Francis Murphy, St Ita’s Primary School

www.stitas.co.uk

Subject or Primary school year: Primary 3

Your place of birth: Newry

Studied at: St Mary’s University College, Belfast.

First job: Arts Education Officer, Sticky Fingers Arts

What it taught me: The value of creativity in early years education as well as the importance of quality arts education for children and young people.

Family/status: Engaged

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Build relationships first, then teach. Children need to feel emotionally secure in order to learn. Look for the unique talents each child has and help them flourish. Don’t be afraid to break the mould - change is good.

Working in a large school has taught me the importance of teamwork at all levels. Being adaptive to change has helped me throughout my career in order to help meet the needs of all learners.

I attended St Mary’s University College obtaining a first class honours degree in BEd Primary with Art and Design as my specialist subject. I started working in St Ita’s after graduating in 2016 and have been there ever since. During my time there I have been subject leader for Art and Design and ICT. I have been fortunate to work alongside many experienced colleagues throughout the years and value the many wise words of wisdom they have shared with me. I have loved getting to know the many families that have crossed my path in St Ita’s and look forward to the future! It is an amazing school with a dedicated team that I am proud to be a part of.