Maria Draisey-Chase

BA (Hons) Religious Studies with QTS

Name

Maria Draisey-Chase

What course did you study?

BA (hons) QTS Religious Studies

Year of graduation

1999

Where are you from originally?

Essex

Why University of Cumbria, what attracted you?

When I studied in Lancaster the college was called Saint Martins’s College. The picturesque back drop of the Trough of Bowland view from the Willy Tom hall. The course studying RS and the variety of world religions with teaching made my choice an easy one.

The college was smaller than most I looked at and the community feel appealed to me.

Job title

Deputy Head Teacher

Current employer

Grove Wood Primary School, Rayleigh, Essex

What sector/industry do you work in?

Primary teaching

Briefly describe your role and responsibilities

I’m deputy in a large primary school, 630 children -3 classes a year group.
I lead on safeguarding, organise staffing after being a year 6 teacher for ten years.
I have additionally, for the past 8 years, worked as an Essex county KS2 writing moderator for STA, which keeps me involved in standards outside my own school and nationally.

Briefly describe your career progression from graduation to where you are now

1999 - 2002 NQT and teacher of year 3 and 4 junior school in Tilbury Essex. Coordinated PE and IT
2002 -2003 travelled abroad for a year - did some TEFL teaching in Uganda, Africa. Also did UK supply in a village school in Essex.
2003-2008 Worked as a year 3,4,5, and 6 teacher in a junior school . I coordinated IT, PSHCE, music, and lead phase teams on assessment.
2008- present teaching deputy in Year 6 -responsible for assessment, behaviour, safeguarding, inclusion team, SLE in my group of schools.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Supporting children and parents. Giving the experience of knowledge, awe and wonder to young people.

I’m 2014 I was nominated and awarded the honour of Essex Primary Teacher of the year in a ceremony in Chelmsford University campus.

What are your ambitions, now and in the future?

I would still love to work in a special school as a deputy. I’m happy being a deputy and do not see myself as a Head teacher as I still want to have connections to class teaching and working with other teachers.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you just graduated?

Keep an open mind, don’t limit your chances take every opportunity both in work and leisure.

What top tips would you give to new alumni who are wishing to pursue a similar career to you?

Work hard and play hard. Time management and not being too hard on yourself. Things will go wrong but always hold on to what you know is right. You can do this! Take advice from those you trust.

Do you have any support messages for the class of 2020, just embarking on their careers during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Be patient with the children and parents. Nothing will be the same for a while- listen to the staff in your work places for support.

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