Hub's May wins Oxford University Inspirational Teacher Award

May, pictured second right with students and staff and Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney during a visit to the Hub.
May, pictured second right with students and staff and Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney during a visit to the Hub.

Advanced Higher Hub teacher May Sharp is to be honoured with a University of Oxford Inspirational Teacher Award.

History teacher May was nominated for the award by former pupil Christopher O'Neil, who is now studying History there. She will receive her award at a ceremony and celebratory dinner in May.

The Inspirational Teacher awards recognise "the crucial role teachers play in encouraging talented students". First year undergraduates "who have come from schools with a limited history or tradition of sending students to the university are asked to nominate a teacher who inspired them to apply to Oxford, fostered their passion for a particular subject or supported them through the application process".

May, pictured second right with students and staff and Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney during a visit to the Hub, said: "This is quite a wonderful surprise; it is so lovely to be appreciated and also a little overwhelming. Taking the time to nominate me is such a Christopher thing to do but the achievement is Christopher's and that of all the pupils I have been privileged to teach at the Hub. This award is also really about the ethos and success of GCU as the University for the Common Good and of its Outreach teams. 

"Christopher is a fine young man and was obviously capable of going to Oxford, all I did was encourage him. All of his class were so happy for him and rooting for him, too. Teaching History has been my life's work – it is vital that we understand the causes and effects that have shaped our global society. We need to understand who we are. The Hubbers are amazingly generous in their commitment to expanding their world view and supporting them as they develop academically and prepare for their next steps into Higher Education is a shared goal across the Advanced Higher Hub.

"I have read his submission and want to thank him for his kind words; so generous. Of course I am most grateful to be given this award, but the best reward I get is when candidates aspirations are raised and they begin to dream big. That's what makes me happy".

Head of Outreach Eleanor Wilson said: "May is incredibly passionate about teaching and committed to each of her pupils. While she is very modest, she thoroughly deserves her Inspirational Teacher Award. All of the staff and pupils she's currently working with and has taught in the past are thrilled for her."