Two students from Leeds College of Art have won awards for their achievements during National Adult Learners Week. Julie Smith was awarded the ‘Community Learning Champion Award’ and Juliette Marks was given the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ in recognition of their hard work on the Adult and Community Course. On the 20th of May the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Dr James McKenna presented the awards at a ceremony in Leeds Civic Hall. The ceremony was concluded with an incredible performance by dancers from the Northern School of Contemporary Performance.
Leeds Adult Learners Week is celebrated nationally to recognize and commend achievements of adults that are engaged in informal education, and to support the work of organisations that provide adult learning. There are nearly 8000 adults engaged in informal learning across Leeds, which gives people with difficult personal circumstances confidence and skills so that they can build a brighter future for themselves.
When Julie Smith, the winner of the Community Learning Champion Award, first started the Adult and Community course she lacked confidence, and was not sure how long she would be able to continue; but now she enjoys the course so much that she never misses a week. She has made many friends on the course, which has improved her social life and self confidence. Having learned many practical skills such as silk painting, jewellery making, acrylics, ceramics and beadwork, Julie is now continuing to develop her skills whilst running art workshops at her daughter’s school.
The Outstanding Achievement Award is an accolade which celebrates the inspirational achievements of individuals, who have transformed their lives through learning, and is awarded each year to a select few. This year’s recipient, Juliette Marks was unable to leave her house a few months ago, due to severe medical problems. When she first started the course at Leeds College of Art Juliette was apprehensive, but with the support of her tutors she has learnt a variety of creative techniques which have improved of her motor skills, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, self esteem and motivation.Despite being in constant pain, Juliette is committed to the course and travels to College and stays for the whole day to work on her art. Juliette is 24 weeks into the course and is doing incredibly well, which is something she never thought possible on her first day. Juliette says
‘I am in shock at winning this award, but I am very proud of myself. Painting focuses my mind and I stop worrying about things, physically I found the pain in my head stops when I am painting. Also my hand stops shaking’.
Proud tutor, Melanie St Clair notes:
‘I’m delighted for the students, the College and myself. My classes are quite unorthodox, they can be a little boisterous but winning these awards shows that they work, and it demonstrates their effectiveness in improving peoples’ lives. Members of the class are all good friends, and they really support each other. Everyone is genuinely delighted for Julie and Juliette. They are inspirational people and very worthy winners.’
For more details about our Community Courses please click here or contact 0113 2028162