Ms Lynn Kidwell of Stoke-on-Trent has been named the winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Excellence in Secondary and Further Education Prize.
Nominated by her peers, Ms Kidwell was chosen by the RSC’s prestigious panel of judges as one of the most inspirational, innovative and dedicated people in education.
Based at Birches Head Academy, Ms Kidwell has now become a winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Excellence in Secondary and Further Education Prize, For significant and sustained contributions to safe chemistry practical education..
After receiving the prize, Ms Kidwell said: “I feel immensely proud at receiving this Prize. I also feel so special at being nominated by my colleagues. I never expected to receive an award for doing a job that I absolutely love., and I am over the moon to have been chosen to receive it.”
She continued: “My normal daily routine involves preparing the apparatus for the science teachers to deliver practical lessons for pupils. It can be for up to 20 practical lessons in one school day. I deliver the practicals to the classrooms and clear away afterwards, I keep the department up to date on latest Health and Safety developments.”
Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “It’s of vital importance that we recognise the crucial role that educators play in the advancement of the sciences. And that we commend their ability to inspire and nurture the next generation of bright young minds, so that they can go on to make new discoveries and innovations.
“Society faces many challenges, and educators give us the tools we need to advance our understanding of the world around us and solve many of the problems we encounter. Ms Kidwell’s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.”
Gill Reid, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “For many of us as chemists our teachers were our inspiration – their influence in driving the next generation of amazing scientists cannot be underestimated. That’s why I’m so proud of the winners of the Education Horizon Prizes, each of whom demonstrates an infectious passion for learning that sparks young minds to do amazing things.
“This year’s winners set exemplary examples of the impact this can make; it’s no exaggeration to say their successes will be felt for generations to come ”
The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education – including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills – from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. In 2019, the organisation announced the biggest overhaul of this portfolio in its history, designed to better reflect modern scientific work and culture.
