Despite spending most of my career in PR and communications, I’ve discovered that one of my happiest places has absolutely nothing at all to do with my career path.
Back in 2014, I decided to do something completely different as a side job, something that would get me away from my computer for a few hours a week. I became an exams invigilator at De Stafford School in Caterham.
A couple of years later, just after my daughter, Francesca Thompson-Cross started at Oxted School, so did I. After a year or so as an invigilator, I was persuaded to try cover teaching for a few days a week. The reality of juggling this permanent (stressful and poorly paid!) job alongside my business meant I eventually returned to invigilation, but with much greater confidence, classroom experience and a deeper understanding of the needs of the students coming through the exam halls.
Nearly ten years on, I’m still there.
And I genuinely love it.
One reason is undoubtedly that, for a few hours each day, my phone is switched off or on flight mode. I am completely disconnected from the outside world. Alongside a fantastic team, led by the brilliantly organised, efficient and endlessly modest Exams Officer, Bex Shorey, my sole focus is helping students get through what can be one of the most stressful periods of their young lives. That’s the main reason I love it.
I’ve watched countless kids grow up, graduate and move on. I particularly enjoy seeing those who have faced challenges find their way through to the finish. I love bumping into students around town and being part of the wider community that a school creates.
People can be quick to criticise large state schools, and massive schools like Oxted certainly face their share of challenges. But I’ve seen first-hand how a diverse community of young people can learn, grow and support one another. I’m very glad my daughter went there. The vast majority of students leave as rounded, resilient, realistic, kind and accepting young adults.
This year feels especially significant. Francesca has just completed her degree at Oxford Brookes University, graduating with a 2:1 in Criminology and Law. I couldn’t be prouder of her, her friends and all the students I’ve watched pass through the exam rooms over the years.
Every exam season I wonder if I should stop. Fitting it around an already over-scheduled working week is exhausting. Yet somehow I never do.
Because it brings me happiness.
It gives me a genuine sense of purpose and knowing that I’ve helped a young person, even in a very small way, brings a level of satisfaction that few other roles ever have.
Today was the end of the summer exam season: A Levels, GCSEs and Year 10 and 12 exams all completed. It’s always a relief when it’s done, but there’s also a touch of sadness knowing I won’t be back until the Mocks.
Oxted School has become my unexpected happy place, and I’m very grateful for it.
The Word Bird 