Recognising the achievements of graduands

The rain did little to dampen the spirits of graduands from the Faculty of Education, Health and Community (Education) and the Faculty of Science, who gathered together to recognise their achievements at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on the morning of Tuesday 24 November. In the afternoon graduands from the Faculty of Education, Health and Community (Health) celebrated their Graduation.

Jemima Jones, was awarded her PGCE Primary, and celebrated her second graduation at LJMU, having completed her first degree last year. She said: "I have worked in my setting for over 15 years as a Teaching Assistant and completing my PGCE seemed like the next natural step in securing QTS.

I have been given experience in different key stages as a result of this course and have met some great people and shared good practice. The lecturers are very personable and are very passionate about what they do. In the future I intend on opening my own nursery withan emphasis on the outdoors and ensuring that I make learning irresistible."

Alex Lawrenson, received his PGCE Chemistry and explained how the School Direct (Salaried) programme was the ideal fit for his circumstances, allowing for an effective balance between academic and teaching responsibilities. He added: "LJMU provided a supportive environment that complimented my school based experiences. The course at LJMU pushes you to reach beyond your potential, which although challenging, will ultimately make you a better teacher. 

When I started the course I had no experience of secondary education, and I leave with a Grade 1 Distinction. To me this demonstrates the quality of the teaching at LJMU." 

James Arthur graduated with a PGCE Secondary Biology and is pictured with his aunty, Diane Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education and Professional Learning. He is now teaching Science in Hyde Community College in Tameside, Greater Manchester, and is specialising in Biology. He commented that he found the programme very enjoyable, remarking that it was challenging but fun.

Nick Wadsworth, graduated in MSc Sport Psychology, and received the Professor Frank Sanderson Award for the Highest Research Project Mark. He commented: "I chose to study at LJMU because of the reputation of the lecturers, both in a research capacity and the applied field, especially within the world of football. 

The staff are experts in their field and provide you with all the support and guidance needed to develop as a practitioner. 

The main skill I learnt was transferring my theoretical knowledge into a practical setting. The highlight of my time at LJMU was my placement at Everton Football Club. I learnt so much from that experience, which has allowed me to successfully gain a full-time job as a Sports Psychologist at West Bromwich Albion."

Rachel Lord was awarded a PhD for her research entitled The impact of prolonged strenuous exercise on right ventricular structure and function: Insights from novel echocardiography and electrocardiography. Rachel started her PhD straight after completing her BSc (Hons) in Sports Science at LJMU in 2012. She commented: "I found the process very rewarding. 

Liverpool is a great city and LJMU is a great university to go to, particularly for sports science, where the staff and facilities are second to none.” Rachel is currently working at Cardiff University but her dream job would be to work in LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences." 

Ronald Muirhead received his Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding service to the Office of the Lord Lieutenancy of Merseyside. His citation was presented by LJMU Honorary Fellow Roger Phillips. During his acceptance speech, Ronald, a research biochemist by profession and consort to his wife, Dame Lorna Muirhead Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, took the opportunity to praise young and old carers who look after their family members, saying their input is invaluable to Social Services. 

He also thanked volunteers across Merseyside for all they give to guide young people in the county. He then offered his congratulations to the graduands, commenting: "It is with great pleasure that I share this day with the graduates. Congratulations on your academic achievements, you now have the tools you need to make a successful life for  the future and I wish you well for that future." 

The full oration can be read online.

Afternoon ceremony

During the afternoon ceremony, the achievements of students from the Faculty of Education, Health and Community (Health) were celebrated.

Steve Gavin, Public Health Manager in Wirral Council, completed his MSc Public Health alongside his full time role. Steve achieved a Merit overall award, highlighting his commitment to the programme and his studies. Commenting on his time at LJMU, Steve said: “I expected the programme to challenge me but I was surprised at how challenging it was. However, the learning environment and support from teaching staff was always first rate and I enjoyed the experience immensely.” 

Jane Harris completed the MSc Public Health with a Distinction, while also working full time as Intelligence and Surveillance Research Manager in the University’s Centre for Public Health. 

She particularly excelled in her dissertation, gaining a mark of over 80%. Jane found the course invaluable, adding: “I have worked at the Centre for Public Health in a research post since 2009 and I wanted to study on the MSc Public Health to gain a greater understanding of the history and theory which informs my everyday work.

I would recommend the course to anyone with an interest in public health; whether they are a recent graduate with an interest in learning about the subject for the first time or a public health professional seeking to formalise their learning.” 

Deborah Shackleton CBE, former chief executive of The Riverside Group, receives her Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding services to social housing, regeneration and education. Her citation was presented by Sir Bert Massie CBE.  

Deborah spoke of graduation as a splendid occasion of optimism and enthusiasm, marking the start in a new phase of the lives of those graduating. Addressing the graduates, she told them to ‘be proud’, adding: "I have every confidence you will dream, plan, achieve and make a real, valued contribution to society.” 

The full oration is available to read online.

Take a look at the daily diary footage of the celebrations on the LJMU YouTube channel