Chloe - Nurturing Success
Chloe Hinton
Progress Leader and Head of Year at Kingsmead School, Hednesford
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Chloe’s challenges at school knocked her confidence. Completing a placement year during her time at BCU saw her grow and develop a passion for helping young people. She now works in a large secondary school supporting the mental health and wellbeing of over 200 students.
“I always wanted to go to university, but some challenges at school created barriers for me. I failed my Maths GCSE and had to retake the exam during my A-Levels. I eventually passed but it was a tough time that knocked my confidence. I knew I wanted to study psychology, but the statistics and maths involved in the course made me think I would struggle.
I persevered and applied to study psychology at a few different universities. When I went to an Open Day at BCU, I just knew it was right for me. I loved the atmosphere, the campus and the staff and students I met. BCU’s psychology course is diverse, and I liked how much I could tailor the course to suit my interests. I also liked the variety of assessment methods on the course. I’ve always disliked exams so the options of completing coursework, presentations and case study assessments really appealed to me.
The highlight of my time at university was completing a placement year. I worked as a Mental Health Mentor at George Salter Academy in West Bromwich. Over the course of a year, I had a caseload of students I would see on a weekly basis, ranging from year 7 to year 13. It was during this time that I began to see how my psychology degree and the knowledge I’d learnt could transform into a career. I really enjoyed using my knowledge to help young people. Without doing the placement I don’t think I’d be where I am today.
My career journey started straight after university as an Assistant Progress Leader and Assistant Head of Year for Year Eight at Kingsmead School in Hednesford. I joined this year group in the final stage of the summer term and worked alongside a member of teaching staff who was Head of Year at the time. I felt this was really crucial for me, I was learning so much about the job role; every day I had to adapt to the new things I was being exposed to.
After just under a year, I was promoted, and I am now the Progress Leader and Head of Year for Year Ten. I have 220 students in my year group, and I am responsible for the academic progress, social, emotional and mental health, wellbeing, safeguarding, attendance and behaviour of my students. I work closely with external agencies, parents and the child to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for my amazing year group; I take a child-centred approach in all I do.
My day-to-day role is varied. Every day I take on the role of a supportive mentor, a shoulder to cry on and a strict teacher when I need to be. One of our school values is resilience, which is something that really resonates with me. Achieving my goals of studying psychology despite difficulties with mathematics required me to be resilient. As did completing a year-long placement despite lacking in confidence. I strive to ensure that this characteristic is passed on to all my students.
When I look back at how far I’ve come, I feel pride in my abilities and pride to be a BCU alumna. I’m only 25 and I’m already Head of Year in a really good school. I’m excited to keep progressing and learning in my career.”
