Celebrating excellence in teaching, inclusivity, and student support on National Thank A Teacher Day

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Academic Skills Coach Jane Davis</strong>, <strong>Learning Support Coordinator Vicki Prout</strong>, and the <strong>Academic Skills Team</strong> of <strong>Sarah Gilmore</strong>, <strong>Camille Dalais-Leacher</strong> and <strong>Jane Davis</strong> have each been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Pearson Awards, placing them among the UK’s most inspirational educators.</p> <p dir="ltr">This recognition celebrates the critical role of Further Education (FE) staff at Arts University Plymouth’s dedicated <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/pre-degree">Pre-Degree campus</a>, where students aged 16 to 19 combine creative and academic learning as they prepare for university and industry. Unlike traditional school environments, the Pre-Degree provision supports students through A-Level-equivalent Extended Diplomas and Foundation Diplomas in Art &amp; Design, with a strong emphasis on specialist arts education, industry engagement, and holistic support.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Jane Davis has been named a Certificate of Excellence winner in the <strong>Unsung Hero</strong> category. As an Academic Skills Coach, Jane provides one-to-one support for students retaking GCSE English and Maths, helping them to build the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive in Higher Education and creative careers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Working with Jane has helped with my maths. I got 90% in a test, which is a big change. Working with Jane is different to being in class because you get a one-to-one session with all the attention on you.” — <strong>Lena, Extended Diploma student</strong><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Since joining the university, Jane has transformed attendance and attainment rates for students who previously struggled with academic study. Her patient, individualised approach connects literacy and numeracy to students' creative practice, breaking down barriers to learning.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Jane’s impact is so much more than academic success. Jane is a mentor, a role model, and an unwavering advocate for students who need someone to believe in them. She helps students to believe in themselves.” — <strong>Steven Forsyth, Head of Pre-Degree</strong><br /></p>

<p>Vicki Prout has been recognised with a Certificate of Excellence in the Award for <strong>SEND and Inclusive Practice</strong>. As Learning Support Coordinator, Vicki works across all Pre-Degree courses to create <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/pre-degree/disability-support-and-reasonable-adjustments">an inclusive learning environment</a> where students with additional needs feel confident and supported to succeed.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Vicki has led a strategic transformation in how students with SEND are supported and empowered to achieve, securing additional funding to support students and embedding inclusive teaching practices across departments.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Vicki’s ability to transform the learning experience for SEND students is extraordinary. She has embedded a culture of inclusivity that goes beyond compliance, ensuring students feel seen, heard and supported.” — <strong>Steven Forsyth, Head of Pre-Degree</strong><br /></p>

<p>The Academic Skills Team, comprising Sarah Gilmore, Camille Dalais-Leacher and Jane Davis, have also been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the <strong>FE Team of the Year</strong> category. Their work has made Arts University Plymouth the best FE college in the South West for GCSE retake success, with national rankings of 38th in English and 53rd in Maths out of 223 colleges.</p>

<p dir="ltr">By embedding literacy and numeracy into studio-based creative learning, the team ensures that academic skills are not seen as barriers but as tools for success. Their impact has been felt across the university, improving student engagement, resilience and progression.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The team’s work improves grades and restores a student’s belief in learning. They help students see English and Maths not as barriers, but as essential tools for their creative futures.” — <strong>Steven Forsyth, Head of Pre-Degree</strong><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">In 2022 two Pre-Degree staff members at Arts University Plymouth who still teach students were also recognised by the Pearson Awards. <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/madalaine-blyth">Madalaine Blyth</a></strong>, Assistant Head of Pre-Degree, was Highly Commended as FE Lecturer of the Year 2022, and <strong>Carol Edwards</strong> was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the Unsung Hero category in 2022. Both continue to make an outstanding impact within the university community.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree and Sixth Form campus is a specialist centre for creative education, supporting 16–19-year-olds through UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas and Foundation Diplomas in subjects such as art, design, photography, media, graphics, fashion, textiles, filmmaking and game arts.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Students benefit from:</strong></p><ul><li><p dir="ltr">A safe and creative city-centre campus</p></li><li><p dir="ltr">Access to university-standard facilities and technical support</p></li><li><p dir="ltr">Projects with national partners and local industry</p></li><li><p dir="ltr">Specialist academic and wellbeing support</p></li><li><p dir="ltr">Guaranteed progression to a BA (Hons) degree for those who meet entry requirements</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">For anybody passionate about making, designing, filming, or innovating, Pre-Degree courses at Arts University Plymouth help students build the skills, confidence and community to take their next steps after leaving school.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pre-degree-jun25">Find out more about the Pre-Degree Open Day on Saturday 21 June</a><br /></p>