Education Excellence Awards 2024
The Education Excellence Awards are a celebration of education excellence in all its forms, and they have been designed to recognise and celebrate University staff who have made a significant contribution to the student learning experience. The Awards are peer and student nominated. Congratulations to all our nominees and winners.
The Postgraduate Teaching Assistant Award
Derry Carr received multiple nominations for the award. She is described as a passionate and engaging communicator and is deeply committed to providing high-quality inclusive teaching. Her contribution is distinctive for the level of interpersonal skills she deploys, invariably putting students at ease and, through her upbeat and approachable demeanor, generating a welcoming atmosphere.
"I’m honoured to be recognised for my dedication to cultivating an inclusive and friendly learning environment in the sometimes, intimidating world of higher education. Thank you to all those who supported and nominated me and to all those responsible for holding the wonderful event." Derry Carr, Biosciences
Excellence in Education Team Award
The Apprenticeships Delivery Team were nominated for the crucial role they play in ensuring that the numerous external regulatory requirements relating to apprenticeships (including detailed Ofsted, ESFA and OfS requirements) are managed and implemented effectively. Over the past year, they have demonstrated outstanding collaboration with colleagues, working closely with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, successfully achieving buy-in from colleagues for requirements that are often incongruous with HE, and acting as a source of guidance and support upon whom colleagues can rely.
"I am delighted that the Apprenticeships Delivery Team won an Excellence in Education Team Award. It is wonderful recognition for the recent successful Ofsted inspection and all of the hard work of the team in supporting colleagues delivering apprenticeships across the University." Jade Adams, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery, Registry and Education Support, Academic Services
The Programme Leader Award
Hugo Williams, Metallurgy and Materials, has had a transformational effect in the Aerospace Engineering programmes which have led to dramatic improvements in the programme outcomes and NSS results. He has expertly provided clear guidance, taking an inclusive approach ensuring that all feel their opinions are valued in any decision that are made. He is always looking for opportunities to help and develop others and has mentored many junior members of staff whilst also keeping up to speed with his substantial teaching. Nothing is too much for Hugo, his leadership and support is always appreciated. His sensitive, compassionate and considered approach to individual students and staff issues is greatly appreciated by students and staff and is something that should be commended.
The Educational Leadership Award
Adrian has shown exceptional leadership of the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory. He has developed the CTL Education Group to be a network of teaching practitioners and support staff. This group works to disseminate best practice and implement new opportunities to enhance the laboratory teaching experience through developments in technology and pedagogic theory, ensuring the University’s STEM laboratory curriculum is contemporary, inclusive, engaging and academically challenging.
"I am delighted and honoured to win this award. However, this is also an important recognition of the exceptional team I am privileged to work with in the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory and the many talented educators within our partner Schools. Their dedication to working together to deliver an excellent student experience has allowed the CTL to become a beacon of outstanding laboratory teaching practice." Adrian Wright, Chemistry
The Innovation and Impact Award
Matthew and Kit were nominated for their collaborative work to deliver a unique, innovative lab session to effectively teach the use, benefits, and limitations of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). They drew on established pedagogic practices and developed an enquiry-based exercise for first year, chemical engineering students.
"AI, and particularly generative AI, is in the process of causing a seismic shift in the way that we teach and learn. This award demonstrates that the University of Birmingham understands the importance of this issue. We look forward to continuing our work in the School of Chemical Engineering to ensure that, together, we can minimise the dangers and make the best of the opportunities provided by GAI. If you would like to read more about this work, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming paper in Education for Chemical Engineers!" Matthew Keith and Kit Windows-Yule, Chemical Engineering
The Inclusive Educator Award
Within the BIA and amongst its approximately 70 staff, Sue and Alison have gained an outstanding reputation for their commitment to furthering EDI aspirations, both have tackled EDI issues with great compassion and skill and have enabled others to benefit from their leadership. Through many small wins they have made significant improvements to teaching, working culture and practices embodying the values of a diverse and inclusive society.
"We are, obviously, delighted to receive this award, not least because we feel we accept it as representatives of all the EDI teams across the university, of the University of Sanctuary committee and of so many of our colleagues at the BIA who have been working to make the university such a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. This award is another demonstration of the university’s commitment to this work and we are privileged to be a part of that." Sue Teale and Alison Tinker, Birmingham International Academy
The Excellence in Academic Support Award
Debbie is an approachable member of staff for students to seek support and guidance. She has guided students through difficult decisions and supported them in their individual choices. She works closely with year leads to deliver an excellent tutorial programme. Not only does Debbie support students but she also supports all the staff in the school, being a first port of call for many academic and wellbeing issues staff might be coming across with students. Debbie is an advocate for excellent student experience in every aspect of her work.
"Being in a position where I can have a positive impact on the academic progress of our students is such a privilege and I am very grateful to my colleagues for recognising my efforts and nominating me for this award. Providing academic support effectively is a collaborative effort and I look forward to continuing to work together with colleagues to enhance the learning experiences of our students." Debbie Cunningham, Biosciences
The Outstanding Personal Tutoring Award
Without fail, Sarah Baig, Pharmacy, will allocate time for her tutees to help with anything that needs support. Through trying times of resitting exams, she has been a support to students, guiding them to much-needed resources and advising students on what the best steps in individual situations. Sarah has succeeded in enhancing student learning experiences and providing high-quality academic support through study tips and learning support. Sarah is an exemplar of what it means to be a successful pharmacist, tutor, and academic within the school.
PVC and Academic Registrar’s Choice
Rhia is an exceptional leader of the Timetabling and Examinations team in Registry, and a valued member of the senior team working on the enhancement of students' educational experience at the University. She has entirely transformed the working relationship between the central timetabling team and Colleges, putting substantial time and care into developing strong communications and collaboration with Schools, and listening carefully to the teaching delivery and space requirements of programmes.
"I am incredibly honoured and genuinely surprised to receive an Education Excellence Award. I see it as a major achievement for an area like Timetabling and Exams to be recognised with such high praise and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from my colleagues." Rhia Malik, Registry and Education Support, Academic Services