It was congratulations AND llongyfarchiadau to the Royal Welsh College Skills Awards winners who received their award on the same day as graduating!
2020’s plaudits go to overall winner Design for Performance student Valentine Gigandet, runner-up designer Juliette Georges, and joint third-placed composer Derri Lewis and conductor Stefano Boccacci.
Each year our students are invited to submit their extracurricular work for the Awards, which recognises activities outside of their studies during their time at College.
This can include work experience, volunteering, enterprising projects and working with the College’s student-led REPCo series.
Valentine won for her contribution to the community through various self-led projects including Cardiff’s Oasis charity’s Sew To Say project, which helps refugees develop essential skills. (The Oasis charity helps refugees and asylum seekers integrate into their local Cardiff community.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBdRUfzHB3I/
“Thank you so much RWCMD!”, said Valentine.
“The Skills Award is a great opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved during our time at College. I encourage everyone to step outside what they’re studying, use the skills they’re learning at College and take them into the real world.
“During my time at RWCMD, I met students who led really engaging and original extracurricular projects. Everyone should be proud of being part of such a creative community!”
Valentine’s diary from her work at the Oasis centre
Second place also belongs to our Design department as Juliette was awarded for her contribution to raising awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community, both in the College and the wider community.
Juliette was commended particularly for her work educating staff at Cardiff Museum on queer language.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBGrXj9FQI5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iXXQIA9d9/
Sharing third place Derri took part in activities abroad and volunteered in the community, while Stefano collaborated on student-led projects across all departments in the College and external organisations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byu9GRxJ60q/
“Whatever career path you have in mind you’ll be entering a competitive world and future employers will be looking for applicants who can add value and bring additional skills,” said Brian Weir, Director of Student Experience.
“Your ability to demonstrate those experiences you’ve gained alongside your studies will be recognised more and more by future employers.
“This year our prize winners are students whose contribution to extracurricular activities had an impact across the whole institution and wider community. Congratulations to all!”
The four winners receive a cash prize sponsored by the Student’s Union.
Find out more about our Design for Performance, Composition and Conducting courses here and check out the hashtag #RWCMDClass2020 across Twitter and Instagram for all-things graduation.
Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook