Laura H.
About me
| Laura H. | |
| History | |
| History | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2011 |
My employment
| Head of Sixth Form | |
| Ruislip High School | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| Medium-size business (50-249 employees) | |
| 2013 |
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A day in the life of a Head of Sixth Form in the United Kingdom
Get experience in your chosen field before committing to it.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work in a state comprehensive school in Outer London.
What do you do?
I'm the Head of Sixth Form and teach History from Year 7-9, GCSE and A Level, and Philosophy at A Level.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I went to law school straight after graduation but quickly realised it wasn't for me and dropped out. I got a job as a teaching assistant immediately after that which led me to my choice to undertake a PGCE and train as a teacher.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Most definitely!
Describe your most memorable day at work
There have been so many that I couldn't pick just one - school trips to Berlin, New York and competing in an international Model UN competition... appearing in the school pantomime every year.... extra-curricular clubs... teaching a great lesson about something I love and seeing the students start to love it too... results days, watching my students get into the university of their dreams. And so much more besides!
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Workload can be heavy, and we are constantly under scrutiny as a profession from all angles.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Fantastic. Really supportive and we all work together for the good of our students and the local community.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
A LOT of drama and performance in the Drama Barn, Central Hall, York Theatre Royal and the Edinburgh Fringe - which gave me confidence and presentation skills. Cheerleading with the York Hornets which gave me stamina and the ability to work in a team. I undertook a work placement with the BBC which showed me I definitely didn't want a career in TV and was a supervisor at the campus shop as a part-time job, which helped me massively with time management and balancing my responsibilities.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I love my current job and wish to spend many more happy years in the role!
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Don't be afraid to stop if you feel you are on the wrong path. Get experience in your chosen field before committing to it. Ask for help as much as possible!
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything relating to education!
Next steps...
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