Awards hope for three teachers and governor

By nicola taylor newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk

THREE teachers and a chairman of governors from schools in mid-Essex have been shortlisted for prestigious awards.

After undergoing assessment in their workplaces by the judges, the quartet have reached the East of England finals of the 2010 Teaching Awards.

They will all travel to Norwich today with hopes of making it through to the televised national finals in October.

Kara Wren, an art teacher at Maltings Academy, in Witham, has been nominated for the title of Secondary Teacher of The Year in the Royal Air Force category of awards.

Lily Carabott a year 8 student at the Spinks Lane school, put her forward for the award, saying: "She is an inspiration to me and to others.

"She is kind, yet firm. She's a brilliant teacher."

Mrs Wren said: "I am blown away by the nomination. It is a real honour. The fact a Year 8 student cares enough to put me forward is so lovely."

Nick Farn, an IT teacher at The Sandon School, said he was "humbled and shocked" by his nomination.

He said: "I think of myself as a bit of a rigid disciplinarian so it is nice that pupils respect that."

Also selected as one of the four finalists in this category is Dr Paul Thomas, head of science at New Hall School in Boreham.

Several students nominated Dr Thomas for his enthusiastic teaching, humour and dedication to helping each individual realise their potential.

Joining them at the event in Norwich will be David Bebb, the retiring chairman of governors at Chelmsford County High School for Girls.

He is thrilled to be in the final three in the DCSF National Governor of the Year category of the awards.

Mr Bebb, who is stepping down from his post after 22 years, was nominated by head teacher Nicole Chapman.

He said: "I feel very honoured to have been put forward for this award."

Meanwhile, another school in Chelmsford is celebrating success in the 2010 Teaching Awards.

Organisers challenged schools to make a four-minute film showing why their school is great.

The judges were impressed with the efforts of 20 gifted and talented drama students from Chelmer Valley High School, who compiled their piece as if it were a cookery programme, showing the perfect recipe for a fantastic school

Chelmer's film had been placed in the top ten for the whole country and will be available to view on the Awards website.

Gemma Peacock, head of media, said: "We are thrilled to be placed in the top ten in this competition and have received a certificate and trophy."