First and foremost, a huge congratulations to all NQT’s (myself included)! Collectively and collaboratively, we have almost made it through our first term as qualified teachers!

I am thrilled with the progress I have made so far at Leeds East Academy with the support of my esteemed colleagues. I have set high expectations from my students and in return they have high expectations from me; their teacher. We have built positive relationships based on mutual understanding, respect and most importantly trust. I vehemently believe in them and reciprocally they can trust me to provide them with a stimulating and purposeful classroom environment without judgement.

Unfortunately, I have come to learn that learners associate getting an answer wrong or having an ‘area for improvement’ as a sign of weakness or an inability to learn. They couldn’t be further from the truth! I have made it a mantra to praise their contribution, big or small. I thank them for their willingness to answer, I thank them for their display of confidence and courteously I thank them even if they get the answer wrong. In answering they unconsciously embed the core values of Leeds East Academy: embodying resilience, positivity and excellence. I think it is of utmost importance that we believe in our students with conviction, despite the lack of belief they have in themselves. I am a true believer that our sheer hard work and determination will shape them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Undoubtedly there will come a day (maybe one we won’t witness) when their inner voice mirrors the sentiments we share; you can do this. You are enough.