BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… CAN STUDENT TEACHER INTERVIEW

Woody To Chris

What inspired you to be a teacher?

My main aims are to help all students enjoy their time at school, respect each other and their facilities, and achieve their goals in life. Ingrained in everything that I do as a teacher is to support pupils in becoming excellent citizens for when they leave education and enter the world of work.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

I would have looked at being a police officer to help support others in the choices that they make in life, and also to protect others by enforcing the law. Similar to being a teacher some may think…

What’s the best part of your job?

Working with the supportive and positive colleagues I have, and having exhilarating discussions with students on how to make our Academy even better.

Who are your heroines/heroes?

My heroes are those who stand up for what they believe in, help change the world, and show everyone what a role model is really like! One of my main inspirations is Muhammed Ali for all of his inspirational quotes. My favourite is “Don’t count the days. Make the days count!”

Why did you choose to teach at City Academy Norwich?

I chose to work at City Academy Norwich because I really wanted to make a difference to the students’ lives from this catchment area. It was great joining such a dedicated and loyal staff that go above and beyond their duties.

Tell me a little about a teacher that inspired you. There are many teachers that have inspired me in the past and currently. One in particular has a very powerful growth mindset and positive mentality approach to work and life, which inspires me to continually work on my own mentality when faced with issues.

What is one exciting teaching method you use?

The teaching method I like to use is Pause, Pounce, Bounce, whereby every student gets a chance to think about their answer, then discuss this answer with a partner to develop it further, and then I will randomly ask pupils questions regarding this. I find that this improves pupils’ communication with each other, and their confidence in replying to questions in front of the class.

What are your thoughts on education today?

I think we are at an exciting time in our Academy with the best grades we’ve had from last year’s Year 11 cohort, pupils’ behaviour improving, expectations of all staying high, and the atmosphere of students and staff celebrating success is becoming more prevalent and autonomous.

Chris To Woody

Tell me about yourself in 30 seconds

My name is Woody and I am in Year 7. I like art and music, and taking risks to learn more but also to help make the Academy better! I also enjoy needlecraft in my own time as a hobby. Lastly, I am part of the Student Council as I want to make a difference at this Academy.

What are your strengths?

I’m good at maths, particularly mental arithmetic, calculating sums really quickly. I can recognise when something is wrong and support my peers with their learning.

What are your weaknesses?

I need to improve on my English and geography. Particularly the PEE paragraphs in English to make my sentence structures stronger. In geography I need to recognise differences between the countries in terms of culture, religion and history.

Give one example of something you enjoy, respect or have achieved at City Academy Norwich

I’ve enjoyed the classical music played in-between lessons because it is relaxing and helps calm pupils before they enter the classroom so that they are ready to learn.

What or whom inspires you?

The army inspires me as they dedicate their lives to protect our nation.

What are your plans for the future after leaving school?

I am aiming to be a lawyer because I want to help people when they are in need!

What is your favourite line from a film/song/book?

Hakuna Matata from Lion King – because it means no worries, your problems can disappear when you enter our Academy as we have a lot of support here.

What one thing would you change about school life?

As part of Student Council I listen to feedback from my peers on how our Academy can improve. My main aim is to help develop the culture and atmosphere of the Academy by supporting others in respecting each other and our facilities as that is one of our main aims here.