What do you like about working here?

Great colleagues and working environment. There is always support and CPD opportunities.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

I have had the opportunity to take part in several CPD courses, also the open door policy all teachers have, has been a great tool to observe good practice.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

My proudest moment was getting the results for Computer Science and them being above national average.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

I have organised and run a coding club and also ran the stock market challenge.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

Be reflective and learn from the excellent classroom practitioners that are at Longdendale.

How have you been developed professionally?

I have developed a range of classroom techniques that engage all students.

What support do you get?

When needed there are a host of colleagues that offer help and advice.

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

I would like to complete a subject knowledge enhancement course in maths, also I would like to be Head of Computing in the future.

Tell me about your department

We are a hardworking, progressive and reflective department that consists of three teachers. We cover a plethora of subjects, which include Computer Science, ICT, Business Studies and Media. On top of this, we are all KS4 form tutors.

What do you like about working here?

Great views of the countryside, pleasant working relationship with colleagues and generally pleasant kids with a good work ethic.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

I have been given the opportunity to work on schemes of work and have worked closely with the Head of Department to develop my overall long term plans, which have enabled me then to plan better focused lessons. I have also had mentoring on pushing KS4 students with coursework deadlines and managing class deadlines regarding GCSE.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

We have seen a rise in students opting for GCSE Food Technology and students seem to be enjoying the food lessons more than they have in the past.

What are the students like to work with?

Most students are very pleasant, respectful and friendly. There are some strong characters but are in general very mature. Students come from diverse backgrounds but gel well together and create a very welcoming atmosphere.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

I have been involved in after school cooking clubs and am looking forward to using our new garden project to get students into fresh vegetables. We are hoping to get a few barbeques there for the use in summer terms.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

Don’t be afraid to ask. Get involved and make friends. Longdendale has a good support network with staff and colleagues look after each other. We have a good Wellbeing Committee and carry out regular social events.

How have you been developed professionally?

I am an RQT and have regular training sessions with a mentor. I have fortnightly meetings with my line manager and meet most mornings with the Head of Department. I feel my teaching has come on huge strides over the past year due to this and feel more confident teaching other subjects such as CAD, textiles, graphics and geography.

What support do you get?

I feel really well supported by colleagues. As stated earlier I have regular meetings and feel confident to drop into colleagues to ask for support when required. Colleagues are supportive and collaborate well.

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

As I am new to teaching, I have not had a great deal of time to think about progression/ development. I want to first of all ensure teaching is always good if not excellent and that I can develop SOW for the department. I would like to be able to teach all aspects of the Technology Department as I feel this is essential if I am to head towards being a Head of Department. The long-term plan is to venture into inclusion as I have seen some good work carried out by our ASPIRE Centre and I find this aspect of the job rewarding. I have a family that work within the social work sector too so this is something that is embedded.

Tell me about your department

The department is small. Technology has 2 main teachers, The Head of Department who specialises in resistant materials and graphics and then myself who has a food specialism. We both teach textiles and CAD and we have a number of non-specialists that teach RM, CAD, textiles and graphics to KS3. I also teach a year 10 geography class and so I work closely with the geography teacher who happens to be next door. In all, the department is very close as we talk and discuss things regularly. We have two technicians that help out in the subjects and we are closely linked with the Art Department.

We have Super Friday on the last Friday of each month where we all sit down at break to eat a homemade soup and we often get together (in the summer) for department BBQ’s.

What do you like about working here?

At Longdendale we have a brilliant staff body. They are supportive and friendly, giving advice when needed or pleasant conversation.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

Throughout my time at Longdendale I have been given the opportunity to complete the NPQML qualification, complete the Outstanding Teacher Programme and I am also a Mental Health First Aider.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

The proudest moment for me as a Head of Department getting record breaking results last year. It was nice to see our hard work had paid off.

What are the students like to work with?

Overall, the majority of pupils are fun and engaging, with a sense of humour.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

In my time at Longdendale I have done multiple different extra-curricular activities such as running break and after school clubs. On top of this, I have been involved in residential trips to Normandy in France and Almeria in Spain.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

The advice I would give someone before joining Longdendale was to make sure you socialise with the staff body, as there are some excellent classroom practitioners that are full of new and exciting ideas.

