Overview
I work at Tudor Grange Samworth Academy, a church of England School on the Saffron Lane Estate on the edge of the city, for pupils ranging from 3-16. As part of the primary leadership team, I co-ordinate RE and Collective worship whilst teaching in Year 6 and leading on SATs delivery. The rare “all-through” setup at TGSA means that I have the unique opportunity to co-develop an RE curriculum that progresses and builds all the way from KS1 to KS4. This year, I have worked closely with our Secondary lead for Spiritual development in ensuring our Christian Vision and values can be articulated and embodied by all students, no matter their age or cultural background.
Career Experience
I have now been teaching for over 20 years, both in Leicester and Northamptonshire. Although predominantly in Year 6, I have had experience in teaching classes at all ages in KS2. My RE role has grown over the last 5 years, including the development of a new RE curriculum, leading staff CPD, liaising with regular assembly visitors and arranging ‘experience’ days for all primary pupils at Christmas and Easter. Last year, working with our local church, St Christophers, we ran a prayer space which all pupils from school years 5-8 engaged with.
Specialist Expertise
The longer I have been teaching for, the greater my enjoyment and passion for good quality RE lessons. They have become my favourite lessons to teach or to lead assemblies on, and I love seeing pupils of all ages, abilities and faiths growing in confidence to share and discuss their own ideas and beliefs about Religion and Spirituality. I firmly believe that RE lessons give pupils a chance to discuss and ask questions in a way that few other subjects can do. Through leading the subject, and running training sessions with staff, I aim to share my passion with my colleagues and encourage them to have these discussions that they might previously have shied away from.