VQ Day celebrations with Shamima Miah

 

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) supported VQ Day by celebrating the success of its vocational students.

VQ Day, held on Wednesday 20 June 2012, was marked by a special celebration event at the College’s £60 million Knutton Lane campus. Students studying a Level 3 vocational qualification who have achieved triple distinction (equivalent to three As at A Level) will be recognised for their success along with a number of students who have achieved the new triple distinction star grade, which is equivalent to 3 A*’s at A Level.

At NULC, success rates on vocational courses are high across all areas of study. This year, over 100 students on BTEC National Diplomas are on target to achieve the top triple distinction grade (DDD) - equivalent to three grade As at A Level. In 2011, 313 students studying Level 3 Vocational qualifications and Apprenticeships progressed to higher education.

Shamima Miah, aged 17 from Burslem studies the Level 3Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

Shamima explains why she chose to come to NULC: “This is the only college I could find that did the course I wanted and the College have a fantastic reputation for their Art and Design courses which is what universities are looking for when you apply.”

Shamima was shortlisted in the National BTEC Awards for Outstanding Student of the Year.  Nominated by her lecturer Andrea Birch – Machin, Andrea highlights why she nominated Shamima: “I entered Shamima for the Outstanding Student of the Year Award because despite all the hurdles she has encountered she still remains determined and dignified with her plight to continue her education studying something she loves and completely believes this is the right path for a happy future.”

Coming from a traditional Bangladeshi family, Shamima wanted to prove she had the ability to make successful university applications to prestigious courses for her chosen subject. She successfully applied to all 5 textile university degree courses gaining places at Loughborough, Manchester, Derby, Nottingham and Wolverhampton.

Whilst at NULC Shamima was awarded Student of the Month and has achieved triple distinction in her qualification.  Shamima and will progress to study a degree in textiles at university.