City physics teacher has formula for class success
An Inverness science teacher has been honoured for his work by the Institute of Physics.
Martyn Crawshaw, principal teacher of science in Millburn Academy was awarded the Institute of Physics Teacher of Physics Award 2017 for his outstanding contributions to the teaching of the subject.
Millburn rector Gavin MacLean said of the national prize: "Pupils and colleagues supported the nomination due to the quality of their experiences in school and the high level of support and development he offers across the authority to science colleagues.
"This is a thoroughly deserved accolade and one which we are very proud of at Millburn Academy.
"Martyn’s award recognises his dedication and enthusiasm as a teacher who instils a thirst for knowledge in his students and enjoys the challenge of presenting new concepts to them.
"The very significant impact he has made on Millburn Academy’s science faculty and the wider school community was also recognised, and the fact that he is seen as a "go-to" person for physics support in the north of Scotland by other schools and teachers was highlighted.
"The appreciation by his students of his engaging and encouraging teaching style and his ability to relate physics to life outside the classroom; his support to new teachers; efforts to organise visits, linking up with industry and his sheer phenomenal work-rate among other attributes were all recognised by the judges."
Mr Crawshaw (55), who hails from Tyneside but has been up north for 30 years, said: "Much of the award is for helping smaller secondary schools that do not have large staffs, either through email or coming in to visit me. On occasions there are new teachers and I give them support. It is important to go beyond the classroom."
Mr Crawshaw’s award was for "outstanding contributions to the teaching of physics."
The citation states: "Martyn is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who instils a thirst for knowledge in his students and enjoys the challenge of presenting new concepts to them. He has made a very significant impact on his school’s science faculty and the wider school community, and is seen as a ‘go-to’ person for physics support in the north of Scotland, particularly by schools with single-teacher departments, new staff or challenging issues.
"His students appreciate his engaging and encouraging teaching style and his ability to relate physics to life outside the classroom, while he is a supportive and challenging mentor to new teachers. Throughout his extensive efforts in organising visits, links with industry and hosting CPD (Continuing Professional Development), his work-rate has been phenomenal while his ability to empathise with students and colleagues has been exceptional."
Cllr Alasdair Christie, chairman of Highland Council’s People Committee added: "Congratulations to Martyn on receiving the Teacher of Physics award which was no mean feat against the cream of the crop across the UK. Martyn’s achievement, professionalism and sheer work ethic shared across the Highland teaching community and not just in his own school directly supports the Council’s Programme commitment ‘a place to learn’ which aims to enable all children to reach their full potential."
The annual Institute of Physics Awards were held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London recently. They reward excellence in people and teams.
