I always thought that I would return to Moulsford as a ‘Gappie’ so I was delighted when it was confirmed that I would be able to come back for the first term of the 2019/20 academic year. I felt very excited to be returning to a place I had such fond memories of and to be able to see school life from another perspective. I was lucky enough to have kept in contact with some of the staff who were still at the school, so I looked forward to being able to work alongside them and learn from them in a different capacity.

I knew the school would not be exactly the same, as when I left five years earlier, but the heart of the school I had grown up in was definitely still there. The boys (I think) looked up to and respected the Gappie team in a similar way to how I viewed them when I was at the school. The advancement in the technology at the school was definitely something I had not considered, and I was incredibly impressed at how the iPads were being utilised. Working with Year 4 it was great to see how skilful and confident they were using the iPads, which will help them a lot as they continue through the school.

I really enjoyed being able to be part of the coaching staff for the U13 A’s rugby team. It was great to be able to work alongside Jim Hamilton-Smith, who had coached me, and to be able to see the boys’ enjoyment of the sport in every session. Another aspect that I enjoyed was being greeted by the Year 4 boys full of enthusiasm and energy every morning. This was not only from Year 4 but from the whole school and it was great being able to see so many happy faces throughout the day.

Being able to work alongside many members of staff in all different areas of the school was definitely something I am very grateful for. From being with the Pre-Prep at break times to going with Year 4 to see Michael Rosen I was able to get to know a big range of the pupils. I feel very lucky to have had my first experience in the workplace at a school like Moulsford where the community is so important. I learned a lot from my interactions with the Senior Management Team and I am sure this will stand me in good stead going forward in future jobs.