student oscars 2010
Fun, laughter, tactical voting, red carpet outfits…
there was no end to the glamour when Back on Track decided to stage our very own Oscars, sorry, that’s copyrighted, Hollywood themed awards ceremony as part of Adult Learners’ week. Students’ academic achievements are recognised throughout the year – through gaining qualifications, completing courses, learning practical skills – which is fantastic. However, that’s only part of what people get out of coming to Back on Track – we also help learners to improve their confidence, make friends, develop social skills and much more. So that’s what we decided to celebrate at our awards ceremony. Categories ranged from ‘most welcoming to new students’ to ‘most improved confidence’ to ‘best sense of humour’, with plenty more in between. Winners were nominated by each other and by their tutors, and came up to the stage for a photo and received a certificate – to wild applause!
After the ceremony we had a American-themed dinner – burgers, hotdogs, Kentucky fried chicken and cookies were on the menu, as well as salads for the more health conscious amongst us (they went last…) – followed by an interactive film-themed quiz. Volunteers and students moved round the centre solving cryptic clues, guessing films from quotes, sound bites and clips and trying desperately not to let anyone else read their answers off their quiz sheets. After a closely fought and fiercely competitive contest the lucky winners each received cinema vouchers.
And then it was time to call it a day as everyone left, many clutching party poppers and Hollywood-themed helium balloons. Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a fun afternoon. Most of all, a HUGE thank you to all the students, for making Back on Track such a fun and rewarding place to be, and for showing us how to party like A-listers!
By Frances Keel