Paul Nicholls

Head of House

West Hatch High School, Chigwell

About Me

I have been employed in my present school for 21 years. I have a vast range of experience in both curriculum and the pastoral areas of school life. These have included Head of History for 12 years. Under my leadership history became the most successful GCSE option and its results at GCSE and A level added considerable value to the school.

6 years ago I became a Learning Manager and have gained considerable experience in managing pastoral issues at KS3/4. Last year in line with the whole school approach of a vertical house system I adapted my role to become a Head of House to over 240 pupils from KS3-KS5.

I have always had a professional interest in classroom techniques of challenging and managing behaviour on a very practical basis. I have given INSET and training to all staff on challenging behaviour issues and have given a yearly presentation to the History PGCE students at the Institute of Education, which has always received very positive outcomes. I have also been asked to visit PGCE students in London schools to observe and support them in managing behaviour. In the summer term I have established a Behaviour for Learning team, which I now lead across the school. This team observes and supports NQT’s in managing behaviour issues. It is a collaborative and cooperative system in which staff are empowered to develop themselves. It has already had considerable impact in identifying very early staff that are finding challenging behaviour an issue and intervention is applied very speedily to support staff. The impact of the behaviour for learning work undertaken was recognised in the school’s last OFSTED inspection 12 months ago.

Specialist Areas of Expertise

  • ITT and NQT professional development
  • Behaviour & Discipline

Other Areas of Expertise

  • History-Department development
  • Pastoral management
  • Development of Behaviour for Learning
  • Challenging and managing behaviour