#RSMFridayFastFive – Mrs Beckett
Why did you choose a career working with children?
I had a very positive secondary school experience with wonderful, inspirational teachers who made the subjects interesting and the gaining of knowledge and skills easy and exciting. As a teenager and young adult, I had a number of different roles working with children and so the natural pull after my degree was to study teaching. Many years later, I still feel very passionately about the privileged role we as teachers hold and I continue to love the fact that every single day is different; there is never a dull moment!
Your favourite subjects at school?
I loved (and still love) maths and science, but I have always had really varied interests which is why I particularly enjoyed my GCSE years where I could study broadly. I loved history, geography, art, creative writing, languages, Latin and team sports like hockey and lacrosse. One of my favourite things to do in my spare time is read and this started with a wonderful English Literature teacher.
Why Upper School?
I have taught from Early Years to KS4, but I am always drawn back to KS2, particularly Years 4-6. I enjoy the rapport you can build with children in the Upper School as they develop their own opinions and start to shape themselves into the adults they will become. Preparing the children for their transition to secondary is such an important role in Years 5 and 6.
Most memorable moment in your teaching career?
While working in special education, a non-verbal child in my classroom starting to form words during a phonics lesson. This was a wonderful moment in my career. Giving a child the tools to be able to communicate, whether that be through teaching or supporting a child with their emotional needs and allowing them to have a voice is so powerful.
My favourite quote:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
I feel very lucky that I do a job where every day I get to teach children who will go on to shape our future world.