17 education professionals from South Wales have been announced as finalists for the national awards
Today (8th April), 29 education professionals from across Wales have been revealed as finalists of the third Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.
The awards were created to celebrate the commitment, dedication and hard work of teachers across Wales. Over a hundred nominations came in from pupils, colleagues and parents and now the best of the best has been shortlisted for an award.
The winners from each of the ten categories will be announced at a special ceremony at Soughton Hall in May. Nominees in South Wales include Cadoxton Primary School for the Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community award, and Robert Aldridge (Mary Immaculate High School) for the Teacher of the Year award.
The Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community award is awarded to schools who demonstrate leadership in collaborative ventures, sharing excellence across all sectors to improve pupils’ learning and well-being.
The Teacher of the Year award is awarded to an individual that displays the qualities of an exceptional teacher, providing evidence of care, compassion and passion for their subject.
Last year’s School Business Manager/Bursar winner from South Wales, Jonathan Caple from Bishop Hedley Catholic High School said: “The school community were very supportive of my nomination and were delighted that I was chosen to be the recipient of the award.
Upon returning to school after winning the award it was fantastic to receive so many congratulations from both pupils and staff, with everyone interested in seeing the trophy and asking about the event.
The award that I received has also been welcomed by the Local Authority, ESTYN, press and parents and has provided positive publicity for the school as well as personal recognition for myself. I was delighted to have been part of the process and I wish good luck to all those who are finalists in 2019.”
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “As ever, the calibre of nominations is astounding, and it is truly humbling to see yet another group of inspiring finalists.
“Part of our national mission is to raise standards of education and make everyone proud to study in Wales. At the heart of the system are the teaching professionals.
“Every day teachers, support and business staff are all making a real difference to the lives of our young people and it’s vital that we recognise them for their contributions.
“The finalists are a credit to the profession. They should all be exceptionally proud of themselves and I am very much looking forward to meeting them all in May to celebrate their hard work.”
To be the first to find out the winner on Sunday 19 May watch on Facebook ‘Live’ www.facebook.com/educationwales and visit gov.wales/teachingawardscymru and keep an eye on the Education Wales social channels @WG_Education
Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru
The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2019 finalists:
Supporting Teachers and Learners
Jack Branford, St. Helen’s Primary, Swansea
Emma Gray, Bassaleg School, Newport
Shaun Pearson, Ysgol John Bright, Llandudno
Best Use of Digital Learning
Matt James, Lewis Girls Schools, Caerphilly
Phil Meredith, Caerleon Comprehensive School, Caerleon
Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language
Nia Williams, Alun School, Flintshire
Catrin Phillips – Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest
Mark Morgan, Pen Y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil
Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities
Richard Watkins, GWE, Conwy
Leanne Pownall, Llantwit Major Comprehensive School, Llantwit Major
Gemma Carr Evans, Bridgend College, Bridgend
Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community
Fiona Thomas, Dwr y Felin Comprehensive School, Neath
Pembroke Dock Community School, Pembroke
Cadoxton Primary School, Barry
Headteacher of the Year
Tracy Jones, Ysgol Merllyn, Flintshire
Rhian Morgan Ellis, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, Porth
Ceri Parry, Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd, Newport
Outstanding New Teacher
Lucio Nocivelli, Eveswell Primary School, Newport
Hannah Cogbill, Cadoxton Primary School, Barry
Gruff Arfon, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor
School Business Manager/Bursar
Gillian Stevenson, Elfed High School, Flintshire
Anna Hughes, Rhayader Church in Wales Primary, Rhayader
Gwyn Jones, Ysgol Eirias, Conwy
Teacher of the Year
Robert Aldridge, Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff
Allison Pope, Cwm Primary School, Ebbw Vale
Cheryl Roberts, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor
Youth Work in Schools
David Charles, Caldicot School, Monmouthshire
Amy Bolderson, Pontypridd High School, Pontypridd
Blaenau Gwent Youth Service Youth Workers, Ebbw Vale
