Howard Wood, won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual TES School’s Awards on Friday 4 July.
“A man of great gentleness but with a powerful belief in the children in his care” is how one person who has worked with Howard Wood describes him. Others call him “outstanding”, “exceptional” and “selfless”, but the word that crops up more than any other is “dedicated”.
Mr Wood with his wife Mary and daughter Sarah at the award ceremony in London on Friday.
This is not simply because of his 37-year commitment to Oathall Community College. It is also because in those years he has devoted many school hours and much of his personal time to developing the students in his care, offering them opportunities that were not available elsewhere. An “outstanding teacher” and award-winning educationalist, he has also used his skills outside the classroom to develop a small on-site farm, which has become a centre of agricultural excellence.
The farm work is built into the curriculum across all subjects. And it is a fantastic example of inclusion, enabling students with special educational needs and disabilities to fully engage with school life and achieve skills and qualifications that boost self-confidence and lead to the prospect of future employment.
Mr Wood and Headteacher Mr Rodriguez with the TES Lifetime Achievement Award
The farm’s success is, the school says, down to Wood’s “innovative ability” to attract funding, embrace the wider community and ensure that threats of closure come to nothing.
Wood also runs a Young Farmers group with more than 100 members. It raises huge sums for local charities, gives students a safe place to socialise and develops their skills – from public speaking to social activism.
Mr Wood retires this summer but his influence and hard work will continue to benefit students for years to come.
Mr Wood receiving his award from host Hugh Dennis.
Howard Wood’s victory was witnessed by over 600 people gathered to celebrate the sector’s achievements at the awards ceremony held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, on Friday 4 July.
Hosted by Hugh Dennis, the TES Schools Awards aim to celebrate and reward the extraordinary innovation, dedication and hard work of those schools, individuals and teams who every day are making a real difference to the lives of future generations.
For more coverage of the awards, full lists of winners, and photos from the event, please visit www.tesawards.co.uk or pick up a copy of TES, available in newsagents from 11 July.
