Wiltshire College & University Centre is marking the end of term by celebrating student progress, resilience and engagement with the launch of its new PACE Awards.
Introduced this term and delivered on a quarterly basis, the awards recognise students across all campuses and curriculum areas, celebrating effort and development alongside attendance and achievement.
One of the first students to be recognised is 17-year-old Amber Cowley from Chippenham, who received a PACE Award for her progress on the Beauty Therapy course at the College’s Chippenham campus.
Amber was nominated for her consistent development in practical skills, growing confidence and positive, proactive approach to learning.
Her nominator described her as a reliable and engaged student, with strong attendance, a willingness to act on feedback and an active contribution to lessons and work experience in the College’s training salons.
Amber said, “I am very honoured to be recognised – it means so much to me as it helps me realise how much I am progressing throughout my college years so far. I have been working hard to achieve my personal and academic goals, and this gives me the motivation to keep striving towards my future career.”
She added, “It also helps me to maintain a positive attitude and stay determined. This PACE Award helps me to keep focusing.”
PACE stands for Progress, Attendance, Commitment and Engagement, and reflects the College’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The framework encourages staff to recognise students who are making meaningful progress in different ways, including those balancing additional responsibilities or personal challenges alongside their studies.
Ceri Baker, Executive Director at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Trowbridge campus, said, “The PACE Awards were created to give us a clearer, more inclusive way to recognise the progress our students make. Achievement looks different for every learner, and it’s important that we celebrate effort, resilience and commitment, not just outcomes.”
Rather than focusing on a single measure, the awards consider a broad range of factors including learning gains, improved attendance, sustained commitment, active engagement and positive changes in confidence, attitude or behaviour.
By broadening recognition beyond attendance alone, the College hopes the PACE Awards will motivate students to build positive learning habits, strengthen relationships with staff and feel supported as they look ahead to the new year.
For more information, visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk.
