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Emily
Head of Capel House at Reed's
Emily teaches History at Reed’s is Head of Capel, one of the four Houses in the Middle School and Sixth Form. Prior to joining Reed’s, she worked in a co-educational school in Winchester as a Deputy Head of Year. She was responsible for overseeing pastoral care for pupils in three-year groups and supporting their transition between key stages.
CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR DECISION TO BECOME A TEACHER?
History is my passion and I have always enjoyed working with young people. Engaging, enthusing and challenging pupils in the subject I am fascinated by was the reason I entered the teaching profession.
WHAT SPECIFICALLY APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT WORKING AT REED'S?
Reed’s is unique in its history and values. The vision of Andrew Reed and the work of the Foundation is at the very heart of the school, which was what drew me applying to work here. The sense of community was palpable on interview, with an enthusiastic staff body and pupils, who made me feel welcome from the very beginning.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A REED'S PUPIL?
Pupils at Reed’s are confident, self-aware and demonstrate a desire to participate, giving their best both inside and outside of the classroom. They recognise that learning is a journey, that mistakes are a part of this, and that seeking help is a strength. They are kind, supportive, tolerant, respectful, and compassionate of one another. They are curious about the world around them and are also resilient to the challenges from the changing environment in which we live.
WHAT FACTORS DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN DRIVING PUPIL DEVELOPMENT AT REED'S SCHOOL?
The value Reed’s places on providing pupils with experiences both inside and outside the classroom is influential in driving both their academic and personal development. The numerous extra-curricular activities, service and volunteering opportunities and trips encourage pupils to step outside their comfort zone, developing both their independence and resilience. The emphasis on encouraging a love of learning through a variety of teaching techniques, subject expertise, supportive technology, and challenge tasks, promotes curiosity for not only their academic subjects, but the future, fostering an education for life.
HOW DO YOU THINK REED'S FOSTERS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING AMONGST ITS PUPILS?
There are so many parts of the school that work together to foster a sense of community, but the nature of the House system and the focus on pastoral care, underpins the responsibility we undertake at Reed’s to nurture and develop the whole child. We look to find the best in every pupil and encourage them to participate in House events, assemblies, and tutor periods, which give pupils not only the opportunity to work together and share their ideas and opinions, but to also support one another. This is developed throughout their time at Reed’s and beyond as alumni, creating a community for life.
