Deaf student recognised for performance

A deaf former games development student at Derby College is celebrating after receiving an award for his studies.

Daniel Ash, 19, joined the college’s Joseph Wright Centre from the Royal School for the Deaf in his first experience of learning in a hearing environment and achieved some of the highest grades in the class.

Daniel, who has since progressed onto the University of Derby to study Games Modelling and Animation, has now been given a Bronze BTEC Award in recognition of his achievements.

The BTEC Awards are made following nominations from teachers in recognition of high achieving students who have succeeded despite personal challenges while also being a beacon of positivity in their local community.

Daniel said: “I love gaming so wanted to come to college to learn how to design and develop my own games. It has been a great experience and I had a lot of support.

“Getting this award has been a great way to finish my study programme with the college as I start on the next chapter of my learning.”

Teacher Leigh Champion said: “Daniel has achieved a great deal during his time at college and achieved some of the highest grades in the group.

“He showed particular resilience and commitment during the pandemic when learning had to be done remotely and we wanted to reward this by nominating him for a BTEC award.”