Higher education teaching award for Nottingham College lecturer

A Nottingham College lecturer has won a national higher education award for teaching in photography.

Matt Bunn, course leader of the foundation degree in photography practice, was presented with the Association for Photography in Higher Education (APHE) teaching practice award in recognition of his successful student project celebrating the women of Nottingham.

At the conference, APHE members voted for their favourite entry, which had to demonstrate innovative teaching practice. Matt was recognised for the student project he led to coincide with International Women’s Day, in which foundation degree students created a digital presentation of 100 women’s portraits, that was shown on a large advertising screen at intu Victoria Centre in Nottingham. Models were chosen to celebrate the diversity and skills of Nottingham women, including: Olympic gymnasts, local business owners, students, staff, friends and family.

The APHE awards, also known as ‘APHIEs’, are designed to recognise and share great practice, introducing new and innovative approaches to teaching photography in higher education in the UK.

Matt said: “Winning the award is a real highlight in my educational career. To have the project voted a winner by peers and conference delegates of high stature is extremely flattering. It is further proof of what can be achieved when working with inspiring colleagues and students.”

As a result of winning the award, Matt will now have the opportunity to present the project at the APHE’s American sister organisation, the Society for Photographic Education (SPE) during their annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio next year.

Matt said: “I look forward to representing both APHE and Nottingham College in the United States.”