Teach First teacher recognised as outstanding educator

23 June 2010

Award honours ‘learning dynamo’ who brings science to life

Teach First participant Kate Campion-Smith was named the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year in London and the South East, at the annual Teaching Awards.

Kate, who is a science teacher at Cator Park School in Beckenham, was recognised for her outstanding combination of passion and ability that has resulted in the largest ever uptake of triple science at the school. She was presented with her award by Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust at a ceremony held at the British Museum on 22 June.

Cambridge graduate Kate is a participant with Teach First, the education charity that places outstanding graduates into schools that are looking to improve results and raise aspirations. The charity aims to address educational disadvantage by recruiting exceptional graduates to teach and lead.

As well as taking two of the most challenging Year 11 groups at Cator Park, Kate mentors gifted students and makes time to engage pupils with low confidence and few aspirations to succeed.

Kate’s dedication to improvement extends beyond the classroom. As a sixth form tutor Kate has helped students improve the quality of their  university application forms, a role that is appreciated by parents, one of whom said: “None of us have been to university so didn’t have a clue about applications; Kate’s advice is invaluable.”

On receiving the accolade Kate said: “It’s amazing to be at the teaching awards, and to have all the hard work of so many people recognised. I would not be a teacher if it was not for Teach First and I wouldn’t still be teaching if it wasn’t for the students.”

Teaching Awards judges said: “Kate comes across very much as a ‘learning dynamo’; a source of almost boundless energy and enthusiasm who drew people to her in support of one thing and one thing only – students’ learning.”

Cator Park School Head teacher Meryl Davies said: “Kate is an inspirational and outstanding teacher – has been since day one. Her lessons have been meticulously prepared and consistently brilliant. A well deserved teaching award winner.”

Teaching Awards judges said: “Kate comes across very much as a ‘learning dynamo’; a source of almost boundless energy and enthusiasm who drew people to her in support of one thing and one thing only – students’ learning.”

Brett Wigdortz, CEO and Founder of Teach First, said: “Kate is a tangible example of the difference a Teach First teacher can make, not just to pupils but to the entire school community. Her skills, enthusiasm and desire to inspire her pupils to be all they can really make a difference to their futures.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

For media enquiries please contact Garfield Myrie, Press Officer, Teach First, 0203 117 2378 and email gmyrie@teachfirst.org.uk or Gemma McNeilis, 07989 392976 gmcneilis@teachfirst.org.uk

Teach First

Teach First's mission is to address educational disadvantage by transforming exceptional graduates into effective, inspirational teachers and leaders in all fields. Teach First targets graduates who would not normally consider a career in teaching and places them in challenging schools – where:

1. More than 50% of their pupils from deprived backgrounds according to the respected IDACI index of childhood deprivation, thereby more accurately prioritising those schools with higher levels of deprivation.
   
   And/or
   
   
2. Schools with the lowest levels of attainment in regards to the 5+ A*-C measure – i.e. schools whose results fall in the lowest third of the national distribution.

In 2009, Teach First placed close to 500 graduates in teaching positions, making it the 4th largest recruiter of graduates in the UK. The figure for participants joining in 2010 is 570 and 650 in 2011.

In 2009, Teach First gained 8th place on the coveted league of Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.

For more information, visit www.teachfirst.org.uk.

The Teaching Awards

The Teaching Awards is open to every school in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  The awards were established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 and are managed by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity. The Trust’s mission is to celebrate excellence in education.