Naomi Robson

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Teach First / All Saints Academy Plymouth

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

In the year after I graduated, I worked as a Pastoral Assistant in an independent boarding school, primarily having a pastoral role in the boarding house, in addition to coaching sport and completing boarding duties. I gained a place on the Teach First Leadership Development Programme, and have completed my five week training before starting as an English teacher in September. I will be completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Education whilst teaching full time in a school that has a high proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose to begin my career in education, and now with Teach First, because I am passionate that all children, regardless of background, should have an equal opportunity to an excellent education. I specifically chose Teach First because it combines teaching with leadership.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

Exeter University Officer Training Corps, Exeter University Boat Club, Exeter University Triathlon Club, Politics Society and Evangelical Christian Union.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I particularly enjoyed two of my third year modules: ‘Understanding Civil War’ and ‘ Disrupting Western Hegemony’, and one of my second year modules on the psychology of decision making in foreign policy. My highlight was learning more about why conflict takes place, especially looking at Social Identity Theory, and the psychology behind the decisions of leaders, but also the divisions between groups.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The teaching was outstanding and the modules offered were interesting, well-taught and relevant.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose Exeter because of the quality and interesting nature of modules offered by the Politics department. I also thought that Exeter encouraged a very good balance of study/life.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Learning how to think critically, debating skills, presentation skills, the ability to condense information succinctly.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Have a clear reason of why you want to teach – there are jobs where you don’t work as hard and earn more money, but I would argue teaching, especially Teach First, is one of the most rewarding careers out there.

What are your plans for the future?

I will complete the two year Teach First Leadership Development Programme, and then I would like to either pursue a role in government, strategy consultancy or continue to progress to a leadership role in the education sector.