Bradford College

Bright Future for Rising Star!

Corrine Bosley is an exceptional student who was recently nominated for a Helena Kennedy Foundation (HKF) Award.  Following her hard work, commitment and determination to succeed, she has now won a (HKF) bursary to study Astrophysics at University.

Bradford College are the proud sponsors of the Helena Kennedy Foundation Awards, which were established in 1998 to provide bursaries to deserving FE students who have overcome significant personal and financial hardship to complete a further education course and progress on to higher education.

When asked why she felt she had been selected for a HKF Award, Corrine replied: “ I think it’s about aiming high, working hard, putting everything you’ve got into it  - and coming out with something against the odds.”

23 year old Corrine left school at 16 after she passed her GCSEs.  She worked as a waitress for many years.  Corrine explained: “I couldn’t seem to get any other job. I drifted around for a while working as a waitress in different places and I never seemed to get any higher.  I wanted a bit more from life, as I felt like I was stuck in a dead end job. That’s why I decided to come back to college and do something worthwhile. I’m so glad I did it –It was absolutely the right choice for me and I’ve never looked back!”

To celebrate her great achievement, Physics Course Tutor Jim Brennan, accompanied Corrine and her A2 Physics peers on a visit to the Yorkshire Planetarium.  The idea for the trip came from Bradford College Director, Doug Stott.  Doug met Corrine during a presentation ceremony that was held at the College to reward students for their hard work and commitment to their studies.   When Doug heard of Corrine’s plans to study Astrophysics, he arranged for Corrine to pay a visit to the College’s WOW Academy and the Yorkshire Planetarium, which is based at Harewood House to discover more about the galaxy and space.

Director Doug Stott modestly remarked: “I feel so pleased when a plan comes together.  I’m grateful to Jim Brennan who has made it all happen.  The planetarium is a College facility, so it’s great that our students have been given the opportunity to use the facilities and enjoy the experience.”

During the visit the students were treated a tour of the Starchamber, where they discovered more about the constellations and planets.  They were also taken on a tour of the night sky by a live presenter as the watched the Starshows in the Futuredome - a 3-D theatre which explores the universe through digital technology and animation.

Commenting on the visit to the planetarium, Course Tutor Jim Brennan said: “Its been a great experience for the students.  Everyone should have the opportunity to visit a planetarium as it gives you the chance to put into context where we are on earth and in relation to the galaxy and the universe.”

Corrine expressed her gratitude at Doug’s kind gesture and Jim’s involvement in organising the trip.  She said: “I think it’s really, really generous – I think it’s brilliant that people would be willing to do this for me at the College – it’s so nice.”

Corrine had been looking forward to the visit to the planetarium for weeks. Corrine added: “All my friends on the course thought it was fantastic too. They weren’t expecting anything like this, so to be able to go on the trip was as brilliant for them, as it was for me. I’m really; really happy.  It’s nice to be thanked and rewarded for the hard work.  I wasn’t expecting it!”  Corrine added:  “I couldn’t have done it without the help of my boyfriend Craig – he’s been there for me all the way!”

Commenting on studying Astrophysics and her future career aspirations, Corrine said:  “I’m delighted I’m going to study Astrophysics – I absolutely love it! I just love to look at the stars, so to be able to do a job where I can view them and do all number crunching for the sky would be amazing.”

Course Tutor, Jim is confident that Corrine will go on to pursue a successful career as an Astrophysicist.  Jim concluded: “Corrine is hardworking, dedicated, motivated and very pleasant.  She has always been a pleasure to teach.  I wish her all the best for the future!”