Who?

Bernadette is ICT teacher and Career Academy co-ordinator at Longley Park Sixth Form College in Sheffield.

Why?

Longley College opened in 2004 in a deprived area of Sheffield that previously had very poor sixth form provision. Five years on, with the installation of the Career Academy programme, Bernadette has helped the college to raise the aspirations of young people.

In her role as Career Academy co-ordinator, Bernadette has combined the tasks of teaching and tutoring students with developing business links to deliver the practical elements of the programme, thereby significantly improving their career prospects.

She has organised student visits to Prague, London, and many local businesses, and arranged for experts to come into the classroom and deliver “Guru Lectures” and workshops. Bernadette has also arranged social events to help the students network with business people and helped to provide practical guidance to the young people.

Without her efforts it is doubtful that the Career Academy at Longley Park would have been so successful.

Nominated by?

Martyn Drain, director, Career Academies UK, who says: “Bernadette is an incredibly enthusiastic and inspirational member of staff, who has really helped a group of young people from Sheffield raise their aspirations. She has been the driving force behind the Career Academy programme, which transforms students’ career prospects by introducing them to a kind of first-hand business experience they would never have otherwise had the opportunity to see.”

Thanks to Career Academies UK for nominating this week’s Rising Star. Send in your one to watch to features@tes.co.uk, including 300 words and a picture.