B&H sponsors Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year
(November 2003)
Schools Minister Awards Top Marks to Music Teacher of the Year
Schools Minister David Miliband paid tribute to some of the country's best music teachers when he presented the annual Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards in a ceremony at the radio station's central London studios.
The two Music Teacher of the Year titles went to:
Richard Butler from Ulverston Victoria High School in Cumbria and Lynette Bennett from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Junior School in Liverpool. Richard, who has been working at Ulverston Victoria High School for eight years, was nominated for the award by his students, who describe him as a teacher with an 'infectious enthusiasm for his work.' The headteacher of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Junior School nominated Lynette for her award. Mr Cuckson describes Lynette as a 'unique personality who enthuses the children around her.'
Presented in association with Yamaha, Sibelius and Boosey and Hawkes, the competition celebrates the inspirational work of teachers who keep alive the tradition of music-making in our schools. Richard and Lynette win a total of £15,000 worth of Yamaha musical equipment for their schools and a computer and Sibelius software, which helps in music notation, for themselves. Each of the 10 finalists also receive a computer and Sibelius software for their schools.
Classic FM launched Music Teacher of the Year five years ago with the support of the then Department for Education and Employment. The scheme seeks to reward the vital work being undertaken in schools every day by music teachers around the country.
Roger Lewis, Managing Director and Programme Controller of Classic FM said, "These awards pay tribute to the thousands of music teachers up and down the country who inspire our children day in day out. Without out music teachers, there would be no music."
The ten finalists were:
Primary Schools
Gillian Ash, Richmond Church of England Primary School, North Yorkshire
Lynette Bennett, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Junior School, Liverpool
Lesley Clare, Bromley High Junior School, Kent
Jayne Lorimer, Colmore Junior and Infant School, Birmingham
Brigitta Michalkiewicz, Lawrence CP School, Liverpool
Secondary Schools
Fiona McKenzie, Grange Academy, Kilmarnock
Catherine Matthews, Ashby Grammar School, Leicester
Richard Butler, Ulverston Victoria High School, Cumbria
John Rednall, Needham Market Middle School, Ipswich
Ralph Wickenden, South Dartmoor Community College, Devon
Photo: Richard Butler with David Miliband
