Welcome To Reception 

An Interview With Mr Crouch

How long have you worked at Yanwath?

I am now going into my 8^th year of teaching at Yanwath. I started in my NQT year and have watched the school change and develop over the years and it has been fantastic.

What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

I have never actually had my own pet but I think if I was to get one, it would either be a dog (if we’re talking logical) or a dolphin if we’re not!

How do you spend your summer breaks?

I enjoy getting to update my classroom, creating exciting and interesting spaces for the children to come into in September. Once I’ve done this for a few days, I like to make the most of the summer and spend time with my friends and family, making sure I get lots of holidays, usually in the roasting Spanish sunshine!

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

I am obsessed with the Harry Potter franchise (The Goblet of Fire is my favourite) along with The Hunger Games franchise and the classics such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Book wise, I think it would have to be some picture books, such as the Julia Donaldson books (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom or Paper Dolls) and I love Elmer.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?

I have a passion for baking – cakes, deserts and bread in particular so I could be interested in opening up a café or a cake shop. I would love to also create some kind of cooking company that works with schools to improve food technology teaching too.

How do you show your school spirit?

I am the biggest advocate for our school, the children and our staff. I wear my Yanwath polo shirt with pride at sports events, I will spread the good news about our school to anyone who will listen and I throw myself wholeheartedly into each and every day.

In which other teacher’s class would you like to enrol, even for a day? Why?

I would love to spend a day in year 6 with Miss Peile because I think I would learn lots of writing techniques and more difficult maths!

What is the best thing about being a teacher?

Helping children to thrive. Igniting a love of learning and making things fun. Showing children that THEY matter. That light bulb moment when a child has struggled along with something and then BANG they get it and the fact you know you played a part in them getting it.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

If you could pass any wisdom on to your students, what would you share? Enjoy your school days – they will go so quick and in 10-15 years’ time you will be wishing you could turn back the clock! Enjoy the time you have to play with your friends, learn new things and to just enjoy the world around you.