'My favourite teacher' - in the words of a year 10 student

'My favourite teacher'

We recently had Saul, a year 10 student, join us in the IRIS Connect office for a week of work experience.

Whilst he was here, we asked Saul about his favourite teachers and what he thinks makes a teacher great.

Here's what he had to say...

"I have two different favourite teachers for two very different reasons,’ explained Saul. ‘I like my Business Studies teacher because he knows a lot about the subject, is a confident speaker and a good helper to the whole class.I also like him because he organises really good school trips. We recently went to Thorpe Park to learn about how they run their business and test their rides."

Saul couldn’t resist adding that he also enjoys his Business Studies lessons because students are allowed to listen to music to help them concentrate whilst they work.

"My other favourite teacher is my History teacher. He’s really informative and teaches in an interesting way. He is firm but not strict and makes sure that you are always listening by asking you a question about what he has been talking about at any point. He is passionate about his work and checks and marks every book frequently."

We asked Saul what his favourite lesson had been this year, to which he knew the answer straight away:

"My first History lesson of the school year when my teacher showed WWII as an arm wrestle with nations changing sides to show the shifting balance. It was funny to watch but also showed which nations were on each side and how they changed sides as the war progressed."

Saul said he remembers this lesson in particular because it was engaging but also educational - he felt like he was having fun but learning at the same time.

In his own words, Saul thinks it’s important for a teacher to be "strict, firm and disciplined, but also assertive, helpful and informative to the students."

Who was your favourite teacher at school? Is there a particular lesson that has stuck in your memory?