The Howard Academy Trust

Our staff are our greatest asset, and it is with their expertise, passion and teamwork that we can work together to build a community of successful learners. Join us as we shine a spotlight on members of staff across our academies, as they share their experiences and professional journeys within a THAT academy.

"I began at The Abbey School as a PGCE trainee, where I developed my teaching practice and subject knowledge within the PE department. Following this, I secured a position as an Early Career Teacher (ECT1) and have continued to develop professionally through increased teaching responsibility, curriculum delivery and involvement in wider school life.

No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love about teaching! My day usually starts with tutor time, where I’m with my form group in the morning checking in with students, supporting them with anything they need, going through notices and helping set them up for the day. It’s a really nice way to start the morning and build relationships outside of the classroom.

After that, it’s usually straight into lessons. As a PE teacher, my day is very active and varied - one lesson I could be teaching rounders out on the field, the next I could be in the sports hall doing fitness work or teaching theory content in the classroom. There’s lots of demonstrating, encouraging, problem-solving and adapting lessons to keep students engaged. After school, there might be clubs or a meeting, but if not, I walk home. It’s busy, energetic and sometimes unpredictable, but it’s never boring!

My favourite thing about teaching is building positive relationships with students and seeing their progress, whether that is improving performance or developing confidence. In PE particularly, it is rewarding to help students enjoy being active and achieve things they may not have thought possible.

I have received strong support from colleagues within the PE department, as well as from wider staff and leadership. There is a collaborative culture where colleagues are willing to share ideas, offer guidance and provide support when needed. As an ECT, I have also benefited from structured mentoring, regular feedback and support from leadership to support my development.

I have had opportunities to work with staff from other Trust academies through INSET and training days, where colleagues come together to share ideas, collaborate and learn from one another. These opportunities have been valuable for hearing different perspectives, sharing good practice and building connections with staff across the Trust.

The Trust offers a wide number of benefits, and while I have not personally used any of these so far, it is reassuring to know that wellbeing support and staff benefits are available if needed. It is positive to work within a Trust that places value on staff wellbeing and has support systems in place for colleagues.

I have benefited from a range of CPD opportunities through my PGCE and ECT training, including instructional coaching, mentoring, professional studies and subject-specific development. These opportunities have supported my growth in areas such as pedagogy, behaviour management, assessment and curriculum delivery, while also supporting my longer-term career development within teaching."

It is positive to work within a Trust that places value on staff wellbeing and has support systems in place for colleagues.

---

If you’re passionate about making a difference in education and ready to inspire the next generation, visit MyNewTerm to see our latest vacancies, and to join our talent pool to stay up to date with new opportunities: