At Don Valley Academy we value the Wellbeing and Personal Development of all our staff. We believe in the power of positive relationships and work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and inclusivity. As a community, we embrace all opportunities and strive to support and challenge one another. We have a comprehensive professional development calendar which is tailored specifically to meet the current needs of our staff and students. Staff enjoy the leadership opportunities found within our ‘DEEPs’ model and can gain valuable experience of roles across the Academy, ranging from Aspiring Leader to Associate Assistant Principal. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Don Valley Academy, and it is highly valued by both staff and students.
Staff Personal Development
Exchange Research School
The Research Schools Network is a network of schools that support the use of evidence to improve teaching practice. The Exchange Research School @ Don Valley Academy aims to lead the way in the use of evidence-based practice and bring research closer to schools. We are part of the Research Schools Network from the EEF. Through the network they share what they know about putting research into practice, and support schools and teachers in their region to make better use of evidence to inform and improve their teaching and learning. – Click here to view more information on the Exchange Research School
Staff Wellbeing
At Don Valley Academy we ensure that we promote positive staff Financial, Physical and Mental wellbeing and have policies in place to reduce workload
- Centralised Detentions run by SLT to reduce workload of staff
- Assessment and Feedback policy that removes unnecessary written teacher comments.
- SLT and Learning Manages always on call to support class teachers
- Maximum one break duty per week for class teachers
- Department workrooms on every corridor
- Dedicated CPD time every Tuesday
- Celebrating staff Contributions
Care First – Staff Support
To promote positive wellbeing, Care first provide all staff members with confidential access to a comprehensive hub of wellbeing resources including support, online counselling, articles, webinar content and interactive tools to help you take control of your own wellbeing.
Celebrating Staff Contributions & Wellness Events
At Don Valley Academy we celebrate the contributions staff make to #TeamDVA in may ways to promote staff wellbeing, collaboration inclusion, and appreciation amongst colleges. We have many initiatives throughout the year to celebrate including but to mention a few:
- Wellbeing breakfasts
- Staff Above and Beyond nominations
- Staff Superstar postcards
- Staff Summer BBQ
- Staff Quiz
- Departmental Staff teambuilding events through enrichment rewards programme
- Surprise treats delivered to staff desks throughout the year
- Christmas #TeamDVA Angels
- Secret Santa Event
