Queen Elizabeth II High School is set in a beautiful rural setting on the outskirts of the small seaside town of Peel on the West coast of the Isle of Man. We are an innovative and committed school, benefiting from excellent facilities, exceptionally friendly staff and a superb connection with the local community.
The school was built and opened 1979 and has continued to be modernised over the years to keep up to date with technological advances. At present there are just under 800 on roll which means we have a real family feel and can get to know our students well. The behaviour of students is generally exemplary, we offer superb pastoral care for our students and have a strong support network for those students needing academic guidance. Our motto means “Always strive to do your utmost”, underpinning everything we do.
The School is proud of the exceptional teamwork and high achievement in all areas of our work with young people. Our examination results are excellent at both GCSE and A-Level. The Manx National Curriculum is taught to all pupils in Years 7 to 11 with greater choice at GCSE. We work in collaboration with other schools to maintain a flourishing and broad Key Stage 5 curriculum.
Queen Elizabeth II High School offers a rich programme of extracurricular activities and there are many opportunities for students to showcase their talents. Students may join a wide variety of clubs and societies during the lunch period and after school. Key Stage 4 and 5 students are encouraged to become involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which allows them to develop new skills and show leadership qualities for life. Sixth form students may also take part in Young Enterprise, Charity Challenge or service to the community as an integral part of their study. ICT facilities are excellent, pupils have access to iPads and laptops and all teachers are provided with their own laptop. Each room has a SmartBoard, projector and Apple TV. There are excellent sports facilities including an all-weather pitch and a large expanse of playing fields. Music and drama facilities are also good.
Teachers take advantage of the fantastic professional development opportunities within and beyond the school. There is a collegiate approach to CPD with many staff sharing their expertise during workshop sessions. Staff can also get involved in the many training initiatives offered by the Department of Education which can lead to additional qualifications such as Master of Education. The school is dedicated to career progression for staff and offers leadership training through the NPQSL programme of Cumbria, Chester and Edge Hill.
Staff Profiles
Steven Slack - Academic Enrichment Coordinator - Teacher of Biology
What do you like about working at your school?
There is a real feeling of community within the school, with students and staffs having opportunities to collaborate, progress and celebrate success on a regular basis. The students are bright and engaging and are in general supported by enthusiastic and forward thinking parents who appreciate communication and input from teaching staff.
How have you been supported since joining your school?
Personal support has been great since beginning working at QEII. With such a close knit staff body there is always someone to look out for you. Couple this with the new starters ‘buddy system’ the school runs and you have an extremely supportive environment in which to focus on getting the best out of your students.
What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at your school?
I have set up KS3 independent project groups as well as an academic enrichment staff working party to help cater for the need to stretch students across all key stages. I have been able to explore alternative qualifications at KS5 and pilot an EPQ scheme with a view to timetable integration in the future. I have also been involved in at least a dozen different staff working parties looking at improving teaching and learning
What are the students like to work with?
Students are well behaved and receptive to new ideas and experiences. They enjoy learning and being afforded opportunities to get stuck in with projects and extracurricular activities. Given the opportunities there is a real core of students here that thrive and go on to achieve some truly amazing things.
What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?
I run an allotment club on the school site as well as a fitness club after school and coach the senior Rugby, Football and Cricket teams. I have also had the opportunity to help out with the DoE award and we are always being encouraged to set up any clubs in line with our own interests.
How have you been developed professionally?
I have received professional support through the senior team at my school as well as my line manager, departmental colleagues and support staff. CPD is highly valued and I have been given ownership of the development of my own professional knowledge and skills and have always been supported in attending events.
What support do you get?
I have received professional support through the senior team at my school as well as my line manager, departmental colleagues and support staff. CPD is highly valued and I have been given ownership of the development of my own professional knowledge and skills and have always been supported in attending events.
What professional development and career opportunities do you think will be open in the future?
Hopefully there will be opportunities to expand my responsibility in the future in a variety of different roles within key stage and whole school teams. The possible introduction of a masters level scheme on the island is of great interest to me as I look to progress my career and take any opportunities that may arise.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of relocating to the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man is great place to work where the Education system is not bound by the constraints of the UK government. Performance monitoring is based on a system of reflection and progression planning rather than individual judgements against stiff collared criteria. The community feel of the schools on the island allows for great relationships between all stakeholders involved with school life.
What is the best thing about living on the Isle of Man?
The Island boasts a plethora of beautiful backdrops and opportunities to get out and be active. There is an active social scene where meeting new people is easy and big city safety worries are non-existent no matter where you go on the island.
