We meet Bury & Whitefield Jewish Primary School’s new Deputy Head Teacher, David Witkin, as he starts his new role.
As soon as the position of Deputy Head at Bury & Whitefield Jewish Primary School (BWJPS) became available, Prestwich local David Witkin jumped at the opportunity. He was already familiar with the school, so it seemed a match made in heaven: “I was working at William Hulme Grammar School in South Manchester for eight years. It’s quite a large school and they have Nursery all the way up to Sixth Form.
It was quite a long commute, and I’d been looking for something closer to home and more senior to progress my career. It’s a school that I know well. I grew up in Prestwich and went to King David. During the interview process I spent the day at the school, had to deliver a lesson, have an interview, and then also spoke to the school council. It was really interesting to be questioned by the children and get to hear their thoughts.”
Clearly David made an excellent impression, as he was offered the role, but the school also left an impact on him through the interview process with lots to look forward to: “Immediately I could see what a friendly and warm school it was, which made me eager to push on with it. When I got the role I was really happy. I’m definitely excited about working as Deputy Head. As part of the role, I’ll also be a class teacher, but I think having that additional responsibility is what I’m really to looking forward to. Especially the opportunity to bring my own ideas and my own experience to the school. A few years ago it got a Great Ofstead rating, so I’m really looking forward to building on that and helping the school to develop further.”
Through the interview process, David did get to speak with the school’s former Deputy Headteacher Chloe Whittington who he’ll be taking over from, and she had some good advice to impart: “She’s been very helpful in helping me to find my feet and understand how the school works, and the roles and responsibilities I’ll be taking over. She was here for a very long time and is sad to leave, but she’s been very positive in saying what a great school it is.”
David already has some idea of the main focus for his new role: “A big part of my work is going to be to help develop the teaching and learning in the school. To look at the way that lessons are taught to try and make them even more exciting and engaging for the children. And then another big focus is going to be to help the school keep growing with more and more children coming through.”