Over 80 awards were presented to students from across the southwest peninsula of Cornwall

Top marks for young people in Cornwall

The University of Exeter Penryn Campus Excellence Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 20 April, to celebrate the achievements of young people in Cornwall.

The awards evening held on campus recognised excellence amongst students from the South Shore Education Partnership, which consists of Falmouth School, Helston Community College, Mullion School and Penryn College.

Over 80 awards were presented to students from across the southwest peninsula of Cornwall, rewarding them for Academic Excellence, Artistic Excellence, Sporting Excellence and Positive Contribution to their school or community. The students were recognised for their achievements at various stages of their educational journey.

Several hundred parents, teachers, school representatives, and VIPs including the Mayor of Penryn, Cllr Mark Snowdon, and the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council, Kate Kennally, joined senior members of University staff to celebrate the hard won achievements of the young people in the county.

Professor Mark Goodwin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and External Engagement) of the University of Exeter, who hosted the event, said, “The University of Exeter is committed to working with students from Cornwall in raising aspirations and supporting progression. Being able to work with the local community, and young people, will hopefully show the drive and ambition we have as a university, to inspire and encourage students to progress on to higher education.”

He added, “This evening really is a night to celebrate all that the students have achieved. These awards have recognised how young people in Cornwall have excelled, and show how proud we are of their achievements and contributions to our community.”

Richard Prest, Outreach Officer, University of Exeter Penryn Campus, said: “The Excellence Awards provides an opportunity to give public recognition to the fantastic accomplishments of young people from Cornwall. By working in partnership, the University hopes to contribute to this message and encourage the young people of Cornwall to keep on learning.”

Lizzie Daly, a former BSc Animal Behaviour student at the Penryn Campus, inspired the students with her speech at the event. She talked about her educational journey and her determination to succeed: after getting an E in A-level Biology, she didn't take the conventional route to University, but joined her course in the second year after studying a Foundation course at Cornwall College. Since her time on campus, where she established herself as one of the regular presenters of Wild Doc Soc's NatureWatch, she was taken on by one of the best agents in the business and is now a wildlife presenter. She has worked on CBeebies and currently works for BBC Earth, whilst studying Masters at Bristol.

The University of Exeter works with schools across Cornwall to raise aspirations and inspire students to do their best. As well as the Excellence Awards, students from the South Shore Partnership also visit the Penryn Campus to learn more about university at their KS3 Experience Days in July.

Date: 24 April 2017