Success at Herts Advertiser School Awards 2019
Verulam was shortlisted in four categories of this year’s Herts Advertiser School Awards, and we are delighted to report we went on win the Innovation/ Project of the Year. Huge congratulations to all involved in this well-deserved recognition.
WINNER: Innovation/Project of the Year Verulam STEM Club—Mrs Cornmell and other science and maths staff set up the STEM club in September 2017 with the aim of helping our students to understand how science, technology, engineering and maths combine in the world around us. The club has developed to be the most popular at school. This year they have worked with Transport for London and taking part in the Infinity Water and WaterAid’s Challenge Water 2019. The aim of the challenge is to increase the awareness of water shortages in the short and longer term in particular in the South East. This has also involved significant fund raising for WaterAid and practical work in reducing school water usage and designing a VIP latrine for use in developing countries. Their design is not only accessible but also can be used to produce fertilizer to help crops grow. The STEM club has also helped boys to participate in engineering master classes.
FINALIST: Teacher of the Year (Secondary) – Mr Pettitt was nominated for the outstanding contribution he has made to the History Department both in the classroom and beyond. In Key Stage 3 his students have benefitted from a vast range of practical work ranging from his Roman army project to building medieval castles and WW1 trench systems. He has also boosted the popularity of the school’s history club and was instrumental in organising the showing of Peter Jackson’s ‘Lest We Forget’ film to commemorate the anniversary of the armistice last year. He has also found time to be Assistant Head of Year 8, run football clubs and meanwhile to pursue his Masters Degree in Education.
FINALIST: Special Recognition Award teacher – Mrs Harrison for the vast amount of work she has done for boys with pastoral or behavioural problems throughout her career at Verulam whilst also encouraging women to pursue leadership roles.
FINALIST: School of the Year (Secondary) – Verulam nominated as School of Year for the swift progress Verulam made in addressing the issues raised in our October 2017 Ofsted inspection. The nomination recognised the “transformational” effect of pupils, parents, staff and governors working together.
