Only two weeks remain for the regions to nominate their special achievers in education, as awarding body Edexcel continues the search for its 2003 Achievement in Education Awards. The deadline for nominations is 14th March.
Over £30,000 in prize money is available to students, teachers, trainers, governors and employers whose performance in education deserves special recognition. The winners will attend a celebration dinner at London’s Marriott Hotel where they will be presented with an award by TV personality Kate Humble, who has hosted the educational programmes Rough Science and Tomorrow’s World, as well as holiday shows and Top Gear.
A panel of celebrity judges, including top media chef Antony Worrall Thompson, ex-MP and journalist Martin Bell, Falkland’s war veteran Simon Weston, and ex-TV newsreader turned teacher Anne Dawson, will decide who deserves the top award of Outstanding Student of the Year.
The £30,000 prize money will be shared between the award winners and their educational centres. But the benefits are more than just financial rewards. Past winners have found that winning an Edexcel Achievement in Education Award has not only helped them academically, but personally in finding a job and boosting self-confidence.
Mark Szortowski, who scooped the Outstanding Student of the Year Award last year, said, “Winning the award looks excellent on my CV and opens many doors. It was an immense honour to have been nominated and to have won. I would certainly encourage others to participate as it provides a wonderful learning experience and the opportunity to show others what you are made of.”
Pat Lovell from Worcester College of Technology, where Mark was a student, said, “It is a great motivator for staff and students and the ceremony was like being at the Oscars.” The college spent their £5,000 prize money on a variety of items for the school including a video camera and outdoor equipment.
Another previous Outstanding Student of the Year Award winner, Lindsay Dixon, who spent her prize money on furthering her education, recommends the awards to others: “I really enjoyed the experience of the interviews and meeting the celebrities. I would encourage others to enter candidates for the awards, if only for the thrill of participating” she said.
Nominating someone for an award is a simple process. Nominations can be made online or forms can be downloaded by logging onto www.edexcel.org.uk/achievement.
Alternatively, call 020 7758 5515/ 5501 or email achievement@edexcel.org.uk for further information.
The deadline for nominations is 14th March 2003.
