Bradford College

Grade One Teaching Awards Evening for Record Breaking Tutors

The annual ‘Grade One Teaching Awards Evening’ was held to mark the achievements of outstanding members of staff that have helped play a vital role in shaping Bradford College into the innovative institution we know today.

Last year Bradford College made the announcement that a record number of teaching staff, 98 in total, achieved a grade one in their lesson observations.  The record has now been smashed with a staggering 112 members of staff achieving a Grade One in their internal lesson observations.

The annual event was held at the College’s Level6 Restaurant over two evenings due to the unprecedented number of staff that received a grade one in lesson observations - one of the highest accolades possible in the teaching world!

During the course of the evening, awards were presented for outstanding teaching to staff from across the College. Michele Sutton, OBE, Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive presented the award winners with their certificates, congratulating each worthy winner, whilst Assistant Principal: Young People & Quality (FE), Debbie Forsythe Conroy was Master of Ceremonies.

The award winners enjoyed a formal dinner, prepared, cooked and served by students from NVQ Hospitality and Catering, whilst students from the Media, Music and Performing Arts Department provided the evening’s entertainment with outstanding acoustic performances of popular songs. The musical performance entertained and captivated guests throughout the night.

In her opening address Assistant Principal: Young People & Quality (FE), Debbie Forsythe Conroy said: “We are here to celebrate your success this evening and to acknowledge the significant role you have played in continuing to improve the quality of teaching and learning for our students within the College”

Vice Principal for Curriculum and Quality, Kath Oldale, Director of Finance Doug Stott, and Vice Principal of Corporate Services, Andy Welsh were also in attendance at the event which recognises staff achievements.  They paid tribute to award winners alongside Principal, Michele Sutton and Assistant Principal, Debbie Forsythe Conroy.

Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE commenting on the record number of teaching staff to receive awards said: “We’re extremely lucky to have so many excellent teachers at Bradford College, who have achieved grade one in their lesson observations. The students are benefiting from their fantastic teaching abilities, which are reflected in the success rates of our students.”

Vice Principal for Curriculum and Quality, Kath Oldale added: “This evening’s ceremony is really important to us; enabling us to recognise our staff - and the fantastic work they do within the College.  Through their commitment and passion – they have demonstrated fantastic teaching abilities and achieved grade one in their lesson observations.”

Creative Writing Lecturer Helen Forbes attended the awards evening and said: “I work at Queensbury Community Programme, which is attached to Bradford College.” When asked how it felt to be recognised for her outstanding achievements, Helen replied: “It’s really nice!  It’s a great evening and it’s wonderful to meet colleagues from other departments to share in a joint celebration of our success.”

National Skills Academy Hub Manager, Barry Noble attended the awards evening, accompanied by colleagues, Kulvinder Reehal and David Ho.  When asked how it felt to be recognised by the College, dedicated Manager, Barry Noble replied: “It’s a real privilege to receive this award and so great to be appreciated! I look forward to making further contributions to the College in the coming year.”

Achieving a grade one in his lesson observation, Art and Design Lecturer Kulvinder Reehal scooped an award for his outstanding teaching performance. Kulvinder modestly remarked: "This has been a wonderful evening and its nice to be credited for good teaching practice. The support from the college and team has made
this a success. The passion comes from delivering a creative curriculum to our learners and for them to succeed in education and for the future."

Lecturer David Ho is no stranger to success and has been noted in previous years for his teaching and learning.  David added: “It’s great to be recognised for the work and effort we put into the College.  I feel very happy to be here this evening.”

Commenting on the evening which recognises staff achievements, Vice Principal of Corporate Services, Andy Welsh said: “We’re extremely lucky to have so many excellent staff within the College, who have contributed significantly to the continued success of the College. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be here this evening to celebrate in their success.”

Lecturer Mal Scurrah teaches ITC at the College and also works for the West Yorkshire Police as a Computer Officer. Speaking during the memorable evening Mal modestly said: “I’ve been teaching here for five years now and I’m really pleased to be acknowledged.  I’ve been getting grade two for the last five years.  That ‘grade one’ seemed like an elusive thing that was never going to happen and its suddenly appeared. Now it’s set a bit of a benchmark so hopefully I can keep it up!”

When asked how Spanish Tutor, Catherine Halford felt about being recognised for her outstanding performance, she smiled warmly and replied: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award. It’s a real privilege and so nice to be appreciated!"

Executive Director of Finance, Mr Doug Stott concluded: “I think events like this are vitally important because they give due recognition to people who fully deserve the awards they are receiving.”

• Award Winners Gallery