Two outstanding Further Education students have been crowned winners of Reaseheath’s termly Attendance Award Scheme.

Rachael Millward, who is studying agriculture, and Alicia Pierce, an animal management student, were the lucky winners of prizes worth up to £300 after their names were selected from our prize draw.

At the end of each term the names of full-time Further Education students who have either maintained 100% attendance or shown significantly improved attendance at their lectures and practical sessions are selected by their lecturers for entry into the draw. Two names are then randomly selected from around 500 eligible students.

Rachael, who chose a lightweight tablet, has just completed the final year of her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture. Our 100% Attendance Award winner, she has now left us for a year out followed by a Degree in Agricultural Plant and Soil Science at the University of Nottingham. She plans to be a consultant in sustainable agri-food or a soil nutritionist

Rachael said: “I don’t have a farming background but I’m passionate about the industry and particularly about how we can produce food for the future. Since coming to Reaseheath I’ve become interested in how we can sustainably increase soil productivity so I’d like to take this further.

“I’ve loved my time at Reaseheath. I came here to learn and the lecturers have been so supportive. I lived in too, so I’ve been able to make the most of the great student life!”

Course Manager James Bickerton commented: “Rachael has been an absolute pleasure to teach, always eager to learn and not afraid to ask questions if there is something she needs clarifying. Working with the student sheep flock was initially a challenge for her as she had very little experience but she soon took on extra duties and responsibilities and even gave tours of the sheep unit to other departments, which was a fantastic achievement.”

Alicia has just completed her Level 3 (1080) Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management and won her laptop just in time to begin her degree in Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology at the University of Salford. She intends to work in wildlife conservation.

Alicia said: “Studying at Reaseheath has helped me to decide what I want to do next in life. The animal centre’s facilities are fantastic and I’ve learned so much by working with the animals and birds at the college zoo. I’m looking forward to starting my degree and the new laptop will really help me with my studies.”

Alicia’s Course Manager Rebecca Phillips added: “Alicia is a quiet and pleasant student who always engages with the activities in lessons. She has worked hard, shown a lot of commitment to her course and progressed well despite a challenging start to the year. Well done Alicia!”