Mrs Lucy Choudhury - Case Study

Professional Growth Case Study

Mrs Lucy Choudhury

Bullet point your training/qualifications and other job roles before Bishop Challoner.

• BA(Hons) in Media and Communications
• PGCE in Music
• Semi-professional cabaret singer

 

​​​​​​​Bullet point your career journey since working at Bishop Challoner.

• Head of Music and Performing Arts
• Director of Performing Arts (ESLT)
• Assistant Principal – HR, Recruitment, Ofsted and ECTs

 

How has working at Bishop Challoner contributed to your professional development and career?

Massively.  Ever since I started at Bishop Challoner I have been allowed the autonomy to carry out my roles independently.  When I was HoD, I was the specialist in my area (along with my team) and was treated as such – in short, the three Principals I have worked ‘under’ have trusted my professional judgement and skills and allowed me to grow my department and role within the school.  Without the vision and succession planning shown by these Principals, I would not have had the skills or confidence to move into Senior Leadership.  The learning curve has been rapid and I am extremely grateful for the professional development opportunities afforded to me at Bishop Challoner.

 

What does a typical day look like in your role, and how do you feel it contributes to the overall success of the school?

Well…on average, half of the day(s) I teach Music and Performing Arts, which I love!  The other half of my job is my Senior Leadership role and I spend a lot of time supporting colleagues, both personally and professionally, conducting wellbeing checks, writing risk assessments and looking after ECTs.  I also do quite a few lunch duties and many meetings!  In terms of recruitment, I liaise with our recruitment team to successfully advertise current jobs, organising interview panels and relevant paperwork.  Although I do teach, much of my wider role is concerned with staff and, to me, if staff are not happy and fulfilled, this will affect the students.  Therefore, if I can support colleagues through any challenges they may face, I believe this is, in turn, enabling the school to be happier and more successful.

 

What do you enjoy most about working in this school, and what keeps you motivated in your role?

When I walk into Bishop Challoner, I feel like I am entering my second home.  I have worked here for 23 years and have the most amazing colleagues, some of whom have become lifelong friends.  The work ethic  here is both relentless yet positive and we are all striving towards a common goal – to make our school a wonderful place for our community, both students and staff, where they feel safe, cared for, valued and inspired to reach their full potential.