“I joined Holy Cross in September 2018 from the independent sector and prior to that I worked for many years in the IT industry.

It was quite daunting at first going from a part-time teacher to a full-time Head of Department. However, when I joined the school everyone was very welcoming and supportive. I had known Holy Cross for the previous 7 years as a parent to Maria, who had just finished the sixth form, so I immediately felt at home, because I had met many of the staff at various school events.

The school cares about every individual student and the girls themselves are kind, respectful and thoughtful. It is the little things that they say that makes the days so enjoyable. I teach all the year groups from Year 7 to Year 12 and it is lovely to see the girls develop and mature in their attitude to their studies and to each other.

School Computing departments are usually small but at Holy Cross the team spirit is still strong. I have got to know staff from a number of other departments too, which does not always happen to the same extent with staff from larger departments, because they already have a support network. The ethos of the school is felt as you walk through the door each morning. Staff and pupils alike will have smiles on their faces and many greet you in the corridors, as you make your way to the classroom.

I love my job and never stop learning. The subject requires me to constantly upskill as the changes in the tech world keep evolving. It is a challenge to know where technology will go next, but there are numerous websites to keep teachers informed. Each day there is a story in the news relating to cyber security and so it is a constantly evolving subject which always has relevance in our daily lives.”

“When I started working at Holy Cross in September 2015, it was very surreal! I had been a Holy Cross student right through from Year 7 to Year 13 and thoroughly enjoyed my time at school, however never imagined it would become my place of work. I think this goes to show how strong the Holy Cross family and community spirit we nurture into the students truly is.

 

Since beginning my career at Holy Cross, I have been given such wonderful opportunities to develop as a teacher and be a positive role model for the students. I began as a Cover Supervisor which gave me a great foundation of how to hold the attention of a classroom full of students, necessary behaviour management, and awareness of lessons across a wide variety of subjects amongst many other skills. Throughout my training, I received fantastic mentoring and support to qualify as an outstanding teacher of Dance. I have been supported in order to develop the Dance department into what it is today; offering a wide provision of dance genres from around the world, opening the eyes of our young woman as to how dance can be a language in itself, full of creativity, passion, challenges and wonderful for our wellbeing. Holy Cross provides superb teacher training with the aim to continue developing a pool of fantastic teachers.

 

My professional development has continued to grow as I am also the Director of Year 7. My desire to provide the best pastoral care for our young women’s physical and mental wellbeing is so strongly supported by the leadership team at Holy Cross. The provision we provide ensures the transition for students coming to Holy Cross is smooth, inviting and an enjoyable process for them and continues to guide them throughout their secondary education. I am so fortunate to work with such encouraging and knowledgeable staff at Holy Cross and inspiring students. I will be forever grateful for all Holy Cross has given me.

“To work at The Holy Cross School means to work at a school where you are valued as a member of staff as well as being a part of a community that puts students first.

Teaching the students is a pleasure. They are always well mannered, cooperative and eager to learn. The calm, fun and relaxing school ethos promotes positive learning and is an enriching environment for all to learn and grow.

The school offers and encourages staff professional development. I feel supported and able to progress within my career.

The Holy Cross School has an outstanding reputation within the local community and I feel very proud and privileged to work here. The art department is a nurturing and outstanding department. I have enjoyed developing external links with agencies and London galleries to enrich the students’ understanding and experience of art education. Through regular support, the Art department are frequently encouraged to recognise success through external competitions and events including the BIG DRAW and The Saatchi Gallery. Every morning I look forward to coming to work.”