The QG interviewed Ms Weeks who is the Head of Academic Enrichment and has been at Gordon’s School since September 2022.

What is your role in the school?

I teach RE, PSHE and my passion, History. My job title involves the creation, management and development of the co-curricular academic opportunities on offer to the students. Such as the societies, academic clubs and some student led P7s. I also oversee and look after the Academic Scholars in each year group.

What do you love about your job?

The students and staff I work with; how everyday is different when working with students. I love the variety of the things I take care of and manage within the school.

How did you first get interested in your profession?

I’ve always been drawn to teaching. Even as a young child I used to line up my dolls; take the register and teach them! Later, while I was in college, I had an amazing history teacher whose passion for the subject really inspired me and made me want to pursue history further. After qualifying, I went on to work as a historian at the Tower of London and later at the Royal Academy of Arts. 

Over time, however, I began to want something more permanent and stable. I decided to send emails to a number of private schools in Wiltshire, and one of them invited me for an interview. This led to an interview where I had to demonstrate how I taught. From the moment I taught that Year 8 class, I knew that teaching was what I truly wanted to do.

What are your most memorable achievements in getting into your job?

Sending that email to the school in Wiltshire and getting accepted for an interview, I found that quite a surreal moment. I also became assistant house mistress at a young age, which was truly amazing.

Have you ever entered any events or competitions in your career?

Tonnes! I used to compete in sporting events such as county netball and javelin. At school I would take part in essay competitions, prized academic competitions, debating and equestrian competitions.

Have you faced any challenges in your profession?

Absolutely. I was very young when I first started, which meant there was a steep learning curve as I developed into a teacher. At times it felt overwhelming, and it took a great deal of effort and perseverance to reach where I am today. Fortunately, I was supported by many people throughout my career who helped guide and encourage me along the way.

Another challenge was learning that not everyone thinks the same way you do. In any workplace you encounter many different personalities, and it’s important to learn how to manage expectations and work effectively with others in order to keep moving forward in your career.

What keeps you going in this career?

The students I work with and seeing their successes are what I value most. I especially love receiving thank you notes and small cards of appreciation on my desk. They make me feel proud and happy, knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. For me as a teacher, that feeling is priceless, and it’s one of the reasons I genuinely enjoy every moment of what I do.

How do you plan out your day?

I stay organised by planning my lessons in advance and printing out resources for them in bulk, so I don’t have to prepare them later. After that, I answer any emails and make note of upcoming meetings or lessons. I also keep a to-do list, which helps dictate much of what I do during the day and the order of urgency in which tasks need to be completed.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue your job?
Just go for it – start work experience in the profession you want, you don’t have to do it forever and it’s a good taster of what to expect if you were to pursue it in the future. The job you want to do should feel natural and bring you joy, something that suits you.

• Olliyah