IWD 2022 - #BreakTheBias with Miss Jones

IWD 2022 - #BreakTheBias with Miss Jones

As part of our International Women's Day we wanted to share the story of one of our Alumni students, Lily Jones who has come back to her old stomping ground.
As part of one of her placements for her PGCE through the University of Chester, Lily has joined our English Department for the half-term leading up to Easter. We spoke to her about what it was like to be back at St Cuthbert's and how she is prepared to #BreakTheBias.

 

Name: Lily Jones

What year did you leave St Cuthbert's?

2015

 


What job/study are you doing right now? Tell us a little bit more about it.

I am completing my PGCE in Secondary English Teaching at the University of Chester. I will qualify in June and hope to start teaching in September.


Did you do any further/higher education? 

I went to Lancaster University and studied English Literature and History for three years. 


How did you decide on your career path?

I've always wanted to work in a school, however, as I left university the pandemic hit and it made me realise what an important role education has for young people.


What is the most interesting about your work?

Each day is different! I love that I get to hear all different opinions all day long and can have really great discussions with my classes. 


What's it like being back at St Cuthbert's?

The school feels slightly bigger and busier than when I was here but St Cuthbert's is still very much similar! Many of the staff are the same which I think makes the character of the school the same as when I was here which is lovely to see again.


What vital lesson, that wasn't academic, did St Cuthbert's teach you to use for everyday life?

St Cuthbert's taught me that there is so much beyond academic lessons. Whilst grades are important and help you to progress to the next step in education or your future, being a good person is always going to be valued in any situation you encounter. Taking part in community outreach and charity fundraisers during my time at school were some of the most important lessons I had.

What advice would you give to our current students?

Work hard, listen to your teachers (they really do have good advice!) and be competitive. Cuthies gives you all the skills to be successful, you just have to use them.

How would you choose to #BreakTheBias?

Women and girls are just capable as any male whether that be in work, education, sport or any other scenario. In my lessons I try and use strong, independent women to raise the profile of those who have experienced adversity and overcame it. English is a subject filled with opportunities to discuss current affairs in the world and what better place to start with gender, sexism and discrimination. I think it is important to give young people the chance to learn and express their opinions on societal issues like this to promote change in the future.