PTA-UK MEETS: TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2012, NATHAN KEMP
reaffirms that I’m moving in the right direction and I should continue to trust and develop my methods.
Teaching is a vocation that you learn very much on the job isn’t it?
100%. I learnt more on the job than I ever did at university. I’m glad that trainees and graduates are spending more time in schools. During my training, I went to a C of E infant school. I was the only male there apart from the caretaker. I realised that being in that matriarchal environment was going to be the norm. It’s down to you, the teacher, to actually deliver the lessons and be accountable for progress as well. In university you are somewhat protected. Once those training wheels are taken away you realise what a massive responsibility you have.
How important are parents in helping creating the best learning conditions for their children?
I think it’s important parents understand their child’s education through the viewpoint of their environment. There needs to be awareness that children face certain social problems that will impact on their learning. So, it’s not backing away or being ignorant to that factor but instead looking at everything head on and solving it that way.
So the stereotype of teachers and parents loathing ‘Parents’ Evening’ isn’t true then?
If you get the parents involved then you are onto a winner. We book workshops for our parents; they get involved with teaching their children and can see how their children are doing and how they can help them at home. It makes for a very productive relationship between parents and school.
Tollgate Primary is a particularly challenging school langauge wise
Yes, that’s correct – with 45 languages spoken it’s a huge challenge. Studies have shown that kids that can access and can speak two languages will understand grammar and other aspects of language far better. So it is a strength really. We encourage parents to make sure they speak in both their native tongue and English because we want the children to be blessed with that choice. If you’re an Arsenal fan and you move to Manchester, you’ll still want to support Arsenal!
Your Headteacher, Tom Canning describes your lessons as “an electric and magical wonderland”. What does that mean?
The school ethos is to push creativity. All our classroom displays are stunning; we celebrate the children’s work and want to present it with the same passion that they put into it. In terms of ‘electricity’, that probably comes down to the fact that I can’t sit still and am quite loud when I’m giving a lesson!
You’re very much the optimist then...
Why not? Our children hear there are no jobs and there won’t be any for them but you will not find that in our school. The attitude here is that there is nothing to stop them and they will exceed in whatever they want to. Learn everything you can here and then go and explore your opportunities.
What do you strive to achieve every day?
Wherever I am shouldn’t limit what I can do. So, being in a tough area of London, for example, shouldn’t limit what a child can learn. Putting a bit of confidence and pride into the decisions and motivations of children - or anyone for that matter - does wonders for aspirations.
The Pearson Teaching Awards 2013 are now open. If you know an inspirational teacher, classroom assistant or school team you can nominate them now by visiting www.teachingawards.com