Emily Fraser, Probationer Teacher of PE at Robert Gordon’s College has been awarded GTCS Probationer of the year for the Independent Sector at a national awards ceremony in Edinburgh.
Emily shared: “It is a huge honour to receive this award and there is something extra special about it having been awarded during my probation year at being at Robert Gordon’s College - my secondary school for three years. I can honestly say I have loved every minute of this year and although I know Gordon’s is a great school as a pupil, coming back as a staff member really makes you appreciate how special it truly is. The small class sizes and extracurricular opportunities allow you to develop relationships with your pupils that are second to none and looking back, I now appreciate the benefits this gave us as pupils.
“Although my passion at school had always been a sport, I studied Geography and Geology at university. After graduating I knew that I wanted to work in sport and with children. I have been fortunate to play hockey and netball at international level for Scotland over the years and this led me, through various contacts, into working with children of all ages and helping them to develop, participate and enjoy all types of sporting activity. In 2014 I studied for a further 4 years to become a qualified PE teacher and it was the best decision I ever made. I keep trying to encourage my current pupils to select subjects or make University choices based on something they love and are passionate about because fundamentally they want to be happy."
Stacey Stewart, head of PE said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Emily and Robert Gordon’s College. Emily is an outstanding practitioner who always goes the extra mile for her pupils. The energy that she brings to the department is an absolute joy. Her lessons are innovative and her ability to engage all children is a real credit to her planning and personality. I had the pleasure of teaching Emily at Robert Gordon’s College. She won the Michael MacLeod Sports Prize in 2010, for her huge contribution to school sport and was an energetic and inspiring member of the school for our younger pupils. She has representative honours in Hockey and Netball and this has provided her with the toolkit to push our most able athletes. Steph Munro, Assistant Head of PE, has been mentoring Emily every step of the way. Their bond and ability to collaborate ideas has been a positive professional learning experience for both of them. Emily is an inspiring teacher with a very exciting future ahead of her.”
Emily added: “My husband has a new position which will see us move to Australia for one year in August. We are both very excited and I am hoping to gain some international teaching experience during that period. Robert Gordon’s College has equipped me with skills this year that I will carry with me for the rest of my career and as a place, it will always hold a special place in my heart in more ways than one.”
Emily, Class of ‘10 enjoyed sport at school with a clear talent for Netball and Hockey. Throughout her university studies at Glasgow - Geography and Geology and then Stirling - Physical Education she continued to support the development of the next generation of netball and hockey players at Robert Gordon's College which has seen some follow in her footsteps representing their country.
The General Teaching Council for Scotland hosts the annual National Probationer Event to celebrate the work of probationer teachers on the Teacher Induction Scheme across Scotland.
Emily Fraser