Buxton & Leek students go for gold

The University of Derby and Buxton & Leek College students joined together for the annual Graduation Ceremony at Buxton’s Devonshire Dome Campus recently.

Those at the daytime event, on Saturday 10 November, included Higher Education graduantes from Buxton & Leek College, from a number of different courses including BA Hons Education Studies, and Foundation Degrees in Children & Young People’s Services and Creative Art & Design Practice.

Over 250 students were there to collect their graduation certificates, looked on by an audience of friends, family and staff.

Part of the proceedings included a procession led from the Devonshire Dome to St John’s Church in Buxton. Among the distinguished guests was the Chancellor of the University of Derby, William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington.

Eight prize winners from Buxton & Leek College were singled out for recognition at the graduation, due to their outstanding work. Donna James from Stoke-on-Trent was given an Outstanding Performance Award for her Foundation Degree in Computing.

Her proud tutor Dave Dulson, a lecturer in computing said: “Donna started the Foundation Degree in Computing as a part time student at Leek with no prior knowledge of Computer Science. Studying 4 modules per year, her dedication and commitment soon paid off. As a result of her meticulous attention to detail, her work was quoted as being outstanding.” 

Celia Kent, a student from Leek, who also works at the Art Department at the College won an Excellence Award BA (Hons) in Creative Art & Design Practice.

She said she decided to study locally as it fitted in with her work commitments and the local arts scene:“The work I produced for the course has enabled me to take part in the Wirksworth Arts Trail as a graduate artist and to sell some of the mixed media textiles I created. I also took part in this year’s Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designer Fair at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.”

Len Tildsley, Principal of Buxton & Leek College commented to the graduantes: “I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the staff and governors of Buxton & Leek College and the University of Derby. When you look back on your time with us, I hope you do so with fond memories of a productive and enjoyable experience.”

Other Buxton & Leek College award prize winners included Helen Curry from Leek who won the Dean’s Award Stage 1; Julia Davies received the BA (Hons) in Educational Studies Outstanding Performance Award; Sylvia Hassall from Biddulph was given the Foundation Degree (Arts) Children’s and Young People’s Services Excellence Award; and Mary Keane from Buxton received the Foundation Degree (Arts) in Creative Art & Design Practice.

For more information about studying a Higher Education course at Buxton & Leek College please call 0800 074 0099.