Meet the teachers – The PE Department
7th January 21
What makes King Alfred School so special? Ask any of our students and they’ll say ‘the teachers’ – so we thought we’d peek behind the curtain again and find out a bit more about the teachers in trainers (or the PE Department as we like to call them).
Lauren Weston – Director of Sport
New to KAS this academic year, Lauren has enjoyed teaching PE for over 10 years, in a range of settings and with a wide number of age ranges from 2 (yes 2?!) to 18. She says, “After working as a Swimming Coach for five years at David Lloyd, my love for learning led me to train as a Secondary PE Teacher at the University of Birmingham where I also played competitive Water Polo. I later traded my polo costume for a wetsuit and a pink racing bike and became a member of Willesden Triathlon Club (WTC). As Social secretary at WTC my priority when competing has always been enjoyment, the medals come second!
If I had to pick one, Swimming is my favorite sport, and my favorite thing to teach. Either coaching an Elite squad, or teaching a 5 year old to take their first swimming stroke, I love anything aquatic based (indoor and outdoor) and the joy I see in others throughout their learning journey. Over the years I have coached high performing Netball teams, taken Cross Country runners to nationals and enjoyed learning to Moon Walk with Year 2’s! There isn’t a sport I dislike.”
Tom Franklin – Lower School Games Co-ordinator & PE Teacher
“I am currently in my 6th year at KAS teaching PE across all Key Stages, with a specific role of Lower School Games Coordinator. My favourite sport to play is football and I play 3-4 times a week for a local club in Hemel Hempstead. Before this I was playing in the 1st team at Bournemouth University where I studied a Sports Coaching degree. This has led to me to take charge of the football curriculum at KAS and provide many clubs, fixtures, and fun tournaments for the students. My proudest moment to date is raising the profile of girls’ football at KAS and witnessing students play at prestigious venues such as St George’s Park!
Aside from Football, my favourite sports to teach are Basketball, Handball and Fitness. Specifically, the Fitness unit of work has inspired me to widen my professional development and I am looking to get a Personal Training qualification soon.”
Claire Murphy – PE teacher and Head of Years 8&9
“I have been a member of the PE department for 25 years. In that time I think I have taught almost every sport you can imagine. When I started at KAS, I played Hockey for Hendon Ladies at South of England level. Now I coach Hendon Mill Hill ladies Hockey 1st and 2nd teams.
Hockey is my favourite sport, and not surprisingly, my favourite sport to teach. Over the years, I have rowed, sailed, surfed, kayaked and skied with KAS. Outdoor Education is a passion and I look forward to being part of future outdoor adventures.”
Henrietta Farr – PE teacher and Form Tutor
“I’m a Devon girl who was drawn to London by the KAS ethos and community feel. I originally come from Exeter, and went to school by the sea side so London living was a big, but fun and interesting, change. I have always played a range of sports, but university solidified my love of Netball which soon became my main sport.
During my time at KAS I have taught and trained many netball teams on cold winter evenings, loving the enthusiasm that the King Alfred pupils bring to every session. I have also been lucky enough to go on several of the trips run by school, including the skiing and surfing camps which are extremely worthwhile!
With new members joining the PE team, it is a very exciting year and I look forward to learning and developing as a Department even further.”
Aarun Woodhouse – Graduate Sports Assistant
Aarun has recently joined KAS, but had previously worked for the Highland games in 2008, coaching sport to many of the students at the time. Working in schools around Barnet and the surrounding boroughs, Aarun loves the variety that teaching Physical Education brings and finding out what sports the students are passionate about.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing sports including Football and Golf. Away from the teaching environment Aarun has also worked at major sporting events like the FA Cup final and England international football matches where he waves flags pitch side.
