Sophie Bywater, Head of Girls’ Physical Education at Neale-Wade Academy
“I have been well supported with my personal development and given invaluable time to reflect and apply changes to my current practice, which has had a significant impact on my students’ learning.”
What is your career history? How did you get to where you are today?
I studied Sports Education at the University of Gloucestershire, where I received a first-class degree. In my final year, I was successful in gaining a place on a School Direct initial teacher training programme (ITT) in Physical Education. During my ITT year, I was offered a position as a PE teacher at Neale-Wade Academy. I was extremely lucky as this was the first teaching job that I had applied for. In my year as a recently qualified teacher, I was promoted to Head of Girls’ Physical Education and in my third year, I became a lead practitioner, which I am currently training for.
Why did you train to become a teacher?
I really enjoy working with young people and making a positive impact on their lives. I love inspiring students to achieve their very best and creating opportunities for them that they would never have experienced if it wasn’t for the work that I’d done.
Why did you choose a role in East Cambridgeshire and Fenland?
My family home is in East Cambridgeshire. I hadn’t been on a full-time wage prior to teaching so being able to live at home allowed me to save for a deposit to buy my own house. I was able to save my deposit and buy my first home in just 18 months!
What makes Fenland and East Cambridgeshire an exciting place to teach or lead?
I have been working in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire for three years and it is a very inspiring place to teach. There is social deprivation in the area, which makes it essential for teachers to be consistent and positive role models for their students. As their teacher, my students rely on me to ensure they are developed as well-rounded individuals prepared for the next step in their lives.
Why is Fenland and East Cambridgeshire a great place to develop your teaching career?
Fenland and East Cambridgeshire is one of the government’s twelve Opportunity Areas which means there are lots of exciting new initiatives going on in the area. I have been well supported with my personal development and given invaluable time to reflect and apply changes to my current practice, which has had a significant impact on my students’ learning. The support I have been given by my colleagues has helped me to become an outstanding teacher.
What is the best bit about living in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire?
I would say one of the best bits about living in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire is that it feels like a safe environment. Fenland and East Cambridgeshire also has good road networks which makes it is easy for me to visit my family and friends that live all over the country.
What is your favourite part of teaching?
My favourite part of teaching is seeing my students excited about attending my lesson. It’s so rewarding and shows that you have fostered a love of learning within your classroom environment.