Rachael W.
About me
| Rachael W. | |
| Biology | |
| Biochemistry | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2001 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Head of Science | |
| Isle of Wight Council - children's services | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2015 |
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A day in the life of a Head of Science in the United Kingdom
An experienced teaching professional keen to offer support to those going into teaching
My career goals when I graduated
To teach Science.
My career history
PGCE in secondary science (Portsmouth)
Science teacher
Teacher with responsibility for educational needs
Head of Biology
Head of Science
What has helped my career to progress
I have applied for opportunities when they have come up and always listened to feedback from applications and during performance reviews. When unhappy in a post I have always worked hard to move on rather than sit still.
Courses taken since graduation
PGCE - teacher training.
NPQSL - a course required to take on a more senior post.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Assistant or deputy head teacher.
My advice about working in my industry
Complete some volunteer work in a school or youth group during your studies. This is the most essential step. If nothing else, arrange a week or two of work experience in both a primary and secondary school. Involve yourself in hobby activities and societies that you could run as a club in a school. Do well academically - many more prestigious schools will want a 2:1, many private schools will look for top grades and higher degrees.
Contacting me
I am happy to assist with general teaching career advice.
For students local to the Isle of Wight I may be able to arrange short periods of work experience for prospective science teachers.
What I do
I am the Head of Science in a pupil referral unit in the U.K. This is a specialist type of school for students who have been excluded from school or are at risk of this occurring. Many of the young people I teach have had difficult backgrounds or have behavioural, emotional or social problems. Whilst my priority is teaching science and helping students achieve qualifications, my role also includes helping students develop personal skills and confidence.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Skills that are crucial to my role include: communication, organisation, planning lessons, behaviour management, leadership. Mainly I have developed skills by experience, practice, sharing ideas with other professionals and the mentoring and training I have received during my career.
What I like most
Seeing young people go back to mainstream school or on to their next step after year 11 successful, confident and happy.
What I like least
Dealing with upset young people, aggression and situations involving escorting and restraining pupils.
What surprised me most
How ingrained poverty is within my community; which was something I had been unaware of whilst growing up in this place.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Rachael’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Rachael a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Rachael to be your mentor.