A LECTURER has won a prestigious award for his teaching and leadership.

Sam Charman, 20, of Benfleet, was named winner of STEM learning’s enthuse award for excellence for further education in the south region.

Sam teaches applied science at South Essex College’s Southend campus and is also in his final year of his criminology and forensic investigation degree at the college’s university centre.

He received his award at Transport for London’s headquarters and will now be put forward to the national final in June where he will face competition from people across the country.

The awards recognise excellence of teaching in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Sam said he was delighted to win the award.

He said: “There is a big push at the moment surrounding STEM subjects nationally, so to have been recognised in this area is amazing.

“The criminology and forensic investigation degree has really helped me get to where I am today.

“Lecturers are always encouraging us to get out there and experience the subject for ourselves which has proved to be invaluable.”

Sam was praised for his continuing professional development in his area which has helped him bring valuable real life insight to his teaching to benefit students.

Some of the activities he has been involved with which have also helped him throughout his degree include search and recovery operations at a recent tragedy in London, his work crime mapping with Essex Police and his role at Rape Crisis.

Alongside his teaching and industry based roles, Sam has also been instrumental in creating a new course which the College is offering from September.

Aimed at mature students, the one year Access to Higher Education (Policing and Criminology) course is ideal for those who want to pursue careers in the criminal justice field and develop skills in investigation, attention to detail and social research.

After completing the course, students will be able to undertake the College’s BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation degree or other higher education study.

You can find out more at southessex.ac.uk