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Heads of Faculty
Head of Computing - Mr Adnan Malik
I have had the privilege of being a member of the Saltley family for over a decade. In that time, I have had the opportunity to hold many roles and responsibilities with my current role being the Head of the Computing Department.
At Saltley Academy we are very fortunate to have amazing staff who always go the extra mile for our students, this has made my time at the school hugely rewarding and enjoyable. However, without a shadow of a doubt, what I love most about the school are the students. The resilience they show to overcome challenges, the positive attitudes they display in learning, the different personalities and backgrounds all create a wonderful working and learning environment.
Within my role I have the extraordinary opportunity to have a positive, lifelong impact on the students at Saltley Academy which provides me with a personal sense of achievement and gratification in being able to inspire and support the next generation.
My vision is to provide all students with a supportive and challenging learning experience that balances all aspects of IT and Computer Science providing the foundations and aspirations for future success.
Adnan Malik – Head of Computing
Head of Maths - Jamal Uddin
I am an experienced and visionary mathematics teacher dedicated to fostering academic excellence and igniting a love for maths in every student. With a firm belief that every child can be a mathematician, I take great pride in creating an environment where students not only excel academically but also find joy in the subject.
My deep expertise in curriculum design, innovative teaching methods, and data-driven improvement has been instrumental in transforming the mathematics department at Saltley Academy into a hub of engagement and success.
Jamal Uddin - Head of Maths
Head of English - Mariane Alishah
After graduating from Worcester University as a mature student in 2000, I secured a teaching role at Saltley as an NQT. In my teaching career of 24 years here, I have held various roles including : Director or English & Literacy, Head of Drama, Media Studies and Assistant Head of Year.
I am a strong advocator of life-long learning and actively engage with new initiatives, seeking out new knowledge. Recently, I have completed a Masters in Educational Leadership, which has further enhanced my understanding of the theoretical aspects of leadership and governance.
Being a leader of a large department and being the focal point of a core subject carries immense responsibility. I am privileged to shape and influence the lives of young people.
My ultimate aim is to help create confident, life-long learners who are employed with the skills, qualifications and abilities to be successful, well-balanced citizens within society.
Mariane Alishah – Head of English
Assistant Lead Practitioner in English - Wahida Akhtar
As an Assistant Lead Practitioner in English, I am committed to supporting the development of an inclusive and engaging English curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils. By sharing expert practice and collaborating with colleagues, I work to ensure that every student has the tools and opportunities to excel in English. I believe that a strong foundation in English is crucial for improving life chances, and I strive to create a learning environment where all pupils can achieve success, both academically and beyond school.
Alongside my work in the English department, I oversee the whole-school homework provision. I ensure that homework is purposeful and closely aligned with the curriculum, helping to reinforce their learning outside the classroom. By embedding clear links between homework tasks and classroom content, I aim to support pupils in developing their knowledge and independent learning skills, fostering their growth and setting them up for future success.
Wahid Akhtar - Assistant Lead Practitioner in English
Head of Science - Ibrahim Wahab
"As Head of Science at Saltley Academy, my vision is to create an inspiring environment where students are empowered to excel in STEM—a field essential to their future.
With extensive experience in education, I am committed to leading a department that brings science to life, equipping students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving world.
Our approach emphasises hands-on learning through practical experiments and real-world applications, fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and a genuine love for science.
I advocate for innovative teaching methods and a mindset that embraces challenges and change. My goal is to also to drive excellence in science across WHMAT by enhancing practices that ignite curiosity and achievement, inspiring students to see their potential, envision a bright future, and consider STEM careers. Through this vision, I aim to position our Trust as a leader in science education".
Ibrahim Wahab - Head of Science
Lead Practitioner in Geogaphy - Emma Fitzgerald
As a Lead Practitioner specialising in Geography, I am dedicated to inspiring students to explore and understand the world. With a keen interest for making global issues relatable, I aim to bring geography to life, with topics from climate change to cultural diversity. I am also committed to enhancing literacy across the curriculum, leading initiatives to improve students’ reading skills and foster a love for reading throughout the school.
