Four teachers from Sutton Community Academy and ATT FE were recognised for their outstanding achievements at Academy Transformation Trust’s second annual Teaching Awards in Birmingham.

They were amongst 22 teachers and staff from 13 of the trust’s family of academies who were recognised across the spectrum — from Early Years to Further Education; from academic and vocational subjects to PSHE and welfare.

The ATT Sport Award was presented to Dean Saunders, an NQT at Sutton Community Academy.

Dean received the award for his outstanding commitment to extra-curricular activity, which includes taking teams to local competitions in several disciplines, and taking responsibility as assistant school games organiser working with feeder primary schools to organise, deliver and evaluate the School Games programme.

Having attended Sports Leader UK training, Dean was also praised for taking sole responsibility for a class of sports leaders, delivering effective and challenging lessons.

Rob Cruxton, of the academy, received the ATT Rising Star Award for driving the success of the science department through creating an online cloud to share resources, winning a grant to have a physicist from the Institute of Physics deliver CPD every half term.

They achieved the Green Schools Silver Award for planting a wild flower meadow for ecology and sampling.
Rob is part of the East Midlands Leaders of Science network, presenting on topics including curriculum changes, scientific literacy and improving progress.

Two further education tutors were recognised after being unanimously nominated by staff at ATT FE.
Sandra Bonser (ATT Vocational Tutor Award) and Jeanette Connolly (ATT Mainstream Tutor Award) were commended for their outstanding work, support for learners and resultant outcomes.

Sandra works with exceptionally hard to reach learners who often have complex additional needs (physical, cognitive, mental and emotional) and has a very high success rate.

Sandra was praised for creating an aspirational learning environment and actively seeking out fun and engaging ways for learners to learn and embed independent living skills.

Pictured are Sutton Community Academy winners Dean Saunders (left) and Rob Cruxton (right) with academy principal Tim Croft.