SHORTLIST: Innovation Award

RYAN TOULSON AND SAM LOKER - PEEL PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL RYAN

Toulson and Sam Loker have been shortlisted for their work at the school.

Their nomination reads: “Ryan and Sam are both higher level teaching assistants. They saw an opportunity at our school to turn a few acres of old scrub-land with trees on into a Forest School.

“Over the last year they have both become Level 3 Forest School workers and developed the Forest School so that it has a direct impact on learning and teaching, with a focus on reading, writing and maths.

“They now market the Forest School and sell sessions to other local schools which in turn allows them to develop the space even further and have more children in BD3 participate in the Forest School activities.

“Feedback from the other schools has been outstanding and it is now known as the BD3 Forest School.”

STEVEN LAFFERTY - OASIS ACADEMY

The nomination for achievement at Oasis Academy Lister Park is Steven Lafferty, the newly-appointed Achievement Leader for Year 10. His nomination reads: "Working on the premise that 'consent of the governed is the most fundamental concept of democracy and its most essential right is that of citizens to choose their leaders in free, fair and regular elections', our students were introduced to the process of democratic elections and the UK voting system.

"Year 10 students were then asked to nominate and promote themselves for the role of Year 10 Ambassador. Elections took place with candidates vying for votes right up to the last minute.

"Steven Lafferty pitched the idea of the Year 10 Ambassadors to his year group perfectly. He took a leap of faith in introducing the project but the students are now in an enviably influential position - they have the opportunity to positively affect the behaviour, learning and eventual learning outcomes of their friends and peers."

JAMES ROUTH - WESTBOURNE PRIMARY SCHOOL

James Routh, of Westbourne Primary School, has been shortlisted in this category for his hard work with pupils at a school where English is a second language for many children.

His nomination reads: "He is an active member of the English Core Team carrying out English based projects as part of his wider whole-school role with verve and vigour.

"He is ambitious, and in his NQT year has sought to be a pivotal member of the English Core Team. As such, he has been entrusted with a project that actively promotes and extends the vocabulary of the children across school.

"It is already showing impact! He has excellent relationships with staff and is keen to seek out support as and when needed, acting upon the advice given. He has an excellent manner with parents communicates well with them and other outside agencies. 

"James has a secure subject knowledge of the subjects and curriculum areas that he teaches, this has been evident in lesson observations and work scrutinies. We would expect this of all teachers employed at Westbourne, but it is the added creativity and flair incorporated that engages the pupils. Above all else he has high aspirations which he rigorously instils in the children.

"Through consolidated hard work, a creative approach to learning and outstanding relationships with fellow members of staff and pupils, together with his all-round natural aptitude for teaching, James has developed into an outstanding practitioner."

Watson Batty Architects was established in 1976 with a staff of just 12 working mainly on commercial and industrial projects. Today the firm boasts a 40-strong workforce and undertakes work nationally across most sectors and with a wide range of clients.

In line with their steady growth and in order to offer clients a more holistic service, Watson Batty has gradually broadened their original architectural skills to provide 3D graphics, interior design, sustainability, CDM and health and safety services.

Projects range from minor refurbishments to major multi-million pound new-build developments. They operate from their head office in Guiseley, with a regional office in Loughborough in the Midlands.

The dedicated design teams specialise in sectors such as commercial, faith, health, learning, sport and leisure, residential, as well as retail and transport.

They are committed to providing bespoke solutions and have completed many projects within the Bradford district.

These include: a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building at the University of Bradford that provides an inspirational learning space with high quality laboratory facilities; Chain Street, Bradford, the first new-build site to be developed as part of an overall regeneration strategy for the area by Bradford Council; and Student Central, a major refurbishment and extension to the University of Bradford's former Students Union building on the city centre campus.