17th Jan 2025
As we begin the new term and year, we shine a light on Kelly Gibson, whose dedication and passion for teaching inspire both her students and colleagues alike.
After moving to Witney in 2021, Kelly started working with Abingdon & Witney College as an English Lecturer in an Hourly Paid Lecturer (HPL) role. Having 16 years of experience in teaching English in a secondary school environment, mainly in Kent and Southeast London, Kelly already had the skills and experience to jump straight in, and she loved it.
Kelly explained:
“The students were a joy to teach, and the English and Maths department were welcoming, supportive and passionate about what they do. Compared to some of my years in secondary education, it was a great place to work and one where I saw potential in helping me to become an outstanding practitioner.”
In 2022, Kelly left the College, as her HPL role concluded, but she wanted to return and knew that it would someday be the place where she settled for the long term. Thankfully, in 2023 a Programme Lead for English role became available at the College, and Kelly got the job.
Kelly now leads a team of dedicated lecturers who all share her passion to help every student they teach, succeed. Kelly adds: “I love this role, and it gives me the opportunity to help develop and support our students in their achievement of GCSE English; working alongside experienced and highly effective lecturers in improving our GCSE English provision across the College and within each of its vocational faculties.”
Kelly went on to say that working at Abingdon & Witney College has reignited her passion for teaching, adding:
“To be part of a college that has high expectations for all its students and a positive ethos is one of the many reasons why I enjoy working here. Previously having chosen to work in some challenging secondary schools to support all students in succeeding, alongside personally wanting to make positive changes in education, I believe all students deserve the chance to succeed and Abingdon & Witney College provides this opportunity.”
Find out more about joining us and sharing your passion on our Work for Us pages: Work for Us - Abingdon & Witney College
