Alexandra Hughes

Deputy curriculum leader, Maths

What do you like about working here?

There is a real warm feeling when you walk into our Academy. Everyone from students to all staff will make you feel welcome. We are a supportive community who all share the same aim of ensuring the very best for our students, both personally and academically. A great aspect of working here are the staff you get to work with every day. The team are all incredibly supportive, fun and hard working. We move as one and all have the same purpose everyday.

How have you been supported since joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

I have had great support through my team in maths, my HoD and the assistant heads/ DOPs. All of whom go out of their way to support you in whatever your need. I had fortnightly meetings when I joined the academy with my line manager to support me in my role as Numeracy coordinator which was new to me. I have also been supported by outside agencies such as SIL.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at The Academy of St. Nicholas?

Together with the staff and students, I led us to achieve the Liverpool Counts Quality mark for numeracy across the academy. This has raised the profile of the importance of numeracy across the academy with both staff and students. I have also been successful in gaining a place on the SSAT leadership legacy project, all supported by SLT.

What are the students like to work with?

The students can take a little time to trust you but once they do they have your back and become protective of you. That’s not to say they aren’t a challenge sometimes, but they definitely provide you with laughs! There is a warmth there with our students and they appreciate your hard work. Building relationships and being relatable to our students is really important, and knowing that you can laugh and are human too!

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

We offer weekly support classes to our year 11 in preparation for their exams. I also take students on maths enhancement trips such as the maths feast competition and maths inspiration lecture. It is imperative to our job that we aim to raise the aspirations of our students whilst making memories too.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

Be prepared to work hard, but be prepared to reap the rewards. You will learn more here than anywhere else. It massively pays to be organised and on the ball as we are a fast paced school. We aim to ensure all of our students achieve the best and become the best person they can be and that’s what we as a staff are all about.

How have you been developed professionally?

I have been part of the teaching leaders programme, allowing me to develop my skills in writing development plans, having difficult conversations and what to look for in a book scrutiny. I have recently been accepted onto the SSAT leadership legacy project and I have also been given the opportunity to attend subject specific CPD such as Decision 1 training for A level. As part of the Multi Academy Trust’s dedication to continuous improvement I have has training in innovation in education. This is a three year programme ensuring sustainable improvement with opportunities for 10 staff to become trainers on their own right. As a PiXl school I receive bespoke mathematical training with access to high quality resources and assessment systems to enhance my teaching and learning methodologies.

What support do you get?

I get support in many ways, from staff and students alike. Our SLT very much have an open door policy and are willing to listen to you with anything you might need. They are actively supportive in career and professional development. CPD and personal progressions a key focus and priority.

What professional development and career opportunities do you think will be open in the future?

The Academy of St. Nicholas is fast paced and rapidly changing so I know that the future holds many more learning opportunities, exactly like it has over the past 18 months!

Tell me about your department.

My department is strong. We are hardworking, resilient and determined to succeed and achieve the very best we can. Our motto is that everybody counts and we work hard to ensure that all students achieve the best they can in their maths. I am proud to be part of the maths department, academy team and to teach the students we do every day.

Becki Pimblett

Teacher of ICT and Computer Science

What do you like about working here?

You are made to feel welcome from the second you walk in to the striking building. Pupils are inspiring and staff are truly outstanding to work with. The school provides exceptional opportunities for both pupils and staff. Every day is an exciting journey I feel truly blessed and proud to be part of. The building and facilities are impeccable and the comradery of the staff is faultless. As a new member of staff and new to the teaching profession, I feel I can learn and grow to become an outstanding teacher and an inspiring individual.

How have you been supported since joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

From day one support has been shown through whole school continuous professional development sessions to personalised support meetings. Each session has been highly effective and beneficial towards my teaching vocation. Not only do I feel well supported within my department but also extremely supported by the Senior Leadership team, the pastoral team and every other individual in the school.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at The Academy of St. Nicholas?

I am proud that I have had the opportunity to introduce an entry level GCSE and to inspire the females of the academy with computer science as there is a strong stereotype that computer science and programming is a male orientated subject. From introducing a new course, to trips out, to fun and interactive lessons, I have been able to inspire the girls in the academy and have built up a strong cohort of enthusiastic, motivational and intelligent young female computer scientists.

