BA (Hons) Educational and Professional Studies and PE with QTS
Name
Thomas Ashby
What course did you study?
Primary Education with PE
Year of graduation
2013
Where are you from originally?
York
Why University of Cumbria, what attracted you?
The course was a good mix of PE and primary education.
Job title:
Year 6 Teacher & Phase Leader
Current employer
Tenby Schools Penang, Malaysia
What sector/industry do you work in?
Education
Briefly describe your role and responsibilities
Teacher of Year 6 class in an international school.
Leader of year 5 & 6.
Briefly describe your career progression from graduation to where you are now
Two years teaching year 4 in Manchester, UK
Three years teaching Primary PE and leading pastoral care in Dubai, UAE
Two years teaching year 5 and leading computing in Bangkok, Thailand.
Move to Malaysia, to lead year 5&6.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Meeting so many great students and teachers from around the world. Experiencing new cultures and choosing where in the world you want to live!
What are your ambitions, now and in the future?
Enjoy international life!
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you just graduated?
Don’t compare yourself to others. Grades, first jobs etc, are just the beginning. Believe in yourself make choices that are right for you.
What top tips would you give to new alumni who are wishing to pursue a similar career to you?
It’s amazing, but don’t always follow what others think you ‘should’ do. If being just a teacher makes you happy then stick with that, don’t be pushed into leadership and other roles that won’t make you happy. Moving abroad is ALWAYS an option. I now have a family and we love the opportunities that we have created.
Do you have any support messages for the class of 2020, just embarking on their careers during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Good luck! Be yourself and only do things that make you happy or your life better!