By Robin Gouldbourne
Robin Gouldbourne is Assistant Headteacher at Sir John Nelthorpe School in Brigg. In case you missed our live Twitter Q&A with him, here are some highlights!
About Robin
Where did your aspiration to teach come from?
Excellent role models, and teachers in school and university who inspired me and instilled in me a love of my subject.
Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?
My secondary school form tutor. His door was always open to discuss anything from personal to academic issues, and he offered me great support throughout secondary school.
What is your favourite thing about teaching?
Unpredictability — no two days are ever the same, which means it is always interesting.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in school?
I can honestly say that this has happened more than once: turning up in a suit on non-uniform day. It doesn’t sound like much, but in a secondary school that’s a big deal!
What will your students remember you for once they’ve left school?
Always having time for them! The students are the reason I go to work, so they are my priority!
Life as a teacher
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching?
Helping young people to realise and achieve their potential.
Other than teaching, what do you love about working with young people?
Fun, laughter and curiosity — young people are full of these three things, and that makes every day at work great!
What unexpected opportunities has teaching offered you?
The chance to take part in live Q and As J I’ve had some great experiences — seeing the Northern Lights, walking in the San Siro (AC Milan’s football ground) and seeing Romeo and Juliet’s balcony in Verona. Not bad for a science teacher!
When you’re working with other teachers, what aspects do you enjoy the most?
Learning! I learn so much from other teachers. Creativity! Some teachers amaze me with the creative way they teach.
What is your favourite part of the school year and why?
Towards the end of the year when the transition activities start, as you get to see the excitement of year 6 students attending secondary school for the first time.
What’s the best end of term gift you’ve ever received?
An amazing chocolate cake baked by a student, which showed how an enzyme worked. I’ve still got the picture … but no cake!
Top tips
What roles in school can a teacher do to develop their career?
I’ve been lucky enough to experience both pastoral- and curriculum-based roles, and have found both very useful. My advice is to master the classroom first, then explore opportunities within the school.
What do you find difficult about teaching, and how do you overcome it?
Initially, I struggled with the fact that students only get one opportunity to learn, and you are that opportunity. I overcame this by ensuring that everything I did was student-centred and delivered to the best of my ability.
What are your top behaviour management strategies?
Having engaging lessons can often prevent poor behaviour, as students are fully engrossed in their work. Try to avoid seeing behaviour management and teaching as two separate things: high-quality teaching will lead to high-quality behaviour.
How do you plan for a day or week of lessons, and how long does lesson planning take?
All lessons are different, but as my experience has increased I have become able to plan lessons much more efficiently. I normally try to plan a sequence of lessons and then modify based on how the students are progressing.
The best advice comes from someone who’s been there and done it! If you’re thinking of applying for teacher training, register on the Get into Teaching website to get tailored advice from an experienced teacher.