What are the students like to work with?

The students in the academy are truly inspiring. Every single pupil has an exciting and unique personality which grows and blossoms every day. It is impressive to see the wide range of young and talented individuals that have such strong ambitions and aims that they are working hard to achieve. They are friendly, respectful and exciting young individuals who have the gift of making your day just from their smile alone.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

The amount of opportunities available are endless. The school inspires me to become the best I can be. The pupils are extremely motivated and driven to be the best they can be too. Every day is a learning curve. There is something new to be learnt in every lesson whether it is different teaching & learning strategies, new pastoral roles and duties, more curriculum and subject knowledge enhancement and much more.

How have you been developed professionally?

As a new member of staff to the academy and a new member of staff to the teaching career, I feel the school has allowed me to develop immensely. I have been able to expand my subject knowledge by having the opportunity to lead and support more courses, ranging from BTEC to GCSE to A Levels. I have been able to learn, develop and apply effective, efficient and consistent behaviour management strategies. I have also had the opportunity to develop and ameliorate the effectiveness and efficiency of my marking and feedback whilst also having support in planning and delivering high quality lessons, catering to a wide variety of pupils; High/low attainers, SEN, EAL and many other abilities throughout the school.

Tell me about your department.

One word; OUTSTANDING. I have never felt so supported and valued in a department as I do with this department. Every day I am expanding my subject knowledge, improving the quality of my lessons and improving the quality and efficiency of my marking whist maintaining a consistent high standard for all pupils. The results are impressive and the standard of work produced in the department is to an impeccable and impressive standard. We are strong team and we support each other immensely. We have high standards and are proud of every single individual we teach. The pupils and the department are both proud of our work and we ensure that all lessons are engaging, inspiring and interactive. I feel proud and privileged to have the opportunity to work within such an amazing, supportive and incredible computer science department.

Andrea St John

Assistant Head of School

What do you like about working here?

Being part of a strong community with a shared vision to improve the lives of students we teach, serve, inspire and support every minute every day, every generation.

I believe I have made and continue to make a difference to students’ lives at The Academy of St. Nicholas and this is my passion and driving force. I collaborate with an amazing team of staff including pastoral, teaching and business staff, who all share a vision of high expectations, resilience and respect. Being part of a Christian family of learning, takes a certain quality of staff to commit to the students in this community and this team is certainly that. The Academy, part of a Multi faith Academy Trust, led by Mrs Anne Pontifex a National Leader of Education is outward facing and forward thinking. This brings tremendous opportunities for development in and out of school. The leadership team is established effective and approachable. I am lucky to work with them. In addition there are highly experienced middle leaders and teaching staff who have outstanding qualities and subject knowledge which is hard to beat. It is a good time to be part of this team.

High calibre recruitment is a high priority for the Trust and moving forward a high performing culture led by high performing teams will shape the future of Education in South Liverpool; I am certain of this. The increasing tangible Christian ethos supported by both the Diocese and Arch Diocese is also helping to provide bright futures for the community we serve. Add to this working in a state of the art bright and delightful building makes each day that bit more special.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at The Academy of St. Nicholas?

Winning the career aspiration award at the prestigious Educate awards in recognition of the Academy’s commitment to ensuring every student is supported to achieve their chosen pathway into Higher Education, Higher Level apprenticeship or employment. The team gives their all to support students and as a result students at both GCSE and A level came away with A and A* across the board. Of the 70% gaining entry to their chosen university 25% successfully gained Russel Group university places.

I am also proud of developing new staff as they arrive at the Academy and watching them grow both learning and contributing to a culture where teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do here. I can see the leaders of the future and those who make a difference to the future of students’ lives by teaching the best lessons they can every lesson every day.

What are the students like to work with?

Students here appreciate what you do for them. They are honest warm and extremely sociable. Many are highly intelligent and thrive upon the wealth of subject knowledge and educational opportunities they experience both in and out of the classroom. When they go on to university and apprenticeships, they come back to visit regularly and feel a clear sense of loyalty to their teachers.

