MORE schools in the Maldon district have been celebrating nominations for teaching excellence.
Several members of staff at Plume Academy were highlighted at the Essex Teaching Awards 2021.
Assistant vice principal Jo Everett, deputy faculty leader for English Lois Russell, KS4 English lead Louise Cummins, who alone received three nominations, were recognised.
Principal Carl Wakefield said: “Ms Everett has played a significant role in ensuring the smooth transition of primary school students to secondary school during a time of anxiety and concern shared by parents and students alike. She worked tirelessly throughout lockdown to provide regular communication to the parents and students who would be moving from primary school to the Plume Academy.
“Ms Everett clearly cares for her students, families and the wider community.
“Ms Cummins is a credit to her faculty and school, and deserves any recognition that comes her way. Most of all, students truly value her teaching style, expertise, support and compassion. She rarely gets a break or lunch to herself because students seek her out so much!”
One student said: “Mrs Russell deserves an award because she helped me discover my love of reading through recommending and supplying me with books.
“She deserves a teaching award because she has gone above and beyond to build up the confidence of my classmates and me in our abilities in English.
Mr Wakefield added: “Many congratulations to these three colleagues on receiving these prestigious nominations and, in essence, reflecting the fantastic work done by the teaching and support staff of Plume Academy throughout the pandemic period thus far.”
At All Saint’s Primary School, in Maldon, headteacher Philip Brown and all the staff were nominated for an award. Judges said Mr Brown’s “inspirational leadership” once again cascaded down to all in the school community.
Mr Brown said: “In what has been a really difficult year, it was nice to know I had a good number of nominations.
“I was probably more pleased the whole of my staff were recognised than just me personally.
“It was really nice for my staff to be acknowledged for all the hard work they had put in.
“I think the parents appreciate everything we have done during these unprecedented times.”
Other schools in the area which received nominations include Burnham Primary, Great Totham Primary, Southminster Primary, and William de Ferrers.
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