The Seren Academy, which supports the brightest learners to have
the ambition, capability and the curiosity, to fulfil their
potential, has turned ten years old.
Over the past decade, Seren has supported thousands of learners
across Wales, empowering them to make confident and informed
decisions about their future. Thousands of Seren graduates
are now studying at some of the UK's best universities, as well
as further afield at institutions across the globe.
To celebrate this milestone, the Seren Academy hosted a
commemorative event at the National Museum Cardiff. The occasion
recognised the achievements of Seren learners, both past and
present, and provided a platform for participants to share their
experiences.
As part of the event, Megan Salter spoke about her Seren journey
from achieving five A*s at A Level at Gower College to Swansea
University where she is now currently undertaking a PhD. She
said:
"Being part of the Seren Academy allowed me to discover a true
passion for my chosen field of study, while empowering me to make
bold, well-informed choices about my future academic pathway.
Through the super-curricular opportunities, Seren not only
widened my horizons, but strengthened my academic curiosity and
intellectual flexibility, igniting within me an ambition to
fulfil my potential and aim high in the educational goals I set
for myself. The values Seren instilled in me remain central to my
academic journey, and I carry them through with me into my PhD
studies".
Jacques Marquis, who was part of Seren's first cohort, went on to
study Maths at the University of Oxford and continues to
contribute to Seren as a mentor for current learners. He said:
“I feel truly privileged to have been a part of the Seren network
from both the learner side and now contributing from an academic
side. This programme has greatly developed over the last decade
and is clearly making a profound impact on learner's access to
opportunities across the country. I hope to continue to support
that for years to come.”
Sam Sherratt, another Seren alumni who also spoke on the panel,
is currently undertaking a degree apprenticeship with the
University of South Wales and a global digital consulting firm in
Digital and Technology Solutions. He said:
“I attended the Seren Academy in 2018 and 2019. I really enjoyed
the master classes and collaborative atmosphere that Seren
encouraged. It was an excellent opportunity to get a taste of
what excellence in industry looks like. I also really enjoyed
meeting other learners from all over Cymru.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, , who also attended the event
said:
“I'm delighted to mark this wonderful celebration of ten years of
the Seren Academy. Over the past decade, Seren has transformed
the lives of thousands of learners, opening doors to new
possibilities. We have brought together a wealth of
knowledge, expertise, and strong partnerships to support our
brightest learners in reaching their fullest potential.
“I'm incredibly proud of what our Seren alumni have accomplished,
and I would like to thank them for their continued engagement and
involvement in the Seren Academy. I look forward to hearing many
more inspiring success stories that showcase the positive impact
Seren has had, and will continue to have, on learners past,
present and future.”
