Harry Rowntree

Since joining HSAEL and becoming Head of English, I've focused my attention on streamlining the curriculum and core knowledge: building core classic tragedies into our learning from Ks3 and 5, and drawing our attention to texts and resources about morality in science and wider society, through journalism, novels and poetry. It's my aspiration to ensure students love what they learn, and get a chance to find their own voices both written and spoken aloud, and I work closely with the HSAEL library to ensure students have opportunities outside of class to read and enter writing competitions to grow this love. As part of the wider school, I've instituted in class and at home reading and literacy strategy to support students to reach their chronological reading age, and we have seen massive uplifts in student reading, supported by a consistent lesson structure and the staff's care and attention. 

I like working at HSAEL because of its core values and consistency. Behaviour, routines, pedagogy and practice are not accidental: they are thought out, communicated to all, we as staff understand the rationale and we are supported to succeed. I get to spend my time focused on deep, reflective thinking about my teaching practice and the sharpest way to impart knowledge, without fear of behaviour taking over and throwing us off course. HSAEL has allowed me to grow massively, and I have been able to establish new ideas and processes for my department in a supportive school that welcomes hard work and evidence informed innovation. Despite the school's undeniably weird building, staff and students maintain an attitude of high standards and respect for one another, and a kindness embodied by the mantra we share every day: "You are welcome here, you are important, and you matter".