A teacher passionate about ecology and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards is celebrating a quarter of a century in the profession.
Brad Rayner is head of humanities at Aureus School, Didcot, where his love of ecology has also been shared with his students and should lead to the successful application to become an Eco-School.
A calm and organised approach has served Mr Rayner well for the 25 years he has been enthusing students with a love of all things humanities.
“For students to progress and enjoy learning, you should plan to meet their individual needs. Aureus School is proactive with making this easy through regular continuing professional development within SEND (special educational need and/or disabilities).
“The school has a very well written and thought-through teaching and learning policy that facilitates positive and inclusive learning, not just for those with intellectual learning needs, but for students with emotional and physically limiting conditions such as cerebral palsy so they can fully engage with extra curricular activities,” he said.
Among his most memorable moments have been those he has spent with its Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, which has a strong uptake with students, particularly the expeditions involved.
“As a small school, working together is crucial for the school to run smoothly, which it does, we’re all ready to work with each other and the headteacher is particularly adept at finding time to help and support staff.”
Mr Rayner said he would like to further develop the Eco-School initiative in the future, although his working week won’t be as full-time as it has been in previous years as he is semi-retiring at the end of term.
He also added that the school has a lot of events which allow him to see parents across the year.
“Aureus School is the only co-educational secondary school in Didcot and our location makes for a unique setting as a beacon for learning.”