After interviewing two staff members who have been part of the Ealing College Community for a long period of time, it’s time to speak with a “newbie” of the College, someone who joined at the start of this academic year, in September 2021: Sophie.
Sophie teaches Sociology and History at A-Level; and History to the GCSE classes. Despite her young age, she has previous experience in teaching Sociology in a much larger school in Kent.
Sophie describes her previous school as an educational environment with some positive aspects but several challenges; she explains that she enjoyed how her lessons in big classes allowed her to have a lot of structured group discussions and a lot of room for group work; however, getting to know the students personally was almost impossible, as GCSE classes hosted up to 30 students - and Sophie taught 600 students at the same time.
Sophie adds that most teachers did not even know the other members of staff. Because of the numbers, one would probably not cross paths with all of them.
On the contrary, EIC allows teachers to create a strong relationship with every student, thanks to the small classes and personalised support. Sophie is sure that every teacher would “go the extra mile” to help their students and make sure their needs are met.
EIC also gives her a strong sense of Community, where everyone is simply working for the College’s best interest.
“I know where to go if I need help with anything; I know people would always be happy to help here, give advice and give their time. The students are also really nice, and appreciate the positive learning environment .”
Sophie recognises that the College’s strength lies in this extremely supportive environment where students feel encouraged and stimulated to use their fullest potential.
On the contrary, when Sophie was asked what she considers being the College weakness, she feels that it sometimes takes longer for some students to take the measured and mature approach required in order to make the best of the freedom and trust offered to them.
To conclude our conversation about life at the college, we asked Sophie to give us one suggestion on how to enrich the clubs which we offer next year. Sophie would be delighted to lead a Sociology and Psychology Club, in collaboration with our Psychology Teacher and Head of GCSE, James. She also believes that the College could benefit from some lunch time sports activities that hopefully could be added to the extra-curricular offer next academic year.
But let’s find out who Sophie Waring is when she’s not teaching a Sociology or History lesson!
Outside of School, Sophie is not only a friendly and sociable young woman, but also a very good friend to some of the other teachers and Office Staff. In only 6 months since she started, she has created very good bonds with everyone, staff and students alike, and her warm personality as well as her charming laugh makes the College a happier place.
Don’t be surprised if you find her having dinner around Ealing with other EIC staff members.
Finally, an interesting fact about her: her favourite food is cheese, and she could never get tired of it. She could eat it at any time, which makes a “Wine and cheese” or “Cocktail and cheese” party her preferred kind of evening.