What do you like most about teaching in your school?
The total inclusion of a mixed pot of cultures and nations with the resources and understanding of embracing all.
The staff, who act as a huge family and are always willing to lend a hand, support or a passing smile.
Everyday brings new experience with new challenges and rewards.
How do you think that your school and the LEA cater for the different needs of the children in terms of language, diversity and special needs? Please give details.
The college has an EAL department who cater for students who speak more than 50 different languages within the college, we have an SEN co-ordinator who gets vital information to the SEN representatives from each department so that all students are catered for within all classes, we have the BASE and Achievement Centre who cater for students with behavioural and learning difficulties, we have Learning Mentors and Connexions personnel who see to students individual needs, we have teaching assistants who dedicate time to students on a one-to-one basis within lessons and we have staff who are always pushing students to achieve their best with their support. Overall, I think we are using all possible resources to cater for the needs of our students.
What do you think of the support and training that was offered to you when you first came to Hounslow and also that has been on offer as you developed your career?
Personal and professional development in the borough is excellent. The first inset that I was sent on was ‘Overseas Teachers Induction Training’ which showed the interest the borough took in their teaching staff. I have thereafter been on several insets which has helped me met my personal/faculty and whole school targets.
Has working in a diverse borough helped to develop your teaching skills?
Definitely – teaching in the borough has offered me an optimum teaching experience that has heightened my skills and developed my understanding for SEN, EAL and G&T students.
Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
In a managerial post (senior management) - pastoral or academic.
Do you think that you have been encouraged to develop professionally and increase your skills as a teacher?
Yes, I have personal targets set for me on an annual basis and I am continuously encouraged to meet them via inset/training sessions (both internally and externally).
What would you say to an NQT to encourage them to come and teach in Hounslow?
“If you want to ‘teach’ and be taught in a supportive, diverse and challenging borough – this is the place to be”!!!
What 3 words describe your teaching career in Hounslow and the service that you receive as a teacher?
Enlightening
Gratifying
Unique