Being an Assistant Subject Leader at Horizon is a pivotal role, because we have the opportunity to drive successful innovation and change from within our curriculum areas. As ASL in our large English Department, I have responsibilities for tracking and monitoring particular year groups, mentoring roles for a number of staff appraisals, and accountability for the English Literature GCSE course in terms of its content, delivery, and ultimately its results, which were successful outcomes from my participation in the college's own Middle Leadership Development Programme.

This is the type of overall project leadership on which I personally thrive; working in middle management at Horizon offers a raft of such diverse roles, all enhanced by first-class personalised CPD support to 'grow' dynamic managers in line with Horizon's ambitious vision.

I joined Horizon as an NQT in the English department, and it was the best decision I ever made. I was extremely nervous when starting my career, but couldn't have found a more supportive college. Between the staff and students here, an initially daunting prospect has turned into a thoroughly enjoyable and positive experience. Horizon has helped me develop in every aspect of my teaching career, which is very much due to the brilliant NQT training programme they offer.

I was assigned a mentor from my department, who I met with regularly, and was there for me whenever I needed her. This just shows that not only is Horizon completely dedicated to the success of their students, but also their staff! I am very grateful that I have begun my teaching journey here at Horizon, and I very much look forward to further developing my career here!

I have worked at Horizon since it first opened and felt as though it was home from the beginning. Whenever I was unsure about anything, there was always someone willing to help and often there is a whole team of people who want to offer their support. Horizon Community offers a unique experience like no other. It is full of opportunities open to both pupils and staff, making it a close knit place of work. I have both a personal and subject mentor who have guided me through what has been a rollercoaster year, with the highs far out weighing the lows.

I have met some fantastic people who are not only enthusiastic about their subject but also about teaching and this has spurred me on to be the best teacher.

Horizon is a fabulous place to work. Collaboration and innovation are integral to college life here, but I can say from experience that this is combined with support and guidance that allows you to develop your practise to an outstanding standard.

After thoroughly enjoying and completing my NQT year here, and then gaining a promotion at the end of my RQT year as a Lead Practitioner with a focus on differentiation, I can truly say that I am excited to be part of the successful future that lies ahead!

Since joining in September 2013 I have been struck by the emphasis on professional development and the culture of continuous improvement. As a part of the extended leadership team, I was delighted to be invited onto a professional enquiry group (PEG), led by the Principal and Vice Principal, aimed at developing outstanding leadership. This programme is excellent: stretching, thought-provoking and inspirational. With a commitment to on-going professional enquiry, the PEG programme places CPD in the hands of individual staff. There are 7 enquiry groups across the college, with all staff having access to modules they choose.

The culture of achievement embedded in the core values of the school is what makes Horizon a fantastic place to develop. Working along side professional and dedicated staff, hard working students, supportive families and being in outstanding facilities, Horizon represents a real learning community is every sense. Barnsley is going places and Horizon is leading the revival of a proud former coal mining town.

Since joining Horizon I have enjoyed working as part of a committed and dedicated staff who are interested in delivering active and engaging lessons and exploring how to support students efficiently. The college is also committed to developing teaching and learning: finding time to work with colleagues is always difficult, but staff are encouraged to plan collaboratively and are given time during INSET to experiment with their practice - this is something that I have embraced and enjoyed thoroughly!

Horizon is an excellent place to push your practice with the support and encouragement of your colleagues.

Horizon prides itself in providing quality training and CPD opportunities. My current role within the mathematics team is providing CPD for all the team and supporting the training and development of our NQTs. The first year in the 'real ' working environment can be challenging and stressful at times and learning to prioritise, developing professional practice and achieving good and outstanding teacher status is part of our remit.

Team work and support makes coming to work a pleasure and the mix of experienced and newer teachers provides a fantastic learning experience for all.

I teach Performing Arts and Social Studies here at Horizon. As of September 2014, I was promoted to the role of Lead Practitioner where my main focus is to promote cooperative learning across the college, using Kagan structures and philosophy. I have really enjoyed my time at Horizon so far as I have been given numerous opportunities to progress within my career and due to this, I feel incredibly valued as a member of staff.

The college strives for excellence and in this quest offers an abundance of training sessions for staff to attend in order to enhance teaching and learning across all subjects. The training sessions that I have had the opportunity to attend so far have undoubtedly aided me in becoming a consistently outstanding teacher. I always leave the sessions with a variety of new and innovative ideas and activities to try out with the students that I teach