This month we interviewed Lindsay Jacobs about her role.
How long have you worked at Brampton College? I joined in August 2020 so I’ve been here for more than four years.
What are your roles at the College? I teach A Level Chemistry and GCSE Physics. I’m also the Vice Principal, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVO) and the Senior Attendance Champion (SAC).
Tell us more about the DSL role: The role of the DSL is to know and implement the government’s statutory guidance on keeping children safe. Students, staff and parents can talk to me about any student that they are worried about. I undergo regular training and have to read and follow the national guidelines set out in “Keeping Children Safe in Education” which are published annually. I don’t work alone, I have an excellent team made up of Sam Kaltsa, Mike Wheeldon and John Wilson and we meet at least twice a week to discuss any concerns that have been raised and how best to support the children in the College.
How can parents and student approach you about concerns? Students can drop in any time to my office and both parents and students can email me. My contact details are also on posters around the College.
How about the EVO role? I love trips! I think it is a really important, memorable and fun part of being in school and I would encourage every student to go on at least one trip. As the EVO, I need to sign off on every trip and check that the risk assessment is comprehensive and robust. I have had to have training on this and I also receive support from an organisation called Evolve who sign off on our overseas trips and give me advice on local trips.
What are your favourite parts about your job? I love working with young people, it is never dull. Seeing students go on to achieve their dreams and knowing you played a part in it, however small, never gets old.
How do you look after your own wellbeing? As a Christian, I find prayer very beneficial for my mental health. I also try to work out every day, including several visits to the gym per week and I find I always feel better after this, both physically and mentally. I like to go for walks with my family as I think getting outside, away from digital devices, is really important. I love reading too, it’s a great way to escape!
What advice would you give students on succeeding in their exams? Attend every lesson! Make full use of the wonderful offer here at Brampton – attend tutorials, do the weekly tests, get as much feedback as possible. Make sure your revision is mostly recall – flashcards, questions, making notes/mindmaps/essay plans from memory and completing past papers. Limit the amount of passive revision you do (re-reading and re-writing notes) as this is shown to be ineffective. Make time to relax and recharge. Most importantly of all, aim for 8+ hours of sleep per night!
