DfeS Teaching Awards

They were very impressed with the school and were very pleased with all the things that the whole school community are involved in.

A few days later, we received a telephone call from the TES, who came on a visit and produced the following article on us:

Category Criteria

Criteria Questions

1. The school has and communicates a clear vision of what is to be achieved through sustainable policies and activities and the benefits that they bring

What is the school’s vision and aspirations for creating a sustainable action plan within the school?
In what way is this vision outstanding and what new possibilities does it bring?
How is this vision communicated beyond the school and with what impact on others’ thinking and actions?

2. How does the school create a climate that promotes sustainable activities which is characterised by enthusiasm for learning, high expectations, and outstanding results

How does the school create a climate that promotes sustainability which is characterised by enthusiasm for learning and high expectations?
What expectations do pupils have of themselves?
How is the success of each pupil celebrated?

3. Describe the activities that take place as part of the school’s ‘sustainable schools’ agenda. Please refer to the ‘doorways’ listed in the Guidance section above

What was the plan that you decided to implement in order to build a more sustainable school community?
How was the plan carried out within your school and the wider community? Please give examples.

4. How does the school engage others in supporting learning and development around the sustainable schools agenda, including colleagues, parents, teaching assistants and other professionals

How do you ensure that the whole school community is involved in your sustainable schools activities?
Who are the team members involved and what are their roles?

5. How do sustainable schools activities contribute to the life of the school

How does your agenda for a Sustainable School contribute to the wider activities of the school (e.g. to the school’s extra-curricular activities or to the resources available to other teachers)?

6. Describe the benefits of developing a ‘Sustainable School’

What were the benefits that your activities have had on teaching and support staff, pupils and the wider community?
Can you summarise the positive benefits that you feel your ‘sustainable school’ activity has had on the whole school community?

We were promptly told that we had made it to the final and that we would be invited to a special ceremony on 5th July at Nottingham University's, East Midlands Conference Centre.

We received a distinction for our efforts and were awarded a very smart trophy, that now has pride of place in our entrance hall.

Mrs Hambleton was nominated, as an outstanding Headteacher in a primary school.

A Plato - for most Sustainable School. Next stop...the London Palladium in October!

Can you tell me about that cardigan? The radio car! What has happened to that t-shirt then?

Mrs Hambleton and Mrs Clamp were able to tell the whole of Derbyshire and East Staffordshire about our wonderful award.

The glittering ceremony, before a 2,000-strong audience, will pay tribute to outstanding teachers, teaching assistants, teachers, governors and sustainable schools. The ceremony will be hosted by celebrity presenters Myleene Klass and Jeremy Vine and will be joined by celebrities including; actors Jeremy Irons and Bill Paterson, TV personality Sophie Raworth and historian Dan Snow.

What a fantastic time we had in London - not a gold plato winner - but nevertheless, we had a fantastic time! The whole event was marvellous.

We stayed at the Tower Hotel...