Thank a Teacher Day

As part of national Thank a Teacher Day, the Pearson National Teaching Award panellists announced the Silver Winners at 12 noon. At St Ambrose College in Hale Barns, it was already known that Mrs Layla Taylor, Head of Drama would be a recipient of the Bronze Award in The Secondary Teacher of the Year category, her bronze pin arriving in school a few months ago. This afternoon it was announced that Miss Shelley McCrory, Head of RE is a winner of a Silver Award in the same category, meaning that she will be in consideration for a Gold Award in November.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are now in their 28th year, having been established to celebrate the invaluable education within the UK. Run by The Teaching Awards Trust and supported by Pearson and the BBC, they are the UK’s most prestigious celebration of transformational teaching.

Both Mrs Taylor and Miss McCrory were nominated by their colleagues and this afternoon, joined by Sally Nugent from BBC breakfast, the school took time out from the usual day for all students and staff to gather in the central atrium to celebrate all teachers and support staff, and acknowledge the particular achievements of Layla and Shelley.

Mrs Nugent read the nominations out in full. For Mrs Taylor, it was noted how, through Drama, she not only helps boys find their voice, but also to have the courage to use it. Layla’s impact on teaching and learning across the school was highlighted, including championing research-informed pedagogy, establishing a CPD library to promote professional growth and significant contributions to the school’s marking policy, taking account of approaches favourable to practical subjects.

Beyond the classroom, Layla’s creativity and originality were emphasised, not least her role in writing two original productions; Real People & To Be Seen, both of which focus on important, emotional themes, with the overriding point that speaking about emotions is a strength. “Her inclusive practice is consistent and thoughtful. She maintains high expectations while ensuring barriers do not prevent success, reflecting our commitment to an inclusive community and justice in action.” Mrs Nugent concluded that Mrs Taylor “does not see Drama as an add-on. She sees it as a vehicle for voice, belonging and growth.”

Miss McCrory’s categorisation as a Silver Award winner means she goes forward to the next stage of the competition. First stop for Miss McCrory will be afternoon tea in London on 7th July with other Silver Award winners. Winners of the Gold category will be announced on The One Show on BBC1 in November.

When reading aloud Miss McCrory’s nomination, Mrs Nugent mentioned Shelley’s phenomenal examination results and how her expert use of mark schemes, assessment and attention to detail results, not only in nationally leading outcomes in her own classroom, but across the whole RE department. “Her leadership ensures that RE is not merely examined but experienced – a subject where intellectual resilience and moral reflection are cultivated side by side.”

When focusing on Shelley’s impact beyond the classroom, her contribution to the whole school INSET and pivotal role in chaplaincy, prayer and liturgy were highlighted, including her commitment to school retreats and commitment to St Ambrose’s sister school, St Ambrose Academy in Sierra Leone, where Shelley even has one of their houses named after her! Mrs Nugent commented on how Miss McCrory has significantly contributed to improvements in other schools as well.

Mr Rainey, Principal of St Ambrose College, said, “Mrs Taylor and Miss McCrory are fully deserving of these awards. Listening to the nominations was an important reminder of just how much they, and indeed, all staff across the school give to the boys both inside and outside the classroom. We ensured that all staff across the school were recognised today, but what stood out when listening to Mrs Nugent’s words about Shelley & Layla was how similar they were, in many ways. Both Shelley and Layla fully represent the college’s mission statement as evident in their commitment to those on the margins of our society. In Shelley’s case, she is integral to the advocacy work undertaken by the boys, with Layla able to highlight so many key issues around vulnerability and social justice in a powerful, unique way. We are all incredibly proud of both of them.”