Double celebration for high-flying Elizabeth

A twist of fate has seen an outstanding university student receive a top award from an academic who first met her family on a beach in north Wales.

University of Cumbria lecturer Anne Gager was on holiday and struck up a conversation with the family of Elizabeth Quiligoitti. Fast forward 24 years and not only has the student joined colleagues in receiving a PGCE primary certificate but also received a prestigious prize in recognition of her outstanding work.

Elizabeth gained the highest academic achievement prize awarded by the university’s Institute of Education in recognition of work to inspire pupils at a specialist school in Greater Manchester.

As a teaching assistant at Piper Hill High School in Wythenshawe she saw at first hand the opportunities to develop techniques which would help her pupil’s thrive.

“She introduced a system of mindfulness aimed at pupil’s on the autistic spectrum which as a result of her studies is being implemented within the school,“ Anne Gager, senior lecturer in inclusive education, said. “Elizabeth is exceptional and is putting into practice what she was taught at the University of Cumbria.”

Whilst on her PGCE placement at Piper Hill High School in Wythenshawe she saw at first hand the opportunities to develop techniques which would help her pupils thrive.

“She introduced a system of mindfulness aimed at reducing challenging behaviours for pupils on the autistic spectrum which as a result of her studies is being implemented within the school,“ Anne Gager, senior lecturer in inclusive education, said. “Elizabeth is exceptional and is putting into practice what she was taught at the University of Cumbria.”

The prestigious award is awarded to the student obtaining the highest marks on their course and was presented at the graduation ceremony held in historic Carlisle Cathedral (Thursday 29.)

Elizabeth said: “Originally I thought I wanted to go into psychology and studied at Warwick but afterwards really felt teaching would be rewarding.”

She added: “I was really shocked and pleased to get the award.”

“She’s phenomenal and very anxious to achieve perfection to the highest level and beyond,” Anne Gager added. “There are some very fortunate young people who will benefit from her expertise.”

Pictured: Anne Gager with Elizabeth Quiligoitti