Looking Back at 2004 - East Anglian Daily Times Education Page, 14 December 2004

There are many traditions, both secular and religious, associated with December, and looking back over the previous 12 months has become one of them. Every television programme, newspaper and magazine seems to produce a version of the memorable events of the year, and I usually find that there are things I’d forgotten about and even some I had missed altogether.

There is always so much happening at Suffolk College that it’s worth taking a few moments to review just a few of the activities and achievements of students and staff in 2004.

Our college year inevitably has a pattern dictated by enrolment, induction, teaching schedules, assessments and exams. The icing on the cake, of course, is the celebration of achievement. There are the annual congregations to award higher education qualifications, two evenings of further education celebrations and the Adult Awards that mark the attainments of students who have succeeded despite learning disabilities.

Two relative newcomers to the annual Suffolk College calendar are the Suffolk Inter-Faith Resource Festival of Festivals, during which this year people from various faiths shared aspects of their autumn festivals on the theme of light, and the Civic Service which marks the close relationship between the College and the town of Ipswich. The community connection was also reinforced when we once again hosted the British Cyclocross Championships, the Landseer Players annual pantomime and drama from Eastern Angles.

Then there are the events that provide memories particularly connected with 2004. This year saw the opening of our new nursery building, followed just six months later by a glowing OfSTED inspection report, and the launch of Suffolk College Reunited - the website that helps former Suffolk College students and staff get, and keep, in touch. At the Suffolk Show, the Countess of Cranbrook launched Making the Grade, the website that provides up-to-the minute information about the proposals for University Campus Suffolk and the associated development of new buildings and services for the College’s students and staff.

But best of all perhaps are the times when the hard work of students and staff brings special recognition. The NVQ Level 2 Catering students this year won the Royal Navy Catering Competition, and 3 students from the BA (Honours) Graphic Design course won national awards for their packaging designs. Students from the construction curriculum won 5 out of a possible 6 Apprentice of the Year awards presented by the Suffolk Joint Consultative Committee of Building, and the Quality Assurance Agency awarded the undergraduate Arts & Media courses the highest possible rating in several key aspects.

So for Suffolk College it is certainly the season to be jolly, and we hope it is for you too.