A FORMER pupil at Decoy Primary School is celebrating national recognition for helping inspire the next generation of scientists at the Newton Abbot school where she now teaches.

Charlotte Hodgson, the school’s Science Lead, has received two prestigious national awards for her work to improve science education and encourage children to develop a passion for the subject.

Charlotte was awarded a Fellowship from the Primary Science Teaching Trust in recognition of her outstanding practice and leadership in primary science.

The honour celebrates her excellent subject knowledge, inclusive teaching methods and contribution to improving science education beyond her own classroom.

She has also led colleagues at the school to secure the Primary Science Quality Mark (Gilt), recognising the school’s commitment to high-quality science teaching and learning across all year groups.

Charlotte’s enthusiasm for science began at an early age.

Inspired by teachers at Teign School in Kingsteignton, she went on to study at the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, before pursuing a career in education.

She said she was ‘absolutely delighted’ to receive both awards in the same year, adding that they recognised the work she and her colleagues were doing to develop a broad, engaging and ambitious science curriculum.

Headteacher Sally Herbert praised Charlotte’s contribution to the school, describing her enthusiasm for science as ‘infectious’.

‘Her passion, dedication and commitment have helped create a culture where science is celebrated across the whole school, and we are incredibly proud to see her receive this well-deserved national recognition’, she said.

The Gilt award also recognises Charlotte’s work in supporting colleagues, developing teaching practice and leading a substantial school improvement project over the course of an academic year.

Charlotte said: ‘Science has the power to inspire curiosity and confidence.

‘I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such dedicated colleagues at Decoy, and I am proud that together we are helping our children develop a lifelong love of asking questions, exploring ideas and understanding the world around them’.