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News | 12 February 2025

Introducing our Assistant Principal of Junior School : Mr. Darren Wright

An Interview with Assistant Principal of Junior School, Mr. Wright. As Assistant Principal of Junior School at IES Vasteras Mr Wright plays a crucial role in supporting students' academic and social development. Mr. Wright champions student success, collaborating with the management team, staff and students to foster a positive learning environment. Mr Wright is instrumental in maintaining and evolving a positive school culture where teachers are empowered to teach effectively and students are inspired to learn and succeed.

How long have you been an Assistant Principal?

Ever since I was a young child, I always knew that I would be working in education. This dream came true when I became a teacher and I have taught in various subjects across all year levels in many different countries in the world.

I have been an Assistant Principal for over ten years now - the last four of these being in IES Västerås. This year is my first as the Assistant Principal for the Junior School - a role I am thoroughly excited to be working in.

 

What does a typical day look like for you?  

The day begins making sure our staff and students are ready for the day and all schedules and routines are in place and followed to provide a positive learning environment. 

It is important that we provide a successful beginning of their time at our school for our Junior students and this requires a lot of organisation. Working as part of the school management team, we always meet and plan all of the different aspects of the school year and then make sure this is being followed up and evaluated with the staff, students and families throughout the year.

But the best part of the day is seeing all of this work put into action by working together - in the lessons, in the corridors, during the break times and during the special events that make our school such a wonderful place to be a part of.

 

How do you ensure students with different needs are supported? 

Every student comes to our school with different experiences, expectations and dreams. It is our job as a school to cater to these in the way we deliver our education - something that we all work hard to achieve. By understanding that each student is an individual, this means a lot of communication, feedback and follow-up is always taking place.

The most important thing is for every student to know and feel that everyone in the school understands them and works their hardest to let them know we are here to support them in every way we can - from support in the classroom to making them feel safe and included in the school.

 

How does your role support both the principal and the teaching staff?  

My role has changed from Academic Assistant Principal to Junior Assistant Principal. This is primarily to ensure all students have a positive start at IES Västerås, building a strong foundation for their future success at the school. My role focuses on ensuring a positive and supportive introduction to the school, establishing a strong foundation for future academic success. Given the interconnected nature of academic and pastoral challenges at this age, this integrated approach allows for more effective collaboration and communication with students, teachers, the Student Care Team, and the principal.

 

What do you enjoy about being an Assistant Principal in Junior School?

The energy and enthusiasm in the Junior School is the best thing about my role and to recognise and celebrate the hard work that we are all doing together in Grades 4, 5 and 6 to provide a successful start to their IES Västerås journey and see the results of this in the future is amazing.

 

Knowing all of the students, their stories, their hopes and dreams and being around them while they learn, play and grow is the reason I began and will always be happy in my role in education.