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

In the future, I am looking to develop my leadership skills more and would like to move towards SLT.

Tell me about your department

We are a hardworking department that consists of three of us. We cover a plethora of subjects, which include Computer Science, ICT, Business Studies and Media. On top of this, we are all KS4 form tutors.

What do you like about working here?

My favourite thing about working at this school is the staff. Everyone is so friendly and supportive and everyone gets on with each other really well. It is a welcoming school where teamwork is a real strength as our communication between departments is strong which really helps us to feel supported as teachers within school. I also enjoy working with the students and I feel that I have made many positive working relationships with them across all year groups.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

Longdendale is an incredibly supportive school. Within my first year, I was able to take part in a Teacher Development Programme, which allowed me to work with other members of staff to continue to be reflective over my teaching practice. The school has a professional advocate scheme where teachers are identified as being a port of call who you can go to for advice for anything you happen to be struggling with. I am also part of the Wellbeing Committee, which has also been a great source of support for staff wellbeing. Last year I also was able to take part in an Outstanding Teacher Programme which was another great way to help me improve my day to day teaching.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

Longdendale has provided me with many opportunities to develop and run different initiatives. I have been most proud of my work with enrichment activities within MFL. I have revived the Spanish Exchange, which has been a huge success with the students and has really boosted motivation within the subject.

What are the students like to work with?

The students are great to work with. They have such inquisitive minds and many seem genuinely happy to be in your classroom. We have characters, as all schools do, but I find that through consistency and developing positive relationships over time, students develop to meet your expectations over time.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

Within the department, I run the Spanish exchange and I organise theatre visits for both languages. I run a Spanish club for year 9 students who have chosen Spanish as their skill element.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

Come and visit us and spend time talking to people, you will feel just how welcoming and supportive we are!

How have you been developed professionally?

As addressed above, various courses run within school have been useful. Staff Inset training has always been relevant and useful to current needs. I have been on AQA training courses which has really helped me to prepare for the new GCSE.

What support do you get?

There is always support available for whatever issue you may be facing at the time. As mentioned above, the professional advocate scheme is a fantastic method of support and very useful. The staff here are so supportive and there is always someone to go to when you are struggling.

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

I could not comment on what career opportunities will be available but the school have developed my pastoral role so that I am a professional advocate for the work that I do with my tutor group. Within the department, I was given the opportunity to take on more responsibility within the department, which has now led me to my current role as head of department.

Tell me about your department

The MFL department is a fantastic department with real team players who work together well to ensure the best possible outcomes for the students. We aim that as many students as possible should learn a language and within our lessons, we endeavour to provide them with the grammatical understanding of the language as well as allowing them insight into other cultures. We recognise the value of knowing a foreign language for the global market and we are working hard to raise the profile of MFL within school.

What do you like about working here?

I enjoy working at Longdendale High School because there is a friendly and supportive atmosphere for both staff and students. The leadership team are approachable and endeavour to develop staff according to their strengths. I also enjoy working with and assisting to lead a strong department where students are engaged and successful.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

Since joining Longdendale as an NQT I have been supported in developing my strengths as both a teacher and a leader. I have been given opportunities to carry forward my own initiatives and, as a result, have made an impact on the development of teaching and learning across the school.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

During my time at Longdendale I have successfully mentored several trainees and NQTs through their teaching practices and first years and am now working with trainees as a Professional Mentor. I have also written my own version of the Outstanding Teaching Programme and have seen 12 members of staff successfully complete the programme. Finally, I have taken on the leadership of the Professional Advocates here at Longdendale; these teachers are consistently performing at the top of their profession.

What are the students like to work with?

Students at Longdendale are engaged and motivated and this leads to their achievement and success. They show professionalism, respect and integrity as they endeavour to leave the school having reached their full potential.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

Throughout my time at Longdendale I have been on a variety of trips – both day trips and residential trips. I have also assisted in music, drama and dance performances. As an English teacher I have created opportunities for students to get involved in creative writing competitions, workshops and invited guest speakers in to coach students with particular talents.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

I would be happy to recommend Longdendale High school as a school to come and teach in. There are systems in place to enable staff to develop their teaching practice but also to gain experience of other roles within education.

