Working with Oasis as a Multi-Academy Trust, individual Academy, and within the community allows for holistic development of each and every person, whether they be staff or students.

Having trained here initially as an apprentice within the Human Resources team, I have had the opportunity to grow and develop over the previous 7 years. I have had the pleasure of gaining HR specific qualifications as well as those which enhance my work within the MAT and allow me greater understanding of the educational sector. I have also gained valuable experience along the way which compliments the training opportunities had.

Staff achievements are recognised and celebrated with internal opportunities for more responsibility and impact. Leaders take an active interest in staff development and wellbeing, ensuring all are well supported and developed as appropriate for the individual. This is shown throughout the Academy with successful succession into middle management and even leadership.

I have worked at Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey for 6 years and have remained past my 2 year placement on the Teach First programme because there is a real sense of comradery that I know it is pretty unique. From the moment I began training to become an English teacher through to becoming a Faculty Leader, I have felt both supported and challenged, empowering me to make a difference. Access to career development opportunities are endless as are links to the local community, meaning there is never a dull day!

I have become enthused and fascinated in the cognitive processes behind learning effectively which has made a positive impact in my classroom and department. Talking about this with other members of staff, in my team and in other departments, has supported the development of a CPD programme that shares the research and best practice across the whole school. It is exciting to be part of this culture shift and although every day requires hard work, the feeling of accomplishment when impact is made is like nothing else.

My experience at Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey began as a student. After finishing sixth form at the school, I began an apprenticeship working in the IT support team, before taking a permanent position as an IT technician. Working as a technician has given me a wide variety of experiences, from ensuring day-to-day operation of the IT infrastructure to supporting events such as the Dementia Cafe, to major projects upgrading our IT provision.

Day-to-day operations in IT are not all technical, and we spend a lot of our time out around the school visiting teachers, support staff and students to provide whatever help they may need, from setting up hardware or software, to recovering accidentally deleted work. The variation in our work from one day to the next, and the satisfaction of helping staff and students ensures our job is never boring. Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey have given me amazing opportunities to advance and develop my career. I can definitely say I have made friends for life with staff at the academy.

In March 2017, I joined the Academy as a Teaching Assistant within the SEN department. Members of the leadership team saw value in my work and I quickly progressed into a pastoral manager role.

Working in Pastoral, I feel I can make an impact on students and their family’s lives. I help the students see the value of education and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. By encouraging a culture of hard working, confident young people, we are enhancing the opportunities available to them. The reward of working in such a position is astounding, and the impact made was seen by leaders. I am now proudly Year Leader for our year 8 students, and I enjoy every day.

I have been working strategically to boost progress for attendance, behaviour and attainment. This brings satisfaction and joy to see the value and impact of my work with students and families in the community.