A North Tyneside primary teacher has been named as one of the best in the UK for science after going above and beyond to inspire students with interactive lessons.
Amy Banks, from Greenfields Community Primary School in Wideopen, was nominated for the award by head teacher, Gemma Robertson, in recognition of her efforts to engage the children in science.
The 30-year-old has been a teacher for around nine years and in that time has been Science Lead Practitioner for North Tyneside Learning Trust - a role that saw her not only teach her own pupils but also support 30 schools across North Tyneside in the subject.
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Now Amy's efforts have been recognised by the Primary Science Teaching Trust who were left blown away by her hands-on approach and enthusiasm after observing her science lessons in school.
"You are nominated by the head teacher for going above and beyond your day-to-day practice," Amy said.
"It is to do with supporting other people in your school and enriching the curriculum for the kids, but also supporting people in other schools as well.
"I have been a science lead at Greenfields for six of seven years, and a few years ago I took the school through the Primary Science Quality Mark to improve teaching in science in our own school."
The teacher from Morpeth couldn't believe she had been chosen as one of eight winners across the UK who received their award at a national ceremony in Birmingham on June 9.
"It felt really strange to win because I would never have put myself forward so it was a bit of a shock but I am really proud," Amy said.
She continued: "I enjoy bringing the learning to life and inspiring them to pursue some of the subjects themselves. Every day is different.
"I enjoy making the lessons practical. Anything hands-on and practical where the kids can get up and join in, they love."
