Students from across Wrexham have been rewarded for their hard work and commitment at a special Enrichment Awards ceremony at the William Aston Hall.
The successful students have all taken part in an Enrichment programme during this school year which has enabled them to gain additional qualifications to take forward into the world of work, training or education Post 16.
“Vocational focus”
The Enrichment Programme, a partnership between all secondary schools, St Christopher’s Special School and the local colleges of Further Education, is open to students who are studying at Key Stage 4 and who may need a little bit more than the school curriculum has to offer. Through participation outside of the normal classroom environment in practical courses which have a vocational focus helps to keep students engaged in study.
The students travel from their secondary school to a variety of course venues including Coleg Cambria at Northop, Bersham Road, Deeside, Llysfasi and the Grove Park site. A number of courses are also provided through St Christopher’s School.
“Challenging and extremely rewarding”
Steve Stockdale, Enrichment Coordinator, said: “Every school has pupils who can benefit from Enrichment and at present we are working to coordinate the activities of over 300 students to make sure they can achieve at something they have a particular interest in. It’s challenging and extremely rewarding work. Students from 14 schools have taken part this year and we have had 33 courses for them to choose from. They’ve all done very well and it’s been a real pleasure getting to know them and see how their courses have kept them on track to leave school with at least one relevant vocational qualification
Awards presented at the ceremony were for Outstanding Students of the Year and for achievement in Construction, Hair and Beauty, Public Services, Vocational Taster, Hair and Beauty, Animal Care, Derwen Entry Level Course, Motor Mechanics, Retail, Bushcraft, Catering, Drama, Visual Arts, Welding and Fabrication, Mentor Certificates, Horticulture and Agriculture, Sports and Leisure, Engineering, Health and Social Care and Land Based Studies.
A number of special guests were involved in presenting the prizes including the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham Cllr John and Mrs Ann Pritchard, Ian Lucas MP, Lesley Griffiths AM, Ian Roberts Head of Education Wrexham, Cllr Bill Baldwin, Lead Member for Children’s Services, Graham Edwards, Vice Chairman of St Christopher’s Governors, Maxine Pittaway Headteacher of St Christopher’s School as well as a number of Senior Staff from the High Schools.
“Clearly enjoyed their time”
Cllr Bill Baldwin, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “It was a pleasure to be at the awards ceremony and meet the young people who have clearly enjoyed their time on the Enrichment programme. It is an excellent programme and one which is benefitting everyone who is involved. Well done to everyone and I wish the students well for their future.”
A special thank you goes to Pizza Express for their generosity in providing the prizes for the event.
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