What Do Our Staff Say?

Mercedes Roberts – Assistant Head

“I was appointed as Head of MFL at Sandwell Academy in 2020. I knew that I wanted to teach at Sandwell because our students are truly exceptional and the facilities and curriculum offer mean that every subject area thrives. I was also impressed with the enrichment opportunities that are part of the culture of the academy. Having discussed my aspirations during my interview, I have since received continuous professional development opportunities to enhance my leadership skills. As a result of receiving excellent support and learning from exemplar leaders, I was able to obtain my NPQSL and become the Induction Tutor for NQTs. This role then progressed to being the Director of Teacher Development. I am now an Associate Assistant Head with responsibility for teaching and learning and I take great pride in working closely with colleagues to support their professional development, particularly with early career teachers and trainees.”

Thomas Byrne – Assistant Head: Director of Inclusion

“I joined the Academy as a trainee English teacher in 2017, and quickly felt a part of a wider professional family. Throughout my time, I have been supported to develop as a practitioner and contribute to the wider development of the school’s inclusive ethos, eventually becoming the school’s SENCo, and now Director of Inclusion. Each day, I feel proud to contribute to the progress of our wonderful students and drive forward our vision as an Academy, giving students every opportunity to thrive.”

Nathan Langdon – ECT Physical Education

“I am a new member of staff at Sandwell Academy, having joined in September 2022. My experience so far in the PE department has been nothing other than positive; the extra-curricular activities and wide range of topics taught make the role that much more enjoyable. All pupils, regardless of ability, are given a platform to reach their maximum potential. As for professional development, we have regular staff training days that are full of activities to develop our pedagogy; this is often done as a whole school approach but we also get a chance for departmental CPD. Overall I have found Sandwell Academy an excellent place to work and the support amongst staff, the facilities and the pupils have cemented this in my mind.

Juweriyah Shafiq – English Teacher/Pupil Premium Lead

“I have been in teaching for four years now, including my training year. My induction to the teaching profession has included the many ripple-effects that Covid has brought in its wake; I have seen from my time in Sandwell Academy so far that the Academy has many excellent mechanisms in place to close the gaps that the pandemic created. One of them – and the real selling-point of the school for me – was the ‘Session 3’ programme, whereby pupils attend targeted intervention sessions with their subject teachers in smaller groups. For me, this is a real positive as it means that students are provided with opportunities for one-to-one support on a deeper level, providing students with a foundation of both knowledge and confidence to hit the ground running in lessons.

I have worked in a range of schools during my time as a teacher. During my first two weeks at Sandwell Academy, I noticed that staff were recognised for their efforts, and the impact they have with pupils. Some positive conversations with a range of staff within the school when I began made me feel welcomed, and as though I was in a school where I was really seen.

Sandwell invest in their staff – this is something staff themselves communicated to me during that all-important first half-term, where I was still finding my feet. I am happy to say I echo this sentiment myself; after one term, I have taken on an additional role within the wider school as part of the racial advocacy team, ensuring pupils have their voices heard, and Sandwell’s No Tolerance policy is upheld. As well as this, there are many professional development opportunities in the form of courses that are funded by the school and actively encouraged.