Postgraduate Student Prize 2020 - Kristen Wong
The Postgraduate Student Prize has been awarded to MSc Psychology and Education (Conversion) student, Kristen Wong.
Kristen expressed delight and gratitude on the news of her award, "I’m really honoured to be awarded the Postgraduate Student Prize from the School of Education at the University of Sheffield. Being given the chance to study the MSc Psychology and Education programme at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK has probably been the best decision I’ve made in my academic journey. Although the past one year has been tough, I’m blessed to be surrounded by supportive professors and classmates who helped push and challenge me every step of the way. A special mention to my dissertation supervisor, Anna, for providing timely feedback and constant encouragement along the way. I credit the MSc programme for instilling in me the importance of critical thinking, notably, to question the use of existing tools and measurements so as to foster a more inclusive and compassionate child-centred practice within the field of Psychology. Going forth, I hope to take the knowledge and skills that I’ve learnt within this course and look forward to incorporating these in my future practice as a Psychologist."
Kristen’s dissertation supervisor, Dr Anna Weighall, said, “Kristen is an international student of exceptional ability who achieved the highest mark on the MSc course (87% distinction) with 95% for her dissertation. Her grades were consistently high, and improved throughout the year. … [Kristen] also made a distinctive contribution to the learning community in several ways. She has a great attitude and always contributed positively in class, often leading group work and supporting other students who were struggling, facilitating a positive learning environment. … I was impressed at her clear and independent development of her research project from the outset and her determination to conduct and develop her own ideas to the very best of her ability. Pre-COVID we initially had group dissertation supervisions. During lockdown Kristen was on her own, away from friends and family for several months, despite this, she continued to remain positive, work hard and very independently producing excellent work.”
The Rutland Prize 2020 - Keiran Roberts
The Rutland Prize is awarded annually to an exceptional student on the MA Early Childhood Education programme. This year's worthy winner is Keiran Roberts.
The Course director, Dr Emma Pearson, commented “Kieran has produced work of a consistently high standard throughout the 2- year part-time programme. Importantly, his outstanding dissertation work addresses issues around social justice for children in receipt of ‘free school meals’ using novel, child-centred methodologies. Kieran’s work addresses a contemporary important issue. In working directly with children with a social justice framework, the project aligns to values central to the School of Education. The School proudly engages in research and teaching focusing on concerns about equity, access, inclusion and social justice. Keiran’s work encapsulates these concerns perfectly.”
On hearing that he had won the award, Keiran said, “I'm really honoured to receive The Rutland Prize 2020. Being on the Early Childhood Education MA has been a really rewarding experience, both intellectually and professionally. I always left the study weekends inspired, being in the company of such passionate, knowledgeable people (both my lecturers and my fellow students) and I really appreciate how personalised the course was. I was encouraged to pursue areas I was most interested in and this has motivated me to begin a Doctorate next year. I'd like to thank Dr Emma Pearson in particular who was a source of real support and guidance throughout.”
Many congratulations to both Keiran and Kristen on your achievements, you have demonstrated the qualities and values we aim to instil in our Sheffield graduates.