DH Staff CPD Profile: Marya Akhtar

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

MARYA AKHTAR

Started 2006 Teacher of Economics, Director of Higher Education, Academic Head of the DH Global Academy and Director of Global Partnerships

I have welcomed how my role has evolved into global education business development, and thoroughly enjoy working with our Director of Business Enterprise to develop opportunities that expand the School’s global presence, alongside seeking cultural exchanges and work experiences for our pupils, supporting our sister schools and running our online school.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

I joined Downe as a teacher of A Level Economics and Director of Higher Education. The School supported me to gain my PGCE in Leading & Managing Careers Work in Schools which enabled me to establish a sectorleading department with a broad remit. I was given opportunities to shadow Heads and Deputy Heads at other leading schools to start my leadership journey as a senior teacher. When I was invited to develop the School’s Global Strategy, I was given all the support and confidence I needed to set-up a unique and comprehensive Global Education programme, and to establish an online Global Academy. I completed an Executive Diploma in Digital Disruption from Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, where I learnt about the EdTech world and gained the skills I would need to be Academic Head of the DH Global Academy. I was offered one-to-one coaching before I became part of the extended Leadership Team, and now I look at whole-school initiatives and strategy as part of several committees. I am hugely grateful to have been supported to evolve my role into areas that are so exciting, challenging and fulfilling.