National award earned by South Cheshire College lecturer

A South Cheshire College lecturer has been recognised by a national awarding body aimed at honouring outstanding teachers.

Geography and Geology lecturer Helena Curtis has received a Certificate of Excellence following a nomination for Pearson Teaching Awards FE Lecturer of the Year Award.

Helena was praised for ‘going over and beyond’ what is expected of her as an A Level tutor.

This included work in the learning environment, teaching and learning, assessment and her work beyond the classroom.

The Pearson Teaching Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in education and highlight how vital success in education is, to the health and wealth of the UK.

Since starting to teach on the college’s A Level course in 2012, Helena has moved the Geography department from strength to strength.

She has improved class results, received excellent student feedback and increased student numbers on the course.

Geography and Geology students have benefited from educational field trips organised by Helena, including visits to Mount Etna in Sicily and Reykjavic in Iceland.

Her A2 Geology group were 1st runners-up in the North West Geological Society Competition.

And Geography student Lydia Whittaker has been offered a place to read Geography at Cambridge University in September.

Lydia said: “I wasn’t really thought of as an Oxbridge student when I first arrived at South Cheshire College.

“But because of the support I’ve received from Helena, it’s developed to this.

“The individual progress updates from Helena and pushing me to aim for higher targets eventually led me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.”

Helena (pictured) said: “I was shocked and pleased to receive the certificate!

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of increasing the status of ‘Earth Sciences’ at South Cheshire College and feel extremely proud of all my enthusiastic and hardworking students who make the job so worthwhile.”

Lee Smith, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Learner Support, said: “We are very proud of Helena’s achievement and the way in which she helps increase the opportunities for students within our college.”