Name Gem Willcox

In what year did you train? 2007/2008

Which subject did you train in? Drama

Which school/s did you train in? Chelmer Valley High School/Shenfield High School

Can you tell us a bit more about what you are doing now? I am still teaching! I have had a number of roles including Wellbeing Lead, Stakeholder Voice, EPQ Lead but I am currently a Drama Teacher, Head of MediaStudies, Personal Development Lead and Head of Sixth Form.

Thinking back to your teacher training with Mid Essex ITT, can you share with us about a highlight, fond memory or funny story? I remember our cohort loved going over to the Kings Head (I think the pub was called that) for lunch each Thursday!
A highlight was attending Theatre Royal Drury Lane with the other Drama trainees and pretending we were royalty! The subject enhancement trips were awinner!

What was teacher training like when you trained? What were the buzzwords, latest theories or popular pedagogy? It was all about the 3 Learning Styles Visual, Audio and Kinesthetic Learners as well as 3 part lessons - starter, main and ending. 3 clearly was the magicnumber!

Thinking back to your teacher training, what was your key takeaway from Mid Essex ITT? Every child in your classroom matters and that you are changing lives. I think even on the hardest days in the classroom I often remember this as there is noother profession like it - where you can shape lives and support students futures. I also remind myself that my previous career did not give me the variety ofeach day that teaching provides - every day is different. You certainly can never say that you are bored in your career!

Thinking back to your teacher training, is there anyone who supported you whom you would like to recognise or thank? Jo H has been a constant for me from day one and I am forever thankful for her guidance and support as well as her friendship.