Name : Saqib Ahmed
School : Lampton School
Subject taught : ICT
How long have you been teaching?
Since January 2005
What route did you take into teaching?
Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
What enticed you to teach in Hounslow?
I live relatively close to the area, I have also worked in Hounslow before - approximately six years ago. I chose to work at Lampton School after a two week placement observing lessons. Within the two weeks at Lampton I was made to feel very welcome and informed of the training, support and resources offered to me, basing my decision on these, the school atmosphere and recalling my previous experiences of the area and it's community I decided to move forward within Hounslow.
What do you like most about teaching in your school?
I enjoy the atmosphere of the school and the attitudes of the staff. The children and the diversity of it's pupils in terms of culture and abilities. The background of many of these pupils in terms of issues surrounding them and their community are also similar to issues which I grew up with.
How do you think that your school and the LEA cater for the different needs of the children in terms of language, diversity and special needs?
The school is second to none in terms of support and resources available for these types of pupils. We have a learning support centre, a speech and language centre and a very well-organised EAL (English as an additional language) department and these work together with the wider school to ensure the needs of all pupils are met. We also have Learning Support Assistants who work in classes alongside teachers to support pupils on a one-to-one basis as and when required.
What do you think of the support and training that was offered to you when you first came to Hounslow and also that has been on offer as you developed your career?
The training has been excellent from the outset. I have regular target setting meetings to ensure that I am constantly progressing. The school has also given me the flexibility to innovate my own projects and develop these within my own department. My mentor and my induction tutor also look at external courses on offer and make sure that I take advantage of all relevant opportunities. I always have someone I can go to with any concerns and these are always addressed.
Has working in a diverse borough helped to develop your teaching skills?
Most definitely. Working in such an environment makes you more aware of the needs, issues and concerns of pupils of all backgrounds. This has helped my teaching in terms of planning lessons that are relevant for all different pupils and has also opened my eyes to things I initially was unaware of. This has obviously reflected on my teaching and my relationships with my students.
Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
Within 5 years time I would like to be within a more senior role, pastoral or academic. I would still like to be teaching within the Lampton School or another Hounslow school that has the same ethos, diversity and dynamics
Do you feel there is a defined career path open to you within the Hounslow borough?
Yes, I feel that I'm in an area which will encourage me to grow and develop as a teacher and push myself to achieve my goals. From my observation I have seen this school as having good relationships with surrounding schools in the borough, and a school which constantly pushes its teachers to be more successful. These facts make me feel more secure in my position at this school and my career path.
What would you say to a fellow teacher to encourage them to come and teach in Hounslow?
If you would like to work in an environment which is diverse, dynamic and promotes an 'open culture' with other schools within the borough, is supportive of it's staff and pupils and provides opportunities for you to grow then use your head wisely and teach in Hounslow!
What 3 words describe your teaching career in Hounslow and the service that you receive as a teacher?
Rewarding, supportive, motivating.