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Praise for Adult Learners

(1 May 2003)

Nine local mature students have been nominated for national adult learner’s awards by the University of Durham.

NIACE (The National Organisation for Adult Learning), asked for nominations for their prestigious awards, which recognise individuals who have improved their own lives or the lives of others as a result of their learning experiences. Successful students will be presented with their awards during Adult Learners’ Week 10-16 May 2003.

Based at the University of Durham, Queen’s Campus, Stockton, the nine student have all returned to learning as adults through the University’s Foundation Programme and have been nominated by their lecturers and course leaders as deserving recognition.

Carole Rushall, Widening Participation Development Officer, who co-ordinated the nominations commented, “Since the Foundation Programme was launched in 1997 a growing number of local students have completed degrees, taken up jobs or even gone on to post-graduate studies. It’s great that Adult Learners’ Week provides an opportunity to celebrate success and encourage and reward our hard working students”.

Dawn Lodge, who progressed from the Foundation Programme to her Human Sciences degree course commented “I’ve gained confidence, friends, and a different way of looking at life…what have you got to loose? It’s fun, hard, joyful and tearful, but most of all, a fantastic experience, go for it!”

Nominees include:

Allison Corbett (Medicine), Sandra Angel-Jones (Foundation Programme), Paul Davies (Foundation Programme), Dawn Lodge (Health & Human Sciences), Hafiz Naeem (Health & Human Sciences), Amanda Puckrin (Health & Human Sciences) Janet Richardson (European Studies), Patricia Welsh (Health & Human Sciences), and Samantha Wood (Health & Human Sciences)

University representatives will be involved in a range of activities during Adult Learners’ Week including:-

  • Saturday 10 May 2003 – Stockton Riverside College Open day. University of Durham will have an information and advice stand with staff available for general queries.
  • Tuesday 13th May 2003 – Billingham Forum - BODY BITS. Come along and have a go at fitting body parts back in their correct position. You can find out about learning opportunities at the University of Durham, Queen’s Campus, Stockton, including the one year Foundation Programme.
  • Wednesday 14th May 2003 – Stockton Learning Shop. Come along to the Stockton Learning Shop between 1-3pm and find out more about the Foundation Programme at Queen’s Campus. University staff will also be able to provide information about the MATURE STUDENTS SUMMER PROGRAMME – A free, four day course between 30th June – 3rd of July, 2003.
  • Wednesday 14th May 2003 – Stockton Central Library - BODY BITS. Come along and have a go at fitting body parts back in their correct position. You can find out about learning opportunities at the University of Durham, Queens Campus, Stockton, including the one year Foundation Programme
For more information about this release contact: Jan Cawood, Public Relations Officer tel: 0191-334-0018 or
Carole Rushall, Widening Participation Development Officer tel: 0191-334-0168.
Notes to Editors

  1. The Foundation Programme is a full or part-time course for students who lack the traditional qualifications for degree level entry (such as ‘A’ level, or people who are looking to return to education after a long break). The programme provides the skills needed to make the most of higher education and can provide direct progression to University degree courses.
  2. The Foundation Programme is a multi-disciplinary course that prepares students for a wide range of degrees. A number of optional ‘science’ and ‘social science’ modules are interwoven around a core consisting of maths, English, study skills and IT. The options include biochemistry, psychology, anthropology, human biology, ecology, organic chemistry, cultural studies, sociology and higher level maths. Successful completion guarantees progression to Applied Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, Business Finance, Environmental Science and Health & Human Sciences. In addition the Foundation is a possible route into Teaching and Medicine. Past students have also moved onto Sports, Health & Exercise, Computer Science, Zoology, Community & Youth Work and History.
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