Colin Louden is Head of Science at Lisneal College, Londonderry, Northern Ireland and the winner of the 2018 ENTHUSE Celebration Award for Excellence in STEM teaching – Secondary. We asked him about his experience of winning the award and what it meant to him, the school and the pupils.
Winning the award in the category of secondary school STEM teaching last year was a huge honour for me. I am so humbled by the award.
I had a lovely evening at the award ceremony in the Royal Society at London where I met other teachers, industry professionals and elected representatives from across the UK. This experience has led to our school featuring in a BBC news article and an interview on our local BBC Radio Foyle.
"Winning the award in the category of secondary school STEM teaching last year was a huge honour for me."
Although we have been involved with STEM Learning for over a decade and disseminated much of what we learn, the success has inspired my colleagues throughout the school to become more involved with STEM Learning, attend courses, STEM Insight events and take part in online CPD.
I would recommend that every STEM teacher registers, participates and enjoys the benefits from the excellent training, resources and support provided by STEM Learning. As teachers, we are rewarded for our efforts through our students’ successes, but it is affirming and encouraging to be nominated in such a prestigious competition.
The achievement was not a solo effort and I am extremely grateful for the support, inspiration and encouragement that I received and continue to receive from my colleagues and students at Lisneal College and from our coordinator Gill Humes.
Could you be an ENTHUSE Celebration Award winner?
You can nominate yourself, or someone you know, for an ENTHUSE Celebration Award until 1 April 2019.