University Access Student Rewarded for Outstanding Work

Posted 14 June 2007

Philip Elliot, a student from Driffield, has been honoured with a coveted award in recognition of his outstanding performance at Harper Adams University College, the UK’s leading provider of educational courses in the rural and land-based sector. Philip has successfully completed the one-year University Access Course at the Shropshire-based University College and was nominated for the sought-after Philip Oldcorn Memorial Award by teachers and fellow students.

Nicky Hunter, Course Manager, said “Philip is a great ambassador for the course and is highly regarded by both students and staff. He is a very good all-rounder, hard-working and is supportive to other students on the course. He is a very deserving student.”

Principal, Professor Wynne Jones continues “It is a great honour to be nominated by your peers and staff for the Philip Oldcorn Memorial Award. I am delighted that Philip is the recipient of this year’s award as it reflects his commitment to his education and fellow students.”

After successfully completing the University Access Course Philip is now planning to continue his education and has been awarded a degree place to studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture at Harper Adams.

The University Access Course is a one-year course for students who want to gain access to higher education but do not have A’ levels or other suitable qualifications. The course, which was established in 1971, has helped hundred of students to progress onto higher education courses both at Harper Adams and other institutions. Last year the course had a 96% pass rate and 34 students are now continuing Higher Education at Harper Adams and other institutions that offer courses in the land-based sector.

Choosing the right college or university and career path is a major decision. For many students the traditional AS/A level and applied vocational course routes are not appropriate. Harper Adams’ University Access Course offers a superb alternative and provides an excellent academic opportunity and grounding for future success. It is open to students aged 17 years and over, covers key skills such as communications, IT and numeracy. These are integrated with specialist core skills such as business studies, environmental science and land-use. In the second term students can choose what they study and specialise in what really interests them within the rural subjects. These can range from animal health and welfare, farm engineering and farm practice to food protection and quality, leisure and tourism and business evaluation.

The Memorial Award is presented each year in honour of Philip Oldcorn who was an Access Student (which was formally called the Foundation Course) from 1992-1993. During his time as a student Philip was involved in a car accident and was in a coma for three years until his death in 1996. His parents, John and Sylivia, established the award in memory of their son. Usually John and Sylvia present the award each year but unfortunately were unable to this year. In their absence the Philip Oldcorn Memorial Award was presented by Lord Stafford, The Chairman of Governors.

For further details on the University Access Course please contact Admissions: Tel: 01952 815000 E-mail: admission@harper-adams.ac.uk 

For further information on Financial Support please contact: Renee Gallina-Morris. Tel: 01952 815428 E-mail: rgallinamorris@harper-adams.ac.uk