How have you been developed professionally?

Since joining Longdendale as an NQT I have been given plenty of opportunities to develop professionally. I have received training on how to be a mentor for both trainees and NQTs. I have also been a middle leader for English and have recently taken a leading role in establishing the new GCSE curriculum and the 1-9 grade system. In addition, I have successfully completed the NPQSL and, as a result, now have a bigger role within the development of teaching and learning. Most recently I have been seconded to the senior leadership team and am now gaining experience in leading the school on its journey to becoming ‘Outstanding’.

What support do you get?

To enable me to carry out my roles as middle leader in English and the role I have in the development of teaching and learning I am supported by being given a lighter teaching timetable and also do not have the responsibility of being a form tutor. I have had meetings with the Headteacher and the Deputy Headteacher regarding the work I am doing and how this can be most effective.

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

In the future I am hoping to get a permanent Assistant Headteacher role with a focus on teaching and learning. I am hoping this will allow me to further develop the impact I have on teaching and learning through implementing the ideas I have to take my initiatives further.

Tell me about your department

The English Department is an Outstanding department. Our GCSE results have been above National Average for the last four years. Our retention of staff is strong as people enjoy working in a department that is friendly, supportive and focused with a clear vision for the future.

What do you like about working here?

Longdendale is an extremely friendly and welcoming school where staff and students work to support each other. Within the English department, there is a strong collaborative ethos, which enables staff to develop and to work to their full potential. I have worked here for six years and have always found the school to be an inclusive and encouraging place of employment.

I have worked at the school since my NQT year and have been supported in developing my areas of interest to my current role as Student Leadership Coordinator. This has allowed me to work with a wider team of staff, and in doing so, I have gained experience leading INSET and other training activities. I have worked closely with senior staff in order to gain any necessary CPD experience to allow me to progress my career further.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

Whilst working at the school, I have lead groups of students in a wide range of charity fundraising events. This has included raising enough money for orphanages in Africa to buy school uniform, therefore allowing them to be educated. The students organised an amazing day, and were very proud to receive a photograph of an entire orphanage wearing their new uniforms. We have also taken part in fundraising events in the community and it is always a privilege to see our students representing the school in all of the good work they do.

What are the students like to work with?

The students at Longdendale are a credit to the school. They are hardworking, enthusiastic and enjoy being set interesting and engaging tasks. Across the school, older students are keen to engage in leadership roles, and work in mentoring roles with younger students, creating positive relationships that help to give the school a unified feel.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

Over the years that I have worked here, I have assisted with a variety of music, drama and dance productions and it is always a pleasure to see the students’ talents and hard work showcased. I have also been involved in a number of trips, including taking a group of students to the 2012 London Olympics, which was an amazing experience for all of the students and staff involved.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

If you decide to apply to join the school, you will be working with a passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic team of staff. The school has a lot to offer and if you are looking for a place to continue to develop and progress, then Longdendale will really suit you.

How have you been developed professionally?

The school supported me in completing my NPQML qualification through my role as Student Leadership Coordinator. I have also been involved in the Professional Advocates Programme, which has enabled to me empower others through coaching and mentoring sessions. At the same time, this has developed my middle leadership experience at a more whole-school level.

What support do you get?

Staff are treated with respect, and are involved in the school’s continuing improvement. There is a strong leadership team in place that allows staff to be supported and this also creates a clear sense of direction for the school.

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

As the school continues to develop, I hope to expand on the current student leadership systems. This will include working collaboratively with other school and entering competitions and national projects.

Tell me about your department

The English department is a friendly and caring team, who support and help each other to be the best that we can be. Through sharing best practise, and working collaboratively in all that we do, the department has been performing above national average for the past four years. This truly is a great department to work with, and it continues to progress with the changing curriculum through the strong and enthusiastic ethos of the team.

