Sports Science

Matt Ditchfield
BSc (Hons) Sports Science
Physical Education PGCE (2000)

I am currently Vice Principal of possibly the most technologically advanced school in the world, The Leigh Technology Academy. 

After completing a BSc Hons in Sports Science, I enrolled on the PGCE course (both run at the Eastbourne campus).  The PGCE was one of the hardest years of my life, not only because of the volume of work but the fact that I was having to maintain a two jobs to pay the rent on the flat I had in meads and to cover the cost of travel to my placement schools. 

Once I had completed the PGCE I got my first teaching job in Croydon.  I worked in Croydon for two years and then got involved in the establishment of one of the first City Academies in Bexley, where I remained for 3 years.  During this time I had the unique opportunity to be part of setting up a school literally from the ground up.  In this role I was able to take on responsibilities that would otherwise not have been possible until much later in my career.  I taught just about every subject at some point but found the whole experience rewarding, if not well paid.  

After this I moved to a school in Dartford as a Director of Learning and Pastoral Leader.  Here I was able to fill some of the gaps in my CV that had been skipped in a rapid progression at Bexley.  I then moved to The Leigh Technology Academy, just in time to help lead the school into a £38m new facility and lead the establishment of a new infrastructure to learning.  It has been very rewarding but has taken a huge amount of single focused effort to have the opportunity to be in the position I am in at my age.

In my current role I am directly responsible for the day to day running of the College and I deputise for the Principal in their absence.  I love the impact we are having on young people in a socially deprived area and that the work we do raises the aspirations of the children and families we work with.  I have had the opportunity to travel to new parts of the world to recruit and speak to other institutions about the advances in education the school has made.  I have also had the opportunity to work with international agencies in training overseas staff in the English education system.

The University of Brighton instilled in me a work ethic and self motivation.  I still use some of the content of the sports psychology lectures in my own teaching and in the motivation and leadership of staff.  Skills of research and presentation developed at university have been transferred to my current working practices.

During my studies I volunteered at a school in Seaford for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties which gave me a great insight into students with very specific educational and social needs.  I also worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor for Eastbourne Borough Council, which helped massively with developing my confidence and communication skills.  I worked with Eastbourne College as a swimming teacher and gained an understanding of children and families in the private school sector.

I have recently enrolled on the NPQH (National Professional Head Teachers Qualification) and hope to develop into a successful Head Teacher.  I have also recently done some consultancy work in behaviour management which I found really enjoyable.  I hope to maintain my links with schools teaching professionals around the world.