FAIRFIELD Farm College teacher, Rachel Bown, has been named as Further Education Lecturer of the Year in the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession.
Rachel won the award in the The Pearson National Teaching Awards for her ‘inspirational teaching, contributions to her school and community, and influence among colleagues,’ as assessed by judges.
Now in their 25th year, the awards celebrate the best teaching across the UK and thousands of nominations were received.
Rachel is a PE Practitioner at Fairfield, working with SEND children (special educational needs and disabilities). She was diagnosed in 2017 with a brain tumour whilst teaching, and she not only overcame the medical hardship of this but now proudly races for Team GB in Triathlon.
“Rachel is an exceptional SEND PE practitioner at this college for students with learning and physical disabilities with ‘a rare gift to enthuse and motivate children and adults alike’, said the award organisers. “She has changed many lives through her passion for the impact that physical activity can have on mental, physical and social health.”
Speaking about the award, Rachel said, “It’s a dream come true! I am very proud to champion further education, physical education and special education needs and diversity.
“The awards evening was everything I hoped for and more – I loved it! Thank you to everyone for the support I received during the nomination process and for all the amazing comments I have received along the way.
“On the night someone said they had googled Fairfield Farm College. They went on to say, ‘Well done – a little college in a village on the edge of Wiltshire should be very proud to be recognised on a national scale.’ We are!”
Fairfield Farm College principal, Dr Graeme Athey said, “We are so proud of Rachel and all that she does for the young people, the college, and for the SEND landscape nationally. Rachel is determined, steely, and puts young people at the heart of everything she does.
“Our curriculum combines physical education with a range of wider and more transferable lifelong skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork and assertiveness. We are pleased that Rachel’s win has enabled a college like ours to be brought into the light, as often, opportunities for young people can be limited, and to see SEND represented on a national stage is amazing! Our college mission statement is ‘To enable young people to live and work without barriers’, and Rachel certainly does this!”
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust said, “We all know that a great teacher can enrich your life, can help you rise to the challenge, believe in yourself, find your own voice. I know that because it happened more than once to me.”
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration that honours the outstanding achievements of educators across the UK. It is run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity now in its 25th year, and sponsored by Pearson, the world’s leading learning company.
