Phil - Inspiring Generations
Phil McCahill
Assistant Head Teacher, Ark Victoria Academy
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Due to money worries, Phil wasn't sure he could afford to study at university, but he knew he belonged in the classroom and had to have a degree to achieve his dream career. Just four years after graduating, Phil now works in an assistant leadership position where he’s able to make a real impact and help young people succeed.
“During sixth form, deciding what to study at university wasn’t my priority. I was working full-time around classes to make ends meet at home and as a result, I didn’t put much thought into what I wanted to study. I did have ambitions of going to university but thought I’d left it too late, until I found out about Clearing. I considered lots of courses, including teaching, before applying to study Business at BCU through Clearing. I envisaged a high-powered boardroom or management career that would earn me a good wage.
Nine months into the course, I was enjoying my time at BCU, but I knew the course wasn’t for me. It was clear that business could lead me to a great career, but the subject just didn’t interest me. I needed something fulfilling, so I returned to the idea of teaching.
I transferred to BCU’s Primary Education course, and it quickly became clear that my place was in the classroom. The Primary Education course at BCU is made up of 50% placement. All of my placements were in great local schools, which each helped to shape me as a new teacher and provided great mentorship too.
Outside of the classroom, I learnt just as much from the lecturers at BCU. They are knowledgeable and still in touch with current education practice, either by still having a foot in the classroom or through supporting schools in other ways. The lecturers were incredibly passionate about teaching and what it means to be a great teacher. They inspired me to go above and beyond as a teacher and make a real effort to change children’s lives.
After graduation, I was lucky to be the first teacher appointed to a brand-new school opening in the West Midlands, which was an excellent starting point for my career. The first years of my career were a constant learning curve, as we adjusted to growing every year, moving into new buildings and developing our approaches. During my time at my first school, I had various roles alongside being a class teacher, including leading personal development and enrichment across the school, developing our curriculum and championing technology for learning.
Now, just four years after graduating, I’m working in a senior leadership role as an Assistant Head Teacher. I work in a large, diverse academy in Birmingham where I’ve been able to make a huge difference to benefit the school community. I immediately felt part of the team here and was able to make a difference. My responsibilities here have included initially leading assessment and digital strategy, and latterly curriculum and quality of education.
I’ve had so many highlights throughout my career: Setting up my first classroom and meeting my first class, speaking at national education conferences, writing commercial curriculum products, mentoring new students – the list goes on.
My experiences have taught me how to have an impact as a teacher. Coming from a tough background, I’m proud to be able to make a real difference in my student’s lives so they realise they can overcome adversity and succeed too.”
