Winners of the Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence for Postgraduate Research Students (WATEPGR) announced

Congratulations to our award-winning PhD students who teach

In the first ever run of the WATEPGR scheme, students and staff could nominate PhD students for a teaching award. Over 100 nominations were received demonstrating a wealth of teaching talent. The WATEPGR panel selected five winners, who will receive prize money of £500 and five commendees who will each receive £200 which can be spent on research or teaching.

WATEPGR Winners

David Lees - French Studies
David lectures and tutors on a range of modules spanning French politics, language, history and culture. He uses innovative techniques to inspire and engage students. Read more..

David is an inspirational teacher who motivates us through his personal approach to teaching.

Samantha Lyle - Sociology
Sam is a sessional tutor in Sociology where her innovative and inclusive approach to teaching has been praised by both staff and students. Read more..

Students’ experience at the university has been enhanced by being lucky enough to be taught by Sam.

Adam Slavny - Law
Adam has been a seminar tutor and assistant mooting officer in Law, as well as a tutor and mentor on the University's Pathway to Law programme. In all three areas he has received praise from staff and students. Read more..

Adam is a highly accomplished teacher of immense skill and inspires trust, confidence and enthusiasm in his students.

Paul Whitehouse - English and Comparative Literary Studies
Paul is a seminar tutor for the department where his ability to push the boundaries of student learning has been praised by staff and students. Read more..

The group is constantly occupied in animated debate with a lively discussion surrounding what can be an incredibly difficult subject.

Rebecca Wills
Rebecca is a demonstrator in Chemistry. Staff and students have remarked on her ability to motivate, engage and support students to ensure that everyone fully benefits from the lab classes. Read more..

I have yet to see such an enthusiastic, motivated and inspiring demonstrator that has the ability to engage students.

WATEPGR Commendees

Adrienne Davies - Life Sciences
After graduating Adrienne became a teaching assistant on an MSc programme which demonstrated the trust and belief colleagues had in her teaching ability. Read more..

Adrienne keeps on motivating and encouraging" and "She has been instrumental in the success of the course.

Martin Moore - History
The words motivating, challenging and engaging are synonymous with Martin’s small group teaching style. Read more..

He was able to ease us into a high level of academic debate and learning.

Luke Taylor - MOAC and WMS
Throughout his diverse teaching roles a common thread has been Luke's ability to inspire student from different backgrounds, disciplines and abilities to learn. Read more..

His ability to bond with students and motivate them shone through.

Andrew Tyler - Philosophy
Andrew is driven to facilitate the students’ understanding of complex and difficult texts through collaborative, active and critical engagement and it's clear that he's been successful in this mission. Read more..

Discussions were of such a high quality that nobody complained about the additional reading.

Owen Weetch - Film & TV Studies
In his seminars, Owen focuses on creating a collaborative atmosphere where there is constructive critical debate and students are encouraged to draw their own conclusions. Read more..

Owen's seminars are really engaging, challenging and a good learning environment.

Find out more about WATEPGR

To learn more about this year's winners, or to find out how you can get involved in next year's nominations, visit the WATE PGR website.