Hi there, I’m Rachel Higginson. I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer and spent my younger years wanting to be an actress. However, after doing a Theatre degree I realised this was unlikely to be the reality and so I enrolled on a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education). On my first day I sat in front of a year one class to read a story and realised I had stumbled upon my true vocation. As I closed the book and looked at those gorgeous little faces I felt tears roll down my cheeks, this was it. I loved teaching.
I moved up the ranks and qualified as a headteacher but I was very uncomfortable with the overemphasis on ‘levels’ and ‘achievements’, confused around how little people could be categorised in such a crude manner. On returning from maternity leave I had three significant incidents. Firstly, I moved into the Early Years which I loved. Little people on their own little journeys with adults standing alongside subtly supporting and developing…amazing! Secondly, I began a professional journey to write a curriculum for a new school. Thirdly I began working as an education consultant for Redan.
All of these incidents supported me to form a different view of education and my role within it. I now work as an independent Education Consultant supporting the development of a more holistic, fair and fulfilling education system.
First and foremost, I am a mummy. I have an 11-year-old girl, who’s a beautiful free spirit, a creative, crazy 9-year-old who’s got more energy than the entire planet and my wonderful 21-year-old step son who is a healthy combination of the younger two. My husband is organised, likes routine and is an exercise freak. And me? Well, I like every day to be different, enjoy chaos, love to be outdoors and am obsessed with making kids’ lives happier.
I hope in writing these blogs as an educator and a mummy, that I have some experience, ideas and solidarity I can offer you. If there is anything you’d like me to blog about do add a note in the comments, it’s your space as much as it’s mine.
Can’t wait to get started,
Rachel x
Images: © Rachel Higginson
