Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Abbie Wightwick

The Welsh teachers and school staff recognised for their hard work during the pandemic

Eight Welsh educators have been honoured for their work during the pandemic in a UK award attracting thousands of nominations.

The Pearson National Teaching Silver Award winners were chosen for their commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day, judges said. Out of 102 winners around the UK, eight are from Wales.

Read more: Heads describe how schools are helping pupils with no devices, internet, food or family support during pandemic

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the exceptional school staff who have worked wonders during an incredibly challenging time for educators across the country,” organisers said.

“The last year has seen a wealth of stories of teachers making care visits to vulnerable families, coming up with innovative ways of remote teaching, keeping their pupils settled by regularly checking in and even using their school sites for Covid-19 testing when classes did return to school. There has never been a better time to appreciate them and the vital work they do.”

The silver winners are:

Joseph Gill, Willows High, Cardiff - Outstanding New Teacher of the Year

The judges heard Joseph has “enabled vulnerable pupils to continue learning despite the pandemic". He has also created and led an integration programme so that children with little or no English, many of whom having experienced trauma in their own countries, can be supported before entering mainstream education. He brings learning to life, bringing in tools, construction equipment and gardening utensils in a bid to keep pupils engaged. He also uses his break and lunch times to encourage pupils to play sport, purposefully encouraging different ethnic backgrounds to interact and collaborate.

Abigail Chase, Bassaleg School, Newport - Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School

Abigail Chase (Pearson Teaching Awards)

Judges heard: “Abigail tailors her lessons to meet the individual needs of all learners not only engaging them in high quality, creative teaching and learning but also raising their self-esteem and confidence. Abigail is an advocate for blended learning and led on professional learning for staff during lockdown. With her leadership, staff were able to confidently move from in-class teaching to online."

Jonathan Rogers, Gower College, Swansea - FE Lecturer of the Year

Judges heard Jonathan uses his links with organisations - such as the Swansea Philharmonic Choir (where, as conductor, he set up a scholarship scheme to provide opportunities for students to perform large choral works with orchestras) and the Dunvant Male Choir (who provide a host of opportunities for young performers) - to inspire the next generation of musicians.

“A true advocate of community engagement and enrichment, during the pandemic Jonathan has worked tirelessly to ensure that students can still access practical opportunities at a time when the world of live performance has been hugely impacted.”

Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre at Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthen

Staff at the Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre at Queen Elizabeth High School (Pearson Teaching Awards)

Judges heard: “The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner and Community Support, [the centre] has a highly skilled and dedicated staff that provide a person-centred approach so that pupils and their parents/carers can be an integral part in planning their learning and school experiences.”

Stacey Harris, Coed Eva Primary, Cwmbran - Teacher of the Year in a Primary School

Judges heard Stacey is "a uniquely talented teacher, colleague and leader who provides inspiration to her class and peers every single day through her brilliant mix of skill, passion and inexhaustible enthusiasm.”

Victoria Carey, Mary Immaculate RC High, Wenvoe - Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School

Victoria Carey (Pearson Teaching Awards)

Judges heard Victoria is “an excellent practitioner who is relentless in supporting pupils in her care. A natural leader with incredibly high expectations but who does everything she can to make those expectations a reality.”

Hannah Lewis, Troedyrhiw Community Primary, Merthyr Tydfil - Outstanding New Teacher of the Year

Judges heard Hannah is: "innovative and creative and has the ability to engage others. This exuberant approach is infectious and has a huge impact on the whole school community. STEM is a passion of Hannah’s and she uses this to promote an enthusiasm and passion for science and technology, particularly amongst girls.

David Jenkins, acting executive headteacher at Ysgol Ty Coch School, Tonteg, and Park Lane School, Aberdare - Headteacher of the Year

Judges heard: ”His passion, commitment, and dedication to education has been vital to creating a school environment which is highly nurturing and ensures that every child, young adult, and staff member has access to incredible opportunities.”

The winners have now been shortlisted to win a Gold Award in their category, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC in November.

It is expected most schools will have resumed face-to-face teaching by January 11 in Swansea (stock image) (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. This year marks its 22nd year of celebrating, award-winning teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and lecturers across the UK.

To get the latest email updates from WalesOnline click here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.