Newtownaabbey school nominated for UK-wide award

The Whitewell Road school is up against four other schools for the prestigious UK-wide accolade.

It was nominated for its work creating an inspiring and supportive culture for all students, with on-site social workers, dedicated youth workers, student emotional wellbeing coordinators and a team of Occupational Therapists and Art Therapists.

They do this without losing out on academic excellence, as one of the highest performing Northern Irish schools over the past three years.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the judges will visit schools virtually for a two-hour judging meeting to be held after Easter.

Hazelwood Integrated College is in the running to be one of the Silver Award winners. These will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards which will be announced at the televised UK ceremony later in the year, broadcast on the BBC as ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.

Pupils and parents can show their appreciation for their teachers, who are supportingn children across the country in incredibly challenging conditions, by sending them a Thank You card for free via the Thank a Teacher campaign at https://thankateacher.co.uk/

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said:  “Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award.

“At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you.

“At Pearson we are delighted to support these awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion.” 

Steve Munby, Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust, added: “Congratulations to all of the amazing staff in the running to win a Silver Award. This is fair recognition of the outstanding job they are doing and their efforts in going well beyond their role to make sure their students get every chance in life. 

“Now more than ever is the time to appreciate our teachers and the fantastic work they are doing. I am honoured to be part of these awards and to play my part in acknowledging teachers for the incredible job they do.”

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