Top honours given to teachers and advisers at USW awards

The winners of the 2024 Teachers and Advisers Awards have been announced.

Held at USW’s Pontypridd Campus, the awards highlight the amazing work done by teachers and advisers in secondary schools and colleges across the UK.

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

Gabriella Smith, Senior Student Recruitment Officer, who organised and ran the event said: “It was my first time being involved in the Teachers and Advisers Awards at USW, from planning and attending the day itself.

 “It is a heartwarming event which celebrates the wonderful people the Student Recruitment team have the pleasure of working with throughout the year. The impact teachers and advisers have on their students extends far beyond the classroom and I had to hold back the tears when listening to students and colleagues share their stories highlighting their gratitude for one another.”

In the Outstanding Pastoral and Wellbeing Support category, Rhian Evans, a teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Carmarthen, won the award.

The Supporting Progression to Higher Education category winner was Emily Harris, who is a teacher at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.

The Inspirational Teacher or Adviser of the Year award was won by Dewi Thomas a teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Cymraeg Bro Edern, Cardiff.

There were also special commendations for Richard Hember a sociology teacher at Coleg Y Cymoedd, and Thomas Howells, a physics teacher at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School.

Nominated by his students for always going above and beyond, Mr Howells said: ““To be invited to the University of South Wales Teachers’ and Advisers Awards was one of the greatest honours and proudest achievements of my teaching career to date.

“I was delighted and so surprised to see so many of my class had made the trip to the University so that we could celebrate together.

“The ceremony was incredibly moving and to be in the same room as so many teachers, who so clearly care about their students, was inspiring.

“Of course, the real stars of the day were the students, but it was amazing to have been awarded a commendation amongst such a remarkable field of other teachers. Thank you so much for a wonderful day.”