One thing you will notice in our Prep School is the genuine family atmosphere created by our friendly, warm and professional staff.
They include Mrs Emily Soroka, Year 4 Class Teacher. We popped down to meet her.
How long have you worked at Ashville, Mrs Soroka?
This is my fifth year now. I joined in September 2019, before the pandemic. Lockdown felt like being thrown in at the deep end coming so soon in a new job, but adapting to home learning was fine because I had a wonderful class. They were all brilliant, and we just found our groove. My kitchen became my classroom though, so I’m not sure my husband enjoyed having to tiptoe around much! (Laughs).
Can you tell us about your professional background leading up to you joining Ashville?
I always saw myself as a teacher and going to university but when I finished sixth form, I didn’t feel ready, so I went into full-time work instead. Working in the banking sector for a few years confirmed that teaching was what I really wanted to do and gave me the confidence I needed to go for it. I did my degree in Early Years Education at Leeds Trinity, before heading to Northumbria University for my PGCE. My first full-time teaching job after qualifying was at Ripon Cathedral School, a lovely primary school which linked to the Cathedral. I spent four years there before coming to Ashville. I have always taught Key Stage 2; I enjoy working with the children and seeing them progress. My favourite year groups are definitely Years 3 and 4!
Why did you want to be a teacher?
I’ve always loved working with children. It’s just fun! No two days are ever the same. It’s so rewarding to support children on their journey through education and to witness their individual ‘lightbulb moments’.
Do you have a personal philosophy when it comes to providing the very best education?
I believe in kindness and providing a kind, encouraging, and nurturing environment that allows children to flourish. I consider myself to be a kind and caring teacher, and hopefully the children think that too!
How do you think children benefit from an independent education in a way they perhaps would not from a state education?
Having worked in state education I can confidently say that there is a huge difference between the two, mainly the smaller class sizes, specialist teaching, and choice of facilities. I was blown away when I first joined Ashville. The children have so much more available to them here that you wouldn’t get from a state education, for example, the variety of sports facilities and weekly swimming lessons on site, and the children seem more confident and independent.
Teaching smaller classes is lovely because you get to know the children really well and gain a better understanding of their individual learning needs.
The Co-Curricular Programme is fantastic too, because there’s something for everyone. The children thoroughly enjoy their activities. Some have something on every day after school, and most lunchtimes too. Such busy schedules need good communication between home and school, to ensure that children are getting enough sleep and can cover all their commitments comfortably.
What positive changes or developments have you seen since our new Head of Prep, Mr Soutar, joined in September?
Along with many exciting opportunities for the children. Mr Soutar has been keen to support the personal development opportunities for staff, which is a positive step in the right direction. At the start of the year, Mr Soutar sat down with each of us individually to get to know us all and ask where we see ourselves moving forward. He’s really taken our feedback onboard and provided opportunities for us to grow in our careers. He’s also got to know the children very quickly, which is particularly important in our close-knit community.
What is your favourite thing about working at Ashville?
The children and the staff. We really are like one big family. We always support each other in any way we can. The children are just brilliant, and I have loved working with every class I’ve had here. They really do make my day.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of this academic year?
I do love the Summer term. The weather makes such a difference as the children can get out onto the field at break-times, after having spent so much time stuck inside because of the bad weather. The summer term is extremely busy with exciting activities such as Sports day and residentials. I enjoy taking my lessons outside too, whether it’s to simply put our Maths books on clipboards and sit on the grass, do our daily reading outside, or work with Mr Oldham in the Outdoor Learning facility, bringing what we’ve learnt in classroom to life or engaging in team-building activities.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?
I enjoy lots of long walks at the weekend with my husband and Enzo, our Italian pointer, and spending time with family. During the holidays I love to get away and travel, this year I am returning to Italy, my favourite place to visit.
Can you share something about yourself that people might not know?
When I first qualified as a teacher, I knew that Ashville was the school I wanted to work for. I came for an interview as an NQT. Sadly I didn’t get it, but they gave me lots of helpful pointers. I then waited to get more experience under my belt. I really enjoyed working in Ripon but as soon as the Class Teacher role came up here, I knew I had to apply. And I’m glad to say, I got it!