Uxbridge College's Praxis Performing Arts Team has been recognised with a highly coveted "Award for FE (further education) Team of the Year" as part of the 2023 National Teaching Awards.
Click on the video below to find out more about why our Performing Arts Team won FE Teaching Team of the Year!
The Performing Arts Team - Uxbridge College - 2023 FE Team of the Year - YouTube
The team's remarkable achievements in creating an inclusive, innovative, and engaging learning environment, earned them a Gold award. Their dedication to excellence and transformative impact on learners' lives particularly impressed the judges.
Uxbridge College’s Praxis Performing Arts Team has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing a professional, enriching environment for their vibrant students, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
Over the past five years, they have established strong external partnerships and collaborated closely with industry volunteers, conducting both in-person and online workshops and mentorship programs.
Notably, the team has taken proactive steps to address mental health challenges by partnering with the local charity ‘Give Space’ to convene workshops specifically tailored to help learners dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, and OCD.
Many Level 1 students make impressive progress, moving on to universities, drama schools, and Level 4 courses, a testament to the team's dedication and effective teaching methods.
The Praxis Performing Arts Team's remarkable impact extends beyond the classroom. And during the 2022 Ofsted assessment, HRUC (Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges) received an “outstanding” rating for the Quality of Education, with this team receiving special recognition for their exceptional support to learners during the lockdown.
One example of their innovative approach was a tribute performance for Olivia Newton John, which featured all 131 learners actively participating on stage, showcasing the team's passion and determination to create memorable experiences.
The close-knit team represents a shining example of inspirational and motivational educators. The team consistently provide compelling and stimulating lessons that demand high engagement levels, resulting in impressive outcomes, with a 96% QAR (Quality Achievement Rate) and 91% attendance rate.
Anna Hosgood, Course Team Leader, at Uxbridge College, said “I am so proud to receive this award. The team has a real bond and a strong sense of camaraderie that creates a supportive environment. Within that environment we celebrate individuality enabling all our learners to express themselves and thrive.”
Speaking ahead of a special recorded feature about the awards on BBC ONE’s The One Show, Suba Dickerson, Vice Principal, HRUC said, “The team draws on its extensive industry connections in theatre and music to offer outstanding opportunities for our students, encouraging them to perform both within the college, local theatres, and the wider community. Their approach continues to be a resounding success, with a well-deserved reputation. This award reflects the team’s exceptional teaching, learning, assessment, and a joyful learning experience.”
Further information:
· Uxbridge College is part of HRUC (Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges)
· The Praxis team is affiliated with two patrons – Kwame Kwei-Armah, a local Hillingdon-born resident who is currently the Artistic Director of the Young Vic, and local MP John McDonnell, a fervent supporter of the arts in the local community.
· The team's continued expansion includes the introduction of a Level 4 course in Performance in 2020 and an E3 provision in Performing Arts in 2023. Plans for a Level 5 course are in development.
· Click here to find out more about the Performing Arts & Dance courses offered at Uxbridge College
· Click here to find out more about the Music courses offered at Uxbridge College