New College Durham is celebrating after three of its students have won national awards. Amy Sanderson and Andrew MacLean achieved gold and bronze medals at the Worldskills UK National Finals while Naeve Hitchen has been awarded the prestigious BTEC Bronze Award for Performing Arts Learner of the Year.
The Worldskills UK National Finals see the nation’s top students and apprentices compete in a variety of disciplines. On Friday 18 November, Amy and Andrew spent the day at Cardiff and Vale College competing against other students from across the UK. Amy produced a magical Harry Potter display which earned her a joint gold award in the restaurant services category. Andrew’s beautifully presented American inspired burger and brownies caught the judges’ eye and he was awarded bronze in the catering discipline.
Foundation skills lecturer Heather Keel said: “We are delighted for Amy and Andrew. Both students had a very enjoyable day and worked so hard in their individual areas. They performed exceptionally well against tough competition, and we are very, very proud of their phenomenal success.”
Commenting on taking part in the competition, Andrew said: “It felt good to do the competition, but I was nervous. I was nervous about going to Cardiff as I had never been away from home on my own before, but I really enjoyed the experience.”
Amy added: “I felt anxious about the competition, but I had practiced a lot before we went. Once I started the competition I felt fine. After feeling so nervous and anxious I enjoyed my trip to Cardiff.”
Level 3 student Naeve Hitchen was thrilled to discover she had been awarded the prestigious BTEC Bronze Award for Performing Arts Learner of the Year.
Naeve, from Bishop Auckland, is registered as blind and had no previous experience of performing arts when she joined New College Durham. She quickly flourished and progresses to the level three programme achieving an impressive final grade of D*DD. The judges were wowed by Naeve’s excellent work on the performing arts programme and her determination to overcome barriers to learning so recognised her determination, talent and achievements with a Bronze Award.
Performing Arts Lecturer Faye Cunningham entered Naeve for the awards. She said: “Naeve has overcome so many barriers whilst studying her course, but she has never let anything stop her from reaching her potential and following her dreams. I am so proud that she has been recognised with the Bronze Award and I am sure she will be successful in her future career.”
Commenting on her award, Naeve said: “It’s an honour to have even been nominated for the award by my teachers. I could not have achieved this without the support of my teachers and peers. It was the perfect ending to a great time studying at NCD.”
Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal at New College Durham said: “I would like to say a massive congratulations to Amy, Andrew and Naeve for their hard work and commitment. Taking part in competitions is a great way for students to showcase their skills while also boosting their confidence and gaining valuable employability skills. We are so proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to seeing how they progress in the future.”
