2016 Graduation news: ESPA College students.
ESPA College held its end of year celebrations for the third year in a row in Bede Tower at Bethany Church, Sunderland. Students, parents, staff and Trustees joined together to celebrate what has been an excellent year of achievement with many of our learners far exceeding their goals and expectations.
Steven Miller – local Paralympian and Rio Bronze Medal winner made an outstanding contribution as guest speaker and Joanna Dionysou from our new Middlesbrough provision at My Place provided delightful vocals.
ESPA Trustee, Phil Moxon commented: “I am always impressed by the progress made by the students during their time with ESPA. This is due to the knowledge, support and dedication of the whole staff team who take pride in the student’s achievements”. He added: “Thanks should also go to those involved in preparing and serving the excellent buffet which was enjoyed by all those attending”.
This year ESPA College has opened a new College provision in Middlesbrough at My Place and the College curriculum has evolved to include new vocational/work related opportunities. ESPA’s garden furniture production facility, DeliverMeTimbers is now located within the College at South Hill and extends our existing small enterprises of bicycle repair and clothes alteration. A confectionery production business is also being developed. We see this as the most effective way of teaching work skills to our learners and preparing them for real work experience outside of the College.
The provision for our young students moving onto University continues to go from strength to strength with former full time ESPA College students achieving honours degrees and two former students going on to achieve a first class honours degree.
Special ESPA Awards were handed out at the Graduation as follows:
- Steven Potts was awarded the Christine Smith Award for the student who has made the most progress.
- Adam Laurie was awarded the Julie Burns Award for the student who was the most helpful to peers and staff
- Louis Newbigging, Fleur Beresford and Michael Richardson all achieved Work Placement Excellence Awards.
- Steven Potts, Fleur Beresford and Sophie Gray achieved Sport and Fitness Awards.
The students particularly enjoyed their Prom evening where mocktails, karaoke and a fancy dress picture booth all added to a lovely time.