Joshua Whelan

After three years of working in a UK school and volunteering abroad, I decided to explore teaching internationally. After my first setting in the country, I then applied for my current school, which had a good reputation, a more international ethos and had many opportunities for progression.

As Assistant Head of EYFS, I have varied responsibilities. I cover classes across Preschool, Reception and throughout Primary, I am responsible for the development and progress of EYFS, parent workshops, trips and visits, supporting my team and I have been an ECT mentor for multiple ECTs. I am also responsible for line managing progress leaders, collaborating with the SLT and the cluster of schools, coordinating training for teachers and teaching assistants, developing the curriculum for my key stage and much more. I also work with local nurseries and have responsibility linked to community engagement and Eco Schools.

Developing the children and building the foundations of EYFS at my current school are particular highlights of my role. Providing pupils with memorable experiences and learning in the classroom, as well as seeing the EYFS team and department progress and develop, is so rewarding.

Managing people can be challenging. However, having a supportive senior management team and reflection time both help me to approach this challenge with confidence. Managing people is something you continually learn to adapt to as situations and relationships evolve.

I have had many moments that remain with me. Graduation ceremonies at the end of Reception, seeing how far the children have developed during their educational journeys, productions and having a goat in my classroom owned by one of the children are all very memorable! Commendations for my work during various inspections will also stay with me.

When I arrived in Qatar, I had three years of teaching experience and had coordinated certain subjects. Since then, I have learned and experienced a lot. I have gained experience as an EYFS leader, as an Assistant Head of EYFS and mentored numerous ECTs. I have also hosted two events at my school with UK specialist consultants providing training for schools across Qatar, developed connections with various nurseries and schools in Doha and I have been responsible for Qatar National Identity, Community engagement and Eco Schools. All of these experiences can be added to my CV and will allow me to access further opportunities both internationally and in the UK.

Progression in my current role is important to me. I would like to continue to establish an outstanding EYFS at my current school, gain a Green Flag for Eco Schools, continue my community engagement work and further develop the curriculum at my current school. Teaching and being with the children is really important.

I would definitely recommend the experience to others. You get out of the experience what you put in and to gain further opportunities internationally and when returning to the UK, you need to constantly develop your skills and curriculum knowledge and work hard for the benefit of the children.