The Sixth Form College’s, Paula Blakemore nominated for Law Teacher of the Year

Law Teacher and Head of Humanities at The Sixth Form College, Paula Blakemore has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2015 Law Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by Oxford University Press.

The finalists include:

• Paula Blakemore, The Sixth Form College – Birkenhead and The Law Academy
• Ama Eyo, Bangor University
• Emily Finch, University of Surrey
• Jane Holder, University College London
• Esther McGuinness, University of Ulster
• Nick Taylor, University of Leeds

The shortlisted candidates will now begin the rigorous second stage of the judging process, involving campus observations and interviews with students and colleagues.

While high quality teaching is undoubtedly essential in further and higher education, teaching excellence is rarely celebrated. Oxford University Press, through the Law Teacher of the Year Award, is pleased to be able to shine a light on the exceptional teaching going on in Law schools around the UK and formally recognise the vital role played by Law teachers.

Paula practiced as a Lawyer for twenty years before switching to teaching in further and higher education and is responsible for delivering A-Level and BTEC Law programmes at The Sixth Form College. Paula has a unique perspective in terms of ensuring the development of independent learners who can make the transition from Advanced level to undergraduate study in Law. Her Law students are taught the ‘Bounce’ philosophy expounded by Matthew Syed and the College has adopted an Independent Learning and Resilience programme to encourage students to understand how they learn and how they can maximise their prospects of success. The positive effects of this approach are demonstrated by the fact that the majority of Paula’s A-Level Law students go on to pursue Law at University.

Paula is also heavily involved in organising exciting Enrichment opportunities for students such as, securing students’ places on the Pathways to Law programme and getting students’ involved with Merseyside’s Bar Mock Trial Competition with mentoring from local barristers at Exchange Chambers.

Paula also assists in the organising of important work placement schemes for students with local Law firms and the facilitation of applications of Law students to Sutton Trust programmes, which have recently included a student being accepted onto a 2 week placement at Whitehall and another awaiting the outcome of their US application.

 

Paula will now be judged against the following criteria:

• Displays an active interest in and development of approaches to teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn        
• Demonstrates commitment to and support for the development of students as individuals
• Uses effective communication skills that engage students in the learning experience
• Involvement in scholarly activities that have influenced and enhanced learning both of students and colleagues

Kathryn Podmore, Principal at The Sixth Form College has the highest hopes for Paula and agrees she has an excellent chance of claiming the title,

“The teaching staff at The Sixth Form College are specialists in their subjects and we pride ourselves on the fact we are able to offer our students the opportunity to learn from dedicated professionals. Paula’s nomination is a true testament to this and recognition of the hard work and enthusiasm she brings to the College and our students. The entire College is rooting for Paula to win the title and we would like to wish her the best of luck.”

The winner will be announced at an awards luncheon in Oxford on 27^th February 2015.