Bradford College

Grade One Teaching Awards

Bradford College proudly celebrated success with its annual Grade One Teaching Awards Evening. The event was held in the Level 6 Restaurant, to mark the achievements and pay tribute to teaching staff at Bradford College who have achieved grade one in lesson observations - one of the highest accolades possible in the teaching world!

Over sixty teaching staff achieved grade one in their lesson observations and were invited to attend the memorable event.  The award winners enjoyed a formal dinner, prepared cooked and served by students from NVQ Hospitality and Catering, whilst students from the Performing Arts Department provided the evenings entertainment.  The glittering performances entertained and captivated award winners and guests throughout the night.

Assistant Director of Quality, Improvement & Performance, Debbie Forsythe Conroy was Master of Ceremonies.  In her opening address she said: “We are here to celebrate your success this evening and to recognise the importance your role has played in reshaping the College into a good College, with outstanding features.”

Debbie continued:  “But what does outstanding mean? The dictionary definition states that ‘outstanding’ means: superior, distinguished, prominent, remarkable and excellent.  It is the last descriptor, which best describes what it actually means for the College – excellence!  What you have been noted for is excellence in the classroom.  A fabulous achievement. This placed the College in a strong position for the subsequent Ofsted inspection. We were able to show sustained continuous improvement in teaching and learning which Ofsted were able to endorse.”  Debbie concluded: “So on behalf of the College, thank you – tonight is your night, we hope you enjoy it.”

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.

Paying tribute to the success of the staff in the internal inspection, Michele said: “We’re here to celebrate the achievements of our staff this evening, who have demonstrated fantastic teaching abilities and achieved grade one in their lesson observations.  We’re extremely lucky to have so many excellent teachers at Bradford College. This is reflected in the success rates of our students.  I feel very privileged to be the Principal of the College, where you the staff, do such an excellent job.”

Executive Director of Finance, Mr Doug Stott added: “I’ve seen the hard work, effort and commitment that our staff have put in to improve Bradford College and this evening is a testament to that.”

Hairdressing Lecturer, Jackie Sharp commenting on the memorable evening said: “It’s wonderful to be here this evening to be recognised for our teaching and learning within the Hairdressing Department.”

Jackie continued:  “I think it’s fantastic that there are five members of the Hairdressing team here this evening. Two members actually retired last year so it’s lovely to meet up with them again and celebrate the great teaching and learning that goes on in our Department.”

Hairdressing Lecturer, Lindsey Ratcliff added: “I’d just like to say what a wonderful evening we’re having.  It’s nice to be recognised for the work and effort we put into the College.  We do it for the students because we love the job.”

When asked how lecturer, Richard Brown felt about being recognised for his outstanding teaching performance, Richard replied: “I think it’s a very nice gesture by the College to acknowledge people who have achieved grade one in their lesson observations. The nicest aspect of the evening is getting the opportunity to see other members of staff and share in a joint celebration.”

Lecturer, Ahmed Muhanna said: “I feel very happy to be here this evening. It’s wonderful to be recognised for our grade one teaching achievement.”

Achieving a grade one in her lesson observation, Skills for Life Lecturer, Sandra Yeadon said: “I’m really excited to be here tonight, I feel very proud and honoured!”

Speaking at the awards evening, Lecturer, Miguel Montescano said: “I think it’s a great honour to be here this evening. I’m really, really pleased about it and it’s nice to be recognised for something that you do.”

• Grade One Teaching Awards – Gallery
• Performing Arts Students – Gallery