Abergele could land double teaching awards swoop

Jun 10 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

ABERGELE hopes it will soon be celebrating a double swoop in the run-up to next week’s Teaching Awards.

Both Sian Lewis of Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan and Eleri Parry of Ysgol Glan Gele will be in the crowd at the Welsh leg of the awards hoping to run off with the top prize in two categories.

Winning in Cardiff would secure them the chance to contest for British titles.

Eleri, 29, from Llansannan is up for the award of Welsh Teaching Assistant of the Year.

“I was very shocked when I found out a couple of months ago. I was nominated by a teacher I’ve worked with for nine years. I’ll just have to wait and see now,” she said.

When asked about her chances of winning, Eleri was particularly modest: “I don’t know what my chances are. I think being in the last three is an achievement in itself.”

Sian Lewis is a finalist in the Outstanding New Teacher category. She has risen to head of French despite it only being her first year of teaching.

The talented 26-year-old was praised by her headteacher Nayland Southorn.

“We are very proud to have her with us and are thrilled she has been nominated,” he said. “I don’t think the award could go to a better person.

“She’s in a category of three so whoever beats her will have to be very good indeed!”

Mr Southorn added: “When you come across a talented teacher, it stands out. She is one of a crop of talented individuals coming from Bangor University.”