ECS is a School where people matter. We are a happy and purposeful community. Our annual GAP Tutor programme is an opportunity for School Leavers to join our Community, contribute widely to School life, and become an integral part of our staff team.
This week, we caught up with our current GAP Tutors: Chelsea (who joins us from Australia), Alice and Jack (who both went to Blundell’s School), to discover more about their experiences at ECS…
Why did you choose to join ECS as a GAP Tutor this year?
Chelsea: I chose ECS because after finishing school I was looking for an adventure and coming to ECS provided a steppingstone to achieve this dream. It is great working and living onsite and provides a supportive environment to step into the working world.
Jack: I joined ECS because of the amazing reputation and I knew that it would be a great experience before I went to university.
What has been your favourite thing about being a GAP Tutor at ECS?
Chelsea: It is hard to pinpoint one thing…I think we are so lucky to have such a high quality of staff here at ECS. All my colleagues are so lovely and make living so far from home easier. I also love the relationships you form with the kids, especially in the boarding house.
Alice: Over the year I have worked with every year group at ECS, and my favourite is working in the nursery with all the young children. Working, helping, and playing with them has become so rewarding for me.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining ECS as a GAP Tutor?
Alice: Get involved and enjoy it, don’t be nervous about doing the wrong thing, just give everything a try because the time flies by and the best experience is when you have tried really hard to get to know the children.
Chelsea: Go for it! If you’re up for a challenge, new experiences and getting to know new people then why not! It’s a great way to spend a GAP year and gives you enough freedom to be able to earn money and travel and experience Devon at the same time.
In what ways do you feel the ECS GAP Programme has prepared you for your next steps?
Jack: It’s given me the experience needed to teach games because that is what I’m going to do at university, and it has taught me to cook and clean properly which will be much needed for later life!
Alice: I feel I have grown in confidence and working alongside teachers who have been in schools for years has developed many core values. The experience as been truly eye opening. Next year I am going to university so living away from home for the first time has also prepared me for next year.
If you could describe ECS in 3 words, what would they be?
Chelsea: Caring, joyous and full of variation!
Alice: Welcoming, fun, amazing!
Jack: Dedicated teachers, Great leadership, and hard-working pupils!
Thank you to Chelsea, Alice and Jack for their insightful answers!
If you are interested in finding out more about life as a GAP and whether it might be the right next step for you, check out our current vacancies on our website or contact [email protected].
