Aslam

What are your favourite things about working at Harris Academy South Norwood?

I think the main thing would most definitely be the students, I think the students we have here are a real special bunch. And I think you can see it through the relationships the teachers and students have together. Another thing I would say is the staff are very supportive, I work in the PE Department, I can go to and English Teacher, maths teacher, science teacher and they are always around just to help out and give advice, so yeh I’d say the staff are very supportive as well.  

What are your favourite things about working within the Harris Federation?

The networking aspect is really good, so for example we have conference days where we get to meet staff at other Harris schools. Even in terms of fixtures, as a PE Teacher, the link between all the Harris schools makes it easier, so we have Harris Cups and Harris Leagues.

What support have you received so far?

In my department I have a strong mentor, so the constant feedback I get from learning walks and formal observations gives me the feedback I need. There are also lots of other people in the department with a lot more experience than myself. So when I get formally observed, I am always open and all ears just to get advice from them.

What has been the highlight of your ECT journey?  

The thing I’m most proud of is taking on a tutor group. I’ve got a Year 7 form, so to see the development and confidence in them as they go from shy Year 6 students to grown Year 7 students is really good to see.

The staff have also been very supportive, I can always go to other departments and other teachers to get advice from them. The relationships I’ve been able to make with the students has been very good, every day is a unique day, even away from the classroom, hearing their conversations is really fun and interesting to hear. As a PE teacher, we’ve got really good facilities here; we’ve got great pitches, a sports hall and a gym, so any time we have exams, if it’s raining there’s always somewhere else to go to.

What would you say to someone considering an ECT role at the Harris Federation? 

If you want to be the best teacher you can be, I’d definitely recommend Harris, there are training sessions, there are conference days, so it’s not just all about getting the students to achieve their potential; as teachers we also need to be the best teachers we can be to get the best out of our students.