Last updated at 10:18, Friday, 19 November 2010

The first Cumbrian “Oscars” celebrating excellence in education and learning have taken place.

• Video: The awards ceremony at Energus

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

More than 220 people who work at or attend the county’s schools, colleges and universities gathered for the inaugural CN Group Education and Learning Awards.

Nineteen awards – the “Golden Apples” – were given out at the gala dinner at Energus, Lillyhall.

The event was hosted by CN Group, publishers of The Cumberland News, in partnership with Britain’s Energy Coast Campus and Invest in Cumbria. Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton, from Kirkby Thore near Penrith, was the evening’s special guest.

The achievements of unsung heroes were honoured alongside the pioneering work that some of our biggest education establishments are championing.

Neil Hodgkinson, editorial director of CN Group, paid tribute to all those who work in education and learning.

He said: “It is far from a simple task and it carries a huge responsibility which often goes unheralded. That is why we decided to launch these awards to reflect the incredible hard work that goes on and celebrate the success that is delivered by those involved in education and learning at all levels.”

Carlisle College picked up a hat-trick of trophies – its Learning Resource Centre team won Support Staff of the Year, Innovation in ICT went to lecturers Matty McLeish and Alan Pearson and chairman David Carter was named Governor of the Year.

LRC team member Carol Longford said: “We do this every day because it is our normal job so we never expected to win. It’s good to recognise the work of support staff, sometimes they don’t get the recognition they rightly deserve.”

Other winners included modest 60-year-old grandmother Terry Vickers, who has been a teaching assistant at Cummersdale School for more than 20 years.

The Primary School of the Year accolade recognised the key role Cumbria’s small, rural schools play in our communities.

Lees Hill School, near Brampton, was honoured for the way it gives its 47 pupils a big outlook on life despite its small size.

Headteacher Jill Simpson said: “This is a tribute to the contribution everyone makes at the school, not just the teachers, but the staff, children and our parents.

“We were stunned when Lees Hill was called out, particularly when we saw the schools we were finalists with.”

Carlisle teenager Connor Tyson, a 14-year-old pupil at Trinity School, was named Learner of the Year. He was ill and could not attend Wednesday’s ceremony, so his mother Maureen Shaw picked up the award on his behalf.

Connor almost died two years ago after contracting meningitis but he has gone on to amaze doctors. Determined Connor has learned to do everything again, from walking to reading and writing and this September he returned to school full-time.

Maureen said: “I’m proud as punch. I know how hard the last two years have been for him.

“I had to run out and call him straight away. I was trying not to cry while I spoke to him. He couldn’t believe it.”

The Newton Rigg campus, near Penrith, picked up two awards – it won Sustainable School and Shelagh Todd was named lecturer of the year.

Colin Blanchard, head of land and animal management, said: “This is a reward for a lot of people for the work they’ve done over a lot of years. Sustainability is not something you can do overnight or on your own, it’s a real team effort.

“I’m particularly pleased for Shelagh. She’s a legend.”

John Grainger, of Invest in Cumbria, said: “These awards have been fantastic for the sector and it makes me proud to see the standards delivered in Cumbria.

“I have never seen a better awards event and more importantly it is the first external ceremony to highlight the achievement of many within the sector.”

Winners

Learner of the Year - Connor Tyson, Trinity School, Carlisle

Support Staff of the Year - Learning Resource Team, Carlisle College

Sustainable School of the Year - School of Further Education, University of Cumbria, Newton Rigg, Penrith

Community Involvement - Caldew School, Dalston

Governor of the Year - David Carter, Carlisle College

Teaching Assistant of the Year - Teresa Vickers, Cummersdale School, Carlisle

Innovation in ICT - Matty McLeish, and Alan Pearson, Carlisle College

Active Education - Mayfield School, Whitehaven

Outstanding New Teacher - Ashley McAleavey, Lakes College West Cumbria, Workington

Teacher of the year - Fiona Taylor, Bridekirk Dovenby School, Cockermouth

Headteacher of the Year - Shaun Monaghan, Jericho Primary School, Whitehaven

Lecturer of the Year - Shelagh Todd, University of Cumbria, Newton Rigg, Penrith

Against All Odds - Cockermouth School, Cockermouth

Apprentice of the Year - Neil Brown, Sellafield Ltd, Whitehaven

Employer of the Year - St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston

Primary School of the Year - Lees Hill CE Primary School, Lees Hill, Brampton

Secondary School of the Year - St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Workington

Post 16 Education Provider - Lakes College West Cumbria, Workington

Lifetime Achievement - Mike Ridyard, Connexions Cumbria, Barrow-in-Furness

First published at 09:40, Friday, 19 November 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk