Students and staff at The Totteridge Academy are celebrating after Sajida Ali was crowned NQT of the Year at United Learning’s Best in Everyone Awards, 2022.
These national awards honour individuals, teams and departments from across the Academy Trust for the exceptional contributions they have made to school and community life. This includes recognition for standout academic successes, sporting and musical achievements, and commitment to leadership and service.
Nominations were submitted earlier in the year and considered by a judging panel. There were strong fields of nominees in all categories for 2022, which makes it even more impressive that Sajida was recognised on this national scale.
In her nomination, Sajida is described as “one of the most impressive teachers” the school’s Maths Department has seen. Teaching Years 8 to 12, Sajida challenges each and every one of her students to achieve highly and strives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Owing to her “calm and assertive manner” as well as her excellent teaching abilities, Sajida has secured “incredible progress” amongst her classes.
Sajida is also said to be an “invaluable team player.” She is the first member of the department to be trained in delivering a Maths Education for Social Mobility and Excellence (MESME) Maths Circle and has successfully developed resources and electronic assessments for students who are visually impaired.
Speaking about her success, Sajida said:
“I am thrilled to have been recognised for this award, and I am so proud of the progress I have made since starting at TTA. The support from my mentor and team has been incredible: thank you so much!”
Sajida received her engraved glass award on Friday 24th June following a special virtual ceremony, which ran alongside the live one at The Queens Hotel in Leeds. 2022 marks the tenth year that the awards have been held. Bespoke videos announcing the winners were posted on United Learning’s Twitter account to coincide with the live event, giving over 10,000 peers, colleagues and families at home the opportunity to join in the celebrations.
Chris Fairbairn, Principal at The Totteridge Academy, said:
“We have an incredibly dedicated team of staff here at The Totteridge Academy and our maths department in particular has been recognised externally for its determination to raise standards and get brilliant outcomes for our students. Sajida is a fantastic addition to this team and has demonstrated enthusiasm, ambition and innovation, both in her work with colleagues and on behalf of her students. She has become firmly embedded within our team and we are looking forward to seeing her go from strength to strength in her career.”
