BSDC named as finalist for AoC Beacon Award

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) has been named as a finalist for the British Council International Award category in the AoC Beacon Awards for its outstanding international provision and global reach.

BSDC welcomes 300 international learners each year as far afield as East Asia and the USA. Not only does this international provision benefit the international learners, but also those in the wider college community, who have opportunities to expand their cultural horizons and take part in international exchange trips with the College’s overseas education partners.

The College has a network of International Ambassadors who support and mentor international learners on their programme of study. This helps to enhance their world view, while developing key skills for their future careers, such as communication, teamwork, leadership and problem solving. BSDC’s extensive international partnerships also result in a range of cultural opportunities for learners, including recent trips to China and South Korea.

The Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award, supported by the British Council, seeks to celebrate an outstanding example of a college’s international work and the exceptional strategies to embed international activity within the broader college aims.

Dawn Ward CBE, Chief Executive and Principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College said: “We’re delighted to have been named as a finalist for a prestigious AoC Beacon Award. We have worked hard to realise our ambition of becoming a global college to the maximum benefit of our learners, staff and local community. We have embedded international experiences into our learner journey, enhancing learners’ skill set, cultural and business understanding and global outlook, better preparing them for success within a globalised economy.”    

She added: “Through our collective approach our college is now truly global. Our learners consider other cultures and beliefs as they learn from our international provision, and our staff are given opportunities to share and learn from practice across continents which brings a richness of diversity to our town that enhances our communities.”      

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges said: “The AoC Beacon Awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them. This award recognises international collaboration and exchange, importantly helping to shape an international mindset in learners. Work with partners overseas is vital to maintain our reputation and connections as the UK prepares to leave the EU.”