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Mark Wright
ELE and Trust Lead Practitioner of English at Zenith Multi Academy Trust
Mark has over 22 years’ experience of teaching English and, during that time, he has worked in nine secondary schools in a variety of roles including Head of English, Advanced Skills Teacher, Lead Practitioner and Assistant Headteacher, the latter of which involved leading Teaching and Learning, ITT provision and mentoring, Attendance, Personal Development and being Head of Lower School. In these roles, he has worked across a variety of secondary schools in Essex, helping English departments to develop and refine their curriculum offerings – particularly at Key Stages 3 and 5 – so that students experience a culturally rich education that empowers them for the 21st century. He has also line-managed a range of other faculties, including Technology, MFL, Expressive Arts and PE, which has given him valuable insights into subjects other than his own. This provided him with a breadth and depth of experience, which prepared him well for his current role of Trust Lead Practitioner of English at Zenith Multi-Academy Trust.
In addition to this, Mark has been coaching colleagues for eleven years, supporting teaching and non-teaching staff at all stages of their career. He has adopted a holistic approach in his coaching based on the firm belief that if a colleague is happy and accomplished outside of the workplace, their practice in it will flourish for the benefit of all. Mark also values a collaborative approach to CPD based on the principle that eureka moments happen when colleagues are not only presented with new research material, but are then empowered to engage in professional dialogue and direct their joint wealth of experience and skills towards an educational solution.
Underpinning all the above, though, is Mark’s determination to improve the life chances of young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As an ELE, his current area of interest is in stretching more able learners and raising attainment of students on the Grade 3/4 borderline for GCSE. In the coming year, Mark looks forward to applying the latest educational research and evidence-informed practices to both fostering the ongoing professional development of our colleagues and enhancing the learning experience and outcomes of our students.