A YORK teacher’s commitment and determination to make learning fun has led to her being nominated for a Community Pride award.

Fiona Bennett, a year six teacher at St Paul’s CE Primary School, in York, has been praised for challenging and encouraging pupils and helping them achieve good grades.

Fiona was nominated by Megan Rule, a council worker and school governor, who said: “Fiona devotes her life and soul to the school, its children, staff and parents. Her standards are proved by the exceptional results her pupils achieve and the great affection and esteem in which she is held.

“Her class’s key stage two SATs results have helped make St Paul’s one of the best performing schools in York, and she made the week of tests more enjoyable by cooking her class butties every morning. Achievement is high, but her priority is to make learning fun.”

Fiona has often helped children learn by organising visits around the city, and residential courses for older pupils, to help develop their independence before they move on to secondary schools.

Megan said: “Everyone at school loves Fiona. Parents find her friendly and helpful, and pupils think she’s challenging and fun.

“She always appreciates the work of the caretaker and kitchen staff, while staff love her sense of fun and support, and governors admire her extraordinary commitment.”

Fiona said: “I’m really touched, I didn’t have any idea I was going to be nominated.

“I work at a fantastic school, with fantastic children, and have done for the last six years.

“It’s fun, and different every day, and something I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m lucky I just really enjoy my job.”

The last entries

This is the eighth year The Press has run the awards, in partnership with City of York Council and local businesses.

The aim is to recognise the efforts of local people who make a difference to their community.

Entries for this year’s awards close today, so if you want to make a nomination, you should do so online at thepress.co.uk/pride

All nominees must live or be based in the City of York Council tax area, and the winners will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony in October.