Sophie Millbank joined Richmond upon Thames College's Supported Learning department in September 2015 as part of Clarendon School Link, where she completed a Cookery and Recycling Course.
The course allowed Sophie to grow academically and socially and thanks to this, Sophie joined RuTC full-time in September 2016.
Sophie was also an instrumental member of sports teams competing in wheelchair basketball and football for the students with additional needs.
She progressed from Supported Learning and went on to complete Level 1 and Level 2 in both Food Preparation and Food Service.
Her attendance and punctuality were outstanding and her commitment to the course was second to none. She particularly excelled in front of house where she was very well liked, both in the canteen and the restaurant for her smile and politeness.
Daniele Giraud RuTC Catering teacher says “I am very confident Sophie will achieve a lot in her career as she has a great attitude and work ethic. Sophie tries her best in everything she does, with a smile every time. She will go far!”
Sophie decided to broaden her experience and she completed the L2 Health and Social Care programme and is currently a L3 2nd year Health and Social Care student.
She has had work experience at Clarendon Primary School as a Teaching Assistant and they loved her so much, she has now secured a permanent position. In addition, Sophie volunteered at Capella Speech and Language Primary School.
Shona Corben, ILS tutor at RuTC explains, “Sophie is a quiet joy. An extremely caring, attentive young woman, who goes the extra mile as a talented Teaching Assistant.
“Sophie became renowned to the Supported Learning team as a brilliant mentor, whilst supporting her peers in the classroom on work experience as a teaching assistant.
“Sophie is calm and knows how to get the best out of students, using quiet praise and comforting and encouraging words. I cannot wait to see what else the future holds for her.”
Learn more about studying Catering and Hospitality at RuTC here - Richmond upon Thames College | Top Academic and Vocational London College | Catering and Hospitality (rutc.ac.uk)