Damiano Shehu is a name synonymous with dedication, leadership, and educational excellence in the realm of physical education in the United Kingdom. Currently serving as the Second in Charge of Physical Education at Woodbridge High School, Shehu exemplifies the qualities of a passionate educator whose mission extends far beyond the classroom. With a career rooted in commitment, discipline, and service, he has become a role model to his students, inspiring them through sports, personal growth, and academic development.
Early Career and Educational Foundations
Shehu began his academic journey at the University of East London, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Coaching between 2012 and 2015. His time at university laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of coaching principles, youth development, and physical training. Armed with theoretical knowledge and practical acumen, Shehu stepped into education not just as a job, but as a calling.
Professional Certifications and Specializations
Damiano Shehu holds an impressive array of certifications from reputable institutions like British Gymnastics and the Football Association. His qualifications include:
- Level 1 & 2 Trampolining
- Secondary Gymnastics
- FA Level 1 Football
These credentials reflect his multi-disciplinary competence in sports education, equipping him with the skills to lead diverse physical activities while prioritizing safety, inclusion, and high performance.
Current Role: Second in Charge at Woodbridge High School
Since September 2018, Shehu has played a pivotal role at Woodbridge High School, where his responsibilities encompass:
- Planning and delivering engaging, inclusive PE lessons.
- Coordinating with staff to implement Cambridge courses.
- Leading extra-curricular sports initiatives.
- Creating differentiated teaching resources.
- Tracking and assessing student progress across various sports.
- Supporting students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and promoting equality through sport.
- Playing a central role in organizing school-wide events such as Sports Day.
- Implementing intervention programs for Key Stage 4 and 5 students struggling academically or socially.
Through these efforts, Shehu has consistently elevated the PE department’s impact while fostering a supportive environment for both students and colleagues.
Previous Teaching Experience and Early Growth
Before joining Woodbridge, Shehu taught at Harris Invictus Academy Croydon during his NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) year in 2017–2018. There, he honed his skills by:
- Aligning lesson planning with national curricula.
- Participating in staff and curriculum development meetings.
- Monitoring individual student performance and adapting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Promoting classroom discipline and resource management.
Prior to that, Shehu completed his trainee teaching with the North East London Teaching Alliance, where he demonstrated an innate ability to build rapport with students and create stimulating lesson environments.
Support Roles and Early Exposure to Education
Damiano’s journey into teaching began with a position as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Highams Park School in 2015–2016. In this role, he provided one-on-one support to students, including those with visual impairments and behavioral challenges, showing early on his commitment to inclusive education.
Beyond the Classroom: Sales and Customer Service Background
Before fully transitioning into education, Shehu gained interpersonal and organizational skills through roles at Next Group PLC and Tesco PLC. These experiences enhanced his professionalism, teamwork, and customer-focused mindset—skills that would later enrich his teaching approach and leadership abilities.
Philosophy and Impact
Damiano Shehu’s philosophy is rooted in being a role model. His dedication to regular physical activity, discipline, and student mentorship allows him to connect meaningfully with his pupils. His leadership style combines firm decision-making with natural empathy, making him an influential figure not only in sports instruction but in the wider school community.
Conclusion
From supporting students with additional needs to leading complex department initiatives, Damiano Shehu’s career is a testament to the power of passion-driven education. As he continues to shape the next generation at Woodbridge High School, his journey stands as an inspiring example of how sports, structure, and mentorship can change lives for the better.
FAQs
1. Who is Damiano Shehu?
Damiano Shehu is a passionate Physical Education teacher and department leader at Woodbridge High School in London.
2. What qualifications does Damiano Shehu have?
He holds a Bachelor’s in Sports Coaching and certifications in trampolining, gymnastics, and football from British Gymnastics and the FA.
3. Where does Damiano Shehu work?
He works at Woodbridge High School as the Second in Charge of Physical Education.
4. What is Damiano Shehu known for?
He’s known for motivating students, promoting inclusivity in sports, and organizing engaging physical education programs.
5. What teaching experience does Damiano Shehu have?
He has over eight years of teaching experience, including roles at Harris Invictus Academy and the North East London Teaching Alliance.
