Samantha Spencer joined USI in January as our new Head of Early Years. We sat down with her to find out how her first month went, and her plans for the rest of the school year and beyond.
It’s been a month since you joined USI. What have been your highlights so far since you became Head of Early Years?
The past month has been a whirlwind but in the best possible way! The highlight has definitely been meeting the incredible children, parents and staff. The children are extremely eloquent and I have had some wonderfully diverse conversations. The collaboration with EYFS team has already felt so supportive and energising – it’s always such a great feeling to work with people who are so dedicated to the best for the children and who ooze passion.
What are the most rewarding aspects of being Head of Early Years at a busy school like USI?
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing those "lightbulb moments" in the children. When a child who’s been struggling with something suddenly masters it. Our EYFS children at USI have an ability to think through problems and come up with their own solutions, which is thanks to the provision we have in place and our incredible teachers’ ability to encourage children to learn creatively. The chance to guide and support a team of passionate teachers is amazing. It’s great to see everyone working together with such dedication, all with the shared goal of creating the best possible learning environment for the children.
What are your interests and hobbies away from school?
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, especially when we’re travelling or enjoying good food together. I’m a big fan of exploring new places, especially when there’s an opportunity to explore beaches and a good boat trip! I also have a bit of a passion for art and love to visit galleries wherever we might be, to celebrate and learn more about the world.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
What truly inspired me to become a teacher was the opportunity to be part of a child’s journey of growth and development. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch children evolve from curious little learners into confident young individuals, each successful in their own unique way. The end goal for us as teachers is to nurture a love for learning, resilience and independence in each child, preparing them to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world and seeing this when students who you taught when they were 5, now completing their secondary education is a moment of pure pride. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that you’ve played a role in helping them grow into well-rounded individuals, ready to take on whatever comes next.
Do you have any favourite moments or success stories that stand out in your career?
There are so many moments that stand out, but one that I always think about is watching children new to the school (and sometimes even country and language) walk shyly into class at the start of the year and then leave at the end of the year with such confidence and pride. Seeing them speak freely, make friends and participate actively in class is always such a proud moment. It’s incredible to watch their transformation. Another special moment is leading teams to achieve outstanding results. There’s nothing quite like seeing your team bursting with pride after receiving outstanding feedback. It’s a true testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration that goes into making those successes happen!
Is there a particular book, movie, or piece of art that has had a significant impact on your life or teaching philosophy?
I absolutely love the book The Hundred Languages of Children by Carolyn Edwards, which emphasises the importance of recognising that children express themselves in many different ways. It’s such a beautiful reminder to approach every child as an individual and to create an environment that enhances creativity and exploration. As for movies, I’ve always been moved by The Pursuit of Happyness – it’s a great reminder of perseverance, hope and the power of never giving up on your dreams. Always one to get the tissues out to!
Do you have any advice for students who want to excel at USI?
My advice would be to stay curious, ask questions and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a crucial part of the learning process! And most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey. When you love what you’re doing, everything else falls into place.
What are your goals for the remainder of the school year, both for yourself and for USI’s students?
USI’s EYFS is an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels confident to explore, take risks and develop a love for learning, which is something we will continue to build on as a team. I’m excited about incorporating events and experiences that will spark their curiosity and really enhance learning, whilst connect what we do in school to the real world. I also want to ensure smooth transitions for the children, helping them move from EYFS into the next phase with confidence, resilience, respect and an eagerness to learn and thrive. This means providing experiences that build excitement, independence and essential life skills, so they’re ready for the next step in their educational journey.
