Staff are learners too

“I joined the Academy in January 2008 having previously worked as a Head of Year in a secondary school in St Albans. I came to the Academy as Head of Year 8. My overall role and responsibility was to lead and monitor the academic progress and behaviour of a challenging year group. When I applied for the position, I must admit that I didn't know a great deal about Academies and the way they work. I am pleased to say that I absolutely made the right move and I have loved my role here at Capital City.
Teaching at an Academy is very different to teaching in schools. The very nature of the building and the students makes it fresh and exciting and everyday there is a new challenge. Many of the students come from underprivileged backgrounds and therefore they need support. It is through working with these difficult circumstances that you can see students thrive and watch young people progress quickly, on a personal level this is very satisfying and the bond created between staff and students is unique.
Whilst I have been here I have been given the opportunity to move into a new position as Director of Student progress of Key Stage 3. I feel that my hard work has been recognised and there is a sense of appreciation from the staff at the Academy. In fact the staff work very well together and I have felt very supported this year.
One of the biggest differences about the Academy is the sense of freedom to try new initiatives and ideas in order to further improve student progress. This is fantastic if you are a forward thinking creative person. I have been able to put my ideas in to practice and have been well supported throughout the process.”

James Caldwell, Director of Student Progress KS3

“I started working at CCA as a teaching assistant. I wanted to learn more about education before I plunged myself into a PGCE teacher training course. The academy was a wonderful place to work. A bit daunting at first, but I was made to feel welcome by staff and students alike. I wanted to get into teaching, and was offered the amazing opportunity of a GTP (graduate teacher program) placement. This meant I would be teaching at the school, but I was also working with a university, working my way to QTS (qualified teachers status). The academy has supported me all the way, and I really feel like a part of the school community. CCA is still a young school, but it is clear that it is a school which is working hard to improve the achievements of not only its students, but its staff as well.”

Nick Carpenter, Science Teacher