What do you like about working here and what initially attracted you to the school?

The ethos of the school is something that initially attracted me when I came for interview and have liked while working here. Staff and students are friendly and welcoming.

How have you been supported since joining St Cuthbert’s?

• New-starter inductions
• CPL + additional CPL for NQTs
• NQT mentor meetings with both RDS and DAN

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at St Cuthbert’s RC High School?

• Being a part of the Raising the Bar project
• Presenting research to staff during a CPL session
• Written part of a GCSE scheme of work in Science for the department

What are the students like to work with?

Students are polite, always happy to help and very friendly, both in class and around the school at breaks or lunch. The students made me feel welcome during my time as a trainee teacher and have continued to do so this year.

Tell me about your department.

The Science department is a mix of staff, some who have worked at St Cuthbert’s for years and others who are also new this year. Having a new Head of Department this year has meant that there have been many changes this term; the department has been open to new ideas and there have been many opportunities to share ideas and best practice. Since I arrived as a trainee, everyone has made me feel very welcome and has been supportive whenever I have asked for advice.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

Science Intervention Y11

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining St Cuthbert’s?

Making an effort to get to know and understand the students is really important and something which the students really appreciate.

How have you been developed professionally?

Science CPL opportunities – Institute of Physics sessions for non-specialists

What support do you get?

• Weekly and termly NQT meetings
• NQT CPL

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

As a result of the Raising the Bar project, I am interested in Teaching and Learning opportunities and using this to progress within my department.

What do you like about working here and what initially attracted you to the school?

The community vibe within the school is the greatest aspect of being a part of it. I was aware of this before I joined and felt it during the short time I was here for my interview. The atmosphere around the school is warm and welcoming.

How have you been supported since joining St Cuthbert’s?

I have been supported in numerous different ways since joining. The school has helped me in developing my teaching and learning strategies through various enriching CPL programmes. Moreover, the support provided throughout my department, has allowed me to develop my behaviour for learning strategies and progress my ability to create outstanding lessons.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at St Cuthbert’s RC High School?

During my first year at the school, I have passed my NQT year.

TWhat are the students like to work with?

St Cuthbert’s students are hard-working and enthusiastic, who are willing to stretch themselves to get the most out of their education. They are polite and respectful within lessons and around the school.

Tell me about your department.

The Humanities department is made up of individuals who strive for the best, in all aspects. The co-operation and support which we all provide each other has allowed us to develop ourselves as teachers. Various departmental CPL sessions have enhanced my subject knowledge.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

Since joining, I have been involved in assisting with the running of the Duke of Edinburgh and have worked with the St Cuthbert’s students who have been involved in St Helens Youth Council.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining St Cuthbert’s?

Get involved in as much as you can; whether this is through assisting with the extra-curricular clubs, attending any CPL offered or participating in the staff enrichment activities.

How have you been developed professionally?

The extensive induction CPL programme which the school runs has enhanced all areas of my teaching. Academically, I have completed various exam analysis sessions through AQA, which has been supported by the school and allowed to develop my ability to assess and feedback.

What support do you get?

I receive support from various different lines – whether this is pastoral support from the heads of year or academic support from others in the department. However, all staff form a supportive network and are willing to cooperate in a team to achieve the best.

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

I am hoping to gain experience within the department, through running departmental CPL and assessment analysis sessions, to progress down the curriculum route.

What do you like about working here and what initially attracted you to the school?

Someone I knew told me a job was coming up so I asked to come visit one Friday afternoon in late 2009. As I walked around I will never forget the amount of students that held the door open for me. I made my mind up then and there that this school was somewhere special to work. My opinion has not wavered 10 years later. I love working here for our amazing students. The give back in so many ways.

How have you been supported since joining St Cuthbert’s?

St Cuthbert’s is as Catholic College with Catholic values at its core. As is normal over 10 years spent in the same school there have been occasions where I needed to be at home with my family. The love and support that comes from St Cuthbert’s during these difficult times make it a truly amazing place to work.

What have you done that you are proud of whilst working at St Cuthbert’s RC High School?

When I joined the school the majority of learners did not expect to leave with a maths qualification. We are now above national average. In that time we have more than doubled the students that leave with a good maths qualification. That is my proudest achievement.

What are the students like to work with?

All our students are unique. They want to learn and appreciate the effort that all our teachers make for them. They want to be treated fairly and with respect, they will then reciprocate this respect back to staff.

Tell me about your department

We consist of 7 teachers that have over 50 years of teaching experience. In a testament to our working environment the majority of our teachers have only ever worked at St Cuthbert’s. We strive to do the very best for every one of our learners, always pushing every student to reach their potential. We are a team that takes accountability for the outcomes of all our students.

What extra-curricular activities do you get involved in?

Our year 11 get after school support throughout the year. We have a culture however to support all students in every year group when and if they require it. It is normal to see students approach their maths teachers at break or lunch and ask for extra support. They know they will always be welcomed.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining St Cuthbert’s?

Our students love to be challenged and almost always rise to that challenge. If they see you work hard for them they will respond accordingly. Treat all students fairly and with respect. They deserve nothing less.

How have you been developed professionally?

Professionally I have been supported to grow as a leader. I have been guided towards all sorts of courses to develop me further. I have completed middle leader courses followed by senior leadership courses. During the working day I am supported by all of SLT as well as my department. I have been blessed to work with tremendous staff within the maths department over the past 10 years. They have gone over and beyond to do all they can for myself but more importantly our students.

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

Another huge positive about St Cuthbert’s is that whatever future avenue I wish to follow our SLT and Head Teacher will support me into making that a reality. As staff there is no ceiling for any of us.