PROUD graduates from Rugby College have celebrated their achievements on graduation day.
More than 185 graduates headed to St Mary’s Church in Warwick to celebrate completing their degrees with Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) – the Higher Education arm of college group WCG.
College staff and dignitaries processed through the town centre to St Mary’s Church, led by newly appointed WCG CEO and Principal Sara-Jane Watkins.
During the ceremony, the graduates and their guests were addressed by Gill Clipson MBE, Chair of the Corporation Board for WCG, and Sara-Jane Watkins, with graduates also delivering a ‘Vote of Thanks’ on behalf of the class of 2024.
WCG CEO and Principal Sara-Jane Watkins with Rugby College lecturer Georgia Hunt at the ceremony in St Mary’s Church, Warwick.
Georgia Hunt, 33, a lecturer at Rugby College, studied Level 5 Education and Training.
She said: “I’m really glad to have graduated and completed the course as I can now put all the theory I’ve learnt into practice in the classroom.
“I wanted to develop my own professional ability within teaching and I also wanted to further my personal knowledge.
“It has been challenging in terms learning different methodologies of teaching to really connect with the students in the class. It was hard to change my mindset to new technologies, new classroom innovations, new ways of teaching and learning, but it’s been really good.
“I’ll now be spending time in the classroom with the students, but I also hope complete the QTLS (qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) qualification in the future.”
Sara-Jane Watkins, who was attending her first graduation event since joining the college group earlier this year, said: “Graduation is a significant milestone, it’s a time for graduates to reflect on what they have achieved and to consider the opportunities that are ahead.
“All of our graduates should feel a real pride, not only for their achievements, but for the journey that has brought them here.
“It has been a period of change and unrest, domestically and globally, for students studying on degree courses for the last three years – headlined with the challenges brought by the pandemic.
“Our graduates have shown remarkable resilience and determination to get to this stage. With their skills, knowledge, creativity and kindness, our graduates are equipped to tackle the challenges of an uncertain world.
“It was my absolute pleasure to celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduates. I feel truly fortunate to have been able to share in their special day.
