Mr Johnson

Role at MBS Sixth Form: Teacher of Latin & Classics and Form Tutor for 12B

Since: September 2020

What inspired you to go into teaching?

I always loved going to school but thought once I left I would never be back. At school I had imagined myself working in a big corporation, as a lawyer or a banker etc. When I got to university, my outlook on life started to change, as did my priorities. I helped at a summer school and saw how youthful and happy the older teachers were and figured I should consider teaching. I gave it a go and got a real sense of disappointment when the lesson went poorly and sense of fulfilment when the lessons went well - I knew then that teaching was a job that I really cared about.

What attracted you to work at MBS?

I wanted to work in central London and teach in a small department. I had trained in an all girls school and knew that I didn't want to work in that setting. Having grown up in the countryside, I wanted to teach in a school that was far outside my own experiences, so when the MBS job came up, it ticked all my boxes.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I love getting to teach both Latin and Classics at all different levels in school, from those starting the subject in Y7 to the students preparing for their A-levels in Y13. The staff here are also great fun to work with.

What achievement are you most proud of?

This is a hard question to answer. I don't think I realised it until my graduation day (which was a few months after I finished my degree) but achieving my degree was one of my proudest moments. It was the culmination of many years of working hard at school and then four years at university. The sun shone, everyone was dressed up, my close family and friends were there - a pretty perfect day.

Why should a student choose your subject at A Level?

For Classical Civilisation, I think the stories are just so good and the classical world is so interesting. There's such a range of material covered in the course and the classical world has something for everyone. Latin gives the student the opportunity to read some of the great Latin literature that has been studied continuously for the past 2000 years. Stories, poems, and history that has interested people for that long must surely be worth reading.

What book or film inspired you?

'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt. This gripping read set in a small American university will make anyone want to study Classics at University. One of my favourite books!

What words of wisdom would you give your 17-year-old self?

Focus on the things you enjoy and pursue them. Take advantage of every opportunity and allow your life plan to be flexible - the image you have of your future self is likely to change as your outlook on life changes.

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