Staff Spotlight – Series Two -Mrs Hogg

Meet Mrs Hogg, a cherished member of The Mead community who wears dual hats as Head of KS1 and Year 2 Teacher. As a student, Mrs Hogg initially joined The Mead at seven years old with such deep-rooted connections making her a beloved figure among staff and children. Discover her love for singing, her biggest phobias, and how she tackles her fears in this all-revealing teacher spotlight.

What was your first day at The Mead like?

Exciting! I was working with Mrs Ovenden in Kindergarten with the Year 6 cohort who have just left. I couldn’t believe I got to work with such tiny people every day in a school I loved.

How did you get into teaching?

I began a nursing degree at Kings College London when I left school but decided working with people who were poorly was quite sad most of the time. I realised that children have an innate happiness even in the toughest of times, which I wanted to be a part of every day!

A fun fact we may not know about you?

As a child, I went to The Mead and joined in J1 (Year 3). Mrs Culley and Mrs Waight told my mum when I left that they knew I would become a teacher one day!

What is your favourite thing about The Mead?

The people! Working with the kindest, friendliest group of staff who are brilliant at their jobs and inspirational teachers is a privilege.

Best teaching memory?

Sitting with Mrs Moral at the carol service and seeing the Year 2 children performing their song with more gusto than a West End performance. We were so proud!

What is your favourite subject to teach?

History! I love how I learn something new with each topic and how engrossed the children are with comparing the past to the world they live in now.

What would you do if you could spend 24 hours out of school?

Have a lie first and foremost… then jump on a plane and spend the day with my son, Noah and husband in a pool in the sunshine!

Any phobias?

Fruit… very odd, I know!

Describe a time you felt nervous in your life, in or out of school and how you got through it.

I was going for the job as Head of KS1. I knew I had big boots to fill from Mrs Moral if I got it and I wanted to prove myself. I wrote a list of all the reasons why I would give myself the job and went in with the confidence that if I believed in myself, they might do too. Luckily, it worked!

What was your favourite thing about school or your childhood memory?

I remember doing my Year 6 school show of Around the World in 80 Days and having my first-ever solo. I can still remember every word, which began my love of singing.