Graduate Assistant Programme 2023

5 GRADUATE ASSISTANT PROGRAMME

Message from the President of the Common Room, Ross Simmonds Currently Teacher of History, Assistant House master of Apsley The Common Room the School. A jazzy suite acts as our home, but it is the people who make ‘The CR’ a wonderful thing to be a part of. It is an inclusive and vibrant community that brings together members at all stages of their career; from those with decades of teaching experience to the enthusiastic new starters, everyone is welcome. As President it is my pleasure to oversee a packed social calendar that regularly brings us together, often with friends or partners from outside the School. Highlights of the year include a Ceilidh to celebrate Burns Night, regular dinners, a summer party and the famous Safari Supper, an event perfectly suited to the close-knit community which lives and works at Teddies. Having started here straight after university, I can say with confidence that the warm welcome I received is a major reason why I’m still here five years later. All teachers at Teddies are members of ‘The Common Room’ (or CR) - a place that is central to our working life at

boarding school, learning doesn’t only happen according to the curriculum in lessons, but in all aspects of school life, and I enjoy being part of this holistic learning environment. At the end of his 10 months, Connall went with our best wishes to work at the BBC Proms.

Scarlett Cole Graduate Assistant,

Drama 2023/24 Tell us about your role at Teddies

My responsibilities in the Drama Department include assisting in and managing rehearsals as well as classroom teaching. For example, this Autumn Term, I organised the running of the Year 9 Plays, assisted in and covered lessons and helped with general departmental administration. I have also coached a sports team and have been working in a boarding house. As well as the work, I am really enjoying the social aspect of working in Teddies, everyone is so friendly and the Common Room events, such as the ‘safari supper’ and the guest nights, are great bonuses! Sometimes it can be daunting at first to teach and run rehearsals but my department has been very supportive and we all look out for each other - so no task ever feels too much! Working in a boarding school means lots of hours outside of the regular 9-5, however one of my favourite things to do is work in house as it allows you to get to know the students holistically in an environment outside of the classroom.

Spring Term Ceilidh for Burn’s Night and a Guest Night Summer Term May Barbecue, A Summer Party and the end of year celebrations

Autumn Term Safari Supper, President’s Dinner, Common Room Guest Nights, Wine Tasting, Christmas Lunch