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After working in a number of different industries, including working abroad for a short period, I began at The Rowan School as a volunteer through the Summer term 2021, to gain experience of working in education.

A post for “Teaching Assistant” came up, I applied and was successful. I was so pleased! I was working with children across the school, and the staff team were warm and welcoming. If I ever had any problems they would help and support me.

I was keen to progress, so when a new opportunity came up in January 2022, the post of Higher Level Teaching Assistant, I applied and once again, was successful. I was so happy with the progress I had achieved in such a short period of time. In this new role, I was now planning enrichment sessions for the whole school! This included having the Fire Engine come and visit the school, visits from the police, and organising the Summer Fayre activities.

Our school joined the Melrose Education Group in 2022,and with the change in ownership came new and more plentiful opportunities for staff. I genuinely see my future in Teaching now, and am currently studying for my Education and Training qualification, which will mean I will become a teacher. I am supported by the class teacher but I am so fortunate for the opportunity to also take the class independently. My skillset has vastly broadened over my time at The Rowan School. I have so many training and development opportunities and have undertaken training for Safeguarding, Special Education Needs and Health and Safety.

Once I have completed my qualification, I would like to embed my teaching approaches so all children aare able to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the support of the school, I have upskilled myself so much over the year. In the future I may even move to a leadership role.

I was working in the retail industry and not quite sure of my next steps, but what I did know was that I was very passionate about Dance! I had been working in a Dance studio for many years, and my degree is in Dance too.

I saw the opportunity for Teaching Assistant at The Rowan School and applied. I started my post, and loved the challenge of supporting the children who are all are unique with their own special interests.

Supported by the school, I became a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in January 2022. This allowed me the opportunity to plan the Enrichment and SMSC activities throughout the year. I was delighted to be given additional responsibility, and with this new challenge, I became more curious about teaching.

In November 2023, the opportunity to become a Tutor at the Rowan School came up. Supported by the school and my colleagues, I felt I was ready for this next challenge and thoroughly enjoyed being part of embedding a new Phonics programme across the school.

I was so pleased with my new role, because I felt I was having a huge impact on the lives of the children as well as upskilling other staff. The Phonics programme has now been successfully implemented across the school, which has led to a positive impact on reading and writing.

In March 2023, I applied for my Teaching Qualification. Working at The Rowan School, there is always a clear route for career progression. I have been very pleased with my journey so far and look forward to a bright future with the school

My friend who I had worked with managing a sports camp introduced me to The Rowan School. He made me aware of what they were looking for, and I felt like I fit the criteria. I visited the school and was made to feel very welcome by the Proprietor and Head. I decided to apply for the post of Teaching Assistant. As a TA, I was able to implement a lot of the things I learned as a Sports Coach, which the children enjoyed a lot. The school saw the value in me and allowed me to progress into the role of a sports instructor, where I and another member of staff were to deliver PE sessions for our children.

As soon as I started, I loved every day. Each day was different and bought a new challenge, for example, children would often struggle with sportsmanship, sharing, teamwork, and rules. Through these challenges, I discovered I really wanted to help build positive relationships for children, not just child and adult relationship but also child to child relationships.

The position of “Personal Development Lead” came up, and I was so excited to apply because the role really aligned with my future aspirations. It was a key opportunity to make significant impact on the lives of the children, allowing me to facilitate continuous improvement in regulation. I was delighted to be successful in my application, which meant my first step towards leadership.

Covid hit shortly after, which for some would have put a halt to career progression. However, with the support of the school, and working closely with my school Principal, I was able to upskill myself further during this time. Spending time with my principal meant I developed my management skills and was able to take on additional responsibility around school.

In February 2023, the opportunity to progress once again arose, as the Assistant Principal role was presented to myself and colleagues. I have always been the type of person to want to progress and improve, so this was a fantastic opportunity for me.

I was successful with my application, and I am looking forward to learning more and more in my new role.