Posted: Monday 26 October 2009

Kilmarnock College Celebrate Success

Over thirty members of staff from Kilmarnock College have received praise after successfully completing a number of professional development awards.

At a recent 'Celebration of Success' ceremony held in the College, Chair of the Organisational Development Committee and member of the Board of Management, Dr Wai-yin Hatton, presented a total of 34 members of staff with awards after they successfully completed qualifications including Diplomas, Post Graduates, A1 certificates in Assessing Candidates, and Teaching Qualifications in Further Education.

Kilmarnock College Principal, Heather Dunk, said: "These types of ceremonies are a fantastic way for us to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving qualifications while in employment. Kilmarnock College actively promotes the continual learning and development of our staff; well done to all involved."

The awards ceremony is the second ceremony of its kind to take place since Principal Heather Dunk took up post in October last year. One member of staff recognised at the ceremony was Psychology and Research Methods Lecturer Ann-Marie Roy from Kilmarnock.

Since completing her Honours Degree in Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2005, Ann-Marie has taught Psychology and Research Methods at Kilmarnock College. Prior to this, Ann-Marie was herself a student at the College studying psychology and social sciences, while juggling family life with College coursework.

Not only did Ann-Marie achieve a Teaching Qualification in Further Education in Arts & Social Science with distinction, but also received the Award for Best Postgraduate Student in service.

Ann-Marie said: "Prior to studying at the College I worked in the Kilmarnock based Yaegers Tailoring for 15 years. In 1999 I decided I was ready for a change. I didn't gain any qualifications while at school so decided to return to education and enrolled on the Intermediate 2 Psychology course at Kilmarnock College. After gaining 100% on three class assignments and the final exam, I knew I wanted to continue with my studies so progressed onto the full-time HNC Social Sciences course which then gave me a route into psychology at university. I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Kilmarnock College and although it was daunting returning to study as a mature student with a young family, it was the exact re-introduction to education that I was looking for. My mother Irene was also a great help with childcare when I was studying.

"Today I thoroughly enjoy my role at Kilmarnock College and get great personal satisfaction when my students go onto university or employment knowing that I have had a part to play in their success."

Speaking of her recent awards, Ann-Marie added: "It was a challenging but enjoyable 18 months. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, friends, and the encouragement of staff at Kilmarnock College. In the future I would like to further my education by pursuing a qualification in Educational Psychology and in the study of dyslexia."

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