Vice Chancellor attends Totton College Presentation Evening

Professor William Wakeham, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton, attended a very successful Awards Evening at Totton College on 4 January 2006. Professor Wakeham presented special prizes and awards to over 30 students and A Level examination certification to many more. His speech, to an audience of over 300 guests, identified the importance of investing in education and training in an increasingly competitive world economy. He referred to the importance of research in universities such as Southampton in developing improvements to the quality of life across the world. Professor Wakeham illustrated this by referring to the critical research at Southampton that had enabled the development of the Internet which had revolutionized communications. He also congratulated Totton College on an outstanding year of success, referring to the development of a national reputation for its provision.

Mark Bramwell, Totton College Principal said, in his speech, that the year 2004-2005 had been the most successful in the College history with its best ever recruitment, best examination performance and the development of two new buildings. The College now has two Centres of Vocational Excellence, a Skills Centre and delivered education up to and including degree level. Mark Bramwell added "The Evening is about celebrating the achievements of our students and that is what is so rewarding about working in education. Teaching is never wasted when you see people mature and develop and reach or even exceed their potential."

The audience thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment from the Performing Arts Department. Highlights were Tori Wills and Fiona Wingrove performing a powerful vocal duet, the Tricky Feet Dance Company performing to Faure in Paradisum' and the BTEC Male Choir singing a Beatles classic.

Brian Baxendale, Chair of Governors, closed the evening, suggesting that it was fitting that the outstanding year should be followed by a highly successful evening.