THE BEST of Thurrock was celebrated at the Backstage Centre, High House Production Park on Friday (28 November) at the borough’s inaugural Education Awards.
Nominees, nominators, heads, teachers, governors, and other supporters whooped and cheered as the announcements were made through the evening, which started with a song from the RM19 Choir, the new vocal group for young people in Thurrock.
Keynote speaker was Bill Lucas, Professor of Learning at the University of Winchester who praised Thurrock for its vision in a speech which ranged from how the science of teaching had changed to Homer Simpson, ducks, zebras and torn wallpaper!
He spoke of the “three As, aspiration, achievement and ambition”
Then Perry Glading of main awards sponsor, the Port of Tilbury took to the stage, saying: “These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate best practice across Thurrock and to recognise those schools and individuals who have gone the extra mile for the future generations.”
Thurrock Council’s Director of Children’s Services, Carmel Littleton opened the all-important part of the evening saying she was “bursting with pride” before asking sponsors ALM Training to introduce the first award – appropriately at the inaugural awards – Outstanding New Teacher.
Each of the awards was introduced by a short clip of young Thurrock students explaining their interpretation of what each winner should be.
And finally, the last award – Outstanding Contribution to Education in Thurrock – was presented by Graham Farrant, chief executive of Thurrock Council who said: “Education is all about passion, making a difference, and changing people’s aspirations and their performance.
“This is a transformational step-change that is really making a difference to the lives of young people in Thurrock.”
After the event, Carmel Littleton said: “We have been looking forward to this night for a year now and it did not disappoint.
“It was an evening to celebrate the unsung heroes of education in Thurrock, who work so hard to inspire our students.
“A huge vote of thanks must go to the local business sponsors who so generously made the evening possible.
“Glitzy and glamorous in one sense, but far more importantly highlighting all the magnificent work that goes on in our classrooms, from nursery through to college.”
Outstanding New Teacher (sponsored and presented by ALM training ) finalists Andrew Johnson, and Becki Whitwell. Winner: Andrew Johnson, English teacher from Ockendon Academy, a great role model and has trained other prospective form tutors who sets high and consistent standards for behaviour and learning both in and out of the classroom which has resulted in his lessons being graded as outstanding in his NQT year.
Aspiring Leader (sponsored and presented by Palmer’s Solicitors Kerry Jacobs) finalists Christian Berry, Cathrine Smth, Lynne Billinghurst, and Ian Boyd. Winner: Christian Berry, vice principal, The Ockendon Academy. His success is reflected in his promotion to vice principal. One of his greatest contributions to the school was putting together a successful bid for Studio School status which involved working with the highest officials at the Department for Education.
Creative Learning (sponsored and presented by Pauline Tambling, High House Production Park) finalists Rosie Ward, The Ockendon Academy Summer Schgool team, St Clere’s School Art Department, and Ms McKenna, Mrs Hart and Mr Porter. Winner: St Clere’s School Art Department where work has started on developing pupil’s “learning muscles” where creativity is at the heart of the “muscles”. Each classroom is adorned with a piece of art work encouraging pupils to be resilient, reflective, resourceful and create good “relationships” with others. The Co-operative values are embedded into the 4 Rs and the Art department have led whole school training on this. The art department have worked with Science and Technology to develop a co-operative day where creativity is embedded into practice and shown how creativity and art is essential to science and technology. Pauline Tambling, rep HHPP
Education Support (presented by Caitlin Rice and Joshua Aldwinkle-Povey, Thurrock youth cabinet) finalists Gareth Marsh, Matt Rumble, Shehla Ahmed. Winner: Gareth Marsh youth worker/perapetetic music teacher, working in Thurrock schools and the Youth Service, Gareth’s work with groups on making music as a means of self-expression and our aspiring youth in the borough who want to record their music or gain confidence on an instrument, is second-to-none. He is friendly, flexible and believes in the potential of the youth of Thurrock and his warmth and positivity radiates from him in whatever situation and whoever he works with.
Excellence in Literacy and Numeracy (presented by Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr John Kent) finalists Hannah Lebeze, Mrs Shehla Ahmed, Maureen Wakeling?. Winner: Hannah Lebeze, teaching assistant, Thameside Primary School, a truly dedicated, hard-working, caring and inspirational teacher who is delivering real results working with children with a broad range of abilities.
