AS a new academic year gets under way at Elleray, the preparatory division of Windermere School, one ex pupil is back in the classroom as a newly qualified teacher.
Adam Whitehead, who attended the Senior School between 2005 and 2012, is now a form tutor teaching maths and English to the Year 4 class. He also teaches science, humanities, computing, drama and adventurous learning to Year 3 pupils.
Julie King, Head of Elleray said: “We are lucky to have Adam, he’s a great addition to the staff team. As Adam came through school he is also a real advocate for adventurous learning, which is central to our ethos. It means pushing the boundaries of how our students learn and regularly taking education outside of the classroom and into our amazing local environment, whether that is the School grounds or the wider area”.
Adam, who is 25-year-old, lives in Kendal and went to Keele University to study criminology after leaving Windermere School. Part-time work at his old school led to a two year placement, where he was supported to gain his teaching qualification, and then offered a job.
“I thought it would be strange coming back,” explained Adam, “but it is such a warm and caring school it has always felt right.
“It is a big part of my childhood and it feels amazing to be giving something back. The Elleray grounds are fantastic and we have an outdoor classroom right on our doorstep,” said Adam.
As well as getting children ready for an increasingly electronic world Adam hopes to get more involved with the PE department and the development of young hockey players. Outside of school, Adam has progressed from the junior section of the Windermere Hockey Club to current captain of the men’s first team.
“The best thing about teaching is giving children opportunities to learn for themselves,” Adam added.
“I will be encouraging pupils to make choices that stretch their own learning, rather than relying on others. We will discuss current affairs, to give their learning context, and inspire them to move forward. The children who come to Elleray leave with a fantastic ability to talk to adults and have good conversations without being shy,” said Adam.
Adam says there have been numerous developments since he was a pupil at the school from changes to the curriculum to building refurbishments. Yet, for him, it still remains a wonderfully traditional, small school.
Some say school days are the best of days, and Elleray’s latest recruit would suggest that this is very much the case.
The school is currently advertising for a new KS2 teacher, anyone interested can find out more on the vacancies section of the school website here https://www.windermereschool.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/
Established in 1863, Windermere School is a boarding and day school for boys and girls aged between 3 and 18 years of age. Over 350 pupils are based on two sites in Windermere.