Equally there are students with additional educational needs who take every opportunity to achieve their best and it is a pleasure to see them achieve their potential. There are also some characters requiring structure and clear expectations which they get here from us. They respond well to this and to the staff who are clear about their standards but understand that each student is different. Students are warm, funny and make me smile every day and many of them need me, you and clear structures and relationships at school to help them thrive. For a small number we are the biggest influence in their lives and it is important we get it right.

I love coming to work and it is the students who have kept me in this part of the city for the past 23 years of teaching and leadership. I belong here with them and feel they deserve the very best.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

Come and meet us, see the fantastic facilities on offer, meet the students and most importantly the team you will be working with. These will be your day to day diet and make the difference to how you feel each morning and evening. We do have high expectations of “Excellence in all that we do” and accountability is clear. We believe in architectural leadership and building teams within teams. With this comes access to excellent resources, curriculum opportunities 11-18, leadership and CPD opportunities, and the opportunity to be part of a unique all new standalone 6th form centre which will open its doors in September serving students from across the Merseyside area.

How have you been developed professionally?

I began as a teacher of Art. My aim has been to progress to the next level within 5 years and I have achieved this, from teacher, to Head of Department to Advanced Skills Teacher to Head of Faculty before becoming Assistant Head of School. Since becoming Assistant Head, I have completed NPQH and work across the Trust in many projects. These include Quality Assurance procedures, sharing best practice as well as delivering cross Trust accredited CPD such Teaching Leaders for 20 middle leaders. I currently also facilitate a cross Trust initiative Sycol, led by specialists in developing high performing cultures. This is a fantastic visioning 3 year project developing 10 staff in each school to lead innovation within a framework of distributed leadership. I love being part of a team which prioritises the development of others. A clear focus upon ensuring all teams are high functioning accountable and effective is preparation for my future. I also visit other schools to gain an insight of best practice on a regular basis.

Tracey Greenough, Headteacher of our partner school ASFA, is an excellent leader and there are many opportunities for me to access and form some part of the excellent practice which takes place there. Working alongside Mrs Anne Pontifex every day is probably the best CPD of all. She is amazing, commands respect from all around her and models outstanding leadership. This in itself is the best preparation me for furthering my own career. My aim is to ensure this practice permeates the academy at all levels.

What professional development and career opportunities do you think will be open in the future?

MMy now that I have NPQH, excellent access to CPD and fantastic role models, my aim is to apply for headship when the time feels right and I am ready. I begin my Christian Leadership qualification with the Diocese in September and this will be a valuable stand in ensuring I am equipped for this responsibility. To become a Headteacher is my ultimate aim. Responsibility and accountability for a community its outcomes, well-being and safety is not for everyone! It is for me and in the future I fully welcome this challenge supported by the fantastic people who choose to take their place in education growing and preparing the next generation for success in their own lives.

Ruth Partington

Director of Progress - Maths

What do you like about working here?

The school is very much a family unit. We are all here to help the students and to support each other, if you are having a bad day then there is always someone to talk you. This is the type of school were you can really mould and develop students into becoming being the best they can be. Encourage them to be the first one in their family to go to university or to go on to further education and apprenticeships.

How have you been supported since joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

The academy has an excellent CPD program to develop teachers through its Professional Partnership. The Academy believes in “growing your own” so is always looking at developing its staff to become the next leaders in the school. I started as a second in department but with excellent support and mentoring by SLT I am now a Director of Progress and part of extended SLT.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at The Academy of St. Nicholas?

There are many things I am proud of, I am proud of my department and the role that they have had in the Ofsted report which stated teaching and learning in mathematics was a strength of the school. To getting a grade C for some students knowing that it will make a massive difference to their life chances. Getting my first A* student at A Level felt good too.

What are the students like to work with?

Our students are extremely loyal to you and there is a warmth in them that I have not experienced in other schools. However they are young people with their own issues and challenges so there are occasions that they can be difficult. However when you win them over and help them then it makes it all worthwhile.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

I have been involved in trips to Liverpool University with year 12 students and we are taking all the year 11 to Colomendy in May so that should be interesting.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Enterprise South Liverpool Academy?

