Grimsby Institute wins two national Beacon Awards

Grimsby Institute is celebrating after winning two prestigious Beacon Awards.

The Association of Colleges (Aoc) awards, which were held virtually, celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year.

The Institute received the Edge Award for excellence in the practical delivery of technical and professional learning for its ESTV media curriculum delivery model, which gives students the opportunity to work in real-life filming and editing roles within a commercial production company.

It also won the British Council International Award for the Arts faculty’s Erasmus+ programme, which has facilitated three-week exchanges for students and staff with colleges in France, Germany, Malta and Finland.

Emma Forrest-Leigh, Associate Principal for Digital and Creative Industries, entered both submissions.

“I’m so proud of our amazing teams. All the hard work, the belief in new ideas, the courage and support; everyone is a winner.

“On a personal note, international is something that runs through my veins so I am beyond happy that we won this award. It means a great deal. While it may be ironic during lockdown, I feel that the value of travel and experiencing other cultures is vital for personal growth and this work has enabled so many people to experience that too.”

Emma is now looking forward to a virtual celebration of the Arts faculty’s students’ work next Friday, June 12^th, as part of an end-of-year exhibition to be broadcast via Facebook Live from 6pm.

The Institute was also shortlisted for the RCU Support for Students Award, submitted by Tamarra Taylor, Executive Director of Learner Services.

She said: “I am immensely proud of the team that I have the pleasure of working with. They live and breathe student support and I know that so many of our learners have their lives enriched as a result of the wraparound support they provide.”

Principal Debra Gray also commented: “The staff at GIFHE are some of the best in the country and they go over and above every day for our students. I could not be prouder of everything they have achieved.”

Julie Nerney, Chair of AoC Charitable Trust, said: “These awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community, and why people value them.

“This college is inspirational in the way the teaching delivered is accessible and students get to experience education in a relatable way. Having a curriculum that students can identify with is hugely important for developing skills that will be used long after they have leave college – a strong foundation for the next stages of their life.”