I believe that strong reading abilities open doors for our students to enable them to underpin their learning for all subjects. Beyond the classroom, I drive professional development (CPD) for colleagues, coordinating training sessions and opportunities which empower staff with innovative teaching strategies and current educational research.
This holistic approach—combining geography education, literacy advancement, and staff development—creates a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning for both students and teachers alike.
Emma Fitzgerald - Lead Practitioner in Geography
Head of Languages – Mr Abdul Majid Afzal
As an ex-pupil who has worked at Saltley Academy for 26 years, I am proud and privileged to be the Head of Faculty for Languages.
I believe that languages can provide a window into your personality, your values, and your aspirations. Learning a language is not just about words or grammar—it’s a tool for enriching your life, broadening your horizons, and connecting more deeply with the world around you.
We in the Languages faculty wish to create an environment where students feel motivated, supported, and empowered to learn and grow.
Mr Abdul Majid Afzal - Head of MFL
Lead Practitioner in History - Zennat Bolia
As a Lead Practitioner in History, I have a strong background in curriculum development and instructional leadership, with a passion for creating engaging, student-centred history schemes of work. I believe that History is not just about dates and events; but it should be used as a tool for students to build resilience, develop a sense of identity and understand the complexity of human experiences over time.
In addition to History, I assist in the design and refining of the whole-school curriculum, ensuring cohesive and meaningful learning journeys across subjects and year groups. I am also responsible for the quality assurance of teaching and learning, using data-driven insights and classroom observations to maintain high standards across the school.
I am dedicated to building a dynamic and inclusive educational environment that empowers both teachers and students to excel.
Zennat Bolia - Lead Practitioner in History
Head of Drama - Caitlin Gill
Having worked at Saltley Academy since being an Newly Qualifed Teacher, I have grown the Drama department into a place of security and creativity for the students. Seeing students gain their confidence and find their voice is always a joy.
We pride ourselves on developing the students understanding and empathy of others, being able to practically put themselves in the position of someone else and experience first-hand how their experiences may have impacted them is a unique skill and one of real importance.
I truly believe Drama is engrained in everything we do in life, whether students choose a creative pathway or not, the skills we develop in Drama set them up to become well rounded members of society.
Through Drama, students are immersed in worlds they are familiar with and worlds they may know nothing about, broadening their minds as to what they can achieve. Within Drama lessons, mutual respect is at the heart of our classrooms allowing students to reach their full potential and realise the boundless places their imagination can take them.
Caitlin Gill - Head of Drama
Head of Geography - Mabon Jones
It is important that every student understands how they are connected with their world by developing a wide range of geographical skills, deepening their knowledge of human and physical features and how people interact with their natural environment.
As Head of Geography, I have led curriculum development, integrating fieldwork opportunities, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance learning. I’ve created an inclusive environment where students not only grasp geographical concepts but also develop a global perspective.
I am dedicated to helping students explore the complexities of geography, inspiring our next generation to be global citizens, showing them the importance of sustainability and equipping them with the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Mabon Jones - Head of Geography
Head of Physical Education - Juliette McCartney-Farmer
With over twenty years of dedicated experience in teaching and leading Physical Education I have cultivated a passion for promoting the benefits of physical fitness and health among students of all ages. As the Head of Physical Education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the department, overseeing curriculum development, teaching and learning and student leadership.
An alumnus of the school my journey in Physical Education began as a student here, where I not only had a passion for sport but also developed a deep appreciation for the role of physical activity in overall health and well-being. Having once been inspired by the school's teachers who encouraged me to reach my full potential, my team and I strive to pass on that same inspiration to the next generation of students.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating an inclusive and motivating environment for all students, regardless of their skill level. Whether on the sports field or in the classroom, I emphasise teamwork, perseverance, and respect and challenge all students to realise their true potential.
