Shellie Brown, who teaches at Cadoxton Primary School, received the honour from Historic Royal Palaces as part of its inaugural Inspiring History Teaching Awards. The award scheme recognises educators who make history engaging, meaningful, and accessible for young people.
Ms Brown was chosen as the Wales winner for sparking curiosity, joy, and community spirit through her teaching. Judges praised her ability to ignite a lasting enthusiasm for history in her pupils, saying: “If we were at primary school, we’d want to be in that class.”
Ms Brown said: “Winning the Inspiring Teacher Award is an empowering moment for me and our school community.
“As a life-long history learner I am endlessly drawn to small stories within social history, above all the people: their struggles, their triumphs, their loves and their falls.
“In our dosbarth I am as much an eager student as I am a teacher, and I hope my love of investigative learning has stirred the same infectious passion within my pupils.”
A standout project led by Ms Brown encouraged pupils to explore the history of their own school by asking: “What is the story of Cadoxton Primary School—its past, present and future?”
Pupils created a public survey and collected more than 100 responses from former students.
They also took part in a ‘human library,’ interviewing community members including historians, former pupils, and a local television presenter who helped them develop interview techniques.
Their research led them to share their findings on local radio, and the project even saw the mystery of a missing school bell emerge.
Ms Brown said: “I applied for this award in order to celebrate the hard work of the entire team I work with, especially my partner teacher Kim.
“Our wonderfully brilliant Cynefin Inquiry—What is the Story of Cadoxton Primary School; its Past, Present and Future?—was built on curiosity, creativity, and pride.”
Funds raised at the school’s Christmas market will now go towards installing a modern bell, keeping the story alive for future generations.
The Inspiring History Teaching Awards form part of Historic Royal Palaces’ national effort to help every child engage with history in a meaningful way.
John Barnes, chief executive of Historic Royal Palaces, said: “History comes alive through great teaching, and Historic Royal Palaces is thrilled to celebrate the passion and creativity shown by the winners of the inaugural Inspiring History Teaching Awards.
“Congratulations to all 10, you’re inspiring young people across the UK to discover why history matters.”
The overall winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London on June 20.
