Level 3 extended diploma students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) collected their results on Thursday 16 August and celebrated another year of superb results with many students achieving the equivalent of 3 A grades or higher at A level. Many had an extra reason to celebrate by achieving the equivalent to 3A* grades.
Celebrating two years of hard work was manufacturing engineering student Adam Dorrian. Adam said: “I am over the moon I’ve got 3 Distinction stars. I’ve enjoyed my time at SERC, I got the chance to work on projects for real businesses and my lecturers have been a great help over the past two years”.
Adam now plans to study an HND in Engineering at the College in the hopes of starting a career in the aerospace industry.
Another student who exceeded her expectations was Shannon Valentine. Shannon achieved 3 Distinction stars in the level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. A former pupil of St. Malachy’s High School, Shannon said: “The learning style at school wasn’t for me. SERC is a fantastic place to study and far more enjoyable than school. It’s a better style of teaching which suited me perfectly.”
Shannon is now progressing to Ulster University to study Adult Nursing.
After returning to education after 10 years, adult learner Samantha Cavanagh from Castlewellan was delighted after achieving a triple distinction star in her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Samantha said “I was better off at SERC because I was stuck in a dead-end job with no prospects. I was initially nervous about returning to education, but I returned in the hope of retraining and topping up my science knowledge. I hope to progress onto the HNC and one day become a teacher. Coming to SERC was the best decision of my life”
Dr Michael Malone, SERC Director of Curriculum and Information Services complemented the students and said: “This level of success is testament to the high level of teaching and learning that goes on within the college. All students are to be congratulated as they all worked extremely hard throughout the year and I am delighted that all their hard work has paid off. We wish them every success in their future studies and careers.”
“More students are opting for the BTEC National Diploma courses which are a three A-Level equivalent qualification that extends and deepens knowledge in specialist vocational areas such as business, construction, engineering, arts and sport to mention but a few.
“These qualifications prepare learners for employment in specific career sectors and act as an entry requirement for university or other higher education qualifications. Extended Diplomas give students the opportunity to study their chosen subject in greater depth, with more assessments being done through coursework, rather than exams, which can suit some students better.”
On 23 and 24 August hopeful students will once again be arriving at SERC Campuses to enrol on Further Education courses ranging from Level 2 Diplomas to Level 3 Extended Diplomas, depending on GCSE results.
SERC provides a range of full and part time courses. For more information or to apply please visit:
or call 0345 600 7555.
