I first joined Hasmonean in September 2009, having just completed my MA and with no teaching experience whatsoever! The school supported me in completing the GTP (Graduate Teaching Programme – a slightly modified version of the Teach First Programme) and I completed my teacher training in January 2011.

In the last 10 years at Hasmonean, I have been given the opportunity to take on a range of roles within the school, both pastoral and academic. This has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experience in terms of working within a school environment, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Whilst I enjoyed the opportunities provided in a pastoral capacity, my real love is my subject – English – and I was absolutely delighted when the opportunity arose to lead the English Department at the Girls’ School as Director of Learning in September 2019. Whilst I have only been in this role for a month so far, it has been a highly positive experience. I work with an amazing team of English teachers who support and nurture one another. Our rapport with the students is also something we value highly – the girls are very special and make our jobs a real pleasure.

Hasmonean epitomises the meaning of family – and I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else.

I joined Hasmonean as an NQT in 2011 as a teacher of Geography and Politics. Thanks to the coaching and mentoring at Hasmonean, as well as the chances to progress, I was appointed Head of Sixth Form in 2013. This allowed me to develop my pastoral skills and I gained a huge amount working with the variety of stakeholders involved in post-16 education.

The Jewish ethos of Hasmonean ensures that the school is a caring environment for all and that it supports colleagues and students through their journey. Continued development is a key focus of the school and I attained the NPQSL qualification, focusing on improving the British Values and SMSC provision across the school.

In January 2019, I was promoted to Assistant Headteacher, responsible for behaviour and pastoral care. I have had the opportunity to bring in whole school changes and have been fully supported by my SLT colleagues and wider stakeholders, including the Governing Body. I am in the process of completing the NPQH qualification and I hope to use the knowledge gained to further develop the school.

Hasmonean is a unique community where staff and pupils always make you feel welcome.

I joined Hasmonean in January 2013 as a short-term supply. My initial position was for two weeks only as an emergency cover for Geography. At the end of this I was offered an extension and subsequently a permanent contract. Over the last 7 years I have progressed in my teaching with guidance and support from my colleagues. The humanities department feels as if we are all part of what feels like essentially a family. The whole school CPD allows you to set progressive targets and achieve goals in areas of teaching that interest you.

The students at Hasmonean are equally warm and ambitious. Their curiosity makes teaching fun and the behaviour is very good. The nature of the school and its relationship with the Jewish faith has always made me feel welcome as a Muslim wearing a hijab.

Having completed a Masters in 2014, I joined Hasmonean as an unqualified teacher, having previously worked within an Academy setting, teaching PE. I was encouraged by Hasmonean to gain qualified teacher status through the Assessment Only route, allowing me the opportunity to earn more and take on additional responsibility. The school has supported me to specialise in my subject area, providing me with a mentor who has gone above and beyond to ensure I am confident and capable in delivering a varied and interesting curriculum across both Key Stage 3 and 4. Within the school community, the opportunity to combine learning with a responsibility to the world around us is ever-present and being part of an organisation that actively supports a diverse range of social and charitable causes has had a really positive impact on my engagement in school life.