Exeter academics recognised for teaching excellence

Dr Greta Bosch and Dr Andrew Pye received the major award in recognition for their outstanding impact on both the student learning experience, and teaching excellence.

They are joined by 52 other academics nationwide to receive the fellowships from Advance HE, and which were announced today (August 30).

Dr Bosch is an Associate Professor who teaches civil and common law at Exeter’s Law School, as well as conducting research in human rights as well as inter-disciplinary education.

She has led a number of successful and outstanding initiatives while at Exeter, which include working with students to transform the department’s curriculum, and championing the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning, through her work with the ASPIRE professional recognition pathway.

Greta is highly-regarded for her exceptional ability to incorporate the student voice into her initiatives. She has designed creative ways to engage students effectively in her strategic work, and rewarded their participation in numerous ways, including offering fully-funded leadership training accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Dr Bosch said: “I am truly delighted to have been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship. It is a testament to the innovative agenda of research-based education that we have here at Exeter, as well as the support and enthusiasm of the staff and students alike.”

Dr Pye, a Senior Lecturer in Biosciences based at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, received the Fellowship for his long-standing work supporting Exeter’s staff and students through academic tutoring and peer support.

His nomination for an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Wellbeing’, made by students, described him as “the driving force behind the peer mentor scheme”, adding “there are few academics recognised as providing as much support and help to students through initiatives they have devised as Andy”.

Dr Pye facilitates networking events and led his campus HEA accredited Leaning and Teaching in Higher Education Programme (LTHE) for three years. He now facilitates the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP).

Andrew frequently presents his work at national and international conferences and workshops. He contributed to the HEA National Report ‘Mapping Student-Led Peer Learning in the UK’ in 2014 and was on the Board of Directors, of the Peer Led Team Learning International Society (PLTLIS) (2013-2016).

Dr Pye said: “I am delighted to have received this national recognition for my teaching. Recognising and rewarding learning and teaching for all staff is critical if we are to meet the challenges facing the sector and deliver high quality education.”

Professor Tim Quine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Exeter said: “I am absolutely delighted that Greta and Andrew have received this prestigious award.

“At Exeter, we pride ourselves on providing an internationally excellent education and exceptional student experience, and these Fellowships are a testimony to the dedication and commitment they have shown to this goal.

“Exeter encourages and supports teaching excellence as a pivotal part of our identity, and the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme offers a truly important recognition of that excellence. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Greta and Andy for their remarkable, and richly deserved, awards.”

The awards further strengthen Exeter’s position as one of the leading universities for student education and experience.

Exeter was awarded Gold in the first Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in 2017, while teaching quality and the learning experience were ranked amongst the highest in the Russell Group in the most recent National Student Survey.

Alison Johns, Advance HE’s chief executive, said, “The award of a National Teaching Fellowship is an outstanding achievement and I know that the whole sector will join me in congratulating the 54 new NTFs.

“Advance HE is very proud to run these awards on behalf of the sector. A key part of our role in this programme is to work with NTFs to show-case their work so that others can learn and benefit from their success.”

 Both nominees were supported by their College's Assistant Director of Education (ADE), the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and the Exeter’s Academic Development team in receiving their awards.

 Staff wishing to find out more about the NTF scheme, or how to seek a University nomination, should contact academicdevelopment@exeter.ac.uk.