St Mary’s School, Cambridge, has been shortlisted in the highly regarded Tes Schools Awards 2022, which recognises the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the UK education sector.
St Mary’s English teacher, Olympia Severis, has been announced as a shortlisted individual in the ‘Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary)’ category at the awards. Miss Severis studied at the University of Cambridge and St Andrew’s University. She has been at St Mary’s since April 2018 and has made a significant impact at the school through a series of innovative initiatives.
A passionate advocate for all things literary, Miss Severis has spearheaded a cross-curriculum drive, which enables students to improve and utilise their oracy skills in the classroom. As part of this she supports the Debating Club and team which recently competed in the second round of the prestigious English Speaking Union Competition. As Student Voice Ambassador for St Mary’s, Miss Severis has transformed how students represent their views to the senior leadership team through increased communication opportunities and the promotion of the Student Council as a vehicle for change.
In addition, she leads the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee, which works to increase awareness on issues relating to inclusion, such as neurodiversity, within the school community. Miss Severis also manages the school’s scholarship programme, with a particular focus on the academic scholars, to help students find their passions using a portfolio which encourages both internal and external extracurricular activities and competitions.
This year, organisers of the 2022 Tes Schools Awards have widened their remit – bringing together the best teachers and schools from all UK state and independent early years settings, including both primary and secondary schools. Previously, the awards only serviced the independent school sector.
Charlotte Avery, Headmistress at St Mary’s School, said: “What a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted in the highly regarded Tes Schools Awards. Our congratulations go to Olympia, who helps to make St Mary’s such an inspiring place for our students to learn and flourish. We are absolutely delighted to have a member of our first-class teaching team recognised in such a prestigious awards programme. We look forward to the ceremony in June and will keep our fingers crossed for a win.”
Tes Editor and Chief Judge of the Tes Schools Awards, Jon Severs, said: “This year has seen an incredibly high standard of entries to the Tes Schools Awards. Every teacher and school which has been nominated should be incredibly proud – it’s a fantastic achievement. We are looking forward to showcasing, as we do every year, just how vital our education professionals are to every facet of this country. Teachers, leaders and support staff have all played an enormous role as schools have battled with immense challenges over the last few years: this is our chance to say thank you for all that they do. After two years of virtual awards ceremonies, we are looking forward to celebrating our education heroes in person once again.”
The awards are judged by a panel of experts including school leaders, inspectors and education researchers. The objectivity, professionalism and high standards of the Tes Schools Awards judges and the judging process has helped establish them as a well-respected achievement for any school chosen as a finalist or winner.
The Tes Schools Awards Winners will be announced on Friday 17th June at a gala ceremony at London’s Grosvenor Park Hotel.
Categories: School News St Mary's School
