Damiano Shehu is a committed physical education professional who has spent nearly a decade shaping the lives of students in the London area. Currently serving as the Second in Charge of Physical Education at Woodbridge High School, Shehu has dedicated his career to promoting fitness, leadership, discipline, and personal growth through sport. His path reflects consistent professional development, from grassroots education roles to departmental leadership, while maintaining a focus on student-centered progress.
This article presents a comprehensive account of Damiano Shehu’s career trajectory, educational background, certifications, teaching philosophy, and contributions to secondary school education.
Early Education and Foundation in Sport
Damiano Shehu completed his undergraduate degree at the University of East London, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Sports Coaching between 2012 and 2015. This academic foundation played a central role in developing his understanding of physical education, athletic performance, and the pedagogical methods required to motivate students in school environments.
During this time, Shehu also began acquiring practical experience in the retail and service sectors. He worked as a Sales Assistant at Next Group PLC from 2013 to 2015, gaining exposure to customer service and team communication. Though unrelated to education, these early experiences helped him develop people skills that would later translate into classroom management and parent engagement.
Initial School Experience: Learning Support Assistant
Following his graduation, Shehu sought hands-on experience in a school setting before starting his formal teacher training. From September 2015 to August 2016, he worked as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Highams Park School. In this role, he provided tailored assistance to students across years 7 to 11, including support for a visually impaired student and pupils with behavioral and social challenges.
His responsibilities included:
- One-on-one academic and emotional support.
- Reading recovery and comprehension assistance.
- Building trust with students requiring differentiated instruction.
- This year-long engagement helped Shehu understand the complexities of individual learning needs and sparked his commitment to inclusive education.
Teacher Training: North East London Teaching Alliance
Shehu officially began his teacher training in September 2016 through the North East London Teaching Alliance. As a trainee teacher, he quickly demonstrated a capacity to lead classes, organize sports activities, and create positive learning environments. Over the course of 10 months, he worked under the guidance of experienced educators, taking on planning, delivery, and classroom management responsibilities.
Key aspects of his training included:
- Designing effective PE lesson plans.
- Delivering diverse sports programs.
- Promoting discipline and managing classroom behavior.
- Preparing students for assessments and exams.
- Coordinating extracurricular activities.
The hands-on nature of this experience solidified Shehu’s decision to pursue physical education full time.
NQT Year: Harris Invictus Academy Croydon
In September 2017, Shehu joined Harris Invictus Academy in Croydon as a Teacher of Physical Education for his Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year. This role was critical in transitioning from a trainee to an independent educator. His focus was on:
- Teaching PE within the school’s curriculum framework.
- Participating in curriculum development and review.
- Monitoring student progress and adapting lessons accordingly.
- Meeting with parents and contributing to broader staff meetings.
- Using sports to encourage discipline and teamwork among students.
Shehu demonstrated an ability to handle responsibilities beyond standard teaching duties. His performance during this year positioned him as a reliable and organized teacher with leadership potential.
Leadership Role at Woodbridge High School
In September 2018, Shehu moved to Woodbridge High School, where he currently serves as Second in Charge of Physical Education. Over more than six years, he has assumed broad responsibilities, working closely with the Head of Department and other faculty members to improve the school’s physical education offering.
Core Responsibilities:
- Planning PE lessons that address varying student needs.
- Overseeing and developing Cambridge curriculum courses.
- Leading extracurricular sports and activity sessions.
- Designing differentiated learning materials.
- Tracking student performance across multiple sports disciplines.
- Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion through sport.
- Serving as a form tutor and supporting students with additional academic or language needs.
- Collaborating with outside organizations to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
- Organizing large-scale events such as sports day.
- Supporting intervention programs for Key Stage 4 and 5 students.
These responsibilities highlight Shehu’s commitment not only to athletic development but also to academic inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and broader student welfare.
