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Top National Award for Engineering Education Scheme Teacher
Congratulations to Peter Buckley, an EDT teacher who has won the 2009 Stephenson Award. Peter has been a Mathematics teacher at Watford Grammar School for 20 years and is also the Business Links Coordinator for the school. Peter has been involved with the Engineering Education Scheme (EES) for 8 years and has been responsible for over 60 students participating in the EES, many of whom are now studying engineering or have taken up a career in this field.
The Stephenson Award facilitated by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers is for individuals who have been particularly successful in encouraging young people to study engineering with an emphasis, but not exclusively on mechanical engineering.
Peter’s first project with EES was in 2001 when his EES team was linked with Faber Maunsell, he explains why they are annually involved with the scheme;
“Choosing a university and thence a career is one of the major challenges that Sixth Form students face. Engineering remains a popular choice amongst our students; some are familiar with engineering through a relative or close family friend. Some consider engineering, but due to lack of experience or information elect a more familiar university course. The Engineering Education Scheme and Headstart offer students at this level an excellent opportunity to work with an engineering company (EES) or in a university engineering department (Headstart). Such experiences will in many cases give the student the basis on which to make an informed choice, many choosing to pursue an engineering course after participating in EES or Headstart. Both the EES and Headstart courses not only give students experience of engineering but will allow them to develop skills (such as team-working and formal presentations) that will stand them in good stead for their future careers. All my students rate both EES and Headstart as brilliantly organised and first rate experiences.”
Over the last 7 years, EES teachers have received this prestigious award on six occasions with the following teachers being recognised for their contributions;
Peter Buckley - Watford Grammar School, Kath Walley – Ulverston Victoria High School in Cumbria, Ian Gray – Harrow School in Middlesex, Peter Crompton –Fortismere School in Muswell Hill, London, Steve Woolley – Bancroft’s Schoolin Woodford Green, Essex and Bryan Lawrence – King Edward V1 School in Morpeth, Northumberland.
On receiving the award, Peter Buckley commented “I was honoured to be proposed for the award and delighted to receive it. It was a most interesting evening.”
For more information about the EES or the EDT please contact info@etrust.org.uk or 01707 871 520