Laura Parkes
Teacher - P.E.
I studied for both my degree as well as my PGCE in Physical Education at Sheffield Hallam University before beginning my teaching career at New Hall School in Chelmsford, Essex an independent girl's school. I taught here for two and a half years, during which time it went through extensive restructuring both whole school and within the PE Department. Going from a girls only 11-18 school to a co-educational environment where boys and girls were taught separately from Year 7-11 and then mixed in the Sixth form. It was here that I was able to develop my subject knowledge in PE, taking on new courses such as AS and A Level PE, whilst developing my teaching skills in a variety of practical sports. I was in charge of Netball at the school and ran six teams across the age groups. In addition to this I organized all of the girls' sports fixtures throughout the school year and planned their first ever ski trip for 40 girls, now a permanent fixture on their calendar.
After leaving New Hall, I took on a new challenge before moving to Chicago and worked for Disney Cruise Line. Working in the Youth Activities department cruising the Bahamas and working with children aged predominantly 2-7. This new challenge provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me.
I am now going into my fifth year of teaching and my second year at BSC. This year I have taken on the role of Year 7 Leader. This is a role that I am really looking forward to and continuing to develop my pastoral skills. I am looking forward to seeing the pupils outside of PE and working with my team of form tutors. In addition to this I am pleased to be continuing with a strong PE programme and extending our curriculum and extra-curricular activities as well as continuing to work hard in the CAMS League in addition to playing some other schools outside the league.
I love living in such a vibrant city and have enjoyed meeting new people and taking on new challenges here, such as joining the Chicago Force, a women's tackle football team!