This year, we are delighted to celebrate a truly special milestone at Forest Preparatory School, it is Mrs Eley’s 50th year in teaching. To mark this special occasion, the school hall has been named after her, and is now known as the Eley Hall. Reaching half a century in the classroom is not only a personal achievement but also a tremendous asset to our school, bringing wisdom, experience, and inspiration to both pupils and colleagues alike.
To mark this incredible occasion, we reflect on her career, her memories, and her love for teaching, in a Q&A session:
What first inspired you to become a teacher, and what has kept you motivated all these years?
“I wanted to work with children, as I couldn’t have children of my own. I love being with children, and teaching is all I ever wanted to do. Every class I teach is different, and I always have to come up with new ways of approaching lessons and using different strategies. That keeps it fresh and exciting.”
Looking back, do you remember your very first day in the classroom? What was it like?
“I started out in boys’ boarding schools, so when I joined Forest it seemed strange that people went home at 4 o’clock! The boarders were as young as four, but it was such a happy and stable environment.
I’m still in touch with one of the families I taught over 40 years ago.
I can even remember my interview for the teaching job at Forest. I had afternoon tea on the lawn with the Headmaster. I still have the register from my very first class and can remember all their names.”
What are the biggest changes you’ve witnessed in education during your career?
“Educational trends often go round in circles, but one big change is that children now have much more say in their learning journey. There’s more discussion, it’s more of a two-way process and children are actively involved in their education.
Parents, too, are more engaged. They visit school regularly, and we hold open-classroom sessions where parents join their child in the classroom to look through their work together. It’s a very positive development.”
How has technology transformed the way you teach and the way students learn?
“Google Classroom has been a game-changer. I upload all my lesson PowerPoints so children can revisit topics at home. This really helps the children, especially if it’s something they have found challenging in class.
What are some traditions or methods that have stood the test of time?
“Teaching handwriting! Handwriting has always been important at Forest, and it still is today. Handwriting lessons in school are important because they help develop fine motor skills, while improving memory and concentration levels.”
What do you hope your students remember most about you as a teacher?
“The different activities I do such as the Chinese feast, and how I make learning interactive and memorable. I love using fun examples like sweets in maths and Kit Kat fractions!”
Have you noticed differences in how today’s students learn compared to 50 years ago?
“Children today are brought up in a digital world, so we have to adapt our teaching to keep the child engaged and focused.”
Was there ever a moment you considered leaving teaching? What kept you going?
“Never! I’ve always loved it. I’m usually here by 7am everyday because I enjoy the job so much. That passion has never left me.”
What advice would you give to new teachers entering the profession today?
“Make everything engaging. See and treat each child as a separate individual, and respect their learning abilities. Make sure they enjoy their learning and build their confidence.”
What do you think is the most important lesson teachers can pass on to students beyond academics?
“Kindness, compassion, empathy, all those softer skills. These are life skills and are just as important as academic skills.”