Exeter College Lecturer recognised at 2020 ENTHUSE Celebration Awards

A lecturer from Exeter College has won a prestigious national award for his contribution towards teaching science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Stephen Mariadas was given the ENTHUSE Award for Excellence in STEM Teaching – Post 16 at the 2020 ENTHUSE Celebration Awards. The winners were announced at an online celebration hosted by Dallas Campbell (The Gadget Show and Bang Goes The Theory) at 4pm on 10th December 2020.

“I’m honoured to be receiving such a prestigious award for doing something that I love.”

Stephen Mariadas, Exeter College Lecturer

The awards, organised by STEM Learning, recognise the best in UK STEM teaching, highlighting the work and achievements of teachers and school support staff who have gone the extra mile to inspire their students.

On presenting the award the judges said, “Seeing the careers challenges faced by many of his students in the South West, Stephen has developed an incredibly comprehensive set of resources and support for young people wanting to pursue a career in data analysis or computing. To achieve this he has worked in collaboration with all phases of education and with local employers too. He has supported his colleagues, running CPD with the Ted Wragg Trust Enthuse Partnership. He’s a very well deserved winner.”

Stephen said, “I’m honoured to be receiving such a prestigious award for doing something that I love. The recognition is amazing and am I only a small part of the great work that happens throughout Exeter College and colleges across the country. I hope these awards continue to shine a light on all the good practice out there.”

STEM Learning’s Chief Executive Yvonne Baker, said: “These Awards are a timely reminder of just how instrumental teachers are to our young people’s future, and the future for us all. Each of our winners – and everyone who was nominated – is making a real difference to their pupils, their colleagues and their communities. They are improving lives on a daily basis by sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for STEM. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their commitment and hard work.”

The ENTHUSE awards are open to everyone who has undertaken professional development at STEM Learning’s National STEM Learning Centre or through its network of Science Learning Partnerships. This includes both online and remote CPD during lockdown, and CPD with one of its partners in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Based in York, the National STEM Leaning Centre offers professional career development to teachers and other educators. The centre combines state-of- the-art facilities with an extensive library and repository of resources to provide teachers with the highest standard of STEM education and careers support.

Find out about the new Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre under construction at Exeter College.

The full list of winners:

Primary Science Teaching Trust Award for Excellence in STEM teaching – Primary
Kate Penarski from St Bede Primary Academy, Bolton

2020 ENTHUSE Award for Excellence in STEM teaching – Secondary
Jayne Hamilton from Bannockburn High School, Stirling.

2020 ENTHUSE Award for Excellence in STEM teaching – Post 16
Stephen Mariadas from Exeter College, Devon

2020 ENTHUSE Award for Excellence in STEM teaching – technicians and support staff
Angie Ridout, Dagenham Park Church of England School, Dagenham

2020 ENTHUSE Award for School and College Leadership in STEM
Mick McCarthy, from King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, West Midlands

BP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Developing Science Capital and Social Mobility
Sarah Eames, Sandfield Close Primary School, Leicester

ENTHUSE Partnership of the year
The MK D&T ENTHUSE Partnership, Milton Keynes.