Nominated Teachers

Without the contribution of teachers in the 550 schools we visit, the Challenge would not be the success it is. Over the year SpeakersBank trainers nominate teachers who stand out, who go above and beyond the call of duty.

All of these teachers will be invited as VIP guests to the Grand Final on the 10th July, and be entered into the £500 prize draw on the night.

1. Vinsia Mc Queen, Assistant Head, Parkview Academy, London. Nominated by Sarah Steed

"Each year Vinsia has done more and more for the Challenge. Her students receive great back up, all speak out in front of year assemblies and she delivered a great Regional Final this year. The standard of speaking and involvement of the students has got better year on year”

2. Kate Moule, Burlington Danes School, Hammersmith & Fulham, London. Nominated by Dallas Leigh-Hill.

“She teaches in a school that was not long ago under special measures and has supported her students in a way I rarely see in the schools. Highly organised and unbelievably keen to widen the skills sets of her student - She gives up so much of her time over and above normal hours to make this happen. She had been unbelievably helpful this year”.

3. George Nagle, Assistant Head, Nower Hill School, London. Nominated by Jane Shepherd-Miller.

"George has been amazing, helping organise finals. Embedding speaking and listening in his school, pushing his students to excel and setting a record for Speak Out Assemblies with 1350 students attending these to watch their peers”

4. Sue Halliday, St. Philomenas School, Sutton, London. Nominated by Julie Holness.

“Sue could have done nothing more to support the Sutton Regional Final. The hall was beautifully set up, she had arranged for us to have two caretakers and an army of well-briefed girls on hand to help and then to meet and greet, food and drinks were excellent - and there was absolutely no drama or fuss! If there were a blueprint for hosting a final, it would be this.”

5. Rob James, Colchester County High School for Girls, Essex. Nominated by Jonathan Drew

"This is possibly the top school in the country and I know why now. Rob goes out of his way to involve all the students in the planning for the workshops. He motivates them and really works on getting them involved BEFORE the workshop. He is also a huge believer in raising the standards of education in the community and looks to support and assist all schools within reach of Colchester. He has been proactive in buying in extra workshops and is just a great teacher and supporter. In my opinion Rob is efficient, effective and a born leader”

6. Rachel Jenner, St Martins in the Field, Lambeth, London. Nominated by Dallas Leigh-Hill

"She has been exceptional in every way. Highly organised with the training, all her students come prepared. When she says 26 students will be there, 26 students will be there. And her support and organisational skills in hosting the Lambeth final were second to none. 300 students for 12 schools - I’m not sure we have ever seen those types of numbers before”

7. Rosie Treloar, Battersea Park School, London. Nominated by Christine de Cruz

"She was a complete star throughout the whole proceedings - sorting the workshop out, being present at the workshop , working with the kids to prepare them...sorting the technician and the handy men out, even ordering flowers for the judges table! She really couldn't do enough to help. Not only was she a star herself but she was instrumental in getting her students and the staff of Battersea Park School involved.”

8. Barbara Owens, Orleans Park School, Richmond. Nominated by Emily Thorling

"She clearly knew how to show off the schools assets and did so with poise and panache! It is teachers like Barbara that should be shown just how grateful we are to have their support, she's proof that the big things make a difference, but all the little things are what really make a final a special occasion for all involved"

9. Summer-Louise Thornley, Brentford School for Girls, Hounslow.  Nominated by Al Brunker

"She is always very efficient and enthusiastic, and has been the contact at the school for the three years the programme has been running (even, most recently, when heavily pregnant). The training days at Brentford are always excellent learning experiences, thanks to her support and encouragement. She also hosted the first Hounslow Borough Final".

10. Mike Piper, Selsdon High School, Croydon.  Nominated by Al Brunker.

 "It seemed as it this school was not going to be taking the training; despite great efforts on my part to book, a number of teachers had said they were unable to fit the day in. When Mike heard about it, he made it happen on very short notice, with only two days to go before the Final. We had a very good day - the students loved it. Mike then worked hard coaching the winner and reserve, who both put on excellent speeches at the Final."