Remaining in education whilst being a teacher helps you to keep the student perspective!

After graduating from Sheffield with a BA undergraduate degree in Geography and Town planning, I stayed at the University to study for a PGCE. 

I secured my first teaching job at a large 11-18 secondary school in South Leeds. I studied part-time for 2 years for an MA Applied Professional Studies in Education (MA APSE). 

After 8 years teaching at the school, I moved to my current school as Head of Geography. This east Leeds school is statistically one of the most deprived schools in the country. After 4 years here, I was promoted to Assistant Principal for Curriculum. The school was rated inadequate, but after my first year on SLT, Ofsted inspectors judged our school as ‘good’. We are striving to provide an outstanding education for all and raise outcomes for all!

My MA APSE research project was about supporting and challenging the most able students. This knowledge has been imperative in encouraging these students in a very deprived area, where there had been a long standing culture of low educational expectations. Tutors dedicated huge amounts of time to supporting students. Sheffield provided the city living experience, but it felt like a small and friendly community.

Remaining in education whilst being a teacher helps you to keep the student perspective - being able to apply theory and research to your every day work is rewarding!