A TEACHER from Chipping Campden School has won £12,450 for her idea to help ignite students’ passion for science as part of the Let Teachers SHINE competition.

The competition is run by the education charity, SHINE (Support and Help in Education) and aims to discover innovative ideas that can transform learning.

Jackie Flaherty, head of physics, became one of just ten finalists in England who submitted their unique idea to raise achievement in maths, English or science.

She said: “I am delighted to have received this award for our ‘SHINE in Science’ scheme which teams up some of our GCSE science students with sixth form mentors. They will work closely with them to provide extra support and guidance as they start their GCSE studies."

In addition to the mentoring scheme, a stimulating programme of events is planned to inspire the students and encourage them to consider future career options in the subject. These will include lunch with a rocket scientist, a day at the Big Bang Fair and a Space-themed residential at Oxford University.

Teachers across the country had the opportunity to win a grant worth up to £15,000 to develop their idea and explore the impact it would have on students’ learning. Those ideas that demonstrate a real difference may also be extended and rolled out to other schools in disadvantaged communities.

The winners were announced at an awards presentation held at the Capita SIMS annual conference at the end of the summer term. Phil Neal, managing director of Capita SIMS, said: “We continue to be amazed by the breadth of ideas submitted by teachers and this year we have seen some wonderful schemes to help raise the achievement of every child.”

Paul Carbury, CEO of The SHINE Trust, added: “The passion and dedication of all those who enter the Let Teachers SHINE competition is infectious. Thanks to the winners, the lives of many more disadvantaged children across the country will be changed, forever.”

Each individual project will be run as a year-long pilot from September 2015 to September 2016. Additional funding is available for the most successful schemes.