Mrs Weston, an already beloved maths teacher, was previously, at Garnock Community Campus for one year. She has returned and is working with the Head of the Maths department, Mrs Cook and is working closely with other members of the department such as, Mr Clark and Mrs Payne. I caught up with her for a quick interview on her time here.
Q: How did you become a teacher?
A: When I left school I still had no idea what I really wanted to do for work/career. I spent many years exploring options like attending college to experience a Mechatronics based subject, working in supermarkets, electronic factories, office based work amongst many others. I decided I wanted more focus and completed an NC Additional Support Needs and an HNC Early Education and Childcare at college. I still felt there was something missing. I started working in a Secondary School as an Additional Support Needs assistant an instantly knew that the Secondary School environment was where I wanted to be. The idea of being a teacher of mathematics grew on me but I had no qualifications. My only option was to study part time with The Open University while I was working to gain my degree and I did this for eight years! I then attended Strathclyde University for a year to obtain my PGDE to then finally after a long, hard journey to become the Maths teacher I am today.
Q: What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
A: I am very proud of the young people that I teach every day, getting to know their personalities and characters. Being a teacher is a very rewarding career when you can see that you are making a difference to someone whether that involves them achieving great results in their education or seeing them flourish and grow into young adults as they prepare for world after school.
Q: What do you like to do to unwind when you are not in the classroom?
A: I really enjoy attending live music concerts and events. This can vary from dancing around to my favourite bands or watching darts at the Hydro in Glasgow, or toe-tapping to bands in smaller venues. Anyone who knows me will know that I love a good game of bingo too! I can also be found reading a book or colouring in.
Q: What do you love about being part of the Garnock community?
A: I have only been part of the Garnock Community for a short time; one full year last year then I left very briefly but grabbed the chance to come back when the opportunity came up. However, I already feel like I am part of something special at Garnock. Everyone I have been in contact with has been amazing – staff, pupils and parents. Working alongside the wider community and collaborating with the primary school last year made me realise that Garnock has a great opportunity to build the community feeling from a very young age and carry that all the way through until the leave school and beyond.
Q: What is one of your proudest moments?
A: First and foremost being a mum to two (not so young) children and having watched them grow into adults always put a smile on my face. Apart from that, one of my most proudest moments was on my Graduation Day after completing the hard, tiring, sometimes stressful journey of completing my degree. I was proud that I had a goal in mind and I didn’t give up, even though I could have so many times. I would like to say that having the support of every single person around me at the time made it more manageable so I always make sure not too be too proud, to be honest and always ask for help if I need it.
By Matthew Wright