Tag Archives: Leeds Trinity University

Education News, Leeds, University Headlines, University News, West Yorkshire

Double Recognition For Leeds Trinity University Professor

Professor of Science Education at Leeds Trinity University, Leigh Hoath has been recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to Widening Participation, Diversity and Inclusion at the STEM Learning Inspiration Awards.

She was recently presented with the award by Baroness Brown at the House of Lords.

This is a further accolade for Leigh’s highly praised outreach work with the global chemical company BASF UK through their ScienceXperience project, an interactive science resource which provides school children with the chance to take part in experiments linked to the national curriculum.

The facility is designed to inspire students and support teachers to maximise their education. The award recognised the impact for primary school age children who have been able to access on site learning activities designed by Leigh. The sites are generally located in areas with some disadvantage and therefore the impact for the children in seeing real world science, their learning in action, is greater.

Leigh was also shortlisted for the Education/Academic Leader Award at the Forward Ladies Summit and Awards at the Royal Armouries in Leeds that took place in November.

Professor Leigh Hoath said: “Both of these awards are the icing on the cake! My role at Leeds Trinity involves supporting others through their own professional journey. Additional recognition beyond the University’s four walls is a wonderful experience and it adds a layer of feeling valued for the work I deliver. None of this would be possible without the support of my colleagues and peers both in and out of the University.”

Dr Duncan Martin, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Childhood and Education at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Professor Hoath richly deserves this recognition. She champions the vital importance of sustainability and climate change education through her work and research. Leigh is an outstanding ambassador for the University and we are thrilled that she continues to receive national recognition and accolades.”

Earlier this year, Professor Hoath also launched a new book, ‘Science Teaching in Secondary Schools’, which is an essential guide to secondary science teacher training and gives practical advice on developing classroom skills.

Furthermore, she chairs a working group focussed on climate change and sustainability with individuals from education, industry and the charity sector, having worked closely with Heena Dave, Curriculum Designer at Teacher Development Trust, who is an active researcher in the area. Leigh is also co-authoring a book with Leeds Trinity Senior Professional Practice Fellow Ed Podesta. ‘Professional Studies for Secondary Teaching’ will be released via Sage Publishing in March 2023.

Leeds, News, University Headlines, University News, West Yorkshire

New Pro-Vice Chancellor Of Enterprise & External Engagement

Professor Mohammed Arif has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise and External Engagement at Leeds Trinity, as the University seeks to increase its impact and contribution.

Professor Arif joins the Leeds Trinity University Executive team and will report directly to Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Egbu. In this key role, he will be responsible for the University’s Marketing, Communications and Student Recruitment directorate; Centre for Apprenticeships, Work-Based Learning and Skills; Academic Partnerships Unit; and the Global Engagement Office.

Professor Arif is currently Dean of School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering at the University of Brighton, and is also research active in a number of areas. He will take up his new role with Leeds Trinity University in March 2023.

He has over 20 years of experience in Higher Education from roles held with several universities across the country. His previous positions include Professor of Sustainability and Process Management with the University of Salford, and Head of School – Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Wolverhampton.

Professor Arif gained his BSc Engineering (Mechanical) from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, India, and earned his MS and PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida, USA.

Professor Arif said: “I am excited to join Leeds Trinity University, which is on a path of growth and excellence. The results of the last National Student Survey clearly indicate the dedication towards learning and teaching. The University’s plans include an increase in student numbers, a new Leeds city centre presence, development of new degree courses, internationalisation and wider engagement. I feel privileged to be part of this journey and look forward to working with the Leeds Trinity community.”

His main areas of research interest are Offsite Construction and Sustainability. Professor Arif has a strong track record of enterprise, research and engagement nationally and internationally. His engagement activities include several academic and professional communities across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, UAE, and Qatar. Professor Arif is also a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds University said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of our new Pro Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise and Engagement. Professor Arif brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge to drive our regional and national engagement forward. He will also provide proactive leadership and direction and be accountable for the development and delivery of major new partnerships in the public and private sectors. I look forward to working with Professor Arif in the new year.”

Leeds Trinity University has significantly invested in its leadership and academic structures to support the delivery of its Strategic Plan 2021-26. This includes attracting students from across the UK as well as internationally, strengthening the student experience, enhancing its reputation as a career-led University and improving Research and Knowledge Exchange outputs.

Leeds, News, University Headlines, University News, West Yorkshire

Graduate Secures Masters Degree After Overcoming Adversity

Leeds Trinity student Paige Walshe graduated recently with a Masters in Applied Custodial Leadership after overcoming adversity during her time at University.

Originally from Croydon, 29-year-old Paige was amongst the first cohort of students on the Unlocked Graduates programme at Leeds Trinity University, a national leadership scheme that involves a combination of classroom-based learning, as well as practical frontline work on the landings as Prison Officers.

Since joining Leeds Trinity in 2020, Paige has faced and overcome significant personal challenges, especially over the last year when she lost her dad in January, just three-and-a-half years after her mum passed away.

Paige had to juggle working full-time, commuting long distances, completing a Masters and arranging her dad’s funeral, which almost led to her leaving the programme completely.

She was supported throughout her time at Leeds Trinity University by Professor Danielle McDermott, Head of Prisons and Custody, Associate Professor Claire Vilarrubi, and Jacky Taylor, Administrator in Assessments and Ceremonies, who she credits with encouraging her to carry on.

Paige graduated with a Distinction and full-time employment in the Programme Interventions department at a Category C prison, working to reduce re-offending.

Paige said: “I owe so much to Danielle, Claire and Jacky, they have helped change my life. I now have a Masters degree and no one can take that away from me. They were kind all the way through and never lost faith in me and would always reply, sometimes late at night! I don’t have a bad word to say about Leeds Trinity University. I really felt they cared and because of them, I wanted to finish.”

“I never intended to work in prisons, but this programme has opened so many doors. I am working in a department that works to reduce re-offending and feels really meaningful. I have proven to myself that I have the intelligence and determination to succeed and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.”

“Getting a Masters has increased my confidence so much, especially achieving a Distinction despite everything that happened. I really can’t believe I did it. I think it will act as a reminder for my future self that I am strong enough, which will help to stop any feelings of self-doubt.”

Associate Professor Claire Vilarrubi, Senior Lecturer in the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing at Leeds Trinity University, said: “It’s been an absolute honour to support Paige for the past two years. Undertaking post-graduate studies whilst working full-time can be exceptionally demanding and challenging at the best of times, but alongside this Paige has been faced with personal loss and grief.”

“Despite this, Paige has approached her studies with an appetite for learning, tenacity and commitment. She is passionate and reflective, determined to lead innovation and change within the Criminal Justice System. She fully deserves her success and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Professor Danielle McDermott, Head of Prisons and Custody at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am so proud of Paige’s journey since starting Leeds Trinity University, and to be graduating with a Distinction despite struggling with her own personal challenges is a testament to the type of person she is.”

“She has been a delight to teach and has been eager to learn and grow as a person throughout her time at Leeds Trinity. I am looking forward to seeing her career flourish, and she deserves all the success that will be coming her way in the future.”

Unlocked has worked in partnership with Leeds Trinity since 2020. Since the Unlocked programme was launched, over 10,000 applications have been submitted with over 600 participants placed in prisons across the UK in the last five years.

The principle at the heart of the Unlocked programme is a belief that the way to change prisons and break cycles of reoffending is through developing exceptional prison officers. The prison officer is the only professional who can build a relationship with every single prisoner – including the most vulnerable and challenging. They set the culture on the landings and have the power to create a safe and secure environment focused on rehabilitation.

Find out more about Unlocked here