West Thames College is celebrating its recent Outstanding rating from Ofsted, an achievement made possible by the exceptional dedication and expertise of its staff and students. Among them is Joanna, a Maths teacher whose passion for the subject and commitment to student success have made a significant impact during her six years at the college.
Joanna’s journey into teaching was fuelled by her love for logical reasoning and a desire to share knowledge.
“I’ve always liked maths—not so much for the subject itself but because it’s such a logical and structured way to make sense of the world. That mix of logical reasoning and sharing knowledge with others is what led me to specialise in teaching maths,” she explained.
Her enthusiasm for problem-solving is infectious, turning challenging equations into exciting investigations for her students.
“What excites me the most is how you can approach a problem from so many different angles but still arrive at the same conclusion. It’s a bit like solving a crime—you have all the clues, and now you need to find the culprit, or in this case, the solution,” Joanna shared.
In today’s data-driven world, Joanna sees maths as a critical tool for understanding and contributing to society.
“Statistics is everywhere—it’s how we make sense of trends, patterns and data in nearly every aspect of life. Maths gives students the tools to make sense of the world in a logical and critical way,” she noted.
Her students leave her course equipped with skills for careers in nursing, midwifery, computer science, and beyond.
Reflecting on the college’s Ofsted success, Joanna emphasises the holistic and student-centred approach that sets her department apart.
“Our students are always at the centre of everything we do. We tailor our teaching to meet their individual needs while maintaining a balanced approach that focuses on both student development and meeting the standards required.”
Joanna believes West Thames College’s Outstanding rating is a testament to its unique learning environment.
“We’ve built a supportive, learning-friendly environment where students can develop their skills and knowledge, while also feeling respected and valued,” she said.
