Case study


Awards 2010: Teachers of the Year


Our round up of the fi rst ever Delivering Diplomas Awards continues with a look at the exceptional members of staff nominated in the category of Teacher or Lecturer of the Year


S


EVERAL OF Amanda Gowland’s students will be going to university in the coming years, when previously this would not have been an option.


T rough her innovative thinking and


commitment to a vocational curriculum she has opened doors to students into areas such as nursing, primary teaching and social work, and careers that they might not otherwise have considered. T e 2010 Teacher of the Year winner in


the Delivering Diplomas Awards arrived at Whickham School and Sports College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, from a “fresh start” school in Nottingham, where she had already developed a reputation for engaging diffi cult to reach students as the school’s 14 to 19 co- ordinator. Her work in this area continues at


Whickham, where she has achieved high levels of success developing courses in health and social care, leading the way with the Gateshead consortium’s gateway application for the Society, Health and Development Diploma. Malcom Kirtley, Whickham’s deputy


headteacher, said: “T rough her commitment 24


and drive, Ms Gowland has motivated students previously disengaged from the curriculum to achieve high levels of success and participation. “Her after-school sessions are full, and


late on Friday afternoons some of our previously disaff ected learners can be found willingly continuing to research and complete assignments. She combines the skills of teacher, motivator, counsellor and taskmaster.” As lead practitioner within the Gateshead


consortium she frequently hosts visits from universities and other schools and colleges to share best practice. She works closely with a variety of healthcare professionals to develop appropriate units of study and secure meaningful placements for students. Ms Gowland has also collaborated with the


Qualifi cations and Curriculum Development Agency to ensure the rigour of the Diploma is maintained by producing a school policy on the use of controlled assignments. As the fi rst cohort of Diploma students


were completing their courses, Henry Edwards, 14 to 19 manager with Gateshead Council, said: “We know that the learner experience is fi rst class and that this will have


enhanced the reputation of the Diploma as a high quality, relevant and adaptable applied learning pathway.” He added: “Our success is laid on the secure


foundation provided by dedicated teachers such as Ms Gowland who have pioneered the art of collaborative curriculum planning and delivery. “For this reason the Gateshead Consortium


owes Ms Gowland and pioneers like her like a debt of gratitude.” Ms Gowland is also admired and respected


by pupils and parents. One mother, whose daughter began the Diploma in Social, Health and Development later than the rest of the class, said: “As the fi rst term progressed it was quite clear that Ms Gowland had inspired my daughter to take up the challenge. T e guidance she was given, underpinned by outstanding teaching, has ensured that she did indeed rise to the challenge. She is now predicted to get top grades and has aspirations to take her A levels.” Meanwhile, one of her students said: “From


all her lessons you come away having learnt something. You can tell they are all thought out thoroughly and adapted to each of our abilities.


Delivering Diplomas • Volume 2 No 2 Autumn 2010


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