Loughry offers alternative pathways to first class success

Back in 2011 Jill Gourley, Claire Marshall and Laura Ramsey celebrated their GCSE results. With this success came a dilemma! To return to school or go to college?

Graduation Day 2017 - Jill Gourley, Castlederg; Claire Marshall, Moneymore and Laura Ramsey, Londonderry.

Many students are happy returning to the familiar environment of school to enjoy sixth form in the company of friends and teachers that they’ve known for years.

This wasn’t for these three students who decided that their route to a degree would be through an alternative pathway.

The BTEC National Diplomas at Loughry Campus in Cookstown are a proven launching pad to Higher Education and well-paid, exciting careers with real prospects in the agri-food Industry.

Choosing a National Diploma means studying a wide range of subjects (18 in all) which are practically orientated and taught in Loughry’s world class facilities. There is an emphasis on continuous assessment, rather than examinations.

After completing the two-year programme, the three students decided to stay at Loughry and study degrees in Food Technology and Food Marketing & Management.

Fast forward to 2017 and Jill, Claire and Laura were three of 19 First Class Honours Degrees awarded across the food programmes. All three students are embarking on challenging and rewarding careers within the Food Industry.

If you’re interested in an A-level alternative – pop along to Loughry’s next Open Evening on Thursday 24 August. See the CAFRE website for details or follow Discover CAFRE on Facebook and Twitter.

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