A GEOGRAPHY teacher has been nominated in the South Wales Argus Schools & Education Awards 2018 for her “drive and enthusiasm”.

Sarah Negri is the head of the Geography department at Croesyceiliog School, in Cwmbran, and has been nominated for the Secondary Teacher of the Year award.

Ms Negri has been working at the school since January 2010 and was promoted to head of department in September 2016.

The 30-year-old said: “When I heard I had been nominated, I was shocked and humbled – but also very pleased.

“I love working with the pupils here, every day is completely different.”

Ms Negri, from Abertillery, said that teaching geography is about educating young people about “the real world”.

“I really enjoy putting my passion across to them,” she said.

In her nomination, Sian Melbourne - who is a Welsh and geography teacher at the school - said that Ms Negri has taken on “numerous challenges” over the years.

She continued: “She inspires and leads by example and is an exceptional teacher.

“As a colleague and friend, she ensures her department are mentored and supported so that all the pupils are able to progress their knowledge of geography.”

Ms Melbourne, who will soon be starting a job as head of Welsh at Chepstow High, said Ms Negri’s lessons are “informative and interesting”.

“As a head of department she is an inspiration to me and, as I move into a similar role in a different school, I will be aiming to emulate her drive and enthusiasm, so that my staff have as much respect for me as we all do of her,” she added.

The South Wales Argus Schools & Education Awards 2018, which are now open for nominations, aim to recognise the extraordinary commitment and dedication that so many staff bring to education every day. This year there are 15 award categories.

The categories are open to people working within the Gwent area of Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Newport and Caerphilly. You can send nominations via our website until 5pm, January 12 at southwalesargus.co.uk/schoolsandeducationawards