Exeter Deaf Academy teacher finalist on BBC 'Britain's Classroom Heroes'

Exeter Deaf Academy English Teacher, Deb Thomas, attended a glittering awards ceremony at The Guildhall, London at the weekend. The UK grand finale of the Pearson Teaching Awards is an annual event celebrating the very best of the UK’s teaching profession.

On Sunday 30 October, the ceremony hosted by star of ‘Outnumbered’ and ‘Mock the Week’ Hugh Dennis, will be broadcast on BBC2’s ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes 2016’.

Earlier this year Deb was recognised for her exceptional contribution to the teaching profession as one of just 52 Silver Teaching Award winners in the UK, winning her award in the category The Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education.

Deb was nominated by pupils, parents and colleagues at Exeter Deaf Academy, who are all behind her to win one of the prestigious UK Pearson Gold Plato Award in the finals. All Silver Award winners will hope to win 1 of 10 Gold Plato awards presented for categories including Excellence in Special Needs Education and Lifetime Achievement.

Deb said, ‘“When I became a Silver Award Winner, the school organised a special assembly for me which was so lovely and touching, it reduced me to tears. Now I’m getting ready for the Award ceremony in London, I’m so excited to attend such a grand event! My Mum will be with me and my family will be watching the Awards on TV. I know on the night I will be nervous, but delighted to represent my Exeter Deaf Academy colleagues and friends at such a prestigious event.’

Deb Thomas is a qualified Teacher of the Deaf at Exeter Deaf Academy, with 14 years of experience. Through creative experiences and a combination of English and British Sign Language (BSL), Deb uses innovative methods to ensure Deaf students can access educational resources. This means Deaf students are able to understand complex texts, such as Shakespeare, as any hearing student in a mainstream school does.

Exeter Deaf Academy CEO, Jonathan Farnhill, said, ‘Watching Deb and her class is a testament to the fact that Deaf people can achieve anything. Deb is a talented, passionate and dedicated teacher - she truly contributes beyond the classroom and to the life of Exeter Deaf Academy’.

Actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, and host of this year’s BBC Classroom Heroes said: ‘I am genuinely proud and honoured to be hosting this year’s ceremony. The inspiration and support of my fantastic teachers got me to where I am today, and I look forward to joining in and celebrating other teachers’ incredible achievements as well.’

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: ‘A huge congratulations to the 2016 Teaching Award winners. Pearson is so proud to sponsor this celebration - Great teaching makes the biggest difference to a child’s education and it’s incredibly important that we take this moment each year to recognise that’.

Exeter Deaf Academy is a charity that runs a specialist school and college in a bilingual English and British Sign Language (BSL) environment for Deaf young people aged 4-24. The Deaf Academy’s English and BSL bilingual community gives Deaf young people a sense of belonging as they learn and develop their own language skills and journey towards independence and fulfilling their own potential.