a sad goodbye to mrs nanvazadeh

After 11 years leading our Art, Design, Craft and Photography department, Mrs Nanvazadeh will sadly be leaving us this summer to take up a new position.

Here she reflects on her time at UGS, and her fond memories of the students and department:

Reflecting on the past 11 years at Urmston Grammar, I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of fulfilment and gratitude. Being a school leader is one of the most rewarding roles I have had the privilege to undertake. The ability to have a profoundly positive impact on others is a driving force in my journey as an educator. As a highly motivated, innovative, and passionate individual, I have eagerly worked to build a shared vision centred on improving all students' learning experiences and outcomes here at UGS. High expectations are at the core of everything I do, because every child deserves the very best.

My commitment to fostering academic excellence, promoting inclusive learning environments, and supporting the professional growth of educators shapes my legacy at Urmston Grammar. This deep commitment, I hope, will be remembered long after my departure as the Head of Art, Design, and Photography (let’s not forget EPQ). Leaving this role fills me with mixed emotions. Deciding to move on was not easy, as the past decade has been incredibly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and creativity we shared. Together, as a department, we have achieved remarkable milestones, nurtured countless talents, and built a vibrant community that I will always cherish.

Implementing extra-curricular activities to extend and consolidate students’ learning meaningfully was an essential facet of my role here. These activities were vital in building positive working relationships with students across all Key Stages. Leading and supporting colleagues within my department in delivering such activities was a significant focus.

Notable projects included collaborating with local Trafford schools to create a permanent mural in Urmston town, centre celebrating 70 years of the NHS (pictured above).

And organising a fashion design workshop with designer David Longshaw. But the reality is, is there are just too many to mention them all!

Annually, accompanying a group of GCSE students identified as gifted and talented in Fine Art, Textiles, and Design on a trip to Conway, North Wales, was a highlight.

This residential weekend of activities culminated in a substantial body of work that fed into their GCSE portfolio, enriching their experience in the visual arts. Students had the opportunity to work alongside nationally recognised artists and designers, while teachers could develop their work as artists alongside their students.

The annual trip to London at Key Stage 5 provided a wealth of inspiration and often encouraged students to pursue their visual arts education at London universities. Additionally, I was successful in placing students on the highly regarded Italy enrichment trip run by Cheshire Council, further enhancing their portfolios.

Contributing to the wider school community through display work was an enjoyable element of my role. My work as an A-Level Art, Craft & Design moderator over the past seven years deepened my love for the subject and significantly improved my teaching. Being an examiner helped me focus on the aims and objectives in teaching and learning, which were embedded in the assessment model. This role demonstrated my ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and ensure a high level of subject knowledge to apply the mark scheme and national standards correctly.

Believing in creating an ‘outward facing department’, my secondment to a local comprehensive school to support a struggling Head of Department was mutually enriching. Receiving a note of thanks, acknowledging my support in achieving 100% 9-5 in recent GCSE examinations, was extremely satisfying. Being part of the Trafford Art teachers’ network and regularly meeting to share good practice and ideas was incredibly beneficial.

I always prided myself on my commitment to teaching excellence, corroborated by the high levels of positive feedback I received from observations and my accreditation as a Lead Practitioner by the SSAT. Working with Mrs. Rebecca Smith, Principal at Manchester Creative and Media Academy, and her SLT team to complete my leadership residency in White Moss, North Manchester, was an invaluable experience. Organised through the Bright Futures Trust, my line of inquiry was to audit CPD provision for ECTs and report recommendations. This opportunity allowed me to offer support to MCMA regarding perceptions and reality around CPD and to develop skills in gaining the trust of the teaching staff based at MCMA.

Driving sustained and significant improvement at a strategic level, I identified the need to strengthen student work ethic and accountability through analysis of the SIP and key whole school data captures. Communicating this vision clearly to all stakeholders, I implemented a model that generated several years of success. 

EPQ students attended a full-day workshop at Manchester University, focusing on research skills and utilising the university's extensive library resources. Presentation evening, showcasing students’ hard work, and the impact on them personally, was always a memorable event, well attended by staff, family members, and governors.

In addition to the professional milestones, the camaraderie and fun we shared as a staff were equally memorable. The staff nights out were wonderful opportunities to bond, relax, and celebrate our collective efforts and achievements. These gatherings fostered a sense of community and belonging, strengthening our teamwork and collaboration. 

As I look back on these years, I am proud of the achievements and the vibrant community that we built together. The experiences and relationships I have formed will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for an incredible journey!

Mrs Wall:

Mrs Nanvazadeh has transformed the Art experience of our students over the last eleven years. She has worked with her colleagues to ensure that students were able to unleash their creativity and to develop their skills and she has allowed them to show and share their talents.

We wish her well for the next phase of her career; we will miss her.

Mr Verma (Head of Technology Faculty):

Mrs Nanvazadeh joined us in 2013, during a time of significant curriculum change for the department, and since then, she has brought so many positive changes and innovative ideas. Her creative vision and unwavering dedication have truly taken the art department to new heights, creating a warm and inspiring environment. Students absolutely adore her and often talk about how much they appreciate her encouragement and the way she helps them discover their artistic potential. Thanks to Mrs Nanvazadeh's guidance, the art department has blossomed into a beloved part of the school, where creativity and passion are celebrated every day.

Good luck and all the best at your new school.

Mr Reid (teacher of Art & Design):

A huge farewell, congratulations and thank you to Mrs Nanvazadeh: your new school is gaining a superb colleague, and I am sorry to see you move to pastures new. We first met on the day you interviewed me for the temporary role as teacher of Art, and then as a permanent member of the team. I knew that you would be a supportive colleague and friend, and I was not wrong. Your talent as an Art teacher and inspirational Head of Art is clear for all to see, and you are good at keeping the pressures light-hearted and fun. I will miss hearing and experiencing your joviality within the department. Very best wishes and do keep in touch, letting us know how things are going!

We also bid a fond farewell to Computer Science teacher Mr Chow.

Thanks again both for everything from all at UGS, and the very best of luck!