I MUST admit, after my visit to Bowbrook House it has made me want to go back to school and learn history all over again.

After meeting the history teacher, Alexa Farr, it was quickly revealed how popular she is amongst the students.

When the year 9 pupils came into the classroom they were all keen to begin their lesson with Mrs Farr.

I had never seen that age group at school so raring to go.

Mrs Farr said: “I want the children to be living, learning and loving history. I want the students to steer away from GCSE methods.

“My aim and soul focus for KS2 has always been for the students to come in and ignite a passion for the subject that stays with them. Even if they do not do it at exam level, if the students leave my class having enquiring minds, I am happy.

“The students are very accommodating to my wacky ways. They just run with it, we all have a close bond.”

This relationship with her students is what struck me most. It was clear every individual pupil in the class looks up to her and enjoys the lessons.

Each pupil was contributing and keen to get stuck in with their work and were confident to ask questions. Throughout the lesson, the students were engaged and enthusiastic to learn about the First World War.

Tom Underwood, 14, said: “This is my favourite lesson. Mrs Farr makes each lesson fun and interesting. I am glad she is our history teacher else the class could easily be boring.

“The lessons are interactive, it isn’t just reading from a text book.”

The school plays to each child’s strength and encourages them to build their confidence and explore different aspects during projects. Whether that is through baking, art work, or Lego making.

The class sizes are small and designed to allow staff to plan and provide for the learning needs of individual pupils.

Teachers use different styles which gives lots of children the opportunity to shine.

Charlotte Heaