After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Geography I spent a summer working in the retail sector as a visual merchandiser. Although it was an enjoyable job I was looking for a career that was both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Both my parents and sister are teachers and after a couple of work experience placements I was hooked! So in 2006 I completed my PGCE at Hull University.
I have worked in a range of schools across Yorkshire. I spent six years at Armthorpe Academy starting as an NQT and becoming Head of Geography.I continued in this role at Ossett Academy and 6th Form College, before joining XP. It was at Armthorpe where I first developed a love of Project Based Learning working as part of the team teaching Year 7 Humanities subjects. Although I am a Geographer at heart I have a wider appreciation for the Humanities and Arts subjects.
I am excited and proud to join the crew at XP, teaching expeditions full time and watching the students in our care flourish in an academically and creatively challenging environment.
The culminating event to our staff induction is an Educator-Led Conference, where staff prepare speeches, critiqued by their peers, which answer the guiding question:
“What kind of person, and what kind of educator do I want to be at XP?”
Below is Mrs Batty’s speech: