Students have received recognition for their excellent academic progress and positive contribution at their club by making the shortlist for LFE’s Learner of the Term for September to December.
Here are the runners-up for the main prize:
Nathan Johnstone (Carlisle United)
Education Officer Mark Banks told LFE: “Nathan has worked extremely hard during his first term and has performed well academically, meeting course work deadlines and producing a high standard of work.
“He is punctual for class and training with a 100% attendance record, while he also makes the decision to stay behind after lessons to achieve the best possible grade, showing good time management due to his involvement in weekend football, which creates an effective education and life balance for him.
“Nathan trains well and is pursuing a future in sport, where he has been offered a conditional offer at Durham University. He takes training and matches seriously, applying himself in the correct manner to achieve the best for himself and the team.
“Nathan is a confident young man and demonstrates clear communication skills in class and on the football pitch, excelling in his education studies and practical sports activities.”
Ryan Lord (Rochdale)
Tutor Shireen Galen-Bisping said: “Ryan is an excellent student. He has 100% attendance, terrific punctuality and is extremely polite, always offering to help staff and his peers.
“Furthermore, Ryan applies himself in every session, and always thrives to reach potential. Since September, Ryan’s confidence has improved, which has had a significant effect on his grades. He has achieved his English and Maths Functional Skills level 1 and is due to complete his level 2 at the end of January.
“Additionally, he now attempts all distinction tasks for his BTEC assignments and is achieving these. Ryan has made tremendous progress having initially lacked the confidence to attempt these and was only achieving Pass and Merit grades, but is now maintaining a merit/distinction standard.
“As well as this, Ryan has recently completed his National Citizenship Award. Phase one of this was a four-day residential in Snowdonia, which involved taking part in several outdoor activities. Ryan expressed his fear of heights and water, and two of the activities were abseiling and gorge walking. Despite being extremely nervous, he attempted both of these activities and overcame his fears.
“Ryan has volunteered to work within the community trust as a casual sports coach and has volunteered for half-term soccer schools. He is also completing his FA refereeing qualification in his spare time and is working with the trust to achieve this. Ryan also plays 11 aside football for Pennine FC, with whom he trains and plays twice a week.
“Lastly, Ryan has applied for University and has already received two conditional offers. Overall, Ryan is a fine young man, and worthy of recognition.”
James Atkins (Southend United)
Education Tutor Andy Edmunds said: “James has been a pleasure to work with. He doesn’t complain about the amount of work and gives 110% in all lessons – whether it is practical or theory-based.
“He is enthusiastic, hard-working and is keen to impress tutors. This is shown in the amount of detail produced for his assignments. James’ confidence and communication skills have improved dramatically. He takes part in team activities when prompted and has made new friends. James is on course to have a successful year.”
Meanwhile, Tutor John Search added: “James goes above and beyond on the course. He has a positive attitude and will never let his disability affect him. Even though James doesn’t play football on match day, he will participate in training and support the team at home and away fixtures and support the coaches when he can.
“James has excellent attendance and stays at college outside of lesson hours to work on his assignments. James is a confident speaker and communicates with the class effectively, helping others when they may lack an understanding on the topic.”
