Acklam Grange

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Acklam Grange School

AGS Alumni | Amy Metcalfe

Name: Amy Metcalfe
Left Acklam Grange: 2008
Current position: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Current Employer: Acklam Grange School

What was your experience at Acklam Grange like?

My experience at Acklam Grange was extremely positive; I always looked forward to coming to school. Even then, there was a deep rooted family ethos, ensuring that no child was left behind. Acklam Grange was more than a school, it forged part of my identity, such was my enthusiasm to return!

Do you have a fond memory that you would like to share?

I will always remember the day that X Factor winners, Journey South, returned to Acklam Grange. Unfortunately, I wasn’t selected to participate in the workshop (due to my non-existent musical abilities), though I did manage to convince one of my friends to smuggle out a signed photograph!

Another memory that seems particularly poignant was the grand opening of the CLC, or City Learning Centre, which was once attached to our school and still stands in Lodore Grove car park. With row upon row of brand new computers, it seemed like something out of the space age. During our first session we made a fridge magnet, which my grandma still has on her fridge to this day!

What person, class or experience most influenced you?

Our class was one of the first taught by Mrs Kerr-Morgan, or Miss Johns as she was then known. I thoroughly looked forward to her lessons, not only was she super knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject, the displays in her room were always immaculate. Later on, I moved to Miss Coyle’s class. When an introductory PowerPoint on ‘Miss Havisham’ included a Placebo song, I knew I had found a teacher who would inspire me!

In terms of shaping me as a person, I would have to say that Mrs Gowland and Miss Lockney (Mrs Woodier) played a huge role. Their organisational skills and kind and caring personalities were a real positive influence on me.

How did your education at AGS prepare you for your career?

There is a direct correlation between the experiences and teachers that influenced me the most. Following the achievement of a distinction in BTEC Health and Social Care, I went on to complete an apprenticeship in childcare. Following a stint working as a Nursery Nurse, I applied for an apprenticeship at Acklam Grange where I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to return to the LRC and work directly with Mrs Gordon, with the other half of my role being spent under the expert supervision of Mrs Gowland in the newly opened PLC.

What has your career path been like? How did you get to where you are?

In 2008 I completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in childcare with Rainbow Training in Middlesbrough. Afterwards, I went on to gain employment at a day nursery who facilitated my Level 3 qualification in childcare through Middlesbrough College. I remained at the day nursery for 4 years prior to becoming successful in securing an apprenticeship at Acklam Grange School in supporting teaching and learning. On completion, I was offered a permanent role within ARC Services, progressing on to become EAL Coordinator for the school and taking on responsibility as a lead for my department. After 9 years working at Acklam Grange, I took up a post at a private school, Teesside High, where I remained for 18 months in the role of EAL Learning Support Assistant. I returned to Acklam Grange in November 2023 as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.

What do you enjoy about your job?

When a child has a light bulb moment, or when they crack a huge smile after starting the day feeling particularly low, that is what I find the most rewarding. The part of my job that I enjoy the most is seeing the difference we make to children’s lives, through pastoral and academic support.

What skills have served you well in your career?

I would definitely say having a positive, ‘can do’ attitude has served me well in my career. I am often praised for using my initiative and being particularly organised.

What advice would you give to current Acklam Grange students about their future?

I would advise current students at Acklam Grange that your school career is only a small fraction of your life, though it might not feel like it now. Grab every opportunity with both hands, even if this is a revision session offered my your teacher. Each effort you make is like a piece of a jigsaw that will come together to make a beautiful picture for the future!

If you’re a former student of Acklam Grange School and want to share your story, get in touch via the details below.

Miss S Winter
Careers Advisor
01642 277700
winter.s@acklamgrange.org.uk