Merton student nominates "amazing" Inspirational Teacher
English teacher Ceri Boyle was recognised as an 'Inspirational Teacher' at a ceremony in Oxford on Friday 19 May. She was nominated for the award by first-year English undergraduate Charlotte Green; Ceri had taught Charlotte at Ridgewood School in Doncaster, and had motivated her to apply to Oxford.
The Inspirational Teachers scheme is one of the ways in which the university recognises the vital work of teachers in encouraging students to realise their potential and make a successful application to Oxford. A selection of current first-year undergraduates were asked to nominate teachers or careers advisers who had inspired them to apply to Oxford, fostered their passion for a particular subject, or supported them through the application process. The students were all from UK state schools or colleges with a limited history and tradition of sending students to Oxford.
Charlotte chose to nominate Ceri, who had continued to support her despite having moved on to another school; Ceri is still in contact with Charlotte, who says of her former teacher:
"The fact that she's still engaged and interested, and wants to know how we're all doing is just phenomenal ... she's just amazing!"
Speaking at the awards ceremony, held at Oxford's St Peter's College, Dr Samina Khan, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at Oxford, said:
"Achieving a place at Oxford requires dedication, and having the support of a committed teacher is, for many students, what makes the difference. Teachers motivate and inspire students with a huge range of abilities and interests, and this year’s winning teachers also clearly showed faith in all their students. They have inspired students with their creativity and enthusiasm to be the best they possibly can be and deserve recognition for that above all. I hope this award goes some way to saying thank you."
