Regional events
In October a series of regional events were held in the north, south and midlands to celebrate the achievement of the shortlisted nominees in each area. The events were hosted by local media personalities, and attended by nominees, their nominators and special guests.
2007 QIA STAR Awards – Midlands shortlist event, Tuesday 9 October 2007
STARs of the further education system in the midlands gathered at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies on Tuesday 9 October to celebrate being shortlisted for the 2007 QIA STAR Awards. The 30-plus shortlisted nominees from the Midlands came from a variety of further education providers including the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, HMP Hewell Grange in Redditch, Carter & Carter plc in Derby, Leicester College and Griffin Park Construction Centre (part of Solihull College) in Chelmsley Wood.
William Lewis, programme manager from QIA set the scene before handing over to Ray Linforth, vice principal of Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, who welcomed everyone to the college. The host for the day was Joanne Malin from ITV Central News. Joanne turned the spotlight to nominees by conducting a series of informal STAR interviews to find out what different people had done to be nominated.
Attendees were treated to a special two-course lunch, prepared and served by students from the college, before certificate presentations and photographs in the afternoon. Amanda Hemmer, a performing arts teacher at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford said: “We were all made to feel very special and it was great meeting the other shortlisted nominees.”
2007 QIA STAR Awards – South shortlist event, Wednesday 10 October 2007
The magnificent assembly hall at Church House in Westminster was the venue for the south shortlist event on Wednesday 10 October. The 40-plus shortlisted nominees who attended came from a variety of further education providers including Alton College in Hampshire, HMP Pentonville, Croydon Adult Learning and Training and Tower Hamlets College.
Chris Donough, programme development advisor from QIA welcomed guests and invited Kevin Finnigan, principal of Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College to introduce a showcase by students from his college.
The dance group performed an urban-inspired contemporary dance piece. JoAnne Good from BBC Radio London spoke to both nominees and nominators in the STAR interviews slot. After lunch, there were certificate presentations and photographs. Debi Carter, a senior safety officer at PETA Ltd said: “The magnificent surroundings, superb entertainment, excellent hospitality and awe-inspiring company made for a very special occasion and one which I shall remember when the going gets rough.”
2007 STAR Awards – North shortlist event, Thursday 11 October 2007
Shorlisted northern STARs were celebrated at Newcastle College on Thursday 11 October. The 20-plus shortlisted nominees from the North came from a variety of further education providers including Bede Sixth Form College in Stockton on Tees, In Touch Care in Sheffield and North Lindsey College in North Lincolnshire.
Kate Anderson, group director for improvement and strategy from QIA welcomed guests and invited Linda Moore, vice principal of Newcastle College to introduce a student showcase.
A contemporary dance piece called ‘Same Old Story’ was performed by foundation degree dance students whose ages ranged from 18 to 25 years. STAR interviews with both nominees and nominators were led by Emma Barker, excellence and innovations manager for the QIA Excellence Team.
After lunch, nominees were invited to stage by Gilly Hope from BBC Radio Newcastle to collect their certificates and have photographs taken with Kate Anderson. As an ex-student from Newcastle College, Gilly was particularly pleased to be involved with the event.
Melanie Brewis, a tutor from City of Sunderland College said: “I thought the event was magical and made each and every STAR feel extremely special.”