by Rebecca Duffy

Catherine Roberts won the first Foundation Degree Learner of the Year Award in 2007. As well as showing outstanding abilities and commitment to her own work, Catherine has those special talents for leading and inspiring others. I caught up with her to find out what she’s doing now….

This year, she is staying on at Northbrook College, studying a BA (Hons) Theatre Arts degree. Catherine is taking the BA as a “top up” to her Foundation Degree in Acting (also run at Northbrook College). Compared to the Foundation Degree, which she described as “a good mix of practical and academic work”, she says the degree course is “a much more academically based course but with emphasis on putting the academic into professional practice.”

After an initial induction, Catherine has secured a placement at Wimbledon College of Art working in a professional capacity with writers, directors and graduating designers. She’s been in demand for events, such as this year’s Red Bull 24 hour plays (where a play is written, rehearsed and performed in 24 hours!). She has also been offered a place on the Nightingale Theatre’s Masters Season 2008, where graduating students have the opportunity to attend masterclasses with international experts and professionals.

As well as all of this, Catherine is also taking an active role in student representation. “At college, I am currently applying for a place on the Board of Governors as their only representative student member to improve the college and facilities for students.” She’s the obvious candidate pass on the baton to the next Foundation Degree Learner of the Year, and says she is “delighted to be returning to the FE Sussex ceremony to present the 2008 award.”

What’s in line for Catherine after she finishes her degree? Doubtless, she’ll be appearing in performances all over the place! She might also turn her interest in teaching into a qualification. “I’ve started to concentrate more on the acting side of things and may decide to come back to college at a later date to complete my PGCE.” Whatever her promising future holds, it’s clear that for now, Catherine is making the most of her course.