Deputy Headteacher Emily Sowinski

A message from Miss Sowinski:

I am proud to be Deputy Headteacher at St John’s, where I have responsibility for Teaching and Learning and Curriculum Design. A key part of my role is ensuring that children experience consistently high-quality teaching and an ambitious, well-designed curriculum that enables them to build strong foundations and achieve highly throughout their time with us.

I hold a degree in Early Years Education and a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status. Throughout my career, I have taught across the full primary age range, from Early Years through to Key Stage 2. This breadth of experience has given me a strong understanding of how children learn and develop at different stages and continues to shape the way I think about teaching, curriculum and progression.

From the beginning of my career, I have had a particular interest in the quality of teaching and learning. During my teacher training, I was recognised for the strength of my classroom practice, and as a newly qualified teacher I received further recognition for the quality of my teaching. I have also been recognised for excellence in the teaching of reading and received an Outstanding Achievement Award for the resilience and determination I demonstrated during my studies. 

As Deputy Headteacher, I lead the development of teaching, learning and curriculum across St John’s. I work closely with teachers and subject leaders to develop our curriculum, strengthen classroom practice and ensure that learning builds purposefully as children move through the school. An important part of my role is developing others, and I support colleagues through professional development, coaching and mentoring, as well as helping subject leaders to develop their confidence and expertise.

I am proud to work as part of a team that is forward-thinking and evidence-informed. We regularly engage with educational research and use this to reflect on and strengthen our practice, while always considering what is right for the children and community we serve.

Staff workload is another area I am particularly passionate about. I believe that maintaining high standards and creating sustainable working practices should go hand in hand. I am keen that the systems and approaches we use are purposeful, manageable and genuinely add value, with unnecessary workload reduced wherever possible.

Alongside my responsibilities for Teaching and Learning and Curriculum Design, I am the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, helping to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of our school. I also hold a National Professional Qualification and remain committed to continuing my own professional learning and development.

Governance has also been an important part of my professional experience. At my previous school, I served on the governing board as a Staff Governor, giving me an early insight into the strategic responsibilities and accountability of school governance. For the past five years, I have also served as a governor at another Lincolnshire primary school, where I chair the Achievement and Quality of Teaching Committee. 

I feel very fortunate to be part of the St John’s community and to work alongside children, families and colleagues who share high aspirations for our school. If we have not yet met, I look forward to doing so. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s learning.

Miss Sowinski can be contacted by emailing emily.sowinski@st-john.lincs.sch.uk