Briefly describe your career (teaching or otherwise) to date.

I’ve taught at 2 schools before Kennedy House. The first was in London where I started as a cover teacher and stayed for 5 years, settling into Year 1 where my love for this year group began. I have also taught in a special needs school in Rondebosch, Cape Town for 2 years.

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Why did you choose teaching as a career and what do you try to instil in your pupils?

I studied Teaching because a careers advisor suggested it. After qualifying completing my teaching qualifications, I went to the UK and worked for a while for an insurance company in London before a friend asked me to come and work at his school as a cover teacher for a day. I fell in love with the teaching and the creative way of delivering the UK curriculum and luckily, they felt it suited me and the rest is history!

I enjoy watching children grow in maturity, independence and creativity and I love seeing the look on their faces when they realise they can in fact read and write.

 

Apart from your classroom teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?

I take aerobics classes, Art (fabric painting) lessons, Cooking Club, swimming, Outdoor Adventure Club, and also help out with school productions.

 

In your opinion, what makes Kennedy House special?

The pupils are allowed to be children and the way in which they all play with each other and look after each other. Also, the respect and relationships between children and teachers at Kennedy House is special, as is the children’s eagerness to learn.

 

Who or what inspires you?

Children who surprise me by achieving more than I thought they could, particularly if this shows a previously hidden creative flair.

 

Tell us something that not a lot of people know about you.

I use to be a bit of a fan of the British royals. I have been to a Commonwealth Garden Party at Buckingham Palace where I shook Prince Charles and Camilla’s hand. I also camped outside the Palace the night before William and Kate got married – I have photos to prove it!

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maruschka.maree@kennedyhouseschool.org

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