TS 8:
Fulfil wider professional responsibilities
Contributing beyond the classroom, to the school community, colleagues, parents, and the profession, with the same care and intentionality I bring to teaching.
Embedded Files
TS 8.1 — Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school
My Practice
Beyond the classroom: song, debate, data, and community
My contribution to the wider life of both schools goes significantly beyond the classroom. At Braeside Lavington, I composed an original school song that captured the school's values, history, and aspirations. The song was adopted by the school community, performed at assemblies, and continues to resonate as a cultural touchstone. I co-patroned the Debate & Public Speaking club, providing a platform for student voice, critical thinking, and civic engagement. I mentored students in STEM competitions. At Braeburn Gitanga, I have contributed to the school's operational efficiency through automation systems that free staff time and improve data quality, a contribution that directly supports the school's ability to serve its students well. I participate actively in assemblies, sports days, and cultural events.
Samwel Atonga · Headteacher · Braeside Lavington High School · January 2026
"Your presence in BLV will be missed, Silas. You had become a very instrumental member of staff, especially in the Science and Maths departments. Our Braestars will miss you. All that good stuff you have learnt, please carry it with you."
Medal won during School Athletics Day (Athletics Day, BLV, Oct 2025)
Playing Football with Staff at Braeburn Gitanga Road (BGR, Oct 2025)
Cantata — Christmas Festive Celebration before breaking for the Holiday. School Choir presented a song to an audience of parents and students (Cantata Celebration, BLV, Dec 2025)
Automated Staff Duty Rota. Staff receive a weekly alert of all the duty locations they have that week, and calendar activities are set. An email is sent in the morning, the staff have a duty and a reminder 10 minutes before the duty time. No alerts are sent during holidays and public holidays. (BGR, Jun 2026)
Morning Email Reminder on the Day of the Duty (BGR, Jun 2026)
TS 8.2 — Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues; draw on advice and specialist support
My Practice
Collaboration built on honesty and timely escalation
I have worked collaboratively with my mentor, Head of Department, pastoral team, and SEN/EAL at both schools. I actively seek feedback: after observations, I request specific, candid comments rather than general comments. I have contributed to department planning meetings at BGR, sharing resources, data insights, and pedagogical ideas. When I encountered a student with a suspected specific learning difficulty, I immediately consulted the SEN/EAL and coordinated a support plan, an example of knowing when to draw on specialist expertise rather than managing alone. I have also collaborated with the SLT and the ICT department at BGR to ensure my automation scripts are securely integrated with the school's data systems.
Team building with colleagues before the start of the academic year 2025-2026 (BLV, Aug 2025)
Photo with colleagues during prize giving day at the end of the academic Year 2024 - 2025 (BLV, Jul 2025)
Mentor Mentee Meeting with Ms Eunice Muthama (BGR, Mar 2026)
Farewell celebration for Executive Principal of Braeside Schools, Braeburn Schools (BLV, Dec 2025)
Mentor Mentee Meeting with Ms Susan Wanjiku (BLV, May 2025)
Observation & Feedback provided by Dr Jennifer Kaumbulu (BLV, Jun 2025)
TS 8.3 — Deploying support staff effectively
TS 8.4 — Take responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development
My Practice
CPD that changes practice, not just ticks a box
I hold the Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications, reflecting my commitment to pedagogically sound technology integration. I completed two degrees in Education and in Software Engineering, which I apply directly to the classroom through automation, data analysis, and Computer Science teaching. I attend all CPD sessions offered by the Braeburn Group and take additional online CPD through The National College. At BGR, I designed and delivered a mini-CPD session for the Mathematics department on using Google Sheets for class data tracking. I maintain a professional development tracking all CPD undertaken, outcomes, and impact on teaching.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training Workshop (BLV, May 2025)
Department CPD Session Minutes Present Members List (Anonymised List (only Silas Name is visible), BGR, Jun 2026)
Workshop Training on Various Teaching Pendagogies (BGR, Jan 2026)
TS 8.5 — Communicate effectively with parents with regard to pupils' achievements and well-being
My Practice
Parent communication that celebrates as well as concerns
I communicate with parents through multiple channels: written progress reports, parents' evening consultations for both celebration and concern. I initiated positive communication for students who showed significant improvement, not just for those in difficulty, which strengthened parental partnerships. I prepare thoroughly for parents' evenings, reviewing data and student work before each appointment and preparing specific, evidence-referenced comments. At BGR, the automated reporting markbook I built together with Engage partially generates data summaries that teachers use as a base for written reports, improving consistency and saving preparation time. All communications maintain the confidentiality and professional tone expected within the Braeburn ethos.
Nancy Ngei NPQSL, Deputy Headteacher, Academics & Examinations · Braeside Lavington · January 2026
"Your contribution to BLV was immense in many ways."
Reflection & Next Steps
My technical contributions to the school, data systems, digital resources, and department CPD are well-received and genuinely impactful. I want to balance this with deeper investment in direct mentoring of newer colleagues: sharing not just tools but the pedagogical thinking behind them. I am exploring opportunities to become a formal mentor or induction tutor in the next academic year, and will document this as ongoing CPD in my professional development.
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