Some of the most inspiring educators in South West Wales have been announced as winners of the sixth Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS, revealed the winners of the ten categories at a special ceremony held at Soughton Hall in Mold on Sunday, July 14, from twenty-seven education professionals who made it to the finals.
For the first time, the teaching awards were open to colleges as well as schools.
Rhian Evans, from Gower College in Swansea, won this years ‘Learners’ Award for Best Teacher/Lecturer’.
Rhian was nominated by her Childcare students at Gower College, who described her as an “angel on their shoulder”.
Many of Rhian’s students say it was Rhian who gave them the resilience to stay in college.
She has made the impossible seem possible, no matter the personal challenges her students face.
A bilingual champion, Rhian also supports her colleagues and students at Gower College to grow their confidence in the Welsh language.
Winners this year demonstrate the variety of learning opportunities that the Curriculum for Wales has made possible for schools and educators.
Rhian Thomas, from Catwg Primary School in Neath, was awarded ‘Teacher of the Year in a Primary School’, in recognition of her enthusiasm for outdoor learning.
Rhian creates engaging learning experiences in Catwg Primary’s Forest School, from running pre-school playgroups, to weekend learning sessions for the local community.
The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS, said: “The calibre of nominations continues to be exceptional and demonstrates the abundance of innovation and talent we have here in Wales.
“We asked parents and carers, learners, teachers, lecturers, colleagues and the general public across Wales to nominate inspiring education professionals – and this year we received more nominations than ever.
“Our judges have been truly inspired by their visits to schools and colleges across all four corners of Wales throughout this process.
“From primary and forest schools, to secondary schools and colleges, education practitioners at all stages of learners’ lives have a huge impact on their development, wellbeing and engagement with education.
“Congratulations to all the finalists and especially to the winners on your achievements and dedication to nurturing the next generation of Welsh citizens.”
The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2024 winners:
Teacher of the Year in a Primary School
Rhian Thomas, Catwg Primary School, Neath
Inspirational use of the Welsh Language
Alex Davies, Black Lane Primary School, Wrexham
Outstanding new Teacher
Hannah Jones, Ysgol Tŷ Ffynnon, Shotton
Learning Support Assistant
Jo Wyatt, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Mold
Lecturer of the Year (NEW)
Katie Davies, Bridgend College, Bridgend
Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School
Dr Gareth Evans, Ysgol y Creuddyn, Llandudno
The Betty Campbell (MBE) award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
Amy Grimward, Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
Headteacher/Principal of the Year
Richard Owen, Idris Davies School, Tredegar
Learners’ Engagement in School/College (NEW)
The Inspire to Achieve Team, The College Merthyr Tydfil
Learners’ Award for Best Teacher/Lecturer
Rhian Evans, Gower College, Swansea
