AoC Beacon Awards 2007-2008 Programme
The winners of the AoC Beacon Awards 2007-08 Programme were presented with their certificates by David Lammy MP, Under-Secretary of State for Skills, at a reception in Westminster this week.
In addition to the 23 Awards being presented, the fourth annual President’s Award was also given to one of the winning colleges whose project stood out for Giles Long MBE, President of the AoC Charitable Trust.
The winner of the President’s Award was the Maths and Science Section at Bridgwater College which won the Mercers’ Company Award for Science or Mathematics.
The winning project is given for Bridgwater College’s work in forensic science. A BTEC certificate course in forensic science has been developed which allows students to take at the same time AS and A2 qualifications in order to broaden the range of progression routes available to them. The initiative is an attempt to increase interest in vocational science. The forensics science course has proved popular and has demonstrated that a range of progression routes is feasible. This is an excellent fusion of vocational and academic science
Giles Long felt that this project stood out because of its innovative approach to making science attractive to young people by broadening its appeal. He said, “Their BTEC Certificate course in forensic science encourages the development of analytical thinking and innovative thought in a tangible and realistic way. Because of this creative way of drawing students into an area, which has previously seen a decline in learners, I have chosen it to receive this year’s President’s Award.”
Details of all of the winning projects were available at the event for guests to peruse in the form of project profiles, a copy of which is available via Short Profiles 2007-08.
In addition to presenting the winning colleges with their Awards, David Lammy also formally launched the 2008-2009 Programme. By now, all colleges should have received copies of the new 2008-2009 Beacon Awards prospectus and it is also available here. AoC Beacon Awards 2008-09 Prospectus If any copies have gone astray, or if you wish to receive further hard copies, then you are welcome to contact the Awards office to request further prospectuses.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 23 July 2008, so there are just over 2 months for your college to put together its submission with supporting evidence.
If you would like any feedback on last year’s submissions or if you would like any advice on applying for the Awards or further copies of the prospectus, please contact the Beacon Awards office on the number below.
For further information on the AoC Beacon Awards, please contact Alice Thiagaraj, Manager of the AoC Charitable Trust on 020 7034 9900.