It was a fiesta at King’s Liverpool when head of modern languages and Spanish teacher Ana Sanchez was surprised with a Silver Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Miss Sanchez had no idea she had won the award until it was announced at a specially arranged Spanish-themed event she had helped organise as part of National Thank a Teacher Day.
The leadership team kept the secret as she put together the event, which was a celebration of all things Spanish. It even included the opportunity for students to ride a mechanical bull!
Ryan Mallet, Vice Principal at King’s Liverpool, nominated Miss Sanchez earlier in the year after the impact she has had on modern languages at the school:
“Miss Sanchez’s arrival last September was the best thing that has happened to modern languages at the school. Her energy and enthusiasm to do the best for her students embody everything you need to be an outstanding teacher.
“In a diverse school like ours with 40 nationalities and 39 languages spoken, she has created a modern languages curriculum reflecting our different cultures and faiths and helps to generate their enthusiasm to learn.”
The award recognises Miss Sanchez’s work ensuring that language lessons are inclusive and reflect the students' everyday lives. She has also injected a level of fun by building lessons around experiences that reflect the culture of the languages. This has seen several events, such as chocolate and churros celebrations for Spanish students.
Her passion for languages has not only inspired her students but also the wider school community. A growing number of pupils are now choosing to learn languages after school and at sessions held on Saturdays, a testament to the impact of her initiatives.
Miss Sanchez’s dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. She has organised a trip to Barcelona for 30 Spanish language students, many of whom have never been away from home before. Through her resourcefulness and the school's support, she has made the trip affordable to all, demonstrating her commitment to providing enriching experiences for her students.
For five students learning Mandarin, she has helped arrange a trip of a lifetime later this year with a visit to Shanghai. Links have also been built with schools in other countries, and King’s Liverpool will host Chinese students. Plans are being made to cement a link with a school in Peru.
For five students learning Mandarin, she has also helped to arrange a trip of a lifetime to Shanghai. King’s Liverpool will also host Chinese students later in the year, and plans are being made working with the Global Schools Alliance to cement a link with a school in Peru. The school is also partnering with Liverpool Hope University to help train the next generation of language teachers.
Miss Sanchez is now in the running for the coveted Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious ceremony later in the year.