Amanda Barr

St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School

stmaryscbgs.com
Subject or Primary school year: English teacher
Your place of birth: West Belfast
Studied at: Queen's University, Belfast
First job: Supermarket
What it taught me: Positivity and kindness go a long way. 
Family/status: Married. Proud mother of 4 - 2 daughters and 2 sons and recently became grandmother to Codhán.
Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career
Never lose sight of the fact it is a privilege to work with young people and to be immersed in their lives. Be prepared to keep learning and to be inspired by your students. Relationships are the foundation all that we do in education.

It was always my career aspiration to teach. Having qualified from Queen's University in 2000, I embarked upon a PGCE in English. At the beginning of my career, I worked in St Patrick's Banbridge, and took on the posts of Literacy Co-ordinator, Year Head and then Head of English.

In 2007 I moved to Malone College, Belfast and in 2011 was appointed Head of English in St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Glen Road, Belfast. In 2017 I was appointed as Learning Support Co-ordinator and took on a Senior Management role. As Learning Support Co-ordinator, I am privileged to lead a team committed to removing barriers, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

This nomination recognises a large team of staff who advocate for our young men and who work tirelessly to enhance the life chances of our pupils. As SENCO, you are invited into the lives of young people and their families, and it is a humbling post which brings challenges and rewards. I thank those who have nominated me for trusting us in St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School to do the very best by their son and for allowing us to be a part of their journey.