Former pupil Lucas, who left Kingham Hill in 2024, returned to school this term to gain work experience as part of his journey towards a career in teaching.
Now studying for a degree that requires classroom experience, Lucas spent time back on the Hill observing lessons and working alongside staff. The placement offered a unique opportunity to see teaching from a different perspective, having once been a pupil in the same classrooms.
Reflecting on his time at Kingham Hill, Lucas highlighted the strong relationships between pupils and staff as one of the school’s defining strengths. Small class sizes, he explained, created a more supportive and engaging learning environment, allowing pupils to build confidence and feel heard.
“It’s much easier to connect with teachers here,” he said. “With smaller classes, you can really take part and build relationships, it makes a big difference to learning.”
Lucas also spoke about the sense of community fostered through both day and boarding life. Living and learning alongside pupils from a wide range of backgrounds helped him develop lasting friendships and a broader global perspective.
“You meet people from all over the world,” he reflected. “Those friendships stay with you — it becomes a big part of your life.”
During his time in the Sixth Form, Lucas studied through Kingham Hill’s American Program, which he described as a distinctive and valuable experience. The structure of the Program, combined with small class sizes, allowed for a more personalised approach to learning compared to larger classrooms elsewhere.
Returning to the school in a professional capacity has also given him insight into the skills required to become an effective teacher. “The experience has helped me see what it takes to be a good teacher, and how to connect with pupils and create a positive atmosphere in the classroom,” he said.
Lucas also credited his time at Kingham Hill with helping him grow in confidence, particularly in communication, an essential skill for his future career.
“I don’t think I would have considered teaching before coming here,” he added. “But the school helped me become more confident speaking to people, and that opens up so many opportunities.”
Staff welcomed him back warmly, noting the value of seeing former pupils return and build on the skills they developed during their time at the school.