Bradford College

Record Number of Staff Achieve Grade One in Lesson Observations

Grade One Teaching Awards Evening 2010/11

Following the announcement earlier this year that a record number of teaching staff, 98 in total, achieved a grade one in their lesson observations at Bradford College– a formal ‘Grade One Teaching Awards Evening’ was held to mark the achievements of these award winning staff.

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!

These outstanding members of staff have helped play a vital role in shaping Bradford College into the innovative institution we know today.

The award winners enjoyed a formal dinner, prepared, cooked and served by students from NVQ Hospitality and Catering, whilst students Dineo Motaung, Shawny-Dee Penn and Kim Chuah from the Music Department provided the evenings entertainment with outstanding acoustic performances of popular songs. The musical performance entertained and captivated guests throughout the night.

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 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 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 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 Director, Debbie Forsythe Conroy.

Lecturer, Graham Burrill attended the awards evening, accompanied by colleague Danielle Baker from the Sports Department.  When asked how it felt to be recognised by the College, dedicated lecturer, Graham Burrill replied: “It’s a real privilege to receive this award and so great to be appreciated!”

Colleague Danielle Baker added: “It’s great to be recognised for the work and effort we put into the College.”

Achieving a grade one in her lesson observation, Curriculum Team Leader Veronique Leygue scooped an award for the second consecutive year for her outstanding teaching performance. Veronique modestly remarked: “I feel very happy to be awarded grade one.  I think we’re very lucky in the Sixth Form Centre as we’ve got fantastic students to work with and a lot of good tutors, so I was really pleased to contribute to the high standards of excellence within the department.

When asked how Pharmacy Lecturer Lisa Strafford felt about being recognised for her outstanding performance, she smiled warmly and replied: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It’s a real privilege and so nice to be appreciated! I look forward to making further contributions to the College in the coming years.

Lecturer Anita Lall accompanied colleague Lisa Strafford to the awards evening and added: “It’s a privilege and pleasure to accept this award and it’s a reflection of the teamwork and dedication within the department. We all work as a team and we want to achieve the best for our students.”

Child Psychology Lecturer Alex Zurek, commenting on the memorable evening, said: “It’s lovely to be here this evening. I teach at the out centres in the community, so it’s great to meet people from other departments to share in a joint celebration of our success.”

Lecturer Kate Johnson teaches Art to ESOL students and was delighted to attend the evening of achievement, speaking at the event, Kate said: “I feel really pleased.  I was delighted to hear I’d received the award – it’s a nice honour and great to get some recognition for hard work.”

Chris Webster was formally a trainer for Vidal Sassoon and Director for Hair & Beauty at Harrods before joining Bradford College as a Hair and Beauty Lecturer. Commenting on the memorable evening, Chris said: “It’s wonderful to be here this evening to be acknowledged for our teaching and learning within the Hairdressing Department.”

Hairdressing Lecturers, Dot Zottola, Emma Morris and Louise Matthew were also noted for their excellence in the classroom and were delighted to share in a joint celebration of success with Hairdressing colleague Chris Webster. 

Commenting on the record number of teaching staff to receive awards, Principal Michele Sutton, OBE said: “This is the first time we’ve had to have two events, which says something about the quality of our teaching and learning.  We’re extremely lucky to have so many excellent teachers that make the College an outstanding place to work and study.  That’s why this evening’s ceremony is really important to us; enabling us to recognise the fantastic work our staff do within the College.”

• Grade One  Awards 2010 /11 – Gallery