Huge, huge congratulations to the North East’s very own Robert Bell, who has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.
We’re delighted for both Robert and Evolve, the alternative provision school in Sunderland in which he’s the Head Teacher of.
Reaching the finals means national recognition for his groundbreaking work and it’s totally deserved.
Commitment to understanding each student’s unique needs
Robert Bell is one of just a handful of teachers across the country shortlisted for the Excellence in Special Needs Education category.
Evolve, part of Consilium Academies, is pioneering research into how some children interpret and access information both through sound and vision. It conducts processing assessments for all students, aiming to identify and address challenges that may affect their ability to engage with the curriculum effectively.
This commitment to understanding each student’s unique needs has contributed to a remarkable increase in attendance, there’s no denying that.
Pupil attendance jumped from an average of 18 percent before they joined the school, to a staggering 82 percent after. The proof is in the pudding!
Robert’s innovative approach also includes:
- Highlighting important factors such as sleep patterns
- Planning the timetable around students’ emotions, not just curriculum content
- Incorporating outdoor education
Families are invited into school to learn about emotional wellbeing alongside their children and staff, and training is extended to the wider community.
Robert said: “It’s an honour to have been nominated, let alone be shortlisted as a finalist. I feel incredibly humbled as it’s a team effort and none of it would be possible without my amazing colleagues.
“As a team we see, feel and hear the struggles students are going through. My own school experience prompted me to change how we educate students because it didn’t work for me.
“I’ve always believed there’s another way. I’ve spent years developing what my idea of education looks like, crossing the boundary between mainstream and alternative provision.
“Schools like Evolve have typically not had the recognition they deserve, and I want to change that as we’re supporting young people who would ordinarily slip through the net.”
Results will be revealed on June 19, on National Thank a Teacher Day!
The Pearson National Teaching Awards was founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher, like Mr Bell, can have on the lives of the young people they work with.
Finalists will find out if they have received a Bronze or Silver certificate on 19 June, which, quite fittingly, is National Thank a Teacher Day. Ah, serendipity.
Gold winners will be announced in November and will be invited to appear on the BBC’s The One Show, something Robert is no stranger to. Last year, he appeared on the show for his “life-changing” work supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Michael, CEO of Consilium Academies, said: “I know our students and their families are very grateful for all his hard work and the time he takes personally to understand their individual needs.
“Nominating him for this award is our way of saying thank you. We believe he can go further and get the silver and gold award too, and we are behind him every step of the way.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Congratulations to Robert for being recognised as a finalist in the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards!
“His dedication to nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and inspiring excellence puts the North East in a fantastic light and sets an extraordinary standard for educators everywhere.”
Huge congratulations once again, Robert. The whole team here at Schools North East wishes you every success on 19 June.
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If you’d like to hear more from Robert Bell, join us at our Healthy MindED Conference on Tuesday 21 May in Gateshead, where he’s a confirmed speaker. Session details are yet to be announced, but you can expect more invaluable insight and superb strategies to boost pupil mental health and wellbeing.
Learn more about the event here.
Evolve is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner Programme, click here.
We love to hear good news from North East Schools, to share your news with Schools North East please tag @SchoolsNE on Twitter or apply here.
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