Mr R Higgins – Student Services Manager
I chose to move back to the Isle of Wight to take up the position of Student Services Manager at the Island VI Form in September 2021. Having previously studied at both Carisbrooke and The VI Form, I was excited to return and work within a friendly and welcoming environment. Studying here enabled me to progress onto university and obtain a degree. I then chose to pursue a career working with vulnerable children and young people in Residential Homes, being promoted to a deputy manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Since starting my new role at IWEF, I’ve been supported to feel part of the team and have had opportunities to work with an experienced network of colleagues. I’ve already had an opportunity to complete a three day First Aid course and Mental Health First Aid course which has enabled me to carry out my job more effectively. I’ve been able to see a side to education that I haven’t experienced before and have witnessed the dedication and commitment from teachers and support staff which encourages students to achieve their goals. I’m looking forward to developing my knowledge and understanding with IWEF and contributing to positive outcomes for students.
Mrs J Tuck – Teacher of PE and Head of Year 7 / Transition Lead
I have always wanted to a be a PE teacher! I studied at Chichester university and did my teaching placement here on the Island 20 years ago. I instantly knew what a special place it is, and have been here ever since (besides some teaching adventures in Kenya, Qatar and China). I’ve been part of the Isle of a Wight Education Federation for 8 years and in my time here I’ve been inspired by the student’s determination and resilience and my wonderful colleagues – that’s what makes our community so special.
I have been afforded several opportunities to further my teaching career and I am excited to see what the future holds for me here at the Isle of Wight Federation.
Mr M Peake – Federation Lead for Behaviour and Safety
I have been part of the IWEF community for 14 years. I started as a teacher of Physical Education and progressed on to become Head of Physical Education, Head of Faculty for the Physical and Creative area and now hold the position of Federated Lead for Behaviour and Safety as part of the senior leadership team and also the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Carisbrooke College site. I have been supported and encouraged throughout my time here to develop and grow in my career.
Ms D Hickman – Human Resources Officer
I have always described working for IWEF as being part of a huge jigsaw puzzle; throw your piece into the box and sooner or later your piece will slot into the perfect place. This is certainly my experience.
Having returned to the Island after originally being brought up here, I was appointed to the role of Administration Assistant in 2009. I taught PE part-time for a while, was then asked to manage Cover for Medina College, moved into the post of HR Officer for Medina College in 2011 and am now HR Officer for the Federation.
I enjoy working as part of the small HR team, which has a positive impact on the larger workforce, and also the teaching and learning of all of our students, at Carisbrooke, Medina and the Island VI Form.
Miss N Bracegirdle – Federation Faculty Lead: Technology
I joined the IWEF as Federation Leader for Technology in September 2019 after teaching in schools in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Working in a fast paced environment across three sites is never dull but working with such talented, knowledgeable and passionate staff and students is my favourite part of the role. The ethos of the IWEF is clear from the moment you step inside any of the buildings, ASPIRE and ACHIEVE. Every member of staff wants the very best for our students and the local community.
I have been empowered to make changes and developments that have seen huge investment in the technology curriculum, from state of the art equipment through to inspirational school trips. I have always felt heard and valued, and this is evident in the support and encouragement I have received whilst undertaking my Masters in Educational Leadership.
Mr P Cronin – Teacher of Media & Film Studies
I have been teaching at Medina and the Island VI Form for seventeen years now, having come into teaching after a long career in the hospitality industry. My route into teaching came through coaching the Medina rugby team on a voluntary basis to start with. I took on a role as an LSA and then moved onto being a cover supervisor. After completing my initial teacher training I was successful in gaining the role of Teacher of English at Medina.
I have been immensely fortunate in being guided and supported by some amazing colleagues in the department and the wider federation and I put a lot of my own progression down to their unwavering and dedicated support. Having taught English at Medina for ten years I was given the opportunity to pursue one of my real passions and teach film and media at A level. We have been able to grow the department from a handful of students at the beginning to over ninety students taking the two subjects across years 12 and 13.
I have had the opportunity to lead international trips for students and have taken around one hundred students to Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida over the past five years where they have worked alongside film and media professionals.
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