Miss Thomas mainly teaches at Dereham Sixth Form, teaching Sociology, Psychology and Law, however this year she is also teaching Citizenship to a number of Year 7 groups. Jacob B, Year 7, who is part of the Northgate News Team decided to find out a bit more about Miss Thomas. Here’s what she had to say in response to his questions:
Did you have any jobs or experiences before you became a teacher, if you did what were they and what did you like about them?
Before I became a teacher, I was a therapist working in schools, helping young people and their families with common mental health concerns. I liked working with such a wide variety of young people. I of course enjoyed feeling like I was making a difference in people’s lives, but I also loved how much I learnt from all of the young people I worked with – particularly about how resilient people can be!
What do you like about teaching at Northgate and Sixth Form?
I have been really lucky that I have been able to teach a variety of different subjects – all of which I am really passionate about! I also therefore love that I get to work with a wide variety of students who often also share the same enthusiasm for the subjects as me! I therefore get to have really insightful conversations with students around really interesting topics.
Describe Northgate in 3 words?
Welcoming, vibrant and dynamic.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I have recently taken up the hobby of playing squash! When I was younger I never really found a sport I like, but I love how fast paced squash is.
Northgate loves its books, what’s your favourite?
My favourite book I have ever read has to be Catching Fire from the Hunger Games franchise.
Quick fire questions
Chocolate or sweets – Chocolate!
Summer or winter – Summer
Train or plane – Train
Tea or coffee – Tea (with a good number of biscuits)
Citizenship or criminology – That is a tricky one! I love both subjects and think they are both equally important for learning about society – but who doesn’t like learning about serial killers? So it might have to be Criminology.