L Pope

Where did you go to university/ college and what did you study? 

Being bred and born in our fine city, I studied at the University of East Anglia. Graduating in 2020 with a BA in Literature and History I then completed my PGCE specialising in teaching English in 2022. 

Why did you want to be a teacher?

Like most young people, I had lofty aspirations of being some 'famous'. I wasn't sure if this meant I was born to be on the stage or like Gordon Ramsay as someone who has always loved food. It wasn't until I hit my GCSE years that I began to take an interest in teaching. I loved, and still do love, learning. I looked at the passion, time, and dedication my teachers put into making me successful in year 11, and at KS5 and thought "I want to do what they do."

What do you like about UTCN and your job?

UTCN's offer amalgamates what a lot of traditional schools do, and what Norfolk needs to fill its current skills gap. When I was invited to tour the school ahead of my interview in 2022, I was impressed by the cohesiveness of the team and the students' commitment to their education. I knew from the moment I walked through those doors to the building that this was the place where I wanted to work. 

What do you do to relax? What are your interests?

I'm not entirely sure I know how to relax. I dedicate a lot of my spare time to reading, watching TV (I LOVE a good documentary), and playing the PlayStation.