SQA Star Awards | News 2

SQA Star Awards| 09.11.10

Students and staff from South Lanarkshire College were celebrating after being honoured at this year’s ‘Education Oscars’, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Star Awards.

Gary Riley, who is studying HND Advanced Roof Slating, Tiling and Cement Work at the college was named Skills Competitor of the Year at the ceremony, which took place on Friday 5 November.

Another successful South Lanarkshire student, Julie Morgan, who is studying for a HND in Hospitality Management, was highly commended in the same category.

Staff from the college had further reason to celebrate after they were awarded the prestigious SQA Pride o’Worth Award for their innovative low-energy house, which also won the award for Innovation. The house is used as a training resource by students, apprentices and companies.

With the support of Dawn Homes and 51 other partners, the house is now used by students undertaking SQA qualifications at the college, allowing them to focus on environmental and sustainability issues.

To round off a great night, college staff were also highly commended in the International Award category for their work with Chinese and Indian institutions.

Speaking about the college’s award, Stuart McKillop, Principal of South Lanarkshire College, said: "The college is absolutely delighted to have won 5 awards at the recent Star Awards Ceremony. To be the top performing college is something which we are extremely proud of as it reflects the work of our students and staff."

Dr Janet Brown, SQA Chief Executive, said: “Scottish education and training is full of inspirational stories and magnificent achievements from students, schools, colleges and training centres.

“The response to our invitation for nominations was phenomenal – selecting finalists in each category was very difficult. To all who were entered, a

nd particularly to those who made it through to the awards ceremony, well done. You represent the absolute best of Scotland and should take enormous pride in your achievements.”