TGt Meets...Sadie Potts, the Curriculum Team Leader for Animal Science at Bath College

Meet our latest TGt Meets, Sadie Potts, the Curriculum Team Leader for Animal Science at Bath College. We spoke to Sadie to understand what it has been like being a teacher during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I have been a lecturer for 13 years, and have spent the last 6 at Bath College.

I have a background in Animal Behaviour, and I am passionate about habitat conservation and rewilding.

What is your role at Bath College?

I am the curriculum Team Leader for Animal Science

What inspired you to pursue a career in the education sector?

In 2008, I was lucky enough to find myself in the Education department of Bristol Zoo; coordinating the fundraising and education awareness campaign for ‘Year of the Frog’ It here that I could see the impact of ‘inspiring the next generation’.

'In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are "In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." (Baba Dioum, 1968.)

What has life been like as a lecturer during the Covid pandemic?

Covid has fundamentally changed the way in which we deliver our teaching, we have had to switch to remote delivery almost overnight. This has led to us all having to develop new digital skills to ensure our students our not disadvantaged.

At first this was anxiety inducing – the students were there, but not there – without the sensory cues that make a classroom a classroom it was hard to begin with. But thanks to the great young adults I am lucky enough to teach they and I quickly adapted, and I’ve found ‘new ways’ to teach.

I miss the interactions with the students, but I know this isn’t forever and if anything, it has made me reflect and remember just why I love what I do.

What have you done to try and stay positive?

I make sure I get out for fresh air everyday and run at least three times a week. I find it allows me to ‘clear my head’ and refocus.

How have Bath College supported their students during this tough time?

We made sure that students have a set timetable with ‘live’ lessons being delivered on Teams several times a week. Not only does this provided consistency, but it ensures we are still providing all the learning opportunities needed for students to complete their qualification.

Students are receiving regular one to one tutorials with their personal tutor, this allows them to ask questions and talk through any concerns they may have. Alongside this we are putting in place additional welfare support for any learner that is struggling and are using social media campaigns to remind them of the support available.

Find out more about Bath College https://www.bathcollege.ac.uk/