Former Kingston College Access to Higher Education Diploma students have won coveted OCN London Michael Sargent Bursary Awards. Michael Sargent, who worked with OCN London for many years, was a champion of lifelong learning and a great believer in offering opportunities to second-chance learners. The bursaries are awarded in his honour and are presented by Michael’s wife, Trish, which was all the more meaningful as Michael had been the Kingston College moderator.
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Winner: Paolo, Access to HE Diploma – Paramedic Science
"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 which I will be calling friends for the rest of my life.
“I would also like to talk about the Access course, an academic program that I believe is 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."
The judge of the awards said: “Paolo displayed outstanding academic rigor within the Access to HE Diploma in Paramedic Science, consistently achieving distinctions across key units. His work demonstrates exceptional research skills, and the ability to apply complex medical concepts to practical scenarios. Notably, in the Extended Project on ambulance usage within the NHS, Paolo provided a well-researched analysis supported by current statistics and scholarly sources, clearly structured with evidence-based recommendations. Similarly, in assignments such as Nutrition, Digestion, and Excretion and Mental Health Conditions, he showed a nuanced understanding of physiological processes and demonstrated accuracy in scientific terminology, appropriate referencing, and critical evaluation. His high-quality submissions, especially his approach to health planning and the digestion process, are exemplary and showcase his academic commitment, making him an ideal winner.”
Outstanding Commitment to Study
Winner: Thaynara, Access to HE Diploma – Humanities & Social Science
“The access course was a fundamental part of the structure for building the bridge between my career dreams and my academic success. I feel well equipped and capable to face university challenges. My experience at Kingston College was very positive.”
The judge of the awards said: “Thaynara demonstrated an exceptional level of resilience and commitment to her studies, excelling despite considerable personal challenges. Despite these obstacles, Thaynara maintained her focus, achieving many distinctions, including on her Extended Project, and actively contributing to class discussions. Her unwavering dedication to her academic journey, in the face of such adversity, aligns strongly with the award’s criteria of outstanding commitment and inspirational personal transformation”.
As winners, they will both also go forward to the National Access to HE Keith Fletcher Prize.