If you have come to teaching to make a difference to the lives of young people then this is the place for you..

How have you been developed professionally?

I started as a second in department but with excellent support and mentoring by SLT I became Head of Department within 12 months and am now a Director of Progress and part of extended SLT.

What support do you get?

The school is part of PiXL club and this allows us to network with other schools and also gives us a wealth of resources to use to drive up the progress in maths. I have attended several conferences with maths teachers from across the country and have been given excellent ideas and materials to drive the progress in maths. Being part of the PiXL club is provides excellent support for the school and department.

What professional development and career opportunities do you think will be open in the future?

For me I have a job to job to do in maths to make what is already becoming a beacon department in the school and one recognised for excellence across the city the highest attaining department in School. I am lucky that this role has already been recognised and as vital and my salary and title now represent this. I have been recognised for the journey I have taken the maths department on and for growing and developing my staff. I would like to become an Assistant Headteacher here at the Academy with responsibility for data and outcomes whole school. I have developed great analysis skills, utilising data drilling down and using this to target improvement and adjust schemes of work. I hold staff to account whilst supporting them and this is the skillset currently prevalent amongst the leadership team.

Tell me about your department.

The department is well thought of in the school and student voice has consistently reported that the department is strong, organised and helps pupils to strive for their best. We are a mixed group of ages but we all get on really well even though we are different, we all care about the young people in our school and we all love maths!!!

Jonathan Weir

Strategic Director for ICT

What do you like about working here?

The sole reason I work in education is to provide the students with the best possible pathways to improve their futures. I believe I could work in many different industries and in a huge number of different schools, but I have built up many positive relationships with the students, and they deserve excellent education and encouraging role models.

How have you been supported since joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

In the beginning, I had an outstanding Head of Department who supported me and gave me the opportunity to progress and develop my career by allowing me to take control of a smaller curriculum area and grow it into a huge part of our current curriculum.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at The Academy of St. Nicholas?

I worked as part of a management team to improve standards in multiple areas as a Director of Progress under my remit as pupil premium co-ordinator for the Academy. This management team worked collaboratively to successfully remove the Academy from special measures. During this academic year I worked closely with a number of students, helping them with English, ICT, and Photography. Additionally I led a programme for ECDL which ensured 75% of the year group gained an extra qualification to help them gain places in further education or apprenticeships.

What are the students like to work with?

The students are incredibly diverse. It is a great experience getting to teach students with a wide range of abilities and develop relationships as they all have different characters and personalities. I have been privileged to know some fantastic souls, and they really bring a smile to your face, and keep you laughing.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

In my earlier teaching days I managed some of the football teams which was a truly memorable experience. The team bonding and relationships you can form in that role are fantastic!

More recently I have been pre-occupied with more curriculum based activities. I run a homework club at break and lunchtime each day, and often stay after school to run catch-up clubs for the different courses that I deliver.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining The Academy of St. Nicholas?

Do it. If you want to join a team which will always have your back, support you, and work together to achieve our goals, then this is the place to be. Is it challenging? Yes. Is it hard work? Yes. But is the most rewarding and fulfilling job you can do.

How have you been developed professionally?

More recently, I was given the chance of joining the senior leadership team where I was able to grow my skillset and experience massively. It enabled me to gain invaluable experience and aided in my progression into my current role working across the trust as a strategic lead for ICT.

What support do you get?

There is a plethora of talent in The Academy of St. Nicholas, and whenever you need support it is readily available. I have close links with staff at all levels of the academy, and have received support and advice in multiple areas ranging from attendance, behaviour, child protection and curriculum.

In my time at the academy since its opening day, there have always been opportunities to develop. Occasionally, it might be unpaid. Sometimes it might be additional time on top of your normally busy day. But the opportunity is there to develop, and gain valuable experience and career building challenges which will help you to gain progression and climb the ladder! There are pathways in the curriculum, pastoral and leadership areas where there is always scope for progression, including the new Psycol scheme enabled a select group to take part in outstanding training and career development in your chosen area.