Staff at Bridgwater College have been recognised for their performance, attitude and effort during the past year, at the College’s first Support and Teaching staff Achievement and Recognition (STAR) Awards held recently at The McMillan Theatre.

The Awards were set up to recognise and celebrate teams and individuals who have stood out by going above and beyond what is expected of them. 190 members of staff were nominated by staff, students and external partners across six categories, ranging from The Chair of Governors’ Award for Most Enterprising Community Project, to the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Following a stunning menu, produced by the College’s catering team, guests welcomed the evening’s keynote speaker, Dave Bunting. Since joining the British Army in 1984, Dave has had an exciting and adventurous career, which has included ten years in the Royal Engineers, a specialist in mountain leadership in the Army Physical Training Corps and the completion of the arduous year-long German Army Mountain Guide’s course that only a handful of British soldiers have gained.

Calling on his experiences, not least of his most testing challenge yet, an attempt to be the first British team to climb the notorious West Ridge of Mount Everest, Dave awed his audience by highlighting the importance of team work and the achievements you can gain by excelling in performance, attitude and effort.

The first award of the evening, The Chair of Governors’ Award for Most Enterprising Community Project was presented to Alison Ward for the fantastic links she established with the RNIB’s Kathleen Chambers House in Burnham six years ago to provide real life work experience opportunities for College students with a learning disability. Residents now rely on the interaction from the students, which includes shopping, bingo and walks.

The 2016 Leadership and Management Award went to Becc Baker. Becc supports colleagues throughout the College to develop their management skills which has hugely benefitted students College wide. Chris Hunt from the Engineering department was presented with the Inspirational Lecturer Award for the creative and innovative ideas he uses in his lessons and the fantastic support he provides them throughout the year. The College’s Alternative Resource Centre (ARC) team, led by Dawn Adam, received the Inspirational Support for Students Award after being recognised for the way they have helped countless students to overcome various difficulties and gain the confidence to complete their programmes and move on to employment or further study.

The penultimate award of the evening, Making a Difference Award, was presented to the College’s catering team. The team, led by Diana Bright, not only run the catering facilities across the College, to ensure the College’s healthy eating agenda is met, they also manage to wow guests time and time again at functions and events, with everything from themed cocktail and canapé menus to elaborate three course meals, always with an exceptional level of customer service.

The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution, which was awarded to Team BC Active concluded the ceremony. Team BC are passionate and committed to promoting the health, personal development and welfare of students and staff across the College. In 2015/16, BC Active trained 26 student activators, who delivered more than 1,000 hours of activity in 36 different sports. Their hard work was highlighted earlier this year when they heavily contributed to the College receiving its 14th Association of Colleges Beacon Award.

Matt Tudor, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Bridgwater College, said,

“Our very first STAR Awards have been a fantastic way to showcase the great work our colleagues do and celebrate the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the local community. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the winners and thank them for all the passion and professionalism they display in their roles. We look forward to a new academic year, where, as a College, we hope to celebrate many more successes.”