Bristnall Hall Academy

I joined Bristnall Hall Academy in January 2016 as Area Leader for Science and knew immediately it was going to be a school that I would love working at and would remain for many years to progress my career. The fantastic staff and students mean it is difficult not to enjoy being part of the Bristnall Hall family. I have received fantastic professional development as well as opportunities for career progression. The Principal has encouraged and supported me to successfully complete fully funded professional qualifications as well as being able to progress to Assistant Principal and more recently Vice Principal. Being part of ATT also means having wider opportunities to be part of Trust wide groups giving me the opportunity to influence strategy whilst working with a range of colleagues from across the country. Our commitment to student outcomes and success, staff wellbeing and continued professional development means Bristnall Hall Academy will be a gateway of opportunity for any new member of staff joining the Bristnall Hall family.

Bristnall Hall Academy has been a great place for me to work for over 25 years. I started here as a teacher of Music and Religious Education and then progressed to Leading Year 10, Work Experience and taking many whole school rewards trips. I even led the Religious Education department for a while. However, careers do not always have an upwards projection and for the last few years Bristnall Hall Academy has allowed me to take a step back from being a busy Year Leader to fo-cussing on classroom teaching, which I greatly enjoy and becoming teacher in charge of teaching and learn-ing for RSE. As I enter my final years of my teaching career, I find the younger teachers and leadership team are gifted, full of enthusiasm and importantly fun to work with.

During my 14 years at Bristnall Hall Academy, I have been fortunate to have had various roles within the academy. I joined as a Learning Support Practitioner, supporting SEND students in the classroom, however 7 years ago developed my career further to become an Attendance Officer. The transition from LSP to Attendance Officer was well supported by the academy and ATT through a range of CPD, as well as the opportunity to work with colleagues across the Trust to share best practice. More recently, I have become PA to the Principal, and with the support, guidance, and advice of my colleagues within the Trust, have been able to develop my skills and knowledge to enable me to carry out my role effectively.

My career at Bristnall Hall Academy began in 2004; throughout this time, I have been fully supported in developing my role as a SEND Assistant. The department has continued to grow over this time, with Mental Health and Safeguarding becoming prevalent, therefore I felt it paramount to develop myself within this area. The academy fully supported me in studying a Diploma in Counselling and Mental Health Awareness Course alongside additional courses; my role now incorporates me being a Mental Health Champion and Safeguarding Link for SEND. The professional development offered by the academy has allowed my passion in both SEND and nurturing to continue to support our most vulnerable students.