As a science teacher at HAOC, I can confidently say that my journey here has been nothing short of fulfilling. I have had the privilege of growing and developing my skills and expertise through the myriad of opportunities and experiences that have been made available to me since joining this academy. Throughout my time here, I have been given tremendous support, which has enabled me to take on several roles, including leadership positions. Overall, I am proud to be part of this academy, and I am thrilled to contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists and thinkers. I can confidently say that my time here has been a happy and fulfilling one.

Working at Harris Academy Ockendon has allowed me to develop my classroom practice through many CPD sessions provided by brilliant teachers. HAOC has many opportunities for progression and development such as the Lead Practitioner programme, which has helped me to become an outstanding classroom practitioner, observer, and coach. The staff at HAOC are supportive and I feel lucky to be a part of an energetic and passionate English department. Beyond the department, everyone in the school is clearly working at their best to provide for our learners and to create a smoothly run and harmonious environment.

Working at HAOC has made me realise the amount of progress a school can make when everyone works together. Staff here are incredibly supportive and thoughtful about each and every lesson they teach, building on the prior knowledge of our students while stimulating their intellectual curiosity. I am proud to work at a school that is serving their community as well as this one is.

As an established (read old) teacher, I thought I would come to this area I had never heard of, from a history of inner-city schools, and find it all easy and, honestly, boring. It was to be a stopgap for me, but I have been here since 2018. It is not boring! I appreciate being allowed time to reflect on my teaching habits and make changes for our students, and that pedagogy is in the heart of everything we do as teaching staff. There is no such establishment as a perfect school, so being heard as a staff is important and there are often platforms afforded to us to make real change by sharing our voices, which is something I value highly.

Since joining Harris Academy Ockendon, I have felt welcomed by the whole Senior Leadership Team, particularly our Principal, whose ambition for an inclusive, welcoming and academically outstanding school creates a brilliant culture. Beginning my training at this school has gifted me opportunities to work alongside outstanding practitioners to create and hone my craft as an educator. I am also privileged to be able to teach a subject I am passionate about to students who love learning.