Lessons to us all: Awards for the very best in education
AFTER the education sector’s turbulent past year, the LeicestershireLive Education Awards 2021 came at the perfect time.
Not only was it a chance to have some face-to-face, festive fun, the event gave everyone the opportunity to share and hear inspiring stories, recognise resilience and celebrate success.
Held at the King Power Stadium on Thursday, teachers, students, staff and schools from across Leicestershire came together to find out who would be taking home one of the 14 prestigious awards.
Presenter Des Coleman led the audience through the exciting evening, rewarding those driving education forward with their enthusiasm, passion and support as well as the talented and determined young students.
Businesses and organisations showed their support for the tenacious education sector, with the University of Leicester headline sponsor.
The winners were:
MUSIC EXCELLENCE
Winner: Tiasha Bhattachraya did not let the pandemic hold back her progression as a vocalist.
This year, she has already sung at the Year 6 open evening and has now joined a jazz band as a singer.
Tiasha has already volunteered for future events, with her potential evident to all and no bounds to what she can achieve.
SCIENCE AND MATHS
Sponsored by Fullhurst Community College
Winner: Zoe Nakas is passionate about science and hopes to pursue a career in the subject, something which she can easily achieve with her independence and hardworking, hands-on approach.
Zoe’s can-do attitude means she is always ready to take on whatever challenge she is given, all while helping those around her. FINALISTS: Archie Swinfield and Muhammed Ali Khan
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Sponsored by Hastings Direct Winner: Asha Goodall took on a 100-mile walking challenge to raise money for Loros Hospice, and then created an inspirational book, My A-Z of Mental Wellbeing which she sent out to vulnerable children.
She collected 3,086 pieces of litter along her challenge and subsequently inspired environmental initiatives at her school.
FINALISTS: Natasha Boyce and members of the Student Voice Action Team at Rushey Mead Academy
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Loughborough College Winner: Cameron Meany easily achieves the on-the-go demands of his job in the Sileby Redlands Primary School office.
Cameron is highly professional and personable, forming a great relationship with the students and providing the staff with a high standard of work.
FINALIST: Olivia Knight
BEATING THE ODDS
Sponsored by Train Together Ltd Winner: Leo Shepherd inspires everyone at Cedars Academy, being described as a delight to teach and support due to his joy and positivity.
Despite his serious heart condition, hearing impairment and learning difficulties, he shows phenomenal resilience and determination in order to learn and succeed. FINALISTS: Grace Davis and Katie Parker
HEALTHY SCHOOLS
Winner: Brocks Hill Primary puts a healthy lifestyle at the top of its priorities.
PE lessons, team sports, outdoor learning and daily boost sessions engage physical skills; alongside physical literacy programmes, a new outdoor gym and community allotment. Pupils can also become wellbeing ambassadors and access help from special support staff. FINALISTS: Hallam Fields Primary and Lutterworth High’s catering team.
SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Winner: Lorenzo Martin started karting at the age of four and has progressed from racing at club level to the higher Motorsport UK events.
His achievements on and off the track have helped him to secure many podium positions as well as brand-ambassador roles. FINALISTS: Amber Faulkner and Teagan Broughton
INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by The Mead Educational Trust
Winner: Brett Heathcote was a popular and much loved photography teacher at Gateway College.
Prior to his death in September, he had a profound effect on students, staff and the school as a whole.
The true soul of the department,
his energy and passion helped students transform and evolve with confidence and skill.
FINALISTS: Emma Smallwood and Stacey Morley-Seaman
NEWLY/RECENTLY QUALIFIED TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Avanti Schools Trust Winner: Somayya Patel is a teacher in the design and technology department at Judgemeadow Community College.
She supported her colleagues throughout the pandemic and was the first to volunteer to teach key workers’ students.
Somayya even gave up her own time during the summer to help those who had lost out on learning. FINALISTS: Chloe Smith and Joshua Mammatt
SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Invent Learning Winner: Jordan Small is a phase leader at Millgate School, supporting students to overcome barriers in their personal development.
He takes it upon himself to improve support systems in the school, take on extra learning and spends two nights a week at the school residence to help some of the most vulnerable students. FINALISTS: Bernie Walker and Kris Cross
STUDENT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Inspiring Leaders Teacher Training
Winner: Asha Goodall has made a huge impact on the lives around her.
Passionate, resilient and a champion for inclusion, she shows inspiring commitment to improving the wellbeing of others.
Asha has taken her own challenges which she has to overcome everyday and turned them from difficulties into opportunities to help others. Fund-raiser, environmentalist, mental health advocate, Asha is a true community champion.
HEADTEACHER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Schoolwear Solutions Winner: Matthew Peet is the headteacher at Mowmacre Hill Primary.
He worked tirelessly during lockdown to gain funding for access to live online learning, enabling every child to be heard and feel like they belong.
His open door policy and ability to identify and encourage progression helps staff to develop their individual
skills while creating one effective and united team.
FINALISTS: Denham Kite and Gary Aldred
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Aspire People Winner: Braunstone Community Primary promotes the importance of every single child and staff member working towards becoming the best versions of themselves.
Everyone is treated equally and fairly in the supportive environment, helped by the proactive pastoral team, high standard of teaching led by new research, and the belief to achieve full potential. FINALISTS: Birch Wood School and The Winstanley School
THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER’S OUTSTANDING EDUCATION CITIZEN AWARD
Sponsored by The University of Leicester
Winner: Natasha Boyce is a true inspiration, mentor and role model for so many in the community.
She works tirelessly to create opportunities for young people, encouraging them to use their voices and stand up against injustice.
Natasha creates an environment where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are a top priority, empowering students through authentic and enriching teaching.
She is helping to create a generation of compassionate, respectful and proud young people who have a passion for being a force for good.