A Brew With...Aleksandra Korab-Karpinska
This time around we sat down with Aleksandra Korab-Karpinska from Outwood Academy Hemsworth. Aleksandra talks through her love of strong coffee and her hope for a (unlikely) call up to the Team GB Gymnastics squad!
[Outwood.com] Hi Aleksandra, thanks for meeting with us! Please can you introduce yourself to the readers?
AK-K: “Hello! It is really nice to be asked to take part. I am Aleksandra Korab-Karpinska and I teach PE with Humanities as well as being a DEEP Experience Developing Leader, at Outwood Academy Hemsworth.”
Thanks, Aleksandra. So which will it be today, tea or coffee?
“COFFEE!!! I am definitely in the coffee camp on this. I like it strong and black, and actually those who know me will know it’s a bit more like gravy than it is coffee!”
Everyone has their own preferences, Aleksandra! A gravy-like coffee it is!
“Thank you very much.”
So were you already working at the academy when it joined the Outwood Family and became Outwood Academy Hemsworth in 2018? What were your first impressions once you became part of the Outwood Family?
“Yes I was here when we joined the Outwood Family as I actually started here in Hemsworth in 2015.
“”My first impression really was just that of excitement. I was excited for the future, and ready to embrace new challenges.
“I was excited for the students, as I knew they would get given the much needed support in order to achieve their full potential.
“Then lastly I was probably apprehensive about getting to grips with all the new policies and ensuring I was implementing them correctly.”
Sounds like you were extremely excited at first then, and hopefully still as excited now?!
“Of course!”
So what has been the biggest transformation do you feel then since Outwood Academy Hemsworth became part of the Outwood Family?
“The biggest change that I have witnessed is the behaviour of the students. Not just their behaviour in lessons but also around academy site and in general.
“The students seem to be a lot calmer overall which has really helped improve the academy atmosphere, which is definitely a lot more positive and supportive.”
That sounds like a great, important transformation. What has been your favourite Outwood memory so far then?
“Well I may have to cheat here and say two things!
“The first is getting my DEEP role. I am a Developing Leader in DEEP Experience and I currently run an intervention group for a focus group of students. I was really proud to get this position.
“Second is being asked by the Head of Modern Foreign Languages to conduct a French interview with our Safer Schools Police Officer after only being given minimal notice. This was part of the Year 8 students French work.
“We had to interview a variety of suspects, generously played by members of staff, regarding the disappearance of Justin Bieber!”
They are two great memories, for slightly different reasons I feel!! So, following on from your second favourite memory, what has been your funniest memory?
“There are far too many to choose from but this one happened on the first week back of term.
“I was walking with two year 11 students to my next lesson up in PE. At the end of the corridor there are three stairs before you turn left and go out of the main block, a route I have done many times successfully!
“As I walked up the stairs I tripped and I knew that I was about to meet face to face with the concrete floor so I threw my planner and my keys out the way and performed the most eloquent of forward rolls that any professional gymnast would be proud of.
“As I exited the forward roll I jumped up and raised my arms to make my onlookers know that I had finished my performance. I can proudly say I was awarded 10/10 by staff and students alike and am awaiting my call from Team GB Gymnastic team.”
Incredible story! Thankfully you weren’t hurt thanks to your quick-thinking! We will await the call from Team GB with you and will be cheering you on!
Final question then, if you could invite three people to your ideal dinner party who would they be?
“First of all, I would invite my mum as unfortunately she is no longer with us.
“Second I would invite Dwayne Johnson...just because.
“Then finally I would invite Rosa Parks as she is a truly inspirational female who stood up for equality.”