What do you like about working here?

The students and the staff.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

Staff at Longdendale are always ready to offer advice and support when needed.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

Since being at Longdendale the science team have been able to transform the way science is taught. This has allowed us to consistently perform above national measures. The look and feel of the Science Department is vastly different to the one I joined in 2011.

What are the students like to work with?

Fantastic, they are really engaging and want to be challenged.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

We run a Science Club and revision sessions after school, as well as numerous trips.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

Do it, you won’t regret it.

How have you been developed professionally?

I have completed residential trips to the National Science Centre in York and completed the NPQML course for middle leaders.

What support do you get?

I work closely with my line manager and have termly quality assurance meetings.

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

I hope there are opportunities to move into senior leadership roles and provide advice and guidance to departments in schools attached to the A+ Trust.

Tell me about your department

In the Science department there are 9 teachers and a technician. All the team are really supportive of each other and work exceptionally well to achieve our common goals.

What do you like about working here?

The students and the staff and the beautiful scenery.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

I was offered one to one support from a senior member of staff whilst on the Outstanding Teacher Programme.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

During my time at Longdendale I have developed confidence in my teaching practise and I am now a professional advocate.

What are the students like to work with?

The students are motivated, engaged and fun to work with.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

I organise and run Science trips.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

I have worked here for 4 years and loved every part of it.

How have you been developed professionally?

I have completed the Outstanding Teacher Programme and I am also a professional advocate.

What support do you get?

The whole of the Science Department is supportive but I have also received help from other teachers outside of the department.

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

I hope there will be opportunities to take on additional responsibility and work my way towards Assistant Head of Department.

Tell me about your department

There are 9 teachers and a technician in the Science department. The Science team are supportive and we are a friendly department.

What do you like about working here?

It is a lovely community school in a beautiful rural location with supportive talented staff and excellent students.

How have you been supported since joining Longdendale High School?

I have completed a Masters in Teaching and Learning. I have also completed the NPQML leadership qualification. I have been supported by SLT to have time off timetable to complete rehearsals for events such as school productions/performances and primary liaison work. I have also had staff help me backstage giving up their own time in the evenings to support me and the students.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at Longdendale High School?

I am proud of the fact that I managed to turn a ‘requires improvement’ department to outstanding in 12 months and I have managed to sustain this for four years. I have also managed to produce a wholly successful school production each year and I have doubled the intake of GCSE opting students creating a vibrancy and thrill around school.

This year I managed to co-ordinate a whole school cross-curricular day based on the British Values which strengthened our whole school SMSC and increased engagement in Teaching and Learning.

What are the students like to work with?

The students are fabulous. On the whole they are courteous, respectful, confident and keen to have their voice heard. They are charismatic, caring, they love to get involved actively and have great attitudes to learning.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

I lead a production each year. Previously they have included Alice in Wonderland, Oliver the Orphan Boy, Walking with Shadows, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This is in addition to GCSE and Christmas Showcases. I also support our music concerts and dance productions. We organise at least three professional theatre trips per year too.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Longdendale High School?

Apply, you won’t regret it. Come and arrange a visit and have a look around and get a feel for the school. If you are prepared to work hard, you will reap the benefits and develop both personally and professionally.

How have you been developed professionally?

I have completed a Masters in Teaching and Learning, NPQML. I was also asked to complete a seconded post on SLT and this was made permanent after 8 months.

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

I hope to achieve an Assistant Head teacher role this year and hopefully I now have the skills to be able to secure this. I am currently considering 'Ambition Leadership' which is the new term for ‘Future Leaders’ as other alternatives.

Tell me about your department

My department is graded as ‘Outstanding’. We have three members of staff whom are highly creative, collaborative, hard-working and extremely passionate about teaching, learning and delivering the best outcomes possible for our students.

The results for Drama are above the national averages and students really enjoy the subject. We are lucky to have a fully equipped Drama Studio with lighting rig and seating for 80 in the audience.

Recently we have built connections with The Royal Shakespeare for School Festival and The Contact Theatre and Oldham Coliseum as we have performed there.