Aspire supports inspiring teachers

The Salisbury Journal Education Awards took place in June and Aspire was a key sponsor for the second year running, with our three entities joining forces to back the College Teacher of the Year Award.

Aspire’s winner – chosen by Allan Thomson (Chief Executive, Aspire Defence Limited), Mark Carr (Managing Director, Aspire Defence Services) and Paul Dempster (Managing Director, Aspire Defence Capital Works) – was Miss Gwen Saunders, Psychology, Sociology, Health & Social Care teacher at Salisbury 6^th Form College.

She was nominated by her students, who said:

“The phrase ‘Saunders will sort it’ is something we hear around college on a daily basis. If ever anyone is going through a hard time or needs to speak to someone … students always encourage them to go and see Miss Saunders.   No lesson is ever boring as Miss Saunders gets the perfect balance of fun and learning.  She organises trips to the local [university] fairs, lunchtime drop-in sessions for anyone struggling with their [university] statements, numerous assemblies to help us understand the whole process and oversees the submission of everyone’s applications.”

The prestigious Awards dinner was held at the Milford Hall Hotel in Salisbury on 7 June.  Aspire was represented by: Jenny Mitchell (PA to the Managing Director) and Abby Fox (HR Lead) from ADCW; Kate Viggers, Media, PR & Visits Manager, ADL; and Mike Hughes, HR Director, ADSL.

Presenting the Award on the night, Mike said:

“As a large employer for Salisbury and the South, we are really keen to encourage young people into industry.  So we recognise the important role played by inspiring teachers like Miss Saunders, in guiding and motivating young people as they begin to consider their career choices.”