JUDGES in the South Wales Argus Schools & Education Awards 2021/22, held in association with Cardiff Metropolitan University, say they were humbled by the nominations sent in by readers and had a tough job choosing the finalists.

In particular, they were inspired to learn about the ways schools and educational centres had dealt with the Coronavirus pandemic and how staff had gone ‘above and beyond’ to help children and young people.

“Time and time again we’ve been reminded of the quality of people leading and teaching at these establishments,” said editor of the South Wales Argus Gavin Thompson.

“One of the roles of a good local newspaper is to celebrate the positive things that are happening in our communities, something we will certainly be able to do at this year’s awards on Thursday, April 7.”

The Finalists:

Above and Beyond Award, sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council:

  • Gareth Rees, Paul Rowlands and Nathan Williams, Cwm Ifor Primary School, Penyrheol;
  • The staff at Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre, Ystrad Mynach;
  • Helen Zammitt, Goytre Fawr Primary School, Penperlleni.

Digital Innovation Award, sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society:

  • CAVMS (Cardiff and Vale Music Service);
  • Duolingo;
  • Nick South of Western Power Distribution.

New Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by Cintec:

  • Holly Gordon, Ysgol Bryn Derw ASD Special School;
  • Miss S Stagg, Coed Eva Primary School, Teynes, Cwmbran;
  • Ray Morgan, Coleg Gwent.

Further Education Lecturer of the Year, sponsored by Western Power Distribution:

  • Peter Britton, Adam Jones and Jane Price, all of Coleg Gwent.

Primary School of the Year, sponsored by Icon Creative Design:

  • Cwm Ifor Primary School, Penyrheol;
  • Fochriw Primary School, Fochriw near Bargoed;
  • Langstone Primary School, Langstone, Newport.

Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Western Power Distribution:

  • Terri Booth, Bassaleg School, Bassaleg;
  • Theresa Harwood, Kites Nursery, Newport;
  • Christine Jenkins, Coleg Gwent.

Headteacher of the Year, sponsored by Portal Training:

  • Ian Elliott MBE, Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre, Ystrad Mynach;
  • Lee Jarvis, St Martin’s School, Caerphilly;
  • Sharon Pascoe, Fochriw Primary School.

Primary Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council:

  • Matthew Butcher, Coed Eva Primary School;
  • Paige Jenkins, Glasllwch Primary School, Newport;
  • Rachel Morris, High Cross Primary School, Rogerstone;
  • Sarah Stow, Hendre Infants’ School, Caerphilly.

Secondary School Teacher of the Year, sponsored by University of South Wales:

  • David James, Abertillery Learning Community;
  • Nicholas King, St Julian’s School, Newport;
  • Ben Powell, Ysgol Bryn Derw ASD Special School.

Teaching Assistant of the Year, sponsored by New Directions Education:

  • Hayley Best, St David’s RC Primary, Cwmbran;
  • Julietta Howell, St John’s College, Cardiff;
  • Sarah Osmond, Crownbridge School, Cwmbran.

Early Years Education Award, sponsored by University of South Wales:

  • Burleigh House Day Nursery, Newport;
  • Sonja Goss, George Street Primary School, Pontypool;
  • TOGs (Torfaen Opportunity Group) Disabled Children’s Centre, Pontypool.

Welsh Medium Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Newport City Council:

  • Iestyn Ap Rhobert and Jacqui Spiller, both of Coleg Gwent.

Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by Portal Training:

  • St Martin’s School, Caerphilly;
  • Rougemont School, Newport;
  • Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Pontypool.

Best Welsh Language Initiative, sponsored by Coleg Gwent:

  • Cylch Meithrin Y Delyn;
  • Cymraeg I Blant Casnewydd;
  • Menter Iaith Csnewydd.

South Wales Argus:

ICON Creative Design is excited to be sponsoring the Primary School of the Year category in the South Wales Argus Schools & Education Awards.

Supporting the Primary School of the Year is an endorsement from the team at Icon Creative Design of the great work undertaken by schools, who are at the forefront of delivering happy and healthy learning experiences, and a mark of our respect for all involved.

The energy and ambition found in the education sector is second to none and recognition at prestigious awards like these can generate a positive feel good factor.

As a design agency, we partner with schools including Bassaleg High School and Ffynone House School, working with Head Teachers, staff and pupils on everything from signage, branding, uniform to website and social media to capture a school’s ethos and ambition.

Icon has been fortunate to be working with the inspiring ‘Ballet Cymru’ who run ‘DUETS’ for primary school children across Wales as well as being the creative partner for the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, an event in which a high proportion of participants were children.

For us, the early years in school are the platform for discovering and stimulating young people.

Highly enthused teachers, a passion to inspire and a welcoming environment are key components of what makes an outstanding primary school.

If you’re a school that needs help in defining what makes you special, or looking to refresh design work, please get in touch, we’re here to help. E-mail: hello@iconcreativedesign.com

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