Recognition for Dornoch Academy technician Howard Tolliday
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A TECHNICIAN at Dornoch Academy has won a national award recognising the contribution and exceptional work he has done for the school.
Howard Tolliday has won one of four UK Salters' National Awards for Science Technicians and will travel to the Salters' Institute in London on December 6 to receive his £1000 award.
The awards are run by the Salters’ Institute in collaboration with both CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services) and SSERC (Scottish Schools Education Research Centre).
The aim of the awards is to highlight the importance of technicians in enabling high quality practical work in science in schools and colleges, with the emphasis on promoting and supporting the professional learning and upskilling of technicians and teams.
After being nominated by the school and making the shortlist of nine technicians, he was visited by two members of the judging committee. After talking to them and demonstrating the resources he has developed for student science lessons such as Escape Room puzzles, primary science activities and microscale chemistry, he was soon informed of his success.
Since arriving in the school in 2016, Howard has provided technical support to teachers to enable the pupils to have opportunity to benefit from high quality practical work as part of their lessons. He also has provided work experience once a week with S6 pupils.
He plays an active part in science week activities; inter disciplinary projects, rural skills trips and assisting pupils with geography projects. He has taken part in extracurricular STEM trips to Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Highland Wildlife Park.
He has also even showcased his creative talents by participating in stage performances at school, playing guitar in a band with staff and pupils as well as well participating in a comedy magic show.
He will use the prize money from his award to attend professional technician training courses and meetings.
