The business of education was recognised this month by WEA Hunter as part of Adult Learners’ Week 2018. Early in September WEA named five people as the winners of its annual teaching and learning awards.
Business and IT, and Links to Learning trainer, Stephen Buchanan, was named the winner of the Ray Sandy Memorial Award. The award recognises a trainer who is dedicated to supporting students explore the field of IT. Stephen was instrumental in the development of resources that attracted funding to enable local small businesses to undertake skills training.
Penelope Pearce was named winner of the Alan Melling Memorial Award for her dedication and passion for teaching. Penny is a teacher in the vocation of aged care support and was nominated by her peers and students because of her presence and work ethic in the classroom to ensure it’s an effective and well-organised learning environment.
The Paul Mather Memorial Award recognises a student of WEA Hunter’s Alesco Senior College for their dedication to study and was presented to Anais Pogson. Anais was chosen for demonstrating maturity and dedication to her studies while representing everything that the school stood for in terms of inclusiveness, learning and respect.
The Outstanding Tutor of the Year award was awarded to Amanda Johnston for her caring and nurturing approach to educating and training students with disabilities at WEA. This work included a project with Response Group and MaiWel.
Diploma of Musical Theatre student, Kimberley Dingle was named the Outstanding Student of the Year. The award is given to a student who has shown a commitment to education through overcoming obstacles. She was asked to mentor students as part of Newcastle High School’s gifted and talented performing arts program. Since graduating, Kimberley was invited to visit New York to attend theatre workshops presented by Music Theatre International.
WEA Hunter CEO, Rowan Cox said that Adult Learners’ week showcased the many good things that WEA Hunter did in the teaching and learning space.
“These students and trainers represent just a few of the areas that WEA Hunter works in. They optimise the valuable role of lifelong learning in our community. Every person walks from WEA with a learning experience; even our trainers, tutors and staff. It is the important role that WEA plays a community educator,” Rowan said.
2018 Adult Learners’ Week activities at WEA Hunter attracted hundreds of people in a range of free courses and demonstrations, open days and the awards.
IMAGE | Award recipients Kimberley Dingle, Stephen Buchanan, Amanda Johnston and Anais Pogso.