As a teacher and Head of Department, I seek to inspire all students to live active, healthy lives, while fostering a love for sport and physical education that extends beyond the classroom.
Julliette McCartney-Famer - Head of PE
Head of Art - Lisa Bickley
As the Head of Faculty for the Arts at Saltley, I have had the pleasure of teaching many families from the local community. The Arts is a powerful tool in educating youngsters in all other aspects of the curriculum. Arts can allow students to escape their daily lives and enter one that they are in control of using their voices, experiences and emotions to create unique outcomes.
My vision for school is to teach students all that they need to progress in the future. But for them to recognise their strengths and have the confidence to pursue their ambitions.
As an experienced member of staff, it is my job to ensure that staff and students have everything they need to continue through their lives and become happy and healthy people. I will continue to serve the community in challenging each student to try their best and continue a path of lifelong learning and encourage staff to learn and grow so that students are always receiving the best teaching possible.
Our department is one that fosters a feeling of safety and belonging for many of our students, where the teachers will do their best for everyone.
Lisa Bickley - Head of Art
Head of Design Technology - Mujibur Jaigirdar
I have had the pleasure of serving the local community in the role of Design Technology teacher for over two decades. My journey began as a product designer where I was fortunate to be involved in Toy and Automotive design. It’s this creativity that I promote amongst my students and I strongly believe that the foundational knowledge of the subject that we instil in our students can propel them to become graphic designers, engineers, product designers and other likeminded fields.
Beyond the drive of creating an environment for students to maximise their potential and develop their creative skills, I enjoy watching students work towards creating a final piece that they’re excited to take home and show their family, whether that be the final outcomes of 3D models, design renderings or sketches.
One of the exciting additions to the DT classroom has been the two 3D printers, which has given a cutting edge to the students’ designs. The exposure to such equipment and up to date software empowers our students to feel and behave like young designers, which again I feel will inspire students to consider a future in Design Technology industries.
Being a member of the Saltley Family for a number of years, I feel privileged to be in a position to help inspire students to be creative, innovative and motivated to be the best version of themselves.
Mujibur Jaigirdar - Head of DT
Head of History - Nazma Shaheen
History is a powerful and emotive subject, and I love teaching it. I have been fortunate to serve the Saltley community for over twenty years and during that time I have completed many roles including supporting the introduction of Citizenship to the curriculum, student voice coordinator, Head of Humanities Faculty, RRSA strategic lead and head of faculty. In recent years I have pursued further study, and I have also enjoyed a career break. I enjoy contributing to improving the life chances of the young people we serve.
Nazma Shaheen - Head of History
Citizenship Subject Leader - Kelly Neal
I joined Saltley Academy as a Citizenship teacher in 2017 and soon took over leadership of the department. I believe Citizenship education is pivotal to raising students who make a positive impact in their society and I am proud to work in a school which values the subject as much as I do. Through Citizenship lessons students are able to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to play an active part in our democratic society.
It gives me great joy to watch and guide students as they navigate challenging topics and consider how they can make a difference, allowing them to voice their opinions and become articulate speakers. We also play a key role in embedding Outstanding learning qualities within the curriculum. This ensures our students develop the skills they will need throughout their education and beyond to be informed, responsible and impactful citizens in the future.
Kelly Neal - Citizenship Subject Leader
Head of Religious Education - Shagufta Shaheen
I started Saltley Academy in 2002 as an NQT and have been Head of department for the last 12 years. I understand the profound importance of religious education in our students' development. Religious education provides more than an academic understanding; it instills values of tolerance, empathy, and cultural awareness that are vital in today's interconnected world. It enables students to engage meaningfully with questions of purpose, ethics, and human connection, fostering an environment where respectful dialogue and open-minded exploration thrive.
My goal is to nurture individuals who are not only knowledgeable about different religious and moral perspectives but also equipped with the insight and compassion to contribute positively to society.
Shagufta Shaheen - Head of RE
