Invited dignitaries and guests attended a celebratory lunch at Bishop Burton College on 10 March, to mark the College winning the AoC Beacon Award for Practical Teaching and Learning in Agriculture.
Award sponsors, Edge Foundation, presented College Principal Jeanette Dawson OBE and Chair of Governors Mark Flint with a cheque for £5,000 and festivities also included the cutting of a ‘Winners’ celebration cake. Edge’s award assessor Jane Samuels spoke glowingly of the College’s achievements. She said,
“I am delighted to award this to Bishop Burton College. I came to visit the College last year as part of the judging process and was stunned by how staff and students not only met every single claim from the application, but exceeded them in every criteria.
“Every aspect of the application was evidenced as to how the College is equipping students with the skills and experience to step into their future. For me, there was no contest as to who should win the award.”
“This is an outstanding college and an outstanding initiative. Jeanette Dawson, staff and students should all be very proud of their success.”
The event coincided with the College’s Lambing Sunday event and Mrs Dawson pointed out that the evidence for practical learning was all around, saying,
“I am immensely proud that all curriculum areas of the College fought to be put forward for this award, but in the end I had to choose only one, which was Agriculture. What better example is there than Lambing Sunday, which is run by the students themselves, who are working in the lambing sheds, at the displays, in the hospitality outlets – right across the College.
“I encourage you to step outside and witness the students at work, doing exactly what this award celebrates.”
The College was officially presented with the award by Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills, at Westminster on 6 February.
