National Recognition for Saltash.net Science Teacher

Science teacher Nicki Bovey, from Saltash.net Community School was named Science Teacher of the Year 2011 at the prestigious National Teaching Awards Ceremony in London on Sunday 30th October.

Nicki's outstanding classroom practice was recognised by both the regional and national judging panels. Students, staff, parents and governors all confirmed during two rigorous judging visits that Nicki's teaching is brilliant and she has a strong commitment to wanting to help all her students achieve the best they possibly can.

Nicki is passionate about making Science exciting, engaging and accessible for students across the age and ability range. As part of a very strong Science team at the school in Saltash, she has helped to transform the department, making it now 'one of the best in the country' according to the National Teaching Awards judges with large numbers of students opting to take Science at A Level, and continue at University.

Nicki Bovey has also shown great commitment to other areas of school life and the lives of her children that she teaches. It was Nicki's idea to have a school dog and three years ago Max, a Springer Spaniel puppy, joined the Saltash.net community. Max and Nicki have both helped a number of students over the years with school or social difficulties for many children when times have been difficult or challenging. 

Nicki has also led three World Challenge expeditions to Thailand, South Africa and Bolivia as well as being an ardent and active participant in Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors training.

Accompanying Nicki to the star studded Ceremony at the Palace Theatre in London were Heads of Science Ollie Lee and Chris Henderson, Deputy Head and Science Teacher, Dan Roberts and Head Teacher Isobel Bryce.

Speaking after the event, Mrs Bryce said, "We are all incredibly proud of Nicki and what she has achieved for her students, for the school and for Science. I think it is excellent that in this new Awards category the first National Teaching Award for Science has gone to a woman. Nicki is an excellent role model for all young, budding Scientists." 

Nicki, who was joined at the ceremony by her husband, Simon, said, "It is a great honour to have been given this Award. I work with fantastic students and staff and Saltash.net School is an amazing place to be a teacher."