Kingston College Access to Paramedic Science student, Paolo, has gained recognition for Outstanding Academic Achievement at this week’s Keith Fletcher Memorial Awards, which shine a light on inspirational learners. Paolo says: “The Access programme is, I believe, underappreciated and undervalued by many. The course offers people like me, who failed to get into university the first time or wanted to change their career path - a second chance. And although the course was intense and the hours were sometimes long, something my peers and I can agree on, was that it was probably the best year of our lives and we couldn't have asked for anything better to prepare ourselves for life at university.”
Named in memory of Keith Fletcher, a passionate advocate for adult learning, these awards, now in their fourteenth year, honour the achievements of Access to HE students who have overcome significant challenges to demonstrate outstanding academic performance and commitment to their studies.
A delighted Catriona Lansdell, Head of Section – Early Years, Health & Wellbeing, said: “From a college point of view, we are always incredibly proud that one of our students has been chosen for such a prestigious award. Paolo was an incredibly hard-working and committed student who achieved a Distinction profile throughout his assignments. His attendance and punctuality were exceptional, and he was also a peer that others could turn to for encouragement and support. We wish him every success in the future.”
Highly Commended Paolo, continued: "I would like to thank both my tutors, Cat and Akin, without whom none of this would be possible - they constantly pushed and challenged me to reach a limit that I did not think was possible. As a mature student returning to education, I was worried about what returning to the classroom would be like and I was pleasantly surprised - I found myself in a tightly-knit group of dedicated students, some of whom I will be calling friends for the rest of my life.”
Presented by Kevern Kerswell, Group CEO of AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, the awards celebrate the perseverance, commitment, and academic excellence of Access to HE students across England and Wales. The awards are managed by the nine Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) and continue to highlight the transformative power of adult learning.
