"School is the best time of your life and you don’t realise that until it is over. Take advantage of every opportunity you get as you don’t realise how lucky you are to be able to try new things." 

Name: Hannah Gilfoyle

Studied at CHS: 2003 - 2008

Current Role: Teacher

What are your memories of CHS?:

I was a student at CHS from 2003-2008 then I attended sixth form from 2008-2010. I studied A-Level Media, ICT and English Language.

I absolutely loved my time at CHS and had so many wonderful teachers, lessons and memories. I 100% believe that my memorable time at school is what lead me to become a teacher myself. 

The teachers I remember fondly are Mrs Brookes, the media teacher, especially, Mrs Sanders was my form tutor and she really believed in me and Mrs Dearnaley for also believing in me and pushing me to be my very best!

Route after CHS:

When I left CHS I went to study a B.Ed in General Primary Education at the University of Chester. I qualified in 2014 and have been teaching locally in Cheshire ever since. During my time at university I was able to spend a summer working at Camp America, working as a leader at a summer camp for homeless and underprivileged children in New York City.

I never really knew what I wanted to do career wise while I was at school, I switched between a few things but always came back to teaching. I think my positive relationships with my teachers and seeing how learning and education can change your life really inspired my career path. I also have to thank a lot of my teachers at CHS for believing in me that I could and should become a teacher as their positive words really pushed me to become the best I could be.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could speak to my school girl self now, my advice would be to try harder but to also enjoy it more. School is the best time of your life and you don’t realise that until it is over. Take advantage of every opportunity you get as you don’t realise how lucky you are to be able to try new things. 

Photos:

  • In Year 11, 2008, at CHS completing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
  • Working as a Unit Leader at Camp Lanowa in New York City in 2013.
  • Graduating from the University of Chester in 2014 with a B.Ed in General Primary Education
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