Romain Pourre

Role at MBS Sixth Form: Head of Ancient and Modern Foreign Languages

Since: September 2016

What inspired you to go into teaching?

Before training to be a teacher, I worked as a languages assistant in two very different schools in Central London. What inspired me the most was seeing how enthusiastic young people became when they started realising that speaking French is not as hard as we imagine - especially when we put in the work! Witnessing great potential in youngsters made me want to take part in their understanding of other cultures and teaching my language was just an evident path.

What attracted you to work at MBS?

MBS was a new and expanding school when I applied. I was excited to shape the future of an institution that has now become very successful. The vision and ethos set by the Senior Leaders and the Governors were fully aligned with what I think education is all about: application and hard work.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is that I spend each day with dedicated and supportive colleagues who work tirelessly for the benefit of every single child in the school. I am lucky to lead a very inspiring faculty made up of teachers who are role models in everything they do, are trustworthy and hard working - they make my life so much easier!

What achievement are you most proud of?

Moving from France ten years ago and settling in London is what I am most proud of. Some of my family members have never travelled away from metropolitan France and they sometimes remind me that it does take a lot of work to undertake such a drastic journey and making a name for yourself!

Why should a student choose your subject at A Level?

For French and Spanish, it is clear that mastering a language is one of the most useful skills a young person can develop. In terms of employability, being able to speak several languages is a real asset. You will get to experience the culture of other countries but will also be able to understand the world better. You will also build confidence in public speaking and will become more assertive.

What book or film inspired you?

So many French books and films have inspired me. Growing up in France and being exposed to French culture, I was lucky to read influential books that would shape the way I see the world - especially 'Les Pensées' from Blaise Pascal, a French philosopher who wrote casual notes about life and what it means to be alive.

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

Trust the process and surround yourself with people who you look up to.

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