Old Oakhamian George Knight has joined Oakham School as a member of staff nearly two decades after leaving as a pupil.
George, who left in 2004, has joined the Lower School pastoral team, working as a Teaching, Learning and Pastoral Assistant, helping our youngest pupils inside and outside the classroom on a daily basis.
We caught up with George to find out more about his role at Oakham and his unique connection with the School.
What are your favourite memories of Oakham School as a pupil?
I joined Oakham School as a day pupil in Peterborough House (PH). I remember feeling terrified on my first day, but those nerves soon vanished. What an experience! The opportunities were overwhelming – such a variety of sports and subjects to learn. I received such a warm welcome from everyone and made great friends. I would do it all again in the blink of an eye.
What did you do after leaving Oakham School?
I always knew that I wanted to work in education, ever since I was a primary school pupil at Brooke Priory School. As a Year 6 prefect I used to go and read a story to the Foundation stage pupils when it was raining, and I knew then that I had found my vocation. After a couple of years at university, I came back to Oakham and through a connection I started working at Oakham Church of England Primary School initially on a voluntary basis and then working for many years as a Teaching Assistant. Whilst I was there, I gained an Early Years Degree and for 4 years co-ran the Foundation section.
What drew you back to Oakham School?
Having worked at Oakham C of E School for 17 years, I wanted a new challenge. I had always wanted to come back to Oakham School and when this opportunity came up, I didn’t hesitate to take it. The care and support I had received from my HMs and the other resident staff when I was an Oakham School pupil had had such a big impact on me that I wanted to pass on that experience to help and support a new generation of Oakhamians.
George in one of the PH Common Rooms where he used to spend time as a pupil
What is your favourite thing about Oakham School?
What I love most about Oakham School is the fact that although the campus has changed since I was a pupil, with new facilities such as BAFS Pavilion, the Wilson Auditorium and 1584 social space, the School feels just the same. There is still the same family feeling within the School and the same all-embracing education on offer to the pupils. I have so many connections with the School – my dad and brother were both at Oakham and my cousin’s daughter is also at Oakham School.
Please tell us more about your role. What does a typical day look like?
A typical day begins with me helping the Houses at Roll Call. I am then based in the J Corridor (the classrooms in the Jerwoods campus), ensuring that the Lower 1 and Form 1 pupils are ready for their lessons and providing some in-class support during lessons. I do different duties Out Back and in the Lower School Houses at break time and lunchtime and a Friday night duty in Hodges boarding. I also run a weekly Prep clinic on a Tuesday after lessons finish. Doing these varied duties in the Lower School means that I get to know the pupils really well and hope they know that I am another adult for them to talk to if they need help or have a problem.
What is your favourite part of Oakham School?
Seeing the children thrive both in class and on the sports field! I also really enjoy seeing the children taking time out in their Houses, taking time to relax within the busy Oakham School days. I can’t not mention lunchtime too! The food in the Barraclough is great, in particular school favourites such as burgers and rice pudding.
Who inspires you?
My first teacher in Reception at Brooke Priory School, Mrs Geary. Her lessons were so fun, and I remember that she would have us on the edge of our seats every day. When I was a pupil at Oakham, there were many teachers who inspired me, in particular Nigel Paddock who was my HM in Wharflands, John Wills who was my HM is School House and also coached me rugby in the 3rd/4th XV, Paul Nutter and Jim O’Kane who were my Business teachers – their teaching styles were very different but their lessons were great fun.
Tell us something that people don’t know about you.
I have been coached by 2003 World Cup winning Captain Martin Johnson whilst part of the senior squad at Oakham Rugby Club.
