OV ‘Gappies’

Every year, the three schools across the King’s Foundation welcome a select number of Gap Year Students, affectionately known as ‘Gappies’, who are either pre- or post-university. These students support across all departments and also help with Sports. It is a credit to King’s that there are usually a number of OVs included in the ‘Gappy’ roster and we caught up with this year’s cohort to see how they’re getting along:

Sophie Atkins (Ca 20-22): General GAP
“I split my time between King’s Hawford and the Senior School, and it has been really lovely spending time with such a variety of ages! At King’s Hawford I support the Kindergarten in their day to day activities, and this has inspired me to consider teaching at a primary school level.

“At the Senior School I work to support the Lower Years, both on the playground and during their lessons, in particular supporting the Drama department. I also get to spend some time in Learning Skills, understanding how best to support all pupils within School.

“Coming back to school has been really wonderful, although it has been strange now seeing the teachers as colleagues! I have really enjoyed my time as a GAP Student, and am looking forward to using the experience going forward to my degree.”

Sophie Carter (Br 11-18): Foundation GAP
“I am lucky enough to get the chance to support the School in two different aspects: with the Lower Years and in the Alumni office.

“At the beginning of the week I can be spotted on the playground during break time, and in the Late Room after school, helping out with homework. As I studied Classics at university, I also support Latin and Classics lessons across the Lower Years. I get the opportunity to help out in Ancient Greek club as well, which I love!

“When I’m not with the pupils I can be found in Hostel House with the Alumni team, supporting with research, general admin, and helping out at OV events. Every day is different, and I often help out in different offices and give tours of the School to both old and new pupils!

“I have really loved the opportunity to support pupils both pastorally and academically, and the chance to see the School within classrooms and behind the scenes has really inspired me to look at teaching at a senior level going forward! I have also really enjoyed reconnecting with the OV network and helping it develop even further.”

Emily Diaz (Os 15-22 and King’s St Alban’s): Sports and DMR GAP
“As the Design, Media and Reprographics GAP, I support members of staff with their work, for example printing documents or making booklets for their classes; as a Sports GAP I assist the games staff with PE, games lessons, after-school clubs and Saturday matches. During my week I switch between helping King’s St Alban’s and the Senior School.

“It’s definitely very strange being back, walking round school and not seeing any of my friends; however, I’m in familiar surroundings filled with familiar people, so it has been nice. This job has also worked in my favour, as the coaching aspect of the job links nicely with what I plan to do next year and during my time at university: Sport Science and Coaching.

“I think my favourite thing about working at King’s has to be watching the girls I teach improve and succeed during training and in fixtures.”

Charles Pillman (W 15-22 and King’s St Alban’s): Sports and Marketing GAP
“I spend the mornings with the Marketing Team, doing all sorts of things, although an ordinary day would involve writing news articles and taking pictures around school. I started with little knowledge on any Marketing, digital or otherwise, but I have enjoyed learning along the way. In the afternoons I go over the road and help out with Junior School Games; I have enjoyed this immensely. The opportunity to be part of the King’s St Alban’s coaching team has been invaluable, and I hope that I have been able to pass on my love of sports to our pupils. A GAP role at King’s is one that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone taking a year out. It has, thus far, been a fantastic experience.”

Arthur Tunnicliffe (Br 15-22 and King’s Hawford): Sports GAP at  King’s Hawford
“In the mornings I help out with King’s Hawford’s Kindergarten, and then during the afternoons I spend my time with a variety of year groups, supporting their games lessons. One of my favourite things about my role has to be being able to spend so much time outside, and as an old 1st Team Rugby player I love being able to share my love of sport with the younger pupils! It has been great to remain part of the King’s family and return to King’s Hawford, this time as a member of staff; everyone has been so welcoming and incredibly patient!”