Meet Roopa: Head of School - Staplehurst

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Roopa Sharma is the Head of School at our Staplehurst hospital school. We caught up with Roopa to find out more about her role and about the Staplehurst School.

 

Hi Roopa! Please tell us about yourself and your role at TRS?

Staplehurst is our inpatient school, where I’ve worked for over 10 years now with various responsibilities, including Teacher of Options, Management of Reintegration and Senior Teacher Coordinator.

I feel privileged to teach at this school and support our young people to have opportunities that enable them to succeed in the future. In my spare time I also enjoy reading and going to the theatre!

 

Can you tell us more about the Staplehurst Hospital School?

Staplehurst is based within the Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital and our students are all resident here. We’re passionate about ensuring all our students can enjoy and access high level teaching in a caring and nurturing environment.

We have committed and experienced staff who all work closely together to provide high quality learning. We have a holistic approach to education – creating personalised, individualised timetables that are best suited to the student. We also work very closely with our health partners at KMAH.

All our young people are provided with opportunities to enable them to excel educationally, culturally and to successful integrate back into mainstream schools after their time in hospital.

 

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I’m very proud to work at TRS, every day is different. We all work closely together to ensure the best outcomes for our young people. Being in class and seeing our students grow in confidence and achieve their aspirations is a privilege.

 

What is your favourite thing about TRS?

Knowing that we are making a difference! Making sure that our students are not disadvantaged is important and enabling them to continue following their individual educational pathways is extremely valuable.

 

During the 12 years you’ve been at TRS, what has been your biggest highlight?

It’s difficult to choose just one, as there have been so many! Prior to joining us at TRS, our students have encountered difficulties which may have impacted their education; knowing that they have managed well in class with us and are able to return to mainstream schools at discharge is always pleasing.

Students gaining places on apprenticeships, training schemes, colleges and universities is always fabulous. Knowing that a young person has re-engaged with education is great. Watching them gain confidence and appreciate different opportunities is always wonderful too.

Alongside successful qualifications, our students are given extra-curricular opportunities, which they enjoy. Our students have entered art competition, partaken in DT opportunities, had their poetry published, and a particular highlight was the publication of a successful children’s story book, written and illustrated by one of our students, with some of the proceeds donated to the MIND charity.

 

Is there any advice you’d give to someone joining TRS?

Enjoy it! At TRS we understand that it’s not always easy, but we’re here to support you and help you achieve your potential.

 

 

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