Current role: newly qualified teacher (NQT) – maths key stage 3 and 4, economics key stage 5
Degree subject: politics, philosophy and economics
What first attracted you to teaching?
The opportunity to help young people and potentially inspire them to follow their subject up to degree level and beyond. My own economics teacher was incredibly inspirational and I wanted to take on a similar role and help young people achieve their full potential. That, and the holidays of course.
What route did you take into teaching?
I started as an unqualified cover assistant but quickly began planning lessons (and marking!) when I was sent to cover a maths teacher for six weeks. I enjoyed the role and decided to apply for a place on the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) – an employment-based route into teaching. I was teaching a 50 per cent timetable from day one and the course was extremely challenging.
My own economics teacher was incredibly inspirational and I wanted to take on a similar role and help young people achieve their full potential.
How did you go about finding a job?
I was already placed at Rickmansworth School as my GTP school and it was just a question of convincing them that I was worth keeping on!
What is life like now you are a teacher?
I'm an NQT, but have taken on a few minor responsibilities in the department. I am the maths link for both the 'gifted, talented and able programme' and the 'creativity across the curriculum programme'. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know my own tutor group and accompany them on the occasional school trip!