Erne

Hundreds of Level 3 extended diploma learners from the South West College (SWC) Omagh, Dungannon and Erne campuses collected their results on Thursday, 18 August, marking yet another year of exceptional results, with the overwhelming majority of learners achieving the equivalent of 3 A grades or higher at A Level. Many students had an extra reason to celebrate after achieving top marks, the equivalent of 3A* grades.

The students' exceptional academic and personal achievements mean they have secured places on their first choice Higher Education courses and apprenticeships, with remarkable numbers deciding to stay local and pursue undergraduate courses at the College. Others have decided to move away and will be studying at some of the UK's top Universities.

Among those celebrating two years of hard work was Erne campus student Ciara Smith from Kinawley, who achieved excellent results on the Level 3 Games Design and will progress onto the Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts at the College.

Ciara said:

I have really enjoyed my time at the College! It offers a wide range of courses that let you explore your passion and I have had outstanding support from my tutors, they have went above and beyond to support me, which has inspired me to achieve my best and to continue my studies at the College.

Another remarkable achievement came from Erne campus student Rebecca Brady from Newtownbutler, who was delighted after receiving top grades of Distinction star in the BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts Practice and will progress studying Archaeology and History at Queens University, Belfast.

Rebecca said:

Studying performing arts at the College has been a fantastic experience, and the tutors have all been amazing! I can’t recommend it enough, it has proved to be a brilliant route that takes you directly into Higher Education.

Aimee Neal from Fivemiletown, also collected an exemplary set of results on the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science and is now hoping to take a year out to pursue her professional sporting career, but plans to return to the College to complete the Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise.

Others also got great news including Katie Shannon from Enniskillen, who was celebrating their achievements on the BTEC Level 3 in Childcare and will progress at the College studying a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care, with aspirations to become a nurse.

Adult returner and long term employee at the College Freddy Steele, (Enniskillen) was also celebrating his achievements on the Level 4 Certificate in Administration.

Omagh

Jasmine Powell
Tiernan McCosker
Shawn O'Kane
Christian Ursu & Ryan Baxter



At the SWC Omagh campus Jasmine Powell, studying a BTEC Level 3 in Childcare, Tiernan Mc Cosker studying Brickwork, Shawn O'Kane, studying Level 3 Media, Christian Ursu, studying Level 2 Gym Instructing and Ryan Baxter studying Business Management, was also celebrating after receiving an exemplary set of results.

Dungannon

Dylan Hosty


At the SWC Dungannon campus we had a range of excellent results including Dylan Hosty from Portadown, delighted with his achievement from their Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. He is returning to the college this year to study the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology.

Adam Kazmierczak


Also celebrating was Adam Kazmierczak from Dungannon who received 4 distinctions in Double Sport and Business and is currently studying Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing at the College.

South West College Interim Chief Executive Leo Murphy had this to say:

This level of success is testament to the high level of teaching and learning that goes on within the College. All students are to be congratulated as they all worked extremely hard throughout the year and I am delighted that all their hard work has paid off. We wish them every success in their future studies and careers.

He added

More students are opting for the Extended Diploma courses which are a three A-Level equivalent qualification that extends and deepens knowledge in specialist vocational areas such as business, construction, engineering, arts and sport to mention but a few. These qualifications prepare learners for employment in specific career sectors and act as an entry requirement for university or other higher education qualifications. Extended Diplomas give students the opportunity to study their chosen subject in greater depth, with more assessments being done through coursework, rather than exams, which can suit some students better.

With the growing costs of university tuition fees, it is vital that ambitious young people wishing to obtain higher level qualifications are aware of the range of options available to help them make better, informed choices and I would encourage them to look at the Higher Education provision that’s on offer at their local Further Education College as they look to the next step of their educational journey.

So, whatever news your envelope brings, SWC can help you achieve your career goals and is still accepting applications for limited places for September 2022 start and also for January 2023. Across a wide range of full-time and part-time Higher Education courses, including 30 Foundation Degrees, BSc Top Ups, and Full Honours Degrees with specialisms and pathways, many in STEM subjects.

Ready to start your journey at SWC?