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 2021.
Here are the runners-up for the main prize, who have all been awarded a £40 Amazon voucher:
Hannah Markey (Bradford City Community Foundation)
Ben Pedley, Head of Education, told LFE: “Hannah has made excellent progress since joining with us in September. She has excellent attendance and punctuality which is helping her to achieve the distinction grades for her assignments on the first submission. This is also reflected in her football as she is always attending training, and always participating with a smile on her face.
“With Bradford City she is also playing on a Saturday for the under 23’s women’s squad in which she is a regular starter, and scorer. In addition to this she was recently selected as part of the Bradford City AFC women 1st team squad. Overall, she has made a great start to the education and football aspect of the qualification which we hope will continue throughout her time with us.“
Ellie Jeffries (Bristol Rovers Community Trust)
“Ellie started the year off as a very shy student who was not very confident with working independently,” Tutor George Harrold told LFE. “She has worked hard and asked questions consistently which has helped to improve her confidence. She will now complete her work to a very high standard and is often seen to be helping others in the class. Due to Ellie’s improved confidence, she has managed to finish her first unit with a distinction. An incredible achievement for a student who struggled in the first few weeks with the transition from school to college learning. Her assignments have been outstanding and she takes a lot of pride in her work.
“Ellie is also a valued member of the Bristol Rovers Community Trust football programme. The team she plays in have not won any games this season yet and she plays as a striker on her own. Despite this she never moans and she always maintains a positive mindset. This has helped the overall morale of the team greatly and as a result of this, the teams results have started to improve.”
“It goes without saying that Ellie’s academic ability is of a high quality however, what is equally as impressive, is the work Ellie is willing to do away from her studies to ensure that she goes above and beyond to achieve her career goals and make sure that she does her bit for the community here at Bristol Rovers Community Trust.
Ryan Cook (Carlisle United Community Sports Trust)
Head of Education, Mark Banks, told LFE: “Ryan comes from Kirby Stephen, which is one hour and forty-five minutes away from Carlisle. Ryan’s morning’s start with his alarm going off at 6am, travelling to Carlisle to start his lessons at 9am, managing to be punctual and have a 100% attendance record, which is a credit to himself.
“Ryan has also been doing well on the football pitch and in training, but we are extremely impressed with Ryan’s attitude to learning and studying, for Ryan’s first module and assignments Ryan is completing distinction criteria work which is fantastic, and he is progressing through the higher criteria impressively.
“The main reason why we nominated Ryan is for his attitude and dedication to the course and wanting to achieve the best possible outcomes for himself.”
Aleasha Mcandrew (Derby County Community Trust)
Tutor Ian Duckmanton commented: “From a teacher point of view, Aleasha has submitted some good assignments of a good level and has shown good research and understanding. She consistently tries hard in lessons, focuses well and is a good learner.
Alex Greasely (Nottingham Forest Community Trust)
Leanne Mcdonagh, Education Tutor, told LFE: “Alex completed the Level 2 last year and has started this academic year on the Level 3, with great grit and determination. He attends every class and is focussed throughout, with some great contributions. When he is working on assignments, he begins working on the tasks as soon as he receives the brief and is constantly on at me to check it at every stage in his process. Despite his worries about his maths and English, he is tackling all challenges head on, showing true resilience.
He is also the captain of our first team, making the new year 12s feel welcome and included, as well as being the motivation that the team needs.
Alex has also grabbed every volunteering opportunity with the trust this term by the horns and got stuck in to help with things like school football festivals. Alex has been a great asset to the class, and to the trust, so far this year.
Joseph Bromfield (Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust)
Tutor Shireen Bisping said: “Joseph is a first-year student and has had an excellent start to the year. Joe is hardworking, respectful to all of his peers and staff and always gives 100 percent.
“Joe travels quiet a way to attend Rochdale AFC Sports College and yet he has excellent punctuality, with 100 percent attendance record. Furthermore, Joe is a natural leader in the classroom, during his football training, matches and off the pitch. He works hard during lessons and always participates in class discussions and group work. He has made an impact at the trust and has become well known to all members of staff . Additionally, Joe has handed all of his assignments in on time and is working beyond his current target grade.
“All round, Joe is a pleasure to teach and is an asset to the classroom and his peers.”
Matthew Marr (Southend United Community & Educational Trust)
Andy Edmunds, Head of Education (BTEC), commented: “Matthew has been with Southend United Community and Educational Trust for three years, starting on the Level 2 NCFE programme and progressing onto the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development programme. When Matthew first started with us, he was a shy individual who had a real passion for football/sport but did not have a plan of what he wanted to do with his education or career.
“This term, Matthew has started the academic year with confidence, enthusiasm and passion. He has produced work to a good standard and his attendance and punctuality are excellent. Matthew has applied himself extremely well, taking notes in class, taking part in group discussions and works independently, with little or no support from his tutors.
“In terms of his personal development, Matthew has shown progression. As previously mentioned, he is more confident, shown maturity and supports other learners, where possible, across the college. He is focused in lessons and uses his time effectively to get all his work completed on time. Matthew has recently supported a member of the ‘walking football programme’ here at the trust which was linked to his assignment D1 Applied Coaching Skills.”
Caitlyn Pearce (Wigan Athletic Community Trust)
“Caitlyn has had a tremendous start to the first term with Wigan Athletic Community Trust, showing a willingness and commitment to the course” Football and Education Tutor Wesley Benjamin told LFE. “She has been open-minded to the BTEC program and is a very attentive learner. Caitlyn takes a lot of pride in the work she does and always aims to produce the best possible work she can. Her behaviour in the classroom is never any issues and she attends lessons on time with all of the resources needed to facilitate her learning.
“She turns up every day and shows resilience to progress and develop her learning and personal skills even on tough days. Caitlyn has also volunteered for the Wigan Athletic Community Trust during the first term. She did this by helping run exercise and inclusivity sessions for the elderly people of the community. During this term, Caitlyn has undertaken FA sports qualifications to further develop her understanding of coaching.”
