Meet the teachers – The PE Department
7th January 21
What makes King Alfred School so special? Ask any of our students and they’ll say ‘the teachers’ – so we thought we’d peek behind the curtain again and find out a bit more about the teachers in trainers (or the PE Department as we like to call them).
Tom Franklin – Head of Sport
“I have worked my way up through the PE Department here at KAS, teaching PE across all Key Stages, and am now the Head of Sport. My favourite sport to play is football and I play 3-4 times a week for a local club in Hemel Hempstead. Before this I was playing in the 1st team at Bournemouth University where I studied a Sports Coaching degree. This has led to me to take charge of the football curriculum at KAS and provide many clubs, fixtures, and fun tournaments for the students. My proudest moment to date is raising the profile of girls’ football at KAS and witnessing students play at prestigious venues such as St George’s Park!
Aside from Football, my favourite sports to teach are Basketball, Handball and Fitness. Specifically, the Fitness unit of work inspired me to widen my professional development and I completed a Personal Training qualification a couple of years ago.”
Henrietta Farr – Head of PE
“I’m a Devon girl who was drawn to London by the KAS ethos and community feel. I originally come from Exeter, and went to school by the seaside, so London living was a big, but fun and interesting, change. I have always played a range of sports, but university solidified my love of Netball, which soon became my main sport.
During my time at KAS I have taught and trained many netball teams on cold winter evenings, loving the enthusiasm that the King Alfred pupils bring to every session. I have also been lucky enough to go on several of the trips run by school, and have recently taken over organisation of the annual ski trip which is always great fun!”
Claire Murphy – PE teacher and Head of Years 8&9
“I have been a member of the PE department for 30 years. In that time I think I have taught almost every sport you can imagine. When I started at KAS, I played Hockey for Hendon Ladies at South of England level. Now I coach Hendon Mill Hill ladies Hockey 1st and 2nd teams.
Hockey is my favourite sport, and not surprisingly, my favourite sport to teach. Over the years, I have rowed, sailed, surfed, kayaked and skied with KAS. Outdoor Education is a passion and I look forward to being part of future outdoor adventures.”
Aarun Woodhouse – PE teacher
“I have been at KAS since 2021, first as a graduate sports teacher and now as a PE teacher. I have worked at schools across North London and Hertfordshire, providing PE lessons for different schools since I was 18 years old.
I have recently completed a degree in Primary Education with a PE specialism and have gone on to finish my PGCE teacher training. I love the warm atmosphere at KAS and the amazing people that the school attracts.”
