Lucy's career began when, after leaving school, she worked in a day nursery while studying childcare at college.
Since the very beginning of her career, Lucy has been with St Chris, joining the Monte (Nursery) here after working at the day nursery. She worked in the Monte for five years, expanding her work to include some of the Junior School also. Now, having worked across every year group in the Junior School, Lucy has progressed to be an integral member of our staff team and an absolutely fantastic Teaching Assistant. Growing up in Hitchin and attending Hitchin Girls' School, Lucy got into teaching because she's "always loved working with children to give them the best learning opportunities, and caring for them to embrace their journey forwards in life".
Day-to-day, Lucy works with students in class, particularly in helping with subject-specific learning. "Maths is my particular strength," she said confidently. Lucy helps students with a plethora of different learning activities, depending on the student's requirements. She also supports with our Wraparound Care programme, working a range of hours between 8am and 6pm.
Lucy mentioned that seeing what you teach students and "how they carry it forward" is the most rewarding aspect of her role, and she said that "at St Chris, we encourage the children to develop their own individuality" to the point that they are confident in themselves in an environment that "embraces that and guides them along the path that is right for them".
Amongst everything she does, Lucy looks forward to "helping children, particularly those who learn in a different style and have hit blocks in their previous school. We find ways around that so that we can help them learn in the way that is right for them."
"I also really enjoy the co-curricular activities we do here at St Chris; I look after the sign language, knitting, and pompom clubs, and I've also helped with the Animal Care Club in the Junior School. I think our co-curricular programme really brings out the best aspects of our students. The residential trips for students aged 8 and above are great ways to inspire children to continue their learning experiences and develop their independence."
"For anyone looking to be a Teaching Assistant, I'd advise that they let students be their teacher and learn from them. Let learning be a two-way thing so that you get students to exercise what they have learned. That way they put their learning into practice".