Shomari Lewis

Shomari is a PE Tutor at Northern Counties School in Jesmond, a specialist education provider for learners aged 3-19.

Shomari leads the teaching of PE across all areas of the school, from fundamental movement skills to traditional sports. He’s also an on-site NAPPI trainer.

Find out about Northern Counties School >

How long have you worked at The Percy Hedley Foundation?

I’ve worked at Percy Hedley Foundation since March 2021.

What has your journey been within the Foundation to get to where you are today?

I started as a Special Support Assistant in 2021. In 2022 I was promoted to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, and now I’m a PE Tutor taking on the role full-time since September 2023. I’m also an on-site NAPPI Trainer and have delivered training since March 2023.

What does an average day look like for you?  

I’m lucky to be able to teach across the school (ASD, Deaf, PMLD) from Key Stage 1 through to Sixth Form teaching fundamental movement skills, traditional sports, swimming and running a lunchtime sports club. I plan, I gather resources, I set up the lesson, I teach and try to motivate everyone, learners and staff to have fun moving and exercising.  

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in your time at the Foundation?

The biggest change I’ve seen is how we deliver Positive Behaviour Support (PBS); we’ve seen a reduction in behaviours of concern and through that it has expanded the opportunities our learners have within the school and wider community.

What’s your favourite part about your role? 

My favourite part of my role is being able to work with everyone: SLT, Admin, Maintenance, Therapists, Class teams, I think we’re all motivated by our leaners to develop a culture of excellence and deliver positive results. In PE we want to develop physical skills, social skills, strategic thinking and creative thinking so every time a learner or class group meets, an objective it feels like lifting the Champions League Trophy. It’s just a great buzz for everyone involved.

What is your greatest memory of working at the Foundation?  

There have been so many great moments. I got to go to the MOBO’s this year with the Signing Choir, last year we entered a class into a Panathalon Tournament and they brought home silver medals, but I think the greatest memory at the moment was our Beach/Surf Day in July of 2024. When I started I would have never imagined the whole school getting loaded on to coaches and heading down to Tynemouth, demonstrating so many accumulated skills such as transitions, athletics and teamwork. It was brilliant to see so many of our young people on surfboards taking on the waves of the North Sea.

A piece of advice to someone joining the Foundation?  

You’ll never feel alone, someone is always there to help. Be open to learning, be open to changing and keep challenging yourself to get better.

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