Today, on 22nd August 2024, as students across the country receive their GCSE results, I find myself reflecting on a significant chapter in my career that has now come to a close. This day marks not just a culmination of hard work for the students at Isaac Newton Academy, but also a moment of deep personal reflection as I prepare to transition into my new role at St Paul’s Academy in Abbey Wood.
As I prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter at St Paul’s Academy in Abbey Wood, I find myself reflecting deeply on the incredible journey I’ve had at Isaac Newton Academy. This past academic year, 2023/2024, has been a transformative period in my career, filled with significant achievements, personal growth, and moments that will remain etched in my memory for years to come.
Gratitude to the Staff and Leadership at INA
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire staff and leadership team at INA. Your support, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been nothing short of inspiring. It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most skilled, knowledgeable, and talented managers I have encountered in my career. The leadership at INA is truly exceptional, and I have been fortunate to learn from such a distinguished team. The opportunities afforded to me during my tenure have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as an educator and leader, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.
A Special Thanks to the Students of INA
To the 170 students I had the honour of leading as Head of Year 10, and later, Year 11, I want to express my deepest gratitude. As educators, we strive to impart knowledge and skills, hoping that our students will apply these lessons to their lives. However, in my role as Head of Year, I have taken immense pride in being a facilitator of growth, helping students cultivate the habits that unlock their true potential. I have been relentless in my pursuit of excellence, setting high standards and expectations, and I am incredibly proud of how you all rose to meet them.
Your achievements this year have been remarkable, but beyond the grades and accolades, it is your growth in character and personality that stands out most to me. You have demonstrated resilience, maturity, and a sense of community that will serve you well as you step forward into the world. Each of you is poised to be a pioneer, and though I will miss you all deeply, I am confident that your future is bright.
Key Achievements from the Year
This year has been one of extraordinary accomplishments for our cohort, and I am proud to share some of the highlights:
- Attendance Excellence: We achieved the best attendance record for any Year 11 cohort across the entire Ark School Network, with an impressive rate of over 96%+, up from 92% the previous year. This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of both students and staff.
- Academic Progress: My Year 11 class boasted an average attainment score of 7.3, with an estimated overall Progress 8 score of 1.97 – This is a significant improvement from the P8 score of 1.38 and average attainment of 6.7 at the end of Year 10. As a year group, we saw our P8 score rise from 0.3+ at the end of Year 10 to 0.9+ (could be subject to change), an achievement that speaks volumes about the hard work and determination of our students.
- Zero Permanent Exclusions: Over the course of my two-year tenure, we successfully maintained a record of no permanent exclusions, a reflection of the positive behavioural culture we cultivated together.
- Success Stories: Among many success stories, one that stands out is that of an EAL student who joined us a year ago without any English language skills. This student left with GCSEs in both Mathematics and English, a tremendous achievement that exemplifies the power of perseverance and the support of a nurturing educational environment.
- Community and Behavioural Growth: By the end of Year 11, there was a noticeable calmness and maturity among the students, with a genuine sense of community and belonging. Behavioural metrics improved significantly, with an environment more conducive to learning and enhanced cohesion between students and staff.
- Personal and Professional Growth: This year, I also experienced significant growth in my own teaching practice as a Mathematics teacher. I am a better educator and person for having been part of the INA community. I completed my NPQLBC, finished my Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management, and even though I was not successful in two SLT interviews, I am confident that I am on the cusp of breaking through the ‘glass ceiling.’
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter at St Paul’s Academy
As I begin my new role at St Paul’s Academy in Abbey Wood and enter my sixth year in education, I carry with me the lessons, experiences, and memories from INA. I am incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made, both personally and professionally. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned this year, echoed in the words of Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough – When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic, is that “the staff, the students, the wider extension of our learning communities always MATTER – People always matter, and the importance of mattering should always be central to the work we complete as practitioners in education.”
This belief will guide me as I take on new challenges and continue my journey in educational leadership. I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of St Paul’s Academy, just as I have done at INA. Thank you once again to everyone who has been part of this incredible chapter – I am excited about what lies ahead.
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