Harry Jacks (Science Teacher)

Name: Harry Jacks

Subject: Natural Sciences [Geography/ Biology] BSc (hons) 2.1

Year Graduated: 2015

College: Grizedale

Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am currently living and working in Blackpool as a Science Teacher. I trained to be a teacher through the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. Teach First is a charity which places top graduates into area of poverty or deprivation, where they really need teachers. The school I work at is very challenging, and has many students who are from low-income backgrounds. I find the job incredibly rewarding- I really feel like I am making a difference to the students’ lives, in both a pastoral and academic sense. Part time, I am also studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Manchester.

What would you like to do next?
I have just been offered a permanent position as a teacher at my school, and extra responsibility in charge of engaging with and making sure the ‘More Able’ pupils reach their full potential. I plan on working my way up the teaching career ladder, to head of department in the next few years and later into a deputy head or head teacher role.

Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?
Lancaster has a fantastic collegiate system, which was a big pull for me. Lots of little communities within a larger community. I was also very keen on the campus, the city and being very close the beach and lake district.

What was your favourite part of your degree and why?
The course was excellent- very flexible and let me study a wide range of science modules. One day I’m lectures about globalisation and orientalism, the next minute I’m looking at the ecology and chemical makeup of lakes and rivers.

How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?
My degree gave me a depth of scientific knowledge and helped to ignite my passion in the sciences. I now share this passion with students on a day to day basis. It also provided me with analytical skills, as well as developing my essay writing and presentation skills; this has proved useful not only on my job, but in the currents studies for my masters.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster?
I was heavily involved with LUSU whilst at university, working at the shops on campus and representing my college on the JCR as Vice President and in my final year as President. Being on the JCR was a great experience for me, as it helped me build my confidence and build up my skills in time management and planning of events. Socially, it was great fun, and I was involved in organising Extravs and Fresher week activities.

You can connect with Harry on LinkedIn.