The work and commitment of teachers, teacher trainers and education consultants were recognised at the 16th Design and Technology Association Excellence Awards, held recently at The Institution of Engineering and Technology in London.
Awards were presented by Lesley Morris, Chair of the Design and Technology Association and Prof. Mark Miodownik, Professor of Materials and Society at UCL and a regular presenter on BBC TV’s‘ “Everyday Miracles” and broadcaster and writer involved in productions – including the award winning ‘Stuff Matters’ – relating to science and engineering issues. Kate Bellingham, engineer, TV and radio presenter and broadcaster, was the Master of Ceremonies.
Richard Green MA, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association, says: “The winners are to be congratulated on their well deserved awards. They are also to be celebrated for going above and beyond what might be expected in their contributions to supporting the subject of Design and Technology, often the catalyst for students wanting to be engineers and designers, who are much in demand by employers in the design engineering and manufacturing sectors.”
Design and Technology Association Excellence Awards – categories and winners
Exceptional Support for Design and Technology Award
- David Barley, Bishop Heber High School, Cheshire
- Kathy Hunt, Godwin Primary School, Dagenham
- Lynn Pettet, Godwin Primary School, Dagenham
- Rose Russell, Ursuline Academy, Ilford
Outstanding Contribution to Design and Technology Education Award
- Mike Hopkinson, retired, West Yorkshire
- Sandie Kendall, consultant, Lewisham
- Gwyneth Owen-Jackson, retired, South Yorkshire
Teacher Training Design and Technology Award
- Jason Davies, School of Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Beverley Lawe, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham
- Matt McLain, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
Subject Leadership Design and Technology Award
- Kiran Ramlagan, Redbridge Primary School, Ilford
- Andrew Thomson, Highgate School, London
- Louise Tucker, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Kent
Outstanding Teacher Design and Technology Award
- James Bleach, Samuel Ward Academy, Suffolk
- Philip Cain, Robert May’s School, Hampshire
- Josie Douglas, Malden Parochial Church of England Primary School, Surrey
- Kishon Green, Queens Park Community School, London
- Denise Maiden, Highworth Grammar School, Kent
- Rebecca Topps, St George’s Academy, Lincolnshire
Outstanding Newcomer to Design and Technology Award
- Sophie Bruce, Trenance Learning Academy, Cornwall
- Natasha Hammond, St Bede’s Inter-Church School, Cambridge
- Christopher McGhee, Guildford High School, Surrey
International Development and Support of Design and Technology
- Professor John Williams, Curtin University, Western Australia
- Professor Ron Todd (retired) USA
D&T Education and Industry Engagement
- Graham Swindley, The King’s School, Canterbury
There were also three sponsored awards:
The Bernard Brown Award
Presented to Sandie Kendall by Jonathan Gershon, Past President of the National Association of Advisers and Inspectors of Design and Technology
The IET Award for Digital Design and Technology in Schools
Presented to Rebecca Topps by Claire Molinario, IET Education 5-19 Operations Manager
The James Dyson Foundation Design and Technology Teacher of the Year Award
Presented to Andrew Thomson by Danya Walker, James Dyson Foundation Executive
The 16th award ceremony follows the recent launch of the D&T Association’s 10-minute video “What is D&T – and why do we need it?” that can be seen at www.data.org.uk. Aimed at students, parents and employers, the video demonstrates the importance of the subject of D&T in a balanced curriculum and how it has developed from craft-based roots into a modern, creative and rigorous subject. It reveals why – with the current skills’ shortages in the creative, manufacturing and engineering industries – it is a valuable subject for young people to study.
Elite industry names from the “Best of British”, including Dyson, JCB, Williams F1, Brompton and a host of other household names, are supporting the D&T Association’s ongoing “Designed and Made in Britain …?” campaign, which highlights the importance of the subject in a 21st century curriculum. At the pinnacle of their respective industries, they are all crying out for the next generation of school leavers capable of problem-solving and delivering innovative skills.
