Newly appointed Vice Principal Katie Mason is looking forward to the challenge of her new role at Oakley Vale Primary School where she will have responsibility for teaching & learning and the curriculum.

She will be working closely with fellow VP Becky Annetts, and Principal, Emma Goodwin, and brings a wealth of experience from her 19 years in the profession, having worked in diverse settings, including deprived urban schools and the private sector.

Katie’s specialism is in literacy and KS1 teaching and her first focus will be on getting to know the students and families and helping to provide stability and leadership for the next phase in the school’s development.

She said: ‘I have been assistant head previously but this is my first Vice Principal role. What I loved at my old school, and what I am sure I’ll get to know here, are the amazing families and children. Being there for them is the part of the job that I absolutely love. My first priority is getting to know the school, staff and students and there’s a lot of young teachers here so it would be nice to support them. I have always mentored NQTs and have had student teachers every single year and I love being involved with that.’

Although Katie won’t have her own class she will still be in the classroom, teaching Year 2 lessons and doing cover work, which will provide a balance to her strategic new role. She has already carried out learning walks around the school and will work with Emma and Becky to gauge priority areas:

‘They are very supportive and welcoming and know the school inside out. I am looking forward to getting to know them and sharing their knowledge, but, as a newcomer, I should also be able to bring a different perspective as well. I am also looking forward to being part of a Brooke Weston Trust School as that provides support, collaboration and opportunities to work with colleagues from other schools, which will be an added dimension to this role.

‘Teaching is fun and I do love it. It is really hard work and, with a family myself, it can be really tough at times, but more than anything it is incredibly rewarding Everyone has been very welcoming and so, even after only my first week at Oakley Vale Primary School, I know that this has been the right career move.’