Why I can’t wait to get back into the classroom

The reason I decided to train with Teach First is because I wanted to work in a challenging school in an area of greatest need. One area I am really passionate about is how we can improve our provision for our most vulnerable students to ensure they have the same opportunities to succeed. Last year I was able to build some strong connections with pupils who were excluded or frequently in trouble. Now that I feel I’m on firmer ground I want to help to use these connections to help these students in other lessons around school and make sure they know they have a support network behind them.

I actually can’t wait to return to school in September and see my students again. Teaching English, I saw my pupils every day for the whole academic year and over the break I’ve even started to miss them! My first year of teaching, gaining QTS and studying for a PGDE was challenging but exhilarating so I’m looking forward to taking my pupils on into the next year and helping them to develop further.

I’m very proud that my school made progress in their GCSE results this year and can’t wait to play my part. I’m eagerly anticipating the challenge of taking my year 10 class into year 11 and all of the responsibility that comes with teaching a core subject. My new year 11s were probably my favourite class last year as I felt that we really went on a journey. At the start of the year they were demotivated and not looking forward to the challenge of GCSEs. However, now they seem ready to aim beyond their target grades and apply to top sixth forms and colleges in the local areas. I want to be part of that and make sure they get the grades they deserve.

One big change from last year will be that I will have my own tutor group of students from years seven to ten. It will be a great opportunity to get to know those pupils that I might not have taught before and support them in a slightly different capacity. I’m determined that my tutor group will beat the other tutor groups in house competitions!

My highlight of year one was leading assemblies for LGBT History Month, running school events and even staff training. One of my main goals for next year will be setting up a PRIDE group in school. I want the students to feel empowered to take the lead, create and change the culture in school. I’m proudly out in school and want to be the positive role model that I never had growing up.

Overall, I’m looking forward to thinking and working beyond my classroom as well as having an impact on the wider school. I know that no day will ever be the same, and that is what makes it such a thrilling profession.

James is a North London NQT about to embark on the second year of the Teach First Leadership Development Programme teaching English

Department for Education

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