My Local Life… Charlotte Oram, Primary School Teacher 
For the new school year starting in September, The Listing caught up with Charlotte Oram, a primary school teacher at Therfield First School.
Charlotte’s current role is focusing on supporting the mental health and well-being of children, and to inspire the pupils to be curious about the world around them through weekly Forest school sessions.
Where do you live and for how long?
I have lived in Royston my whole life!
What do you love about your work?
I have worked as a primary school teacher at Therfield First School for the past 14 years. I feel very lucky to work with an amazing team of passionate, kind and hard working teachers and staff. Working with children makes every day unique! To be able to create opportunities that provide ‘awe and wonder’ moments and to deepen their curiosity about their learning is a rewarding feeling.
Favourite local shop?
My favourite local shop is Mia Caro, if I ever need a gift for someone I know I can always rely on finding something special in there. Then it would be a short walk to Kooky to treat myself to their spiced latte from the hatch.
Best book?
Having a family and working full time I don’t often get the opportunity to sit and relax with a book. However, a while back my colleagues and I went to see ‘Two Mr Ps in a Pod’ at The Junction and their book ‘Put a Wet Paper Towel on It’ is a funny read that you can pick up as and when, I would recommend it if you work in a school.
Most treasured possession?
Photos! Photographs are so important to me, to capture a moment and then to be able to keep it forever as a memory means everything.
Best way to spend a Saturday?
Being with my family and having the freedom of exploring the outdoors. Going to the beach on a sunny day or walking in the woods when it’s cold and frosty. I am definitely at my happiest when I am out in the fresh air, and even more so when there is food waiting for me at the end of it… A picnic, bbq or pub lunch!
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher, it’s a job that I have worked hard for and am proud to do. Since having a family the biggest challenge is finding a balance between home and school life, being a parent and being a teacher both require a lot of time and attention, especially when you want to give everything your all… sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day! People always think that teachers have it easy with the holidays and finishing at 3.30pm, however I can promise you that the biggest challenge in teaching is ‘Time’! Luckily my new role within the school means I can manage my time much better and have a healthy work/life balance.
What is your best memory about your job so far?
It would be difficult to pick just one! I have always tried to be creative with my teaching style over the years and with our school motto of ‘Bringing learning to life’ we really do try and create special memories that not only excite and develop curiosity but also immerse the children in their topic. My favourites over the years are – each child being awarded a Green Blue Peter Badge for helping to prevent climate change, working as a whole school team to achieve the Iron Man challenge after being inspired by a local world record holder, meeting an author and her corgis during the celebrations of the Queens Jubilee, burning down miniature Tudor houses for The Great Fire of London, dressing up in a range of costumes for ‘hot seating’ tasks, turning the school hall into an airport when learning about journeys around the world, making gifts for the local villagers during Harvest as part of our Gift of Giving and finally singing to the residents at St George’s Nursing home and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. Honestly, the list is endless I could go on and on. I think it’s fair to say I have one of the best jobs in the world!
