Layla and Charlotte were nominated for the award as each were successful in gaining high marks throughout their written assessments along with very successful school placements.
Geography course tutor, Alison Grassmeder, nominated Layla for being an excellent student in all respects, attaining consistently high scores for her work submissions, with both of her placement schools commenting on how she has been an exemplary student. Layla has also performed the role of Social representative for the Geography course acting as a key member of the Social Committee, contributing to supporting other students' efforts to maintain good mental health during a very challenging year.
On receiving the award, Layla said, “I am so grateful to receive this award, and would like to thank the PGDE Geography tutors for supporting me throughout the course. This year has been particularly challenging due to the pandemic, and I couldn't have done it without the wonderful staff in each of my placement schools and the support of my fellow trainee teachers. Despite this challenge, I found the course to be rewarding and invaluable to my personal development, and I feel like my confidence and self-belief has grown so much during the year. My favourite part of the course was the placement experience, and I enjoyed getting to know my classes, learning about their needs and interests, and contributing to their understanding of the world. In the near future, I hope to complete the MA APSE to achieve my Masters in Education, and look forward to taking the first steps in my career as a qualified teacher in a Sheffield school.”
Charlotte Hostler was nominated for the award by course tutor, Debbie Rigby, who outlined why she felt Charlotte was the worthy winner,
"Charlotte has excelled throughout the PGDE course consistently achieving 70+ in her masters units. It has been noted that she has gone above and beyond to assist her SE2 school host teacher with exam paper marking, invigilating and generally supporting whenever needed during the pandemic, whilst also supporting her fellow university students .Charlotte has demonstrated that she is a "Teacher of Children", engaging completely with the schools community and discusses this proudly in her highly reflective end of course presentation.
Charlottes EEE primary school experience wanted me to pass on the following:
"I would also like to commend Charlotte on her outstanding professionalism, subject knowledge and willingness to support her team. She would be an asset to any establishment and it was an absolute pleasure to have her at our school. I know my sentiments are reflected by other members of staff, with whom Charlotte worked over her short time with us."
In addition to Charlotte's superb development as a teacher, she has been a key member of the Social Committee this year, coordinating online social events and doing her very best to ensure there is an end of year celebration despite the pandemic. She has been super-positive throughout, and has managed to get over some pretty challenging hurdles!"
Charlotte said on receiving her award,
“When you sign up for your PGDE you expect a difficult year - I was certain that I would struggle to balance a social life with new friends, learning how to teach and writing assignments, however I was not expecting the reality. For me that was a new city, a new job, and returning to education after a three year break - the icing on the cake was of course Covid and the joy of a global pandemic.
This year has shown that I had more grit and resilience than I ever imagined, and winning the Turnbull-Halloran Prize was really a surprise. It has given me more confidence in my writing and more faith in choosing this profession. I hope to continue to learn, become an outstanding teacher and to inspire the next generation of scientists - who maybe one day will change the world."
Congratulations to Layla and Charlotte, we wish you all the very best in your careers and we are certain you will do the teaching profession proud!