Enterprise and Employability (sponsored and presented by Perry Gladding, the Port of Tilbury) finalists Micarla Walker and Annick Janganant, Denise Fielding, Chris Birtles. Winner: Micarla Walker and Annick Janganant, personal coaches, The Ockendon Studio School. Recognising that work placements can offer a whole range of benefits to sixth form students, Micarla and Annick have worked tirelessly to secure a whole range of opportunities for the students; ensuring that each student receives the greatest benefit from the experience.
Innovation in Learning and Technologies (Sponsored and presented by LG Networks) finalists Dan Scotcher, Lee Greenwood, Michelle Sparks. Winner: Lee Greenwood, Head of PE, William Edwards. Lee has played a leading role in the ‘innovative use of technology in the classroom’ as part of William Edwards’ pedagogy. He led a whole school classroom re-design project, involving pupils and staff in developing the classrooms for learners, so they now have writable walls, easy move furniture, multiple layouts, no teacher desk, and the Apple TV technology.
Governing Body of the Year (presented by Julia Harding, chair Thurrock Association of Governors) finalists Aveley School, Treetops, Horndon-on-the-Hill Cof E. Winner: Aveley Primary School where the governing body has undergone a complete transformation, with Ofsted recognising this and commenting in June 2014, “The governing body has rapidly improved since the last inspection. Governors are much more rigorous in how they hold the school to account, with current governors having a significant impact on school improvement”.
Teacher of the Year in Primary Education (presented by Anthony Peltier, chair Thurrocvk Primary Heads Association) finalists Laura Spencer, Sharon Walker, Gemma Aylen. Winner: Laura Spencer Year 6 teacher and currently Deputy Headteacher, Bonnygate Primary School. Along with all of her recent achievements, colleagues have said how much admiration they have for Laura and aspire to be like her. Staff were overjoyed by her appointment as deputy head as they have so much admiration and respect for her. Although only officially in post since September, she has already shown how hard working and committed she is.
Teacher of the Year in Secondary Education (presented by Steve Munday, chair Thurrock Association of Secondary Schools) finalists Craig Cornelius, Amardeep Dewal, Andrew Cornwell, Shamilla Guilt, and Damien Loneragan. Winner: Craig Cornelius, maths teacher, William Edwards. Craig’s incredible achievements in GCSE maths this year are the highest ever gained by any teacher in the history of the school in any subject, working with pupils day and night from their entry to the school in year 7 until they left in year 11.
Teacher of the Year in a Special School (presented by Malcolm Taylor, strategic lead, learner support, Thurrock Council) finalists Claire O’Connor, Angela Davies, Karis Bortone. Winner: Claire O’Connor, Treetops School. Clare’s achievements with the Beat the Street scheme highlights her dedication and determination to make sure that all children, no matter their physical challenges, should have the opportunity to participate.
Headteacher of the Year (Primary) (presented by Lucy Harris, Pixelworks) finalists Christina Pumfrey, Karen Phillips, Vivienne Northall, Anthony Peltier. Winner: Christina Pumfrey, Thameside Primary School. Christina has taken the school to new heights since she took over the leadership of the school. She has provided amazing support to children, parents and staff and promoted school values to an outstanding level. Christina has become a very important part of the community – even running an after school club in gardening. She welcomes new ideas from parents and pupils and staff to create an environment that everyone enjoys being a part of.
Headteacher of the Year (Secondary) (sponsored and presented by HW Wilson) finalists Sophina Asong, Gable Hall, and Paul Smith, Treetops. Joint winners as the judges found it impossible to separate them. One has been described as a force of nature whose unique style and frequently stated high ambitions has won her admirers across Thurrock. That she lives in Thurrock and knows the community is an added bonus. HW Wilson
The other has been described in an OFSTED report published yesterday – as an inspirational head – who has achieved three outstanding OFSTED judgements. OFSTED has changed the goalposts several times during his tenure has head and each new framework has been successfully negotiated and conquered.
Both winners have made a huge difference to the lives of children and families in their schools.
Outstanding Contribution to Education in Thurrock (presented by Graham Farrant, chief executive Thurrock Councuil) finalists Lynda Pritchard – Warren Primary School, Barbara King – The Ockendon School, Karen Philips – Arthur Bugler School. Winner: Lynda Pritchard who retired last year as Head Teacher of the Warren Primary School and Hearing Impaired Unit. She has worked tirelessly during her time in Thurrock to bring about education changes; working particularly closely with other schools in the Chafford Hundred area to ensure close transition to secondary education and has represented the views of all primary head as Chair of the Thurrock Primary Heads Association.
