This week our Staff Snapshot Interview is with Mrs Kayla Chapman, one of our Year 2 teachers.
What inspired you to be a teacher?
During my last year of school I volunteered at a special needs school as part of my work experience programme. I discovered that I had a passion for this area of work so I went on to pursue a career in teaching with hopes that I would one day end up being a special needs teacher or perhaps even an Educational Psychologist.
Tell us about your path into teaching:
My path into teaching began straight after my last year of school. I completed a 4-year degree in Foundation Phase Education while working in schools to build up practical skills, I passed this degree with Distinction. I have also recently completed, with Distinction, a Level 7 PGCert for the NASENCO (National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination).
What do you love most about teaching?
I love the different journeys that each child goes on and that I am not only an observer but a facilitator too of this journey.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a vet for a long time. I also wanted to become a surgeon and nurse at some point before deciding teaching was the path I would go down.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?
I am not sure if it was funny at the time, but thinking back to it now I think it is - I was once handed a bogie as a gift by a small child!
What’s the most important lesson you can teach?
Mistakes are great providing you learn from them, as is risk taking. If you don't take a risk, you will never learn from your mistakes or triumphs.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I don't have one specific moment, but my proudest moments generally are when any struggling children have a light bulb moment and start to excel in something they thought they would never be able to do.
What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?
The calm, loving, accepting and supportive environment.
Quick-fire questions:
School House: Egan
Years at MHS: 1.5 years
Clubs: Lego and Mindful Colouring
Unusual fact: I enjoy lifting heavy weights at my Crossfit gym
The book I am reading: 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho
Most memorable moment at MHS: The 2021 colour run - what fun that was!