Here at CCCU we started the week off with a bang by hosting our Learning and Teaching conference #CCCLT14. Staff from across the University gathered to discuss and recognise good practice. The day consisted of presentations and workshops on a diverse range of topics, from employability to “I can see clearly now, the feedback has come!” …and even pottery! But across all talks and workshops, the overall message was clear: the Higher Education Curriculum should not be viewed as static. Instead it should evolve to include students as partners in the exploring and developing Learning and Teaching.

One way that CCCU is already doing this is by holding the Golden Apple Awards–a scheme run by the Students’ Union to enable students to reward staff who exhibit exceptional teaching and/or support, or are particularly inspiring within their field. Students from across the University are welcome to nominate any member of staff or support department who have influenced their development.

Nowhere was this more prevalent than in the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, with a staggering 50 members of staff nominated. Not only that, but 10 of those nominations were for staff within the School of Psychology, which included the winner, Britta Osthaus!

An example of one student nomination was read out, which clearly highlighted the exceptional teaching and support that Britta provides, and her tremendous enthusiasm for teaching. We are thrilled to have a Golden Apple in our Team–congratulations Britta!