Joanna Garvey originally trained as a General and Paediatric nurse working in Sheffield, Leeds and then Birmingham Children’s Hospital specialising in Paediatric Oncology. She became interested in nurse education early in her career and decided to change profession upon the completion of her BSc. She then gained Qualified Teacher Status through the Graduate Teacher Programme and continued to work in her sponsoring school for her NQT year. She has had a variety of teaching experiences, both in inner city comprehensives and in selective education.

Joanna was appointed AST in 2005 at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls as part of the schools Science College Plan. Joanna’s ability to use ICT to enhance teaching and learning in science has been used to support the development of ICT in the science department and schools visited during outreach work. Joanna has played a lead role in the development of online lessons and resources. Her AST role has included supporting colleagues in different schools at different Key Stages, including pre 11and post 16, in their delivery of an innovative and exciting science curriculum as well as supporting local non specialist or inexperienced staff at other schools and other key stages.

Joanna’s role has developed leading to her delivering INSET on ICT, Assessment for Learning, Thinking Skills and Independent Learning, not only to the science department, but also to other science teachers as part of the LiG study day. She has also been working with Newman College to deliver subject specific training to GRTP students.