I consider outstanding teaching to be incredibly important as part of a student’s development and preparation for adult life. The impact of a good teacher is immeasurable. I was inspired by the outstanding teachers in my education, and those I have been lucky enough to work with. Inevitably, they shaped the person I am today; and I wish to return the same experience for others.
I began my career in education in 2014 after graduating from the University of Northumbria with a degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Science (BSc) Hons. I started at Netherwood Secondary school in Barnsley as a Science Technician. I quickly moved into the classroom as a Teaching Assistant progressing to unqualified teacher status. In 2015 I took the opportunity to fulfil my ambition to teach; completing my teacher training in 2016 through Sheffield Hallam University (PGCE) whilst simultaneously working my professional school setting. After graduating I continued my post in Barnsley as the fully qualified PE teacher.
My first experience of XP pupils was at the Teen Tech STEM event at the Doncaster racecourse in 2014. I was impressed by their maturity and forward thinking during group presentations to design a new phone app. From this point the XP culture and project based learning has very much intrigued me. Project based learning gives students a purpose. Seeing first hand the impact of learning through expeditions by participating in one myself as a student confirmed this was the type of teaching I wanted to be part of. Seeing the beautiful work produced by XP, the rigour of the curriculum only confirmed this further.
I couldn’t be more excited to begin this post in a brand new school. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be part of the pioneering team of XP East is a great honour and something that I can’t wait to start. My continued professional development is something that I value as a teacher and I am looking forward to improving as a practitioner. Ultimately, I am mostly looking forward to seeing our students learn, and develop as people.
When I‘m not teaching I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I play as much sport as possible. I play mainly hockey, badminton and golf but will try my hand at anything sport related! I am also a keen musician and play in a number of bands on the drums. I like to use the holidays to see as much of the world as possible and don’t let my fear of flying stop me!
The culminating event to our staff induction is an Educator-Led Conference, where staff prepare speeches, critiqued by their peers, which answer the guiding questions:
“How have my ideas about teaching and learning changed during this induction process and have I changed as a person during this induction process?”
Below is Mr Smith’s speech: