Kirsty Gwyn-Thomas

"It's vital for Christians to shape and influence the way their subject is taught and to model integrity in the classroom."

What made you want to become a teacher?

I can't remember a specific decision to become a teacher, I think it was more of a gradual process. There were several Christian teachers at my school who were both accomplished in their subjects and pastorally dedicated. My chemistry teacher helped me to set up a Christian union and was always very supportive, both spiritually and academically, so I suppose that was an influence. I'd also always been involved in youth work, leading on summer beach missions and camps.

Over the course of my degree I realised I didn't want to apply my subject to another job, I wanted to be involved with it directly. But I also wanted to feel like I was part of a local community; although it sounds cheesy I wanted to ‘make a difference'!

I also think education is a fantastic thing for Christians to be involved in; it's all about equality, justice, and using the gifts and skills God has given us. In the field of English there is a real challenge to authority and truth; interpretation and meaning seem to be up for grabs. So it's vital for Christians to shape and influence the way the subject is taught and to model integrity in the classroom.

What excites you most about the prospect of the GTP year?

I'm most looking forward to sustaining relationships with groups of students throughout the year. I already know that I'm going to be teaching a year nine class. I've just completed an MA in Shakespeare so I can't wait to work with them on their first real taste of Shakespeare as they prepare for their SATS. I hope they'll see through the difficult language to the fantastic stories.

I suppose I'm a little bit worried about being thrown straight into a very successful department. I'm scared I won't get to grips with all the long curriculum documents quickly enough! I suspect that this is an area God will challenge me in - I'll have to be prepared to ask questions and admit I don't know all the answers.

What do you expect to be the main challenges for you as a Christian in teacher training?

I think it will be a challenge to juggle work, home and church during my training year. I know that being a Christian teacher is a great ministry and a calling so I'll need to remember that it isn't just a 9-5 job. Also I think it will be a challenge to be distinctive in the staff room.

I hope that I'll be able to really be accountable to other Christians during my GTP year, asking them to pray when things are hard. I'll also be really trying to take time out for God, praying at the start of each day and taking my Bible in my school bag. I'm also in the process of convincing my husband that regular holidays will be necessary!

As a Christian I want to live my whole life for God, every day. So when it's raining and I'm tired and I've got Year 10 last thing it will be a challenge to be a witness to Him. I'm sure I've got a lot to learn this year but I know I'm ready for it, especially with God on my side!