Sam Dodge

Miss Dodge began her teaching career in a local Thurrock secondary school as a Teacher of Physical Education after qualifying from the University of Brighton.  She spent 10 years in this school progressing her way from Head of Year to Associate Assistant Principal.

Her main focus has always been the pastoral support and wellbeing of students. 

In 2015 she joined Ockendon as Assistant Principal.  Miss Dodge leads on Safeguarding, behaviour and attendance at HAOC. These roles have led her to constantly strive to ensure the best for our students in all walks of their school life.

Miss Dodge has completed a range of training and continued professional development courses including the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) which has enabled her to apply the valuable skills learnt to her everyday practice in a bid to support the students.

Miss Dodge is our lead for First Aid being qualified in First Aid and Emergency Aid and also a qualified trainer and assessor.  This has resulted in her delivering annual training for our year 9 and year 12 students, and providing them with an invaluable life-skill to help them become more risk aware and equip them with skills to keep themselves or others safe, and help themselves or others if involved in a medical emergency.

Miss Dodge is also our Duke of Edinburgh Award co-ordinator.  The Duke of Edinburgh award aims to help young people gain essential skills, experience, confidence and resilience to successfully navigate adult life.  Students are involved in a range of activities such as volunteering, physical (such as sport, dance or fitness), developing skills (such as first aid, animal care, or sports coaching), or undertaking an expedition.

At Harris Academy Ockendon, we have been involved with the programme for a number of years, and have helped many students achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.