The High School Low Down with...Mrs Foster

Mrs Sally Foster is a Class Teacher in our Junior School, currently teaching Junior 4. She first started at the High School in session 2008/2009 and she’s been instrumental in the roll out of digital platform Seesaw.

With home schooling forming a large part of 2020 and some of 2021, the value of Seesaw was evident with pupils, parents and staff benefitting hugely from this engaging, child-friendly platform. Seesaw is at the heart of the Junior School curriculum with many benefits including how easy it is to share progress with parents, it encourages discussion around the dinner table and enriches learning both in the classroom and at home.

Find out more about our Seesaw Certified Educator, Mrs Foster below!

...

Give us the low down: what was your path to the High School?

Teaching is in my blood: my mum, uncle and aunt are all teachers. Growing up, I was determined not to become a teacher too and so I studied French at St Andrews. However, as part of my degree, I lived in Quebec for a year, teaching English at a Primary School. This experience highlighted to me that I had to become a teacher!

After my degree I did my teacher training at Jordanhill, I then worked at Stewart’s Melville before joining the High School.

When did you know teaching was your calling?

As I mentioned above, my year of teaching in Quebec was the lightbulb moment for me. I found helping pupils to learn new things to be such a rewarding experience. That moment when the penny drops for a pupil and you see them mastering a subject and gaining new skills is really special.

Tell us your biggest highlight at the High School so far?

I love the residential trips we take Junior 5 and Junior 6 on. I’ve been to Newlands, the outdoor education centre in the Lake District, a number of times with Junior 6 and each time it is a fantastic experience. It’s lovely to see the pupils in a different light and vice versa.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Enthusiastic, encouraging and optimistic.

If you could take one movie or song to a desert island, what would it be?

I would take 'Dignity' by Deacon Blue, I could listen to it every day and never be bored, it’s an uplifting song!

Who or what inspires you most?

My mum and dad are a huge influence on my life and I want to make them proud. I also try to be the best role model I can be for my son and the pupils in my class.

What’s one thing you hope to never forget?

I hope to never forget how hard it is to learn something new. I regularly learn new things so I am put in the same position as our young learners and I’m easily able to empathise when they are faced with the unknown.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

And finally, give us your low down of the High School

The High School is the school I wish I’d gone to. It’s such a warm and welcoming environment, the staff and facilities are fantastic and there are so many opportunities.