From student to staff member, Connor's journey at St Chris is one of creativity, passion, and dedication.
This is Connor Vincent's story.
A Senior School Drama Teacher with a passion for nurturing the individuality of each student, Connor has brought his talent and enthusiasm to both the classroom and the wider school community. He is currently studying his QTS qualification through TES's work-based course 'Straight to Teaching' and hopes to work towards his ECT/NQT qualification in the future.
A Lifelong Connection to St Chris
Having grown up locally and attended St Chris as a student, Connor’s relationship with the School began early. “I went to school here from I Group (Year 7) all the way through to Sixth Form” he recalls. After graduating, Connor returned for a one-day-a-week role immediately after leaving school for a year before pursuing his degree at the Central School of Speech and Drama where he studied his undergraduate degree in Drama, Applied Theatre, and Education. At its heart and unexpectedly, this course became majorly education focused. Fortunately, Connor found a love for education during his studies and this further encouraged him to pursue a career in teaching.
“I did my placement at St Chris and ended up staying on,” he explains. Initially assisting in boarding and contributing to the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival plays, Connor soon found himself immersed in teaching. Now, he teaches across the entire Senior School and Sixth Form, bringing his expertise and creativity to the classroom. He even noted that he enjoys his Sixth Form lessons the most as he perceives it as an opportunity to "learn from one another".
A Creative Approach to Drama
Connor’s teaching philosophy aligns perfectly with St Chris’s ethos of nurturing individuality. “I love teaching drama, especially at Key Stage 3,” he says. “There’s so much creativity involved. You can mould lessons to the students, thinking about what’s going to work for them.” This adaptability allows Connor to craft engaging, student-centred lessons that inspire a love of performance and storytelling.
Outside of the classroom, Connor has taken the lead in writing entries for the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival, a creative outlet he describes as “great fun.” His involvement has brought recognition and opportunities for students to showcase their talents at national competitions while also enabling Connor to use his skills from his degree, particularly writing, to create memorable pieces.
Sign Language: A Personal and Educational Connection
In addition to his work in drama, Connor runs the Sign Language Club in the Senior School on Thursdays. Sign language holds a special place in his heart, as it was his first language before receiving a hearing aid. Through this club, he shares his knowledge and passion with students, fostering a sense of inclusivity and communication beyond words.
Community and Individuality at St Chris
When asked what he loves most about St Chris, Connor highlights the school’s unique sense of community. “There’s a passion for learning and a real sense of belonging here,” he shares. “The informal atmosphere allows students to express themselves and develop as individuals without being pushed into a mould or feeling as though they have to conform.”
Therefore, it's no surprise that Connor was keen not to pigeonhole students into one category and describes them as wholly “individual and distinct,” a reflection of the school’s commitment to nurturing every child’s unique potential. “Students here are offered the opportunity to be more than they might be elsewhere; they have the opportunity to truly be themselves,” he explains.
Balancing Creativity and Organisation
While Connor thrives on the variety his role offers, he acknowledges the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities. From teaching and leading co-curricular activities to organising and aiding show-stopping performances, managing time effectively is a key part of his work. “It’s about prioritising and keeping most of my work within the workday,” he says with a smile.
Connor’s journey at St Chris exemplifies the school’s ethos of fostering creativity, individuality, and community. Whether in the drama studio, the Sign Language Club, or the broader school environment, Connor continues to inspire students to embrace their unique voices and talents. Connor is looking forward to taking up a one-month placement at a Senior state school in February before returning to St Chris. We wish him all the best in the next steps of his educational journey.