FIVE students from Redditch and one from Alvechurch are celebrating after achieving First Class Honours in their degrees.
Karen Cartwright, Ben Taisler, Olly Cooke, Cathryn Yeomans, Colette Churchill and Kelly Hopkins have just completed their studies at the University of Worcester.
Mature student, Karen, who turns 60 this month, achieved a First in her degree in English Language with Creative & Professional Writing. “Given that I applied almost on a whim and undertook the course purely out of interest and with no aspiration other than to enjoy it (and I did), it feels phenomenal to have done so well,” she said.
Karen is now working on a novel, inspired by her research into the Korean War, which she completed for her Independent Study. “My history teacher once said to my parents, ‘she’ll never amount to anything’. Better late than never,” she added.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ben Taisler and 21-year-old Olly Cooke are both celebrating Firsts in Sport & Exercise Science. “The support of my friends, family and the staff at Worcester made it possible, along with early mornings and late nights working hard,” Ben said.
Olly added: “I feel absolutely over the moon, making three years of hard work and commitment all worthwhile. I am really proud and it’s given me the confidence to proceed with my future aspirations.”
Olly will be training as a primary school teacher from September, with the University of Worcester via Schools Direct.
Cathryn Yeomans, aged 22, achieved a First in Psychology and is now staying at Worcester to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). “I am very proud to have achieved a First,” she said.
Colette Churchill, aged 36, achieved a First in Integrated Working with Children and Families. “Being a mature student and juggling work, children and studying is not an easy task but to find all of my hard work has paid off and receive a First is beyond what I hoped to achieve,” she said.
Kelly Hopkins, aged 23 and from Alvechurch, is celebrating a First in English Literary Studies and English Language. “At this point in my life, this is my greatest achievement and I am proud of myself and all of the hard work, effort and perseverance I invested in this academic journey,” she said.
The University of Worcester has places available for well-qualified applicants through Clearing this year.
The Clearing hotline – 01905 855111 – is now open for those collecting BTEC results and Access qualifications and will remain open as A-level results are released on Thursday, August 18.
