Day in the Life

James Allen – Assistant Head

Generally, my working day starts at 7:30; I arrive and pick up messages regarding staffing changes and absences. I then plan and co-ordinate timetable changes needed to ensure sufficient staffing for planned lessons and activities that day. This is an operational responsibility that requires continuous monitoring and review throughout the day as situations can change and adaptation needed.

I usually help welcome in the students from their taxis as the school opens from 8:50am, and then ensure their safe return onto taxis as school closes at 3:15pm.

There is no set pattern to any day, due to the variety and flexible nature of the job. I may be chairing Annual Reviews, touring the school with potential new parents, liaising with outside agencies, meeting with SLT, reviewing the staff absence management system or working on timetable changes.  I am also the Careers and Work Related Learning Lead, and as such may need to carry out lesson observations, review planning and facilitate schemes of work and experiences offered to students.  I also have strategic responsibilities including CPD for staff, so may need to plan and set training events or record and review those undertaken.

As a member of SLT, I am jointly responsible for the day to day running of the school, so am constantly on hand to deal with issues that arise in any form throughout the day. I may need to attend and contribute at Governors meetings, along with other departmental and curriculum meetings as needed.

In order to carry out my role I need to be flexible, approachable, able to listen to the needs of students and staff alike, and have a sense of humor.