USW honours Teacher and Adviser Awards winners

Rhian Morgan, Zoe Beechey, Sophie Greenaway, and Luigi De Rose. Wendy Hinchey was unable to attend the awards event.

The winners of the second annual University of South Wales (USW) Teacher and Adviser Awards have been announced. 

At an event held at USW’s Treforest Campus, the accolades were awarded to teachers and advisers from secondary schools and colleges across the UK who have demonstrated excellence in four categories in the past academic year.  

Each award winner received £500 towards CPD and/or staff wellbeing initiatives at their school or college. 

Sera Evans, USW’s Head of UK Student Recruitment, said: “We had a fantastic response to the awards, with 93 nominations across the four categories from 13 different institutions. The submissions for the awards show that we have some truly inspiring people across Wales who are working tirelessly to help the next generation to achieve their full potential. 

“It was difficult to pick winners in the categories, with little to choose between the nominees. 

“Despite there being only one winner in each category, all the entrants were winners, and the pupils and students they support benefit every day from their commitment to excellence. We salute their hard work and dedication.” 

In the Outstanding Pastoral and Wellbeing Support category, Rhian Morgan, who is Head of Year 9 at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, won the award. 

The nomination highlighted her dedication to the school and its pupils. 

“She is the most selfless person we know,” it said. “She’s not only an amazing teacher by teaching us all we need to know, by making sure we understand the work and giving up her time to go over anything we don’t understand in breaks, after school and in half terms, which really shows how committed she is.  

“Even through unprecedented times she still had a positive impact on her pupils and showed resilience and that she cared.”  

In the Supporting Progression to Higher Education category, Wendy Hinchey, who is an English Lecturer at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, was named winner. 

“Wendy supported each of us massively with our UCAS applications,” the nomination said. 

“Wendy teaches at two sites for the college, therefore has a large number of students under her care. Each of us have been given support with our personal statements, filling the forms out, mock interviews etc.  Wendy felt it was important for us to gain an idea of the realities of University, and so brought a past student in to talk about their experiences in University along with tips on how to succeed in our coursework.”  

The Digital Innovator of the Year category winner was Zoe Beechey, Digital Literacy Leader at Neath Port Talbot College, whose unflappable support was highlighted in the nomination. 

“She has really helped most of us in class, including some people who do not have the access to a laptop,” the nomination said. 

“Also, she has taught every single one of us new skills in our Digital Literacy class - not only skills but she is a very understanding teacher who is slow to anger and very much approachable even if you have a problem. She has been the best teacher I think anyone has ever asked for - not only for me but also for my class. Her lessons are always fun and easy to understand.​” 

The Inspirational Teacher or Adviser of the Year award was won by Sophie Greenaway, Head of Sixth Form at Fitzalan High School in Cardiff. 

“Mrs Greenaway goes above and beyond for her students,” the nomination said. 

“In my 14 years of education, I have never met a teacher who cares so much for the wellbeing and future of her students. From my personal experience, I have witnessed how much time and effort she puts into helping me and my friends with our endless problems, including both mental health and academic support. 

“Then, to see the amount of people walking in and out her office every day, and hearing from pretty much everyone, staff and students, how supportive she is, it truly inspires me.”  

There was also a special commendation for Luigi De Rose, Curriculum Leader for Computer Science and ICT at St Michael’s School, Llanelli.  

He received multiple nominations across all four categories, one of which said: “I enjoy every moment of Mr De Rose's lesson as he always provokes us to think about the link between the knowledge in computer science and our future.  

“Even though the size of the class is small, he still demonstrates his passion for teaching everyone and often spends time giving advice individually. With his involvement, everyone is fully engaged in computer science and strive to expand their understanding of this subject.”