Rivka Benarroch studied PGCE Secondary History and the MA Education Leadership and Management within the School of Education at Roehampton. We caught up with her to find out what she’s been up to since she graduated.
What have you done since leaving Roehampton?
I officially graduated with my master’s in Education Leadership and Management in July 2024. I was already employed full time whilst studying part time at Roehampton, and since graduating I secured a new job at JFS (Jewish Free School) in Northwest London. I am the Head of Mental Health and the Deputy Safeguarding Lead for a sixth form. I also teach History here, after studying PGCE Secondary at Roehampton as well.
What do you miss about Roehampton?
I miss the campus, it’s beautiful, particularly Digby Lake. The university itself had a nice warm friendly atmosphere, particularly in the School of Education. It’s one of the reasons I went back to doing my masters, because I really enjoyed my PGCE.
How do you feel your time at Roehampton influenced your current career?
Roehampton has influenced my career by giving me a better understanding of what it means to be a leader and a manager within education. It’s given me tangible concepts to better my career and understanding about what leadership and management is within education. I also think the excellent staff were great at guiding, supporting and modelling the leadership qualities we were learning about. It was so helpful to see that in action.
Additionally, there was copious access to materials and research, which has also better prepared me – I wasn’t aware before just how much research was available! And to know how to access them. I’m realising now how important it is to base everything I’m doing on research. My dissertation which was titled: “How do senior leaders in English schools create and develop a whole school culture focused on positive behavior management and quality pastoral care to better support student outcomes?” – was very practical for what I want to do in my career – it was very relevant to me.
Finally, one module I found fascinating was about education policy. I carried out extensive research and was able to analyse policy from different perspectives, which I hadn’t considered before. This in turn has improved my ability to do my job.
What advice do you have for current students?
Make sure you enjoy what you’re doing. And aim to make your studies relevant to what you want to do in the future, or what you’re interested in. And don’t forget to make use of the amazing campus at Roehampton too!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I very much still intend to work in the education sector. Potentially back in Leadership or even a Headteacher.
Who inspired you most at Roehampton?
Dr Debbie Sabric, Deputy Dean and Programme Leader, MA in Education Leadership and Management, along with Dr Liliana Belkin Senior lecturer, both had an impact on me. Their clear passion for what they were teaching and researching was palpable. They took a real interest in me and supported me through the process. I find that inspiring because they didn’t necessarily realise that their manner and dedication were motivating factors that encouraged me to want to do well and make an impact. Seeing their passion spurs you on to be passionate as well.
Roehampton’s School of Education is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research and is one of the principal teacher training providers in the UK. We are ranked best modern university in the country for our research in Education (REF 2021) and Ofsted rates our primary age courses as “Outstanding” and secondary age courses as “Good” (2023). Visit our course pages: PGCE Secondary and MA in Education Leadership and Management.