NI’s learners take centre stage at Titanic Belfast

Pictured (left to right): CCEA Chairman, Trevor Carson; Conor Owens from St Michael’s College Enniskillen, Top Candidate in both GCSE Geography and GCSE Further Maths; Katie Farquhar from Northern Regional College (Ballymena) who won Learner of the Year in Occupational Studies: Environment and Society Level 2; CCEA Chief Executive, Justin Edwards.

Yesterday, the spotlight was firmly on 83 local learners as they received recognition for their studies at the second 'Celebrate with CCEA' awards ceremony.

The Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) welcomed more than 400 guests, including parents, principals and teachers, at the landmark Titanic Belfast to celebrate the outstanding achievements, dedication and commitment of the award winners in their CCEA examinations.

Forty-five schools and colleges were represented at the ceremony with awards collected for 56 different CCEA qualifications.

CCEA's Chief Executive, Justin Edwards congratulated the learners for their achievements saying:

"This is an occasion where the spotlight shines on many learners’ achievements. At CCEA we recognise that educational achievement may be found within a broad range of abilities and subject areas. This event celebrates the diversity of learners as well as their hard work and personal achievements.

Well done to all of our winners, and to all of the people who have played their part in their success."

Background/context

The annual Celebrate with CCEA award ceremony brings together students who have attained overall top marks in each of CCEA’s GCSE subjects (Top Candidates) and students nominated by teachers and tutors in CCEA's Professional and Technical Qualifications (Learners of the Year). Since the mid 1990's CCEA has run individual award ceremonies to recognise achievement across all of our qualifications. In 2016, we combined our GCSE event and vocational event for the first time creating Celebrate with CCEA. This all-inclusive event brings together a wider spectrum of learners across CCEA's general and skills based qualifications.

This year awards will be made in 56 subjects and involves 83 students from 45 schools, colleges and training organisations.

List of winners, subjects and associated school/college