TESTIMONIAL:
DR TOM HUGHES ECT in Physics Section Commander of the Royal Navy (Combined Cadet Force) Joined September 2021
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Whilst searching for my first teaching post after completing a PGCE course, I was being highly selective of the type of school and community in which I wanted to start my career. I was looking for an environment that would give me the freedom to explore my skills in teaching and learning, where I could strive for academic excellence, and to develop into an outstanding teacher. I also wanted somewhere more than a school, somewhere I could become more than a teacher, somewhere that valued building positive relationships with learners beyond the classroom. I found that Rossall ticked all these boxes. Though it was easy to be drawn to Rossall’s beautiful campus and coastal location, what also attracted me to relocate to this busy boarding school was the plethora of opportunities available for development that would satisfy my high demands for personal and professional growth. As part of my ECT Induction, I have benefitted from excellent, bespoke mentorship from two highly-experienced colleagues, an induction tutor and subject mentor, whose tailored advice and guidance have been invaluable in honing my classroom practice, and have enabled me to start delivering my own CPD sessions for staff. They have supported me not only as a teacher, but in the range of roles available for developing pastoral skills, such as being a form tutor and house tutor, and staffing the weekend trips for boarders. I’ve also taken full advantage of the school’s Leadership Academy and other training programs, that have prepared me to take on a leadership role as Section Commander of the Royal Navy section of the Combined Cadet Force, via which I’ve had the pleasure of taking our cadets kayaking, scuba diving, and rowing. Gaining such leadership experience at this point of my career was beyond my initial expectations when applying as an ECT, and is a testament to the outstanding support I have received over the past two years. I consider myself incredibly privileged to be a member of such a warm and welcoming community, working with amazing staff and students. I highly recommend Rossall as a supportive environment in which to start your teaching career.