Coaching Qualifications and Certifications
In addition to his academic degree, Shehu holds several coaching certifications that qualify him to teach and supervise various sports safely and effectively. These include:
- Level 1 and 2 Trampolining (Issued by British Gymnastics, Sept 2016)
- Secondary Gymnastics (Issued by British Gymnastics, Sept 2016)
- FA Level 1 Football Coaching (Issued Sept 2014)
These certifications have enabled Shehu to diversify the sports programs available to students and bring specialized skills to the PE department. His knowledge extends beyond the typical curriculum, allowing students to explore a variety of physical disciplines.
Teaching Philosophy
Shehu identifies strongly with the role of a mentor and role model. His approach to teaching centers around:
- Setting a strong example through personal physical fitness and professionalism.
- Building rapport with students to create a trusting learning environment.
- Encouraging students to strive for both personal bests and team success.
- Teaching discipline, time management, and self-confidence through sport.
He views physical education not just as a subject, but as a platform for youth development and social integration. By advocating for inclusive sports and personalized instruction, Shehu ensures that PE is accessible and beneficial to students across various backgrounds and abilities.
Support for Disadvantaged and EAL Students
A noteworthy aspect of Shehu’s leadership is his support for disadvantaged students and those with English as an Additional Language (EAL). At Woodbridge High School, he has:
- Set up targeted interventions to help underperforming students.
- Worked closely with heads of year to develop inclusion plans.
- Implemented sports-based programs aimed at confidence building and social skills.
- Helped EAL students integrate into classroom activities through physical education, which often provides a universal medium for connection.
This work reflects a broader commitment to educational equity and highlights his role as a teacher who recognizes that effective learning must address both academic and social barriers.
Career Attributes and Recognition
Across his various roles, Shehu has consistently demonstrated the following attributes:
- Strong organizational skills in lesson planning and resource development.
- Natural leadership and initiative within team settings.
- Effective communication with pupils, parents, and colleagues.
- Adaptability and problem-solving under classroom and event pressure.
- A clear commitment to lifelong learning, both for himself and his students.
While not publicly decorated with awards or recognitions, Shehu’s long-term tenure and expanded responsibilities speak to the confidence placed in him by school leadership and his consistent ability to deliver quality educational outcomes.
Broader Impact and Future Potential
Damiano Shehu’s role extends beyond the classroom. His efforts in organizing community sports events, encouraging student participation in extracurriculars, and supporting interschool athletic competitions help foster school spirit and physical engagement at a wider level.
His combination of practical skills, administrative knowledge, and student-centered values suggests strong potential for future advancement—possibly toward Head of Department or roles in curriculum coordination at borough or academy trust level.
Summary
Damiano Shehu has built a structured, consistent, and impactful career in physical education. From his initial experience as a learning support assistant to his current leadership position at Woodbridge High School, Shehu has maintained a clear focus: using sport as a vehicle to develop confident, healthy, and disciplined young people.
Through a combination of formal education, field experience, coaching certifications, and student support work, he has established himself as a key figure in the delivery of high-quality PE in London schools. His trajectory reflects a balance of personal dedication, professional skill, and a belief in the transformative power of physical education in secondary schooling.
FAQs
1. Who is Damiano Shehu?
Damiano Shehu is a physical education teacher and Second in Charge of PE at Woodbridge High School in London.
2. What is Damiano Shehu’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Coaching from the University of East London, earned between 2012 and 2015.
3. What certifications does Damiano Shehu have in sports coaching?
He holds Level 1 & 2 Trampolining, Secondary Gymnastics, and FA Level 1 Football certifications.
4. What are Damiano Shehu’s main responsibilities at Woodbridge High School?
He plans lessons, organizes extracurriculars, tracks student progress, supports disadvantaged pupils, and helps run sports events.
5. Where did Damiano Shehu start his teaching career?
He began as a trainee teacher with the North East London Teaching Alliance before working at Harris Invictus Academy Croydon.
