Name: Miss Simpson
Subject Specialism: Dance
Why did I choose JRCS: To sum it up in one word it would be ‘opportunities’. This was clear during my interview day from both the staff and students. The students spoke so passionately about their school and the opportunities available to them, including student voice panels on all areas of the curriculum, educational trip days and a vast extra-curricular programme. To be part of a school which respects and listens to the voice of the students is a high priority and this is one of the many areas that JRCS excels in brilliantly.
My experience so far: Having successfully completed my NQT year I can positively say that I have received a varied, engaging and supportive induction programme. My department has been fantastic in welcoming any ideas that I can bring, as well as providing me with a great new skill set and an understanding of developments in the dance curriculum. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with the students and staff at JRCS.
Miss Simpson was appointed to the post of Lexia Coordinator, a whole-school literacy TLR, at the end of her NQT year. Click here to go to the Lexia page.
Name: Miss Smith
Subject specialism: English
Why did you choose JRCS: The first thing that attracted me to JRCS was its motto, ‘success for all’. The school encourages all students to succeed and there are numerous provisions put into place so that all students are supported and challenged. I also heard from a friend that there is a strong emphasis on giving students opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities outside of their academic work and, having been here for over a term now, I know this to be a true strength of the school. JRCS gives students a voice and the tools to explore the outside world so that they can shape what is happening around them. Perhaps most importantly, it feels like a partnership between students and staff where we can continually learn from each another.
Experience so far: I firmly believe that a school is only as good as its students and staff, and JRCS is phenomenal. Staff are welcoming and positive, creating an atmosphere which encourages students to progress day after day. There are always clubs, events and training sessions on offer, which really help to build a sense of achievement and growth, both in the minds of the students and the staff. Working at JRCS has so far been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to coming to work each day with a smile on my face.
Miss Smith was appointed to the post of Right to Write Coordinator, a whole-school literacy TLR, at the end of her NQT year. Click here to go to the Right to Write page.
Name: Miss Draisey
Subject Specialism: Psychology (Sixth form)
Why did I choose JRCS: On interview day I bustled in with another six nervous psychology teachers, I had been told that when you walked into a school you ‘knew’ if you would like it there. I can safely say that I did ‘know’ when I walked in, the staff were all so friendly. They were so willing to guide me in the right direction, to help keep me calm and most of all make me feel welcome. But, the deciding moment was during the ‘student panel’; after they had asked me a variety of quite difficult questions I asked them what they liked most about the school. A seemingly quiet and extremely polite year 7 boy raised his hand and said “Well, they push you here to do your best, and then when you have done that, they push you even further to achieve even more”.
My experience so far: My NQT year was a whirlwind which is hard to sum up. What I can say is that I was supported very well by those around me and by SLT. As an NQT here I felt that the programme for NQT’s was really well organised, supportive and aimed at helping you to settle into life here at JRCS. Above all the students are wonderful to teach, so full of inquisitiveness, confidence in their opinions and they are considerate in the way they conduct themselves. As a sixth from teacher I am able to work with students and teachers from all of our Consortium schools to provide the best education for our students. I feel extremely proud to be a part of what we do here at JRCS. #ACHIEVE
Name: Mr. Monzon
Subject specialism: Science (chemist)
Why did you choose JRCS: JRCS was actually my first choice school and first ever interview! I chose JRCS because when I came to the interview day everything felt natural and just fell into place- the pupils that I talked to and guided me around the school were very friendly and helpful. The facilities were excellent. The staff were friendly and very positive.
Experience so far: My experience so far has been similar to that of a rollercoaster ride. There have been some excellent and memorable times engaging with pupils and experiences on the trips outside of the UK. My experience has also had its hard times- namely the extensive work load which is relatively new to most NQTs!