Liz Hasdell, care assessor, highly commended for Learner's Champion.

Majid Asghar, ESOL, IT and Basic Skills, won the Adult Learner Award and Claudia Mendonca, ESOL, won the 17-19 Learner Award.

The awards were presented by the BBC's Ray Stubbs at a ceremony in Bedford after a day-long showcase event.