SPOTLIGHT – KATE HARKER
The Spotlight shines on Kate Harker, our organised Deputy Head of Sixth Form.
Kate grew up in Bath before completing her undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes. She then trained to become a teacher at the Institute of Education in London, living there for six years and working as both a teacher of history and a Head of Department. Kate then moved to Singapore for three years, teaching at a large international school and enjoying all the food and travel opportunities that this part of the world offered. It was here that she began a part-time Master’s in Education at the University of Bath, which she has finally managed to finish this year! Upon returning to the UK in 2020, Kate eventually settled in Warminster where she now lives with her husband, two young boys – who attend the Prep School and Courtyard Nursery – and loveable but slightly hopeless Singapore rescue dog Winnie.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
This is my third year here.
Describe a typical day at Warminster?
It starts with my Upper Sixth tutor group, followed by a lot of history teaching! I teach the full range of year groups in the senior school, so I am often flying from the Battle of Hastings to the US Civil Rights Movement and back again.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The Community. The staff here are really special and do a brilliant job of making pupils and colleagues feel welcome. I also still often pinch myself when I walk through the grounds in the morning at just how beautiful the buildings are and how rich the history of the school is!
What do you enjoy about working with our Sixth Formers?
Their diversity. I really enjoy building relationships with pupils from a wide range of backgrounds who have such different ambitions. No two conversations I have are the same and I enjoy playing a small role in supporting their final years at school and helping them prepare for the next step in their lives.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
Assistant chef. I honestly have no idea how they prepare so much food every day and would love to see the kitchen in action!
What would surprise us about you?
I am a published author! I have written two textbooks, one for GCSE history and the other for the IB.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
An Olympic athlete or a journalist.
What did your school reports say about you?
A little bit of a class clown; well-meaning but definitely on the talkative side.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Worry less about other people and their goals and focus on yourself. I wish I had worked harder in school and prioritised working out what I wanted to achieve rather than what my friends were doing.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
Choose kind.
Any hidden ambitions still to achieve?
To run a sub 1:45 half, which is sadly a long way away at the moment!
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
I would be fine as long as my family and dog made it out.
Biggest bugbear?
Litter! I detest when people drop it in the street.
Favourite musician/group?
Oh gosh this is hard. If I can change the question my favourite song is ‘Above the clouds of Pompeii’ by Bear’s Den.
Guilty pleasure?
Chocolate…and red wine.
What is your MasterChef signature dish?
In all honesty it’s my husband that does the lion’s share of the cooking, however, I do enjoy making desserts and create a pretty mean sticky toffee pudding.
Favourite TV programme?
Ted Lasso
Last book you read?
Bury my heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.
Last movie watched?
At the cinema? Despicable me 4…
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Probably Miranda Hart!
Favourite tipple?
At this time of year a Malbec or Pinot Noir.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
Goodness these questions are hard! Of the cities I have visited Tokyo stands out as one where I really wanted to stay longer, it was fantastic.
Which school Insta account would you recommend?
Townroelodge for all things Sixth Form!