We are delighted to welcome Nicola Atkinson to the Good Shepherd Trust, as Headteacher and KS2 teacher at Gilsland School.
A bit about Nicola
Nicola brings with her over 20 years of teaching experience, having worked in schools across Manchester and Cheshire before more recently returning to her Cumbrian roots, teaching at St Michael’s School in Dalston, and taking on her first head teacher role at Gilsland School this September.
Nicola’s favourite thing about teaching is working with children every day – “watching them develop, grow, make friendships, increase their confidence and get ready for the real world outside the classroom.”
Maths Mastery
During her time at St Michael’s, Nicola became involved with the NNW Maths Hub. She completed her Primary Mastery training, allowing her to begin working with other schools to help them to implement the Mastery approach.
Nicola comments, “I work with groups of teachers and school leaders to establish what they already do, and how they can incorporate more of the Mastery approach into their teaching. We share ideas, tips and tricks. It’s a very collaborative and supportive group.”
Gilsland – a small school with a big heart
Nicola first visited Gilsland School for a NNW Maths Hub session, and was impressed with the welcoming, family atmosphere.
“It had such a warm and cosy feel. The staff and children were all so welcoming. I thought, what a lovely school!”
When the opportunity to join Gilsland School as headteacher arose, Nicola knew she had to apply.
“Gilsland has brilliant facilities (an amazing outdoor area, lots of space for group work) and the staff take excellent care of the school. The displays are always so engaging, colourful and welcoming. I knew that this was a school I’d love to be a part of.”
Not only does Gilsland offer an idyllic working environment, the location of the school offers a quieter way of life. “It’s a lovely area of the world. I drive into the sunrise for my commute to school and into the sunset as I head home. Not a traffic jam in sight!”
Having completed her first half-term as headteacher at Gilsland, Nicola said one of her favourite things about the school is the amount of individual attention that the children receive. When asked to describe the school in a few words, Nicola answers with great fondness, “It’s got a big heart!”
A focus on the outdoors, and wellbeing
Looking ahead, Nicola is excited to further develop the school’s curriculum to make the most of their spacious, rural setting. “I will be focusing on how we can incorporate the outdoors more, with plans to develop the school garden which has huge potential. The aim is helping children to stay active, promoting healthy lifestyles and focusing on mental wellbeing. I’ll be looking at the whole experience, helping the children to become well-rounded individuals.”
Also on her agenda is working with the Trust, Local Governing Body, and Gilsland’s supportive network of parents, to grow pupil numbers in the coming years.
The Good Shepherd Trust community
Nicola comments that being a member of the Good Shepherd Trust is invaluable to her in her first role as a head teacher; “I don’t feel like I’m on my own. There are plenty of people I can ask whenever I have a question. Claire and Rob have been extremely supportive, as have the Central Hub and other heads. Everyone offers their help, and there’s a WhatsApp group which is perfect for asking questions and sharing experiences.”