The Whitehaven Academy Golden Apple Winners Accepting their Awards

Academy enjoys golden night at awards

The Whitehaven Academy enjoyed a golden night at an awards ceremony celebrating the very best of education in Cumbria.

Staff were presented with no fewer than three top accolades at the Golden Apple Awards, held annually to honour teachers, support staff and education initiatives.

Leading the way was Beth Rothery, presented with the night’s top accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 37 years of service to students at The Whitehaven Academy.

The academy’s Oliver Stewart took home the Best Education Professional Newcomer Award. The science teacher was praised for capturing the imagination of young learners.

Oliver said: “I’m really honoured to have won. My journey has been the most challenging thing of my life.”

“What the school is doing for science is fantastic , we are giving students everything we’ve got, we have so many opportunities for them.”

The vital role all staff play in school life was recognised with the academy’s Dawn Burkinshaw picking up the award for Best Support Staff.

Dawn said: “It is a huge honour. As far as I am concerned, I just come in and do my job, just like everyone else.”

Dawn started in early years care in a nursery and now has a broad role, including helping students preparing for their GCSEs.

Her TWA colleague Rosemary Glasson was one of just three finalists for the Best Teaching Assistant Award. Rosemary’s nomination highlighted the support, encouragement and motivation her ‘can do’ attitude inspired in students.

She was particularly singled out for her support during lockdown of one autistic student who she ensured had daily contact on top of live remote learning lessons.

Headteacher Nigel Youngman said: “To have finalists in such a broad range of categories demonstrates the expertise, care and determination we have among our staff at the academy.

“We are incredibly proud of them for all they do for students on a daily basis.”

The awards were organised by publisher Newsquest and held at Energus in Workington, with the University of Cumbria as associate sponsors.

Dawn Burkinshaw winner of the Best Support Staff Award

Oliver Stewart winner of the Best Education Professional Newcomer Award

Rosemary Glasson was one of just three finalists for the Best Teaching Assistant Award