What do you enjoy about being a Graduate Assistant and working in the boarding houses?
Working in the boarding houses has, for me, been the highlight of the role. As a Graduate Assistant, I have been able to focus on building positive relationships with pupils and enhancing their boarding life by running activities, organising trips and generally spending time with them in the house. I enjoy the combination of routine and spontaneity that comes with working in a boarding house; whether we spend the evening making TikToks or slime, having a sudden water fight with another house, or just chatting in the office, no day is the same. Furthermore, the combination of deep engagement with boarding life and more traditional school life makes the role varied and exciting. It has also given me a valuable, post-university, opportunity to develop a wider skill set than may be possible in other schools.
What is your favourite memory/memories of working at Queen Anne's?
While it's difficult to narrow them down, my favourite memories of working at Queen Anne's School include taking boarders to Reading Winter Wonderland before the Christmas holiday; delivering my first lecture to A Level history students; seeing the amazing job that the Sixth Formers in my house did in the setup of a haunted house activity at Halloween; evening chats in the office and the overwhelming support I felt from my house when I received my Master's dissertation result.
What have you achieved in the wider school community at Queen Anne's?
In the wider school community, my greatest achievement has been the delivery of a mini lecture series discussing The Cold War in East Asia. The aim of these lectures was to enrich student's understanding of the topic by going beyond the curriculum, while giving them insight into how higher education can be presented. The lectures were delivered to A-Level history students, who were highly engaged and asked brilliant questions about the content.
What advice would you give to someone who was considering becoming a Graduate Assistant at Queen Anne's?
I would advise anyone considering becoming a Graduate Assistant at Queen Anne's School to just go for it, especially if they are interested in education but would like the chance to develop a more varied skill set; being a Graduate Assistant is a valuable opportunity to gain experience in both education and pastoral care, while undertaking school-wide commitments that curate a tailored skill set for your future goals.
To get the most out of the role, I advise getting in touch with areas of the school that interest you as soon as possible, so that you can experience a greater number of departments. Similarly, bounce your ideas off those around you no matter how equipped you feel to make them happen, as there will always be someone with the relevant experience who can help you. I would also suggest taking the time to connect with the other Graduate Assistants as best as you can, as this will enhance your teamwork and help you run the best possible activities for students. Most of all, I strongly advise having fun with the role! Don't be afraid to sing badly at karaoke, or take part in sports activities; students will recognise your effort and participation, and this will enhance everyone's boarding experience.
What will you be doing after you leave this role at Queen Anne's?
Upon leaving Queen Anne's School, I will be moving to Japan to teach English. My role as Graduate Assistant has given me the space to explore working in education in a fun environment, and the opportunity to develop relevant experience such as observing English as an Additional Language classes, and lecture delivery. I have learnt an invaluable amount from the other house staff I work alongside, who have been brilliant mentors throughout my time at Queen Anne's School. They have positively influenced my confidence and professional skills, and been steadfast in their support of my ambition to work abroad. Most importantly, my role as Graduate Assistant has confirmed to me my professional ambition to work in education and has shown me how enriching, fun and engaging education can be made. It has been the ideal graduate job for me.