Welsh Teaching Awards Finalists

Two educational professionals at Rhondda Cynon Taf schools are shortlisted for this year’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

Now into its fourth year, the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru take place virtually on Sunday, November 29. Over 100 nominations were received this year, shortlisted down to 26 finalists across a range of categories.

Schools, pupils, and families can support the finalists by watching the ceremony live online via the Education Wales Facebook page, starting at 6pm.

David Jenkins, of Ysgol Ty Coch, Pontypridd, is shortlisted in the Headteacher of the Year category, and David Church, of Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, is shortlisted in the Pupils’ Award for Best Teacher category.

Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “After what has been an exceptionally challenging year for teachers, staff, pupils, and their families, across our County Borough, it has never been more important to recognise the commitment and hard work of our education professionals.

“The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru showcase the best of the best in Wales and our two shortlisted individuals this year do an amazing job in our schools, as do all of our teaching staff.

“The Council recognises that to support our teaching staff and their pupils, we must provide modern facilities, classrooms and equipment fit for the 21st Century.

“Which is why we have the most ambitious school building and improvement programmes in Wales, with over £200M of investment delivered to date through the 21st Century Schools programme, in partnership with Welsh Government, and over £33M in additional school improvements since

2015/16, which forms part of the Council’s wider £373.6M #RCTinvest programme across a number of services.”

The Headteacher of the Year Award will go to an individual who is exceptional at their job, whilst demonstrating an ability to engage the school in the wider community and make a real difference for every pupil.

The Pupils’ Award for Best Teacher, one of the new awards for 2020, will see a teacher or other member of staff recognised by an individual pupil or group of pupils, past or present, for the huge difference they have made to their life in school.

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru honour the achievements of teachers and school staff across Wales who are championing success in education, and demonstrating the utmost dedication and commitment to pupils, schools and the local community, especially during these unprecedented times.

Wales Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, said: “It has been an incredibly tough year for parents, pupils and schools across Wales, but the education sector has shown immense resilience.

“Determination and innovation have shone through this year and our education workforce have been working tirelessly to keep Wales learning. It is a privilege to announce these remarkable finalists and to read their stories of hard work and commitment

“This year, more than ever, the awards are a celebration of the finalists themselves and the schools, teachers and pupils they represent. I look forward to celebrating each and every one of you and thank you all for the spirit and perseverance you have shown through this tremendously difficult year.”