Psychology Prize 2019

Congratulations to A Level Psychology student Francesca Payne who has been awarded the Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation Psychology Prize 2019.

Francesca, aged 18 and formerly of Millthorpe School, has studied A Levels in Psychology, Sociology and Religious Studies at York College, and hopes to progress to the University of York to study a degree in Psychology in September.

On hearing she had won the coveted prize Francesca said: “I feel so privileged to have been given this award. I have loved studying psychology over the last two years and am thrilled to have found a subject that I feel so passionate about. I’m incredibly thankful that my work has being recognised in this way and I’m looking forward to pursuing a career in this field.”

Francesca volunteered and now works for SNAPPY – working with disabled children and children with additional needs. She says: “It’s very rewarding to see how much the children get out of it. This, combined with my A Level studies, has led me to want to work in child psychology in the future. Having had personal experience of mental health issues in the past, I appreciate the differences that psychologists made to my life – I’d love to be that person helping someone else.”

Psychology tutor Andy Higgs is delighted to see Francesca winning the Award. He said: “Francesca is an outstanding student of Psychology. Her attention to detail and desire to produce the very best that she can, has been an inspiration to her peers and teaching staff alike. This, whilst handling personal adversity, is why I believe she will go on to be a brilliant Psychologist at University. I could not be more pleased that she has won the prestigious Rainbow Foundation Award this year.”

Marjorie Marks-Stuttle presented Francesca with a certificate and gift voucher. She said: “I am very touched that York College continues to award this prize annually in memory of my daughter Caroline, who was tragically murdered during her gap year in Australia in 2002. Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation engages with young people and continues to promote safer travel around the world. My daughter studied A Level Psychology at York College and, like Francesca, was passionate about the subject. I wish Francesca every success as she progresses to university to further her studies.”