I have carried out a variety of roles in a varied career, ending in becoming a Warehouse Manager where I worked for 10 years. During this time I started on my academic journey to where I am now. This eventually led me to a change of career goal and my extraordinary experience at University. I had decided I wanted to work in education, where I could make a difference, but unsure how to get there and in what role. I graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Psychology and Special and Inclusive Education. I then worked 1:1 with a child with autism. However, when the position of Learning Coach at XP School came up I applied and was amazed and proud to be offered the role.
I am relishing the opportunity to work at this ground-breaking new school and contribute to the enhanced learning that the pupils are exposed to throughout their secondary education. Since first hearing about expeditionary learning I have felt that this style of educating the future generations and offers a more meaningful and authentic learning process than traditional routes. Having seen the theory put into practice first hand and with my daughter being one of the pioneering students already on board; the results are already visible in both the first cohort attending XP and our new year 7’s. I am honoured and privileged to be part of the process as a member of the XP crew.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wales during Outward Bound and am now relishing watching the progress through the year of our students. I am exactly where I want to be in my life at this moment in time and know that sound practices and inspired teaching can make a difference to students, no matter what their developmental level may be. I am happy to be working alongside my new crew of inspiring colleagues and students at XP School. Working in collaboration with leaders and members of the community, to educate each other, in order to produce courageous and respectful young adults, who are ready to take on the next challenge that life has in store.
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 Burn’s speech: