THE nominations are in and now the judging can begin as we search to find the best pupil projects and the most inspirational school staff in the North East.
For the fifth year running, the Journal has teamed up with its sister paper on Teesside, the Evening Gazette, and our associate sponsor, Northumbrian Water, to host the North East School Awards.
Over the last few weeks, we have been inundated with entries to the popular campaign, which aims to celebrate the fantastic work taking place inside our schools.
Our judges now have the difficult task of choosing their favourites to whittle the mountain of nominations down to just three for each of the nine categories.
Today, The Journal is also delighted to announce the University of Sunderland is once again showing its support for the campaign by coming on board as one of our sponsors.
The university is backing the Inspirational Secondary School Teacher category.
Christine Farnsworth, the University of Sunderland’s head of department for education, said: “Through the links that we have with our partner schools, colleges and education networks we are aware of some outstanding work taking place in schools in the region.
“This is why we feel this award is so important, as it gives ourselves and the community the opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellent teaching.
“We are proud to sponsor the Inspirational Secondary School Teacher award in recognition of the difference inspirational teaching can make to the lives of young people.”
The campaign is also being sponsored by Nexus and the Centre for Life.
There are nine awards in total – four for school projects and five for staff.
The project award winners will be presented with a £1,000 grant for their school, a trophy and certificate. Individual winners will also get a trophy and certificate.
The categories are: Sustainable School Award; Active Community Award; School Newspaper Award; Healthy School Award; Headteacher of the Year; Support Staff of the Year; Inspirational Primary School Teacher; Inspirational Secondary School Teacher and Caretaker of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place on July 14 at the Centre for Life, in Newcastle’s Times Square.
Event manager Jennifer Cook said: “The judges have a tough challenge ahead of them and we are sure to have a fantastic awards ceremony to look forward to.”
A shortlist of the finalists will be printed in The Journal this month.
