Unlocking potential and seeing that the sky is the limit for her pupils is a passion of Sarah Rowledge, principal at Soaring High Montessori School in Coggeshall

If you hadn’t become a teacher, what career would you have chosen instead?

I know I am very lucky to have found a career that is so rewarding and that I feel so passionately about. If I wasn’t a teacher, I can imagine working either in music or as a counsellor or life coach. I love working with people to unlock their potential, but in either case, I can absolutely imagine that I would still be drawn to helping children.

Who would you most like to have as a pupil, if you could pick anyone?

My brother. His experience of school was not terribly enjoyable and he does not look back fondly at that time in his life. I would love to have seen him flourish with a positive primary education. Most importantly he would leave Soaring High with a strong awareness of his own strengths and an understanding of where he needs to concentrate his efforts. That experience is incredibly empowering for any child.

Was there any type of school dinner that you couldn’t stand?

Liver and bacon followed by rice pudding. I am glad to report that I really quite like rice pudding now, although the aversion to liver remains.

What was your least favourite lesson?

It has to be Latin. The lessons were all about reciting, over and over. Although I was lucky to be able to remember the declensions and verb endings with relative ease, it is a very mechanical way to learn and never brought the subject to life for me.

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

I would introduce a child-led approach to the curriculum. I would love to see all children with individual learning plans, which allow them to really fully grasp each concept in their own time, before moving on to the next topic. Each child is an individual, they will master some concepts with ease incredibly quickly, but other notions will need to be practised repeatedly in order for the child to fully absorb that information. Give them space within the curriculum to do that and you end up with a child who has a well-rounded education.

Which record would you want with you if you were marooned on a desert island?

It has to be Don McLean’s American Pie. I have so many fond memories of brilliant nights out with friends and family that would culminate in us singing this joyously at the tops of our voices. It has a real anthemic quality. But more than that, it has so many layers of meaning. It represents the shifting cultural landscapes and I think each time you listen you could tease out a different interpretation.

What would you want to make disappear from this world?

Rats! And the least said about them, the better.

What is your favourite film of all time and why?

Shawshank Redemption is up there in my top ten, but it’s so hard to have just one favourite.

How do you relax away from work?

I love to cook, watch films and play tennis; and if all these things could happen abroad, somewhere hot, away from all things technical, then that would be perfect.

What is special about your school?

Soaring High embraces the emotional wellbeing of each and every child. We plan an individual education plan for each child to ensure a successful journey through the primary years, meaning they leave as happy, independent and self-assured individuals. We are a dedicated, passionate and small community who celebrate making a difference on a daily basis.

Did you know?

Soaring High has its own outdoor amphitheatre!

Get in touch

Soaring High Montessori School

Purley Farm, Purley Lane, Off Colne Road, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1TH. 01376 564392, www.coggeshallmontessori.co.uk