Tag Archives: Education

It’s been a while…

First and foremost, I want to apologize for my absence; it’s been 451 days since I last blogged. As you can imagine, a lot has happened during that time. I’m excited to share that I had the privilege of meeting Doug Lemov at a CPD event in Bristol, where he spoke about routines and pedagogy. I felt honoured that the executive leadership team from our trust invited me, along with the assistant head of teaching and learning and several heads of faculty. I still see myself as a small fish in a big pond.

We’ve entered the new academic year, 2024/25, and I have the exciting opportunity to teach Year 12 A Level Language. Although I only have five students, I believe this will be a wonderful chance to help each of them reach their full potential. I’m also pleased to report that I passed my first year of doctoral study at the University of Bath. I learned so much during that year, and now I am undertaking the ED60281 Learning Pedagogy and Diversity module. In July, I had the chance to collaborate with some amazing researchers, including Dr. Rita Chalwa, who led the model alongside Dr. Hordern and others. This year, I’ve decided to write a scoping review on how teachers can use pedagogy to alleviate barriers to learning for students with dyslexia.

Teaching is a fascinating profession. It can be all-consuming during term time, but it’s incredibly rewarding to witness students make progress. For me, sharing cultural capital and valuable knowledge helps shape young people into well-rounded individuals. I find this work fulfilling and essential. I want today’s youth to develop a hunger for knowledge and learning, and so far, it seems to be working.

This is my fourth year of teaching, and while I haven’t yet moved into a middle-leadership position, I’m not rushing toward it. I believe it’s best to take things one day at a time and enjoy what I do. I don’t wish to leave my school or trust, especially since the headteacher has been so supportive. I see myself staying here for the foreseeable future. I’ve started a Politics Society and would love to introduce an A Level in Politics, particularly since I hold an MA in Religion, Politics, and Society. This could be a long-term goal, as leadership roles here are already filled, and moving schools for a promotion doesn’t seem worth it. Besides, I’m happy here, and that’s what truly matters. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side; there’s more to life than promotions. I’m sure my time will come, but for now, I’ll remain in the classroom with a smile on my face, grateful for all the good that has come my way.

New beginnings

Starting a doctorate in education is incredibly exciting. There are numerous reasons why I’ve chosen to pursue this path early on in my career. I’m now wrapping up my second year as an early careers teacher (ECT), and I believe it could be useful to reflect on how I’ve reached this point today.

My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Leicester from 2014 to 2017. Subsequently, I delved into the study of Religion, Politics, and Society, specializing in counterterrorism and radicalization research at the University of Birmingham from 2017 to 2018. Although I thoroughly enjoyed studying English, I wanted to explore contemporary issues in the world that fascinated me during my literature readings.

Becoming a teacher had been my aspiration since I was sixteen years old.
I believed that pursuing a Master’s degree would enhance my subject knowledge in the humanities, which would prove valuable later on. However, I encountered difficulties getting into a PGCE course right away.
As the saying goes, success isn’t always a straightforward path.
Despite holding qualifications in areas of personal interest, I felt inadequate and somewhat like a failure when I couldn’t pass a math pre-test for ITT PGCE while working in insurance management.

Fortunately, the director of the SCITT provided me with invaluable support with the opportunity to complete a fully funded Skills Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course at the University of Sussex. After successfully completing this six-month course, the government eased its process, allowing me to enroll in the Leicestershire Secondary SCITT program, focusing on teaching Secondary English. This school-centered PGCE is accredited by the University of Leicester. It was great to return to my first University. My training coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, but I persevered and received an offer to teach at an exciting new school.

Despite the offer, I decided to reject it and embark on a different journey, leaving the Midlands behind. I briefly worked in the independent sector in Buckinghamshire, but unfortunately, the facilities couldn’t adequately support me as an ECT. Consequently, I sought employment in teaching in Bath, desiring to be closer to my family. It was during this time that my MA in Religion, Politics, and Society opened a remarkable opportunity for me.

Taking a leap of faith, I called a school in Bath and surprisingly secured an interview, despite lacking experience in teaching A-level Sociology, History, and Religious Education. As a result, I was appointed on a maternity contract. Although I was eager to stay, after re-building the A Level curriculum my path was destined for elsewhere.

Now, I find myself teaching in another fantastic school in Bath, where I met the love of my life, who is also an English teacher. We are getting married in two months. Furthermore, I am embarking on my doctorate in Education.

In my mind, I envision a linear trajectory for my career, progressing through a curriculum path. Perhaps one day, I’ll have the opportunity to draw upon my previous management experience, becoming a second in the department and eventually a head. Ultimately, I strongly believe in research-informed teaching, basing our daily practices as teachers on proven methods from the research literature to help our students succeed.

So, that’s the path my journey has taken me thus far. Over the years, I will be sharing my experiences, thoughts, and ideas here.