ABOUT
Parkwood Academy is a mixed comprehensive Academy in Sheffield and is part of E-ACT, a leading academy sponsor. Parkwood Academy opened in September 2009 on the site of the existing Parkwood High School. It is home to 750 students from 11 to 16 (rising to 900 in the new building) and has strong links with local sixth form providers. We are in a period of growth and are able to offer learning opportunities to support all our of students. Parkwood Academy's new build is well underway and due to open in April 2012. The buildings are already starting to take shape and its modern design has been planned to inspire learning and to enable young people to learn in a way that's both enjoyable and effective.
Parkwood Academy recognise and value continued professional development but don't take our word for it, here are some examples of staff whose careers have flourished at Parkwood:
Emma
Emma began working at Parkwood School as a Cover Supervisor in 2007. She was keen to pursue a career in teaching and having seen her potential, we supported her through her successful application for the Graduate Teacher Programme with Sheffield Hallam University. She was fast tracked through the programme and gained QTS in 2009. She has since been invited to speak as part of the GTP/ITT and induction and training programme at the University, talking about her own experiences and professional development achievements. During her NQT year she began the Masters in Teaching in Learning supported by a Leadership Coach within the Academy. Her recent Module submission was praised as being of an extremely high standard. She became Head of KS4 PE in November 2009 and has built upon her success by gaining the internal appointment of Head of Year 7 to cover a maternity leave. Emma seeks out opportunities for professional development, for example she is working with the Creative Partnership Team on a project to engage learners through digital media. All this has been achieved in only four years!
Simon
Simon began at Parkwood as a teacher of ICT in 2004 having previously worked in the catering industry. In 2007, Simon joined the Leading from the Middle Programme with the National College which he successfully completed and in 2008 he completed his subject mentor training with Sheffield Hallam University for ITTs. Following numerous external training and developmental visits, Simon took on the development of the MLE for the School. In 2009 he took temporary responsibility for the teaching of ICT within the Academy and as such joined the Middle Leadership Team. At the beginning of 2010 he was successfully appointed as Director of ICDT, the post which he now currently holds.
Sarah
Sarah began working at Parkwood School in 2005 when she joined us as a Newly Qualified Teacher. She successfully completed her induction year and then began targeted CPD to develop her skills in all areas of Teaching & Learning. In 2007 she was appointed to the Fast Track Teacher Programme following an intense selection process. Whilst on this programme she had access to high quality external residential training courses. She progressed from this the Leadership Pathways Programme led by the National College and did some school based project work in the area of Gifted and Talented. Sarah was then promoted to KS3 Co-ordinator/Head of Y8 and 9. In order to gain more insight into pastoral management and leadership, she shadowed an Assistant Head in another school and worked with the leadership team to develop in this srea. In 2009 she was appointed as a House Leader at the Academy and is fulfilling this role to her full potential.
Dawn
Dawn began her employment at Parkwood High School in June 2004 on a temporary contract as a clerical officer supporting the Exams officer and Finance Officer. In September 2005 she became Personal Assistant to the Headteacher . During this role she also took on additional responsibilites with Human Resources, beginning her Masters Degree in HRM in September 2008 . She has recently completed her studies for this qualification, and will graduate in October 2011. Dawn is now employed as the Academy's full time permananet Human Resources Manager. Dawn is a former student at Parkwood school.
