Staff Testimonials

South Wigston High School values individuals. It values people who have drive and enthusiasm. I know this because the school has supported me through a variety of career changes and continues to give room for growth. I commenced my teaching life in PE, quickly ascending to 2nd in the department.

My sights expanded whole school through a Careers Coordinator post, a KS3 Intervention Coordinator and then into a Pastoral position as Head of Year. Although ostensibly a sideways move a perfect example of the progressive thinking at SWHS, the Head-teacher supported my transition into becoming a Maths teacher and thus giving me experience of a second curriculum area which I hope will stand me in good stead with my aspirations to join the SLT

SWHS is a constantly evolving school with dedicated and supportive professionals. It is an ideal place for ambitious teachers looking to advance / start their careers.

Richard Clifford
Teacher of Maths
KS3 Intervention Coordinator
Head of Year 10

 

I joined South Wigston High School having taught for 6 years in an 11 to 18 school in Warwickshire. On my interview day I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and sense of purpose as I walked around the school. From the moment I started there were countless opportunities to get involved in school life, developing my skills as a teacher and leader in the school. As a result, my role in school has evolved from English and Learning Development Teacher to SENCo and then Assistant Head.

My role within Special Educational Needs blends in well with the school ethos because, as a school, our students come first. Every child really does matter. Success, in all its different guises, is widely celebrated whatever level it is achieved at. Every day at SWHS is another opportunity to further develop our creative, vibrant and dynamic learning environment where high effort is at the top of the agenda. Our driving force is the students' desire to be the best they can become, to raise their aspirations and support them to succeed.

Nikki Squires
Assistant Head, SENcO

 

I joined South Wigston High School straight after completing my PGCE with Nottingham Trent University. From day one I have felt supported at SWHS and have felt that my professional development has been a key priority for senior management.

In the space of three years I have moved from NQT in mathematics to Second in Mathematics, Leader of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and I have a timetable that includes some PE – at my request. SWHS has made this happen. Senior leaders have identified my interests and skills and have provided me with a range of opportunities to make progress in my career.

Through my NQT year I was given a mentor who inspired me and engaged me in the whole process. He was constructive with feedback and provided great tips for me to move my teaching forward to the next level. Even now he pops by to see how I’m getting on. From the moment I started as an NQT I have felt that other staff want me to do well and will go out of their way to make that happen. I don’t think that can be said for every school!

During my whole time at SWHS I have been given the opportunity to get involved in extra-curricular clubs and trips. From Boulogne-Sur-Mer to Morocco, the football field to PGL, I have been provided with a huge range of activities that suit me. These have provided me with a great way of getting to know our students in a different context and build up those relationships that make classroom management so much easier. Also, with 54 extra-curricular clubs to get involved with, it’s easy to find ways of building up a rapport with kids and getting to know other staff.

As well as trips and clubs, I have also been given dedicated CPD time to make progress both as an NQT and a more experienced teacher. This has been in the format of whole days spent on NQT-specific training courses across the year and more recently through opportunities to work with highly experienced members of staff in school.

This has been a great opportunity to see higher level skills in action and really think about my own teaching style. I feel very privileged to have started my teaching career in a school so dedicated to helping me be the best I can be.

Rachael Melvin
2nd in Maths