Top students recognised at Brockenhurst College Gala Awards

High-flying Brockenhurst College students and their achievements were recognised and celebrated during a glittering Gala Awards ceremony at the College last Friday.

More than 150 guests sat around dining tables in the main hall for the evening event that saw 38 awards presented for excellence in learning or significant contributions to the college community.

Alex Forster from Dibden Purlieu won the night’s most anticipated award for Student of the Year, which he earned through his outstanding academic performance.

He achieved four A*s in his A Levels and has now accepted a place to study Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.

Alex said afterwards: “It’s been a long-term goal of mine since an early age to study at Oxford or Cambridge. I chose to do my A Levels at Brock after coming to an open day, after which I didn’t see a reason to go anywhere else.”.

Sophie Boyes, also from Dibden Purlieu, picked up the Computer Science, IT and Vocational Business Student of the Year award, sponsored by PR executive and former PA to the Prince of Wales Patrick Harverson.

Sophie, who is currently working in events at Beaulieu Motor Museum, said: “I feel honoured and proud to receive this award. My time at Brock was incredible; I wouldn’t change it for the world.”.

Science Student of the Year was awarded to Dahria Kuyser from Marchwood, who is about to begin studying Medicine at the University of Oxford.

Darhria commented: “I am surprised, pleased and very flattered to have been given this award. I feel I owe most of my academic success to Brock. Without my teachers I wouldn’t be where I am today.”.

The International Student of the Year award, sponsored by Parallel Translations, was given to Katarina Fabryova from Slovakia for her contribution to the International Department and the Students’ Union Committee, as well as her work as a Student Ambassador.

Meanwhile, the Teacher of the Year award, voted for by the Students’ Union, went to Mathematics and Physics lecturer Hugo Gibson.

As well as students and staff, the evening was attended by parents, supporters and sponsors, and began with a drinks reception.

Guests were then served a two-course meal prepared by students from the College’s fine-dining restaurant, known as MJ’s.

Principal Di Roberts CBE said: “At Brock our diverse curriculum, first-class facilities, outstanding teaching and individual support mean our students have every opportunity to reach their full potential, and I congratulate all the award winners.

“All of our students aim high, work hard and do exceptionally well, so our award winners really are the very best of the best.”

Chair of Governors Graham Beards, who presented awards alongside the Principal, added: “It’s been a truly memorable evening celebrating our remarkable students and staff… We wish all students leaving us every success in the future.

“On behalf of the College I wish to thank all the companies who sponsored awards, many of which work closely with us to provide work placements and training opportunities.”

Elaine Cole, Human Resources Manager at award-sponsor Esso, said: “The event aptly demonstrated all of the things that are great about Brock – the wide range of courses, the ethos of aspiration, the supportive learning environment and the passion for achieving in whatever field the learner is interested in – and it was great to be involved in what was a very special evening.”.

Award sponsors comprised: Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, SportBU, St Edmund Hall University of Oxford, Southampton Solent University, Chewton Glen, Esso Petroleum, PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling, Doughty Engineering Ltd, Chs Creative, Parallel Translations, Bishops Printers, Geo Specialty Chemicals, Professor David Roberts, Patrick Harverson, and The Family of Kevin Wykes.

Full list of winners:

 Brockenhurst College Student of the Year – (Sponsored by Geo Specialty Chemicals) – Alex Forster

 Access to Higher Education Student of the Year (Sponsored by Bournemouth University – Hayley Clements

Apprentice of the Year 19+ – Sam Baker

Art, Design and Photomedia Student of the Year (Sponsored by Arts University Bournemouth) – Georgie Sweet

Vocational Creative Arts and Media Student of the Year – Engy Serag Abou Amer

Business Services Learner of the Year – Jan Hall

Computer Science, IT and Vocational Business Student of the Year (Sponsored by Paddy Harverson) – Sophie Boyes

Construction Student of the Year – Ben Langford

Early Childhood and Health Student of the Year – Dylan Jenkins

Engineering Student of the Year (Sponsored by The Family of Kevin Wykes) – Tom Saunders

English Student of the Year (Sponsored by Professor David Roberts) – Anna Robinson

Enrichment Student of the Year – Amy Lui

EPQ Student of the Year (Sponsored by St Edmund College, University of Oxford) – Zoe Gough

Foundation Studies Student of the Year (Sponsored by PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling) – Tash Galton

Functional Skills Student of the Year – Cindi Pratt

Higher Education Student of the Year – Sharon Pedder

Performing Arts and Music Student of the Year (Sponsored by Doughty Engineering Ltd – Amelia Shipton

Humanities and Modern Foreign Languages Student of the Year – Katie Regardsoe

International Student of the Year – Katarina Fabryova

Marine Engineering Student of the Year – Lauren Houndsome

Mathematics Student of the Year (Sponsored by Geo Specialty Chemicals) – Nathan McKeown-Luckly

Science Student of the Year (Sponsored by Geo Specialty Chemicals) – Dahria Kuyser

Service Industries Student of the Year (Sponsored by Chewton Glen) – Ben Estall

Social Sciences and Business Student of the Year (Sponsored by CHS Creative) – Andrew Dewey

Sport Student of the Year (Sponsored by BU) – Luke Spring

Student Ambassador of the Year (Sponsored by Bishops Printers) – Sam Colombo

Students’ Union Representative of the Year – Anna Nguyen

Employer of the Year – Hobourne Group

Brockenhurst College Business Learner of the Year (Sponsored by Esso Petroleum Company Ltd) – Jodie Tullett

Community Teacher of the Year – Helen Talbot

Professional Services Staff Member of the Year – Hilary Bates

Teacher of the Year – Hugo Gibson

Emily Longley Memorial Award – Ellen Puddle

Paul White Memorial Cup – Freddie Harvey

Chris Campbell Memorial Prize – Grace Williams

Robert Jones Memorial Award – Lydia Smith

Nathan Ridler Memorial Award – George Smith

Lesley Errington Trust Award – Taz Hollands & Danny Pragnell