I
started my educational journey at Coventry University after completing my BA (HONS) in Graphic Design. After a couple of years working in Further Education, I fell in love with teaching and pursued my future career by doing my PGCE at Birmingham University.
I have spent the last eight years at Armthorpe Academy where I built my career as an Art and Media teacher. Whilst teaching I became a Head of Year for a number of different year groups in both key stages. I became an Associate Leader, where I worked alongside Senior Management and as part of this role I lead a team of teachers to implement a project-based learning curriculum for the Humanities and Arts for Year 7 students.
I gained a new found love for teaching after discovering project-based learning. I saw students engage in subjects beyond their expectations and produce outstanding creative outcomes. The opportunity of teaching this method full time and being part of the XP team was an opportunity that I could not miss.
The culminating event to our staff induction is an Educator-Led Conference, where staff prepare speeches, critiqued by their peers, which answer the guiding question:
“What kind of person, and what kind of educator do I want to be at XP?”
Below is Miss Thornton’s speech: