Meet ‘Online School’ award winner and history teacher, Elise Manning

I’m very honoured to have won this award. I was so surprised! The fact my colleagues nominated me gives me more confidence and makes me feel grateful for their support.

Due to the pandemic, many physical schools juggled teaching online with new assessment programmes, technical challenges, absenteeism, teacher shortages, a lack of resources and more. Thankfully, teachers at InterHigh didn’t have to deal with these problems.

Being an online school since 2005, we have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to feel confident about teaching effectively online. Rather than trying to ‘squish’ a classroom into the computer, we have spent years reimagining education. We have many tools and edtech solutions at our fingertips to ensure our students gain the interaction, support and creative technical help to thrive no matter what the future holds.

InterHigh has recently joined Inspired, a group of 80 leading schools spanning five continents. The idea of working with other schools is very exciting. I benefitted from the Inspired community almost immediately, as I became year group coordinator. To fulfil this role, I organise and lead assemblies each week, meet with tutors and connect with parents. These tasks help ensure each child is receiving the educational support they need. I have really enjoyed this role and am looking forward to working with other Inspired schools when the opportunity arises.

I would recommend all history teachers give course writing a good chance. Although this can be a demanding and time-consuming task, it is very rewarding and gives teachers a sense of autonomy and control. It also offers teachers the chance to be creative and connect with other staff members, which cements the strong community that underpins every school. After working with my colleagues on course writing, I felt very supported and as though I could do anything I set my mind to.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced over the past year has been balancing my working life with my personal life. I’m sure many others feel this way. While working from home, the lines of separation often blur. This was a particular challenge because for the past few years I have been planning my wedding, which has been both incredibly exciting but emotionally challenging through the pandemic, as our plans have been altered countless times.

Whilst I was powering through, I also knew it was important to speak up and let my colleagues know how I was feeling in terms of managing so many competing demands. Together, we divided and conquered, which made me feel appreciated and heard.

I am thrilled to say I finally managed to get married in August! On the morning of my wedding, I received a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from my colleagues, which reminded me they are always here for me.

From this experience, I learned it’s okay to acknowledge when you are feeling overwhelmed and would always recommend speaking up for support when you need it, even though it can be difficult. With support, you will feel more able to give your all to students, colleagues, friends and family.

There’s too much to choose just one thing!

I enjoy interacting with my students, they are always keen to learn and getting to know them pastorally is brilliant as you get the chance to help them holistically and equip them for a bright future emotionally as well as academically.

Also, InterHigh organises lots of events which is exciting as they bring us all together. For example, we hosted a food festival where students could record themselves making food all around the world. We shared cooking tips and recipes, really making the most of the international aspect of this school.

Finally, I get a lot from leading lessons and organising assemblies, during which I encourage students to unmute themselves so they feel connected and a constant part of the learning experience. Last week, I was teaching about the Battle of Stanford Bridge my pupils were really engaged. They were responding in real time because they had their mics unmuted which was wonderful!

Working from home can of course come with its challenges, particularly as I have back problems but to overcome this, I am pursuing my passion of running and eating as healthily as possible. Two years ago, I joined my local running club which has made a big difference. Today, I run two-three times a week and join as many running events as I can. I’m running a 10K this weekend and another in December!

This has helped me overcome feelings of discomfort which has boosted my concentration and overall satisfaction at work.

It would be fantastic if more schools made the most of online learning. For example, in terms of history, it would be brilliant if schemes of work were developed in a way that utilises Adobe. At the end of last year, I learnt how to run a marketplace task via Adobe. This allowed me to create breakout rooms, which increased student concentration, teamwork skills and focus. I would love for teachers to feel more comfortable using technology as it really does benefit students.

I have done this with some of our teachers at InterHigh by creating a step-by-step guide to Adobe and within a week of sharing it with colleagues, two said it had already benefitted their lessons. I want to encourage more to try something new technologically to help energise teaching and learning.

Finally, I love thinking of ways I can explore alternative histories in my lessons, which students may not otherwise come across. This investigative teaching style encourages young people to ask questions and consider which histories we teach and why we don’t hear more from certain voices. I would like to see this happen in every history class across the UK.

I am very lucky that I have a lot of positive energy naturally, but I enjoy teaching and doing so from home. I have a wonderful team around me, both in school and at home, which helps motivate me. I know I have a strong support system, which helps me feel confident and positive.