New Directions College Holds Annual Adult Learning Awards Ceremony

THE Council’s Adult and Community Learning service, New Directions College, celebrated the amazing achievements of adult learners and the staff, volunteers and partners who support them at its annual Adult Learning Awards ceremony.

A total of 12 award categories were open for learners, staff, volunteers, and partners at the ceremony on September 20. Awards were given to those who have overcome adversity, demonstrated independence in learning and who demonstrate outstanding professional skills in teaching and supporting adults. Nominations were made by learners and staff and finalists were selected by a judging panel within the College.

There were winners of all ages, on all courses across New Directions College’s programme of learning, from English and Maths classes to digital and employability skills right the way through to higher-level leadership and management programmes.

Andrea Wood, College Principal and Adult Learning and Skills Manager for Reading Council, said: “The Awards Ceremony is a truly wonderful event that celebrates the impact of adult learning within our community. It also celebrates the dedication and commitment to lifelong learning from our staff, partners and volunteers,”

Chloe Luckhoo, Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Apprenticeship, won in the Outstanding Team Player category said: ‘It was a great evening and to be invited and nominated for an award was a fantastic surprise. To see all the nominees together and hear about what everyone had achieved was an amazing experience, if you have the chance to attend in the future I would highly recommend it. Before and during the evening the organisation was seamless’ 

Emma Irelan Hill, English Functional Skills, won in the Demonstrating independence in learning category said: “I started at New Directions in 2018 to study my English and Maths again, to hopefully get a qualification. Turns out I passed my entry level in English, my level 1 in English and I am currently trying to pass my level 2 in English.  I have worked so hard to try and pass my Maths exams too. I have achieved all 6 units you need. I have got entry level 3 in IT and hopefully, someday, I will start doing my IT again."

"I am currently doing a volunteer course working with adults with English which I am enjoying."

"Which brings me too how much getting the award on the 20th of September 2023 meant to me. It meant everything! I was so excited to receive such a beautiful award it will aways bring me joy every time I look at it and it also gives me strength to just keep on going.” 

Natasha Hampton, Maths Skills, won in the Demonstrating independence in learning category said “I struggled with learning when I was going through school and no one believed in me, which made me have low confidence in learning, but being at New Directions has helped me so much. I have gained more confidence in learning, so winning the award meant a lot to me and I thank my teachers Sue and Caroline so much, and also Helen for supporting me on the day of my exams.”

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Education & Public Health, said: “New Directions College has been providing adult education in Reading for over 65 years supports individuals with getting work, self-development, better mental health, happiness, and participation in the wider community’s life.”

“Adult education has often taken the form of evening classes for older people but, in the most recent years, a huge value has been given to learning at all stages of life, including for those in their twenties and thirties.”

“The positive impact of lifelong learning and its transformative effects include developing critical and reflective skills, fostering a better understanding of our place in the world and our relationship to others, and developing a more secure and fulfilled sense of wellbeing.”

The ceremony was opened by Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, and Donna Pentelow, Assistant Director of Culture at Reading Borough Council. Awards were presented by Rossella Kench and Andrea Wood.

New Directions College supports individuals in Reading to consider their return to education, enhance their skills and employability, and use their skills effectively in the labour market. The College is celebrating it’s 65^th anniversary, and an anniversary exhibition will open at Reading Museum on Tuesday 14 November showcasing the history of adult education in Reading, and the many opportunities the service continues to provide in Reading’s communities.