Looking back, I remember the very first day I started at The Glasgow Academy in Primary 6. The old primary school on Colebrooke Terrace felt enormous as I began what seemed like a daunting new chapter in life. I was introduced to the class by the most welcoming and kind teacher – Miss Logie – and then given a tour of the prep school by a bright-eyed class member. Little did I know that this eager tour-guide – Zara Reid – would become my closest friend (still to this day). I remember being blown away by how friendly the children and staff members were, everyone was so encouraging and supportive right from the get-go.
Not only did I thrive academically in this family-like culture, but I embraced a ‘give it a go’ attitude towards all co-curricular activities. I just loved getting involved in all aspects of school life, from playing 1st XI hockey, joining the RAF, singing in the theatre choir and playing leading roles in drama productions. There is nothing quite like performing for friends, family and staff members on the main stage of the Cargill Hall!
During my last year of school, I was delighted to be appointed Deputy Head Girl of the Senior School. It was a rewarding responsibility that I took on with great pride. I loved playing a key role within my year group, leading a fantastic team of prefects, giving motivational speeches to younger children and working closely with teaching staff on new initiatives. It was during this final year that I seriously started to consider teaching as a future career.
Throughout my years at school, I experienced first-hand the incredible influence that teachers have on young learners, and it sparked something in me. I knew that having a purpose and making positive changes was an integral part of my character, in fact it became a core value of mine.
Through my love of sport, I became fascinated by human biology. This passion led me to accept a place at the University of St Andrews. I felt privileged to start the next chapter of my life at the oldest and arguably the most unique university in Scotland. In all honesty, I couldn’t wait to move away from Glasgow. I wanted to build on my academic knowledge, meet new people and of course, jump off the pier into the North Sea! However, starting university was not quite as easy as I had imagined.
The transition from being a big fish at school to a small fish at university was – to say the least – a shock to the system. The different approaches to learning and teaching, the increased independence and lack of community hit me hard. For the first time in my life, I was struggling. Suddenly the warm, inspiring and supportive school nest did not exist anymore and I was well and truly flying solo. Throughout the transition, I had to remind myself to be patient and persevere. I was a bright, eager and confident young woman who just needed to believe in herself a little bit more. I eventually found my niche at university by playing hockey and taking a position on the hockey club committee. This was the turning point that prompted me to throw myself into student life. Not only did I play 1st XI hockey, I organised charity fundraisers, planned social events and implemented sports tours to Holland, Malaysia and South Africa. I also volunteered at St Leonard’s School as a hockey umpire for school fixtures. All of these activities gave me a stronger feeling of purpose, it grounded me and I began to thrive as a student. I have a lot to thank hockey for, that’s for sure.
I ended up having the most wonderful and unique experience at St Andrews, filled with tradition, academic families, foam fights, beach walks and many summer dips! I often helped and hosted prospective Academy pupils in St Andrews, touring them around to gain a flavour of ‘the auld fishing town.’ A personal highlight of university was meeting all the incredibly driven students and lecturers who have become life-long friends and acquaintances.
Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have developed my skills and abilities and would like to think I’ve become a highly motivated and versatile professional. However, it was during the unpredictable events of the COVID-19 pandemic that made me re-think my career path. Everyday aspects of life changed and as we all know our futures became threatened with uncertainty. During the pandemic, I reflected on my life experiences, my goals and even the failures. I decided to leave the field of Biology and make a change towards what I felt was a more rewarding and meaningful career – teaching.
During my time at The Glasgow Academy, there were many inspirational teachers and many experiences also, that have left a lasting impression on my life. Going to South Africa in 2009 with Mr McLeod and Mrs Crawford was unforgettable. It was a rich learning experience quite like no other. Playing township teams, visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell, being hosted by South African teammates and rising at dusk to spot wildlife on safari in the African bush. This was a trip that opened our eyes to a completely different way of life. I even got to ride an ostrich in the African dessert whilst Mr Kirby and the rest of the P.E staff watched on in amazement.
Academically, I remember my 4th and 5th years at school being very stressful due to exams, but my English teachers, Mrs Young and Mrs Watters, were incredibly passionate, inspiring and encouraging during what was a very tense time. As I grew up in a different cultural background, learning Czech and English at the same time caused a few niggles with my English grammar and writing skills. Mrs Watters and Mrs Young were two teachers who strongly supported me and helped me gain a deeper understanding of English, which not only led me to getting an A in exams, but prompted a love for reading, poetry, Shakespeare and drama.
More recently, I have taken the first formal steps on my path to becoming a teacher by starting the PGDE programme in Primary Education at Edinburgh University. After working for seven years in various roles across the UK and Europe, I decided the time was right to make my goal a reality. I am thoroughly enjoying the program, learning about the curriculum, inclusion and social justice within education, and I cannot wait to put my abilities into practice in the classroom.
The thought of contributing to an encouraging and supportive school community fills me with great excitement. I am determined to make a difference to the lives of pupils, to help them prepare and thrive in our ever-changing, fast-paced society. With my experience from school, university and the working world, all combined with my passion for education, I know that I will work harder than ever before to benefit the young children in my care.
Anna Smrckova, Class of 2010.
You mention you learned Czech and English together. It reminds me of the Chris Varley and Morton Black – both now deceased – who similarly inspired me to attempt a ‘difficult’ language. Although I only managed this decades after leaving the school it was their inspiration which persuaded me to at least give it a try when I finally had enough time available. How successful was I? Well, let’s say I can read and write in another alphabet and at least know enough of said difficult language to get around, and sometimes even surprise native speakers that I can communicate, albeit at a basic level, with them.
What an honour it was to teach you, Anna, and to count you as a friend in the years since you left TGA. You were always destined for the classroom, and I know you will be amazing! Xx