Nominations open for the annual USW Teacher and Adviser Awards

Nominations are now open for the annual University of South Wales (USW) Teacher and Adviser Awards, recognising the excellent work of individuals in secondary schools and FE colleges across the UK.

The University’s UK Student Recruitment Team is hosting the awards once again this year, in collaboration with Reaching Wider.

Nominations can be made in four categories for teachers and advisers from secondary schools and colleges who have demonstrated excellence in the 2022-23 academic year:

• Outstanding Pastoral and Wellbeing Support
• Supporting Progression to Higher Education
• Digital Innovator of the Year
• Inspirational Teacher or Adviser of the Year

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

The Student Recruitment Team is inviting nominations of teachers or advisers from secondary schools or FE colleges. Students can also nominate their teachers or advisers. To make a nomination, teachers, advisers and students should visit www.southwales.ac.uk/teachers-and-advisers-awards by Tuesday 25 April. Award criteria and terms and conditions can be viewed on the above webpage.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Conference Centre at the University’s Treforest campus on Friday 7 July 2023.

Wendy Hinchey, English Lecturer at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, and winner of the 2022 Award for Supporting Progression to Higher Education, said “I was delighted to be nominated for this award, especially as it was a student who put my name forward. Her kind words and the support received from colleagues, who share the same aims and values to help our students, are heart-warming. 

“Coleg Meirion Dwyfor is based in a proudly Welsh speaking rural community and it is rewarding to see students from all subjects areas growing in confidence as they use their communication skills to write personal statements and prepare for university and HE interviews. The opportunity to help them improve their study skills to gain the qualifications they need and seize the opportunities available is personally very satisfying.”

Sera Evans, Associate Director of UK Student Recruitment at USW, said: “The past few years have challenged us in many ways and the impact of Covid-19 on our young people will be long-lasting. We want to take this opportunity to recognise the commitment, diligence and resilience that teachers and advisers demonstrate on a daily basis, and praise the support, encouragement and positive impact they have on the lives of young people.”