CONTINUING in the series of articles in the lead up to this year's Basingstoke Gazette Education Awards, we spoke to one of last year's winners.

Dr Kelly Richens, formerly Underdown, the lead practitioner and science teacher at the Costello School, received the first ever Secondary School teacher of the year award at last year's awards.

Speaking about the night, Dr Richens said: "It really was outstanding, and I was really humbled to win the award."

Nominations for the awards are made by pupils at the school, other staff members, or parents of the pupils at the school, and that can make a real difference, according to Dr Richens.

Dr Richens added: "That people would go out of their way to nominate me for an award was really humbling.

"Teaching is a vocation and I wanted to thank the people who nominated me for the award.

"It feels great, and people have been very kind and it is wonderful that people are taking the time to recognise the hard work of teachers in the area.

"Teachers can get a hard time sometimes and it was really good to spend a positive evening celebrating teaching in Basingstoke."

Dr Richens hasn't stopped in the year-long gap, with a desire to keep improving and making life better for all the pupils at Costello.

This included writing out personal comment cards to the 220 year 11 students, with motivational quotes and positive personal comments on them.

Dr Richens said: "Everyone remembers their teachers, the good and the bad, and it really is something that has a lifelong impact on a person, what happens to them at school.

"So it is important to show that you care about all the students, as teachers do.

"Teachers in the area are passionate and really care about their students.

"We are constantly improving, and are hoping to be exceptional practitioners in our subjects."

In addition to the comments cards, Dr Richens has also organised and hosted another Teachmeet event, (see page 22 for the full story) which was a meeting of the minds of teachers in the Basingstoke area.

Around 100 teachers all gathered at The Costello School to share ideas for learning and teaching, as well as hear a talk from keynote speaker Amjad Ali.

This year's award ceremony will be taking place at the Apollo Hotel on July 4.

The nominations are open until May 23, and can be made via an on-line form.

There are several different categories, including the Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award, in this year’s awards scheme.

To nominate, go to form.jotformeu.com/80294391678367.