AS a new academic year gets under way at Elleray, the preparatory division of Windermere School, one ex pupil is back in the classroom as a newly qualified teacher.

Adam Whitehead, who attended the Senior School between 2005 and 2012, is now a form tutor teaching maths and English to the Year 4 class. He also teaches science, humanities, computing, drama and adventurous learning to Year 3 pupils.

Julie King, Head of Elleray said: “We are lucky to have Adam, he's a great addition to the staff team. As Adam came through school he is also a real advocate for adventurous learning, which is central to our ethos. It means pushing the boundaries of how our students learn and regularly taking education outside of the classroom and into our amazing local environment, whether that is the School grounds or the wider area”.

Adam, who is 25-year-old, lives in Kendal and went to Keele University to study criminology after leaving Windermere School. Part-time work at his old school led to a two year placement, where he was supported to gain his teaching qualification, and then offered a job.

“I thought it would be strange coming back,” explained Adam, “but it is such a warm and caring school it has always felt right.

“It is a big part of my childhood and it feels amazing to be giving something back. The Elleray grounds are fantastic and we have an outdoor classroom right on our doorstep,” said Adam.

As well as getting children ready for an increasingly electronic world Adam hopes to get more involved with the PE department and the development of young hockey players. Outside of school, Adam has progressed from the junior section of the Windermere Hockey Club to current captain of the men’s first team.

“The best thing about teaching is giving children opportunities to learn for themselves,” Adam added.

“I will be encouraging pupils to make choices that stretch their own learning, rather than relying on others. We will discuss current affairs, to give their learning context, and inspire them to move forward. The children who come to Elleray leave with a fantastic ability to talk to adults and have good conversations without being shy,” said Adam.