Huddersfield schools celebrate scooping top teaching awards

Jun 20 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

He started at the school in 1987 as a PE teacher but now teaches history.

Pupils told the judges he has an amazing ability to bring his subject to life.

He said: “I’m feeling proud, flattered but also embarrassed by it all because it was so unexpected.

“Teaching is the only thing I’ve ever done and will ever do because it is something I love doing so much.

“I hope the pupils will be pleased for me, they’ve been very supportive and I think they’ll see this as something we have all contributed towards.”

Julie Woodhead, of the ETHOS Pupil Referral Unit off Rawthorpe Terrace, won the award for special needs teacher of the year.

She said: “I’m overwhelmed and astonished by it.

“My students have very much played a big part in helping me get this.

“What is special about our school is that everyone comes with a fresh start – if they need 20 changes they’ll get 20 chances.

“I hope they all see this as something everyone has contributed towards.”

A distinction was awarded to Rev Christine Bullimore who won the award for governor of the year for her work at Emley First School.

Helen Ford, of St Aidan’s CE First School, Skelmanthorpe, was commended in the outstanding new teacher of the year category.