Hospitality extraordinaire Courtney McNally has been recognised as the Central and Northern Sydney Region VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year in the 2022 NSW Training Awards.
St Clare’s College Waverley Director of Administration said she felt honoured to receive the award. She teaches Hospitality to students in Years 11 and 12.
Courtney McNally.
“As teachers we are constantly striving to make a difference in the lives of our students, without expecting anything in return,” she said.
“When moments like this come along and we are recognised for our hard work they are really special and humbling experiences.”
The award recognises innovation and excellence by a trainer or teacher who provides nationally recognised training to students at, or in partnership with, a registered training organisation (RTO).
As a regional award winner, Ms McNally is now in line to be a finalist in the NSW VET Trainer / Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in September.
“VET in schools opens doors for students to apply the skills they have learnt to a number of post-school pathway opportunities” – Courtney McNally
Ms McNally said Hospitality was a popular subject at St Clare’s, with an average of two Year 11 and two Year 12 classes each year being offered.
She attributes this to the academic success of students in the subject – which is well above the HSC state average – and the practical opportunities to apply their learning.
These opportunities include restaurant ‘takeovers’ and excursions, where students can develop their culinary skills and understanding of the hospitality industry by working alongside professional chefs.
“VET, and in particular Hospitality, provides a pivotal platform to optimise student growth” – Courtney McNally
“Application based learning is at the core of the experiences offered in this course,” Ms McNally said.
“This promotes students’ ability to transfer the key employability skills and competencies they have attained within the course, both within and outside of the school context.”
By: JADE RAMIREZ
