Local student shortlisted for prestigious AoC Student of the Year award

Keiran Beavis is overjoyed this week after seeing his hard work and determination pay off by being shortlisted down to three for the Association of Colleges Student of the Year award 2013.

The 18 year old from Patchway, has turned his life and prospects around by overcoming many barriers to learning with hard work, determination and the help of his teachers at SGS College.

Keiran s self-esteem and behaviour was holding him back from achieving academically. Unwilling to go to college, follow structure, or rules, it looked as if he had abandoned education. Keeping a watchful eye, Keiran s teachers realised he was not a bad person but that he lacked focus and motivation. Recognising a passion for performing arts, his teachers offered him an opportunity to undertake a work placement on the condition that he attend college daily. This responsibility changed Keiran s attitude and confidence, and as a result turned his life around.

Keiran comments: “I never used to be focused and had bad behaviour in and outside of class. When I started college I really didn t want to be there. I wasn t motivated to work. I was worried as I didn t know what I wanted to do in the future. My attitude changed last year when I began the FLEX course and started working with other people, particularly the disabled students I supported in my spare time.

“I am now on a level 2 Performing Arts course and I m hoping to be an actor when I finish college. I m in two college productions this year including a leading role in the college pantomime – I can t wait.

“At first I didn t realise how big an award this was; I was shocked to discover I had been selected from nominees from all over the UK. Stuff like that never really happens to me. I m really amazed; I ve learnt hard work pays off. I ve also learnt that even if you don t know what you want to do, even if you re not academically gifted, you are still able to learn and improve yourself. ”

Nominator and Head of Preparation for Work and Life at SGS College, Bob Rose explains Keiran s journey: “During the first few weeks of the programme, Kieran struggled to comply with the code of conduct. However, it came to light that Kieran was not a malicious character, but someone who struggled to control his behaviour and was trying to get attention.

“During one to one tutorials, Kieran spoke about his desire to move into Performing Arts, but felt that as he had failed at every other vocational avenue, and was lacking in the confidence to achieve, this route was not open to him. However, as a result of his desire, Kieran was subsequently offered a work experience placement with a Performing Arts lecturer, supporting the delivery of the Foundation Learning provision. Classes Kieran supported consisted of adult learners with fairly severe mobility challenges, barriers to education and communication weaknesses. It was at this point that Kieran undoubtedly transformed into a mature, empathic and driven individual.  

“The complex difficulties of the learners in the group completely un-phased him and he took each and every one of them under his wing and ironically encouraged them to follow and achieve their own targets and dreams. He proved to be a fantastic asset to the class, and this was further demonstrated when he was requested by the Performing Arts lecturer to continue supporting the group until the end of the academic year and help with the Grand Summer Show. I am immensely proud of Keiran, which is why I nominated him. He truly deserves it. ”

Liz Beavis, Keiran s Mother, commented: “There has been a noticeable change in the attitude of Keiran in the last 12 months; he has gone from a boy that would rather lie in bed all day and stay out late, in to a responsible young man.

“He threw himself whole heartedly into the work experience and loved every bit of it. This seemed to be a turning point for Keiran, his entire attitude changed, he had found something he wanted to do with his life and something he was good at so he grabbed every opportunity they gave him to further himself. His tutors believed in him and helped him believe in himself and with hard work he could achieve what he wanted. I no longer had a teenage boy that didn t want to go to college; he not only wanted to go but he enjoyed going, and he still does. He also voluntarily goes in on his day off to help out with the performing arts class.

“My Son now has a feeling of belonging – he has confidence and motivation. He no longer needs to get angry because he is frustrated, no one listens or understand him and most of all he no longer cares what people think, he has his aim in life and no one is going to stop him achieving what he wants.

“I am so proud of him. Had it not been for the teachers at SGS College helping him it would more than likely be a very different story now. ”

Now in its seventh year, the AoC award seeks to celebrate the successes of College students from across the country. It places particular emphasis on students whose academic, vocational or extra-curricular achievements are truly remarkable and deserve recognition on a national stage. The three finalists will be chosen to receive prizes worth a total of £2,000 at the AoC Annual Conference taking place on Wednesday 20 November where the winner will be announced.

AoC President Michele Sutton, who led the judging panel, said: “This year s nominations for the Association of Colleges Student of the Year Awards were of an exceptionally high standard and it is both humbling and heart-warming to see the impact that further education has on the lives of so many of its students.

“It s clear that Keiran Beavis has dealt with complex personal and academic issues and through sheer determination and hard work has managed to progress from being NEET (not in education, employment or training) onto a full-time further education programme. He has managed to turn himself around and, at the same time, he has supported other students and has represented his college both locally and internationally. His determination against the odds makes him a worthy contender for this national award. ”

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