A Shining Star At Croydon College!
The work undertaken by Di Layzelle, Tutor Manager at Croydon College, was highly commended at the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) STAR Awards which took place in London on 26 November.
Held annually, the QIA STAR Awards recognise and reward the unsung heroes of the Further Education system who have made a difference to the quality of learning that millions of people across England receive everyday.
Di, who had been shortlisted in the Outstanding Innovation category, has worked at the College for more than 15 years, was put forward for this award by Heather Armstrong – Deputy Head, Croydon Sixth Form College (forms part of Croydon College) and Linda Jenkins – Director of Learner Services. Heather commented: ‘The Enrichment work undertaken by Di has had a significant impact on the College’s ethos and culture by encouraging students to participate in a whole range of activities that support their learning and development. Her achievements include: the development of Citizenship, the organisation of events to celebrate Equality and Diversity, the establishment and maintenance of close working relationships and partnerships with local community agencies, the delivery of specialist sessions on health, safety and community issues, the development of local and national fora for youth views and the development of community projects with local agents, for example the recycling project with the local council.’
Heather added: ‘Using national campaigns such as Every Child Matters and Citizenship imaginatively, Di has extended the programme of activities and cross-College events that enrich learning and personal development. She has continued to gain the support from senior management and colleagues and the good practice she has developed here is already being shared with other colleges. We are all extremely pleased and proud that Di has been shortlisted for this prestigious award and that her outstanding work has been recognised at a national level.’
Di was thrilled that her work was highly commended: ‘I am so proud that the Enrichment/Citizenship work that takes place at the College has been recognised nationally but credit should also go to the students and staff involved in these programmes. We, at this college, have been pro-active in encouraging students to become active citizens in society by providing them with the opportunity to access the information they need to gain a better understanding of social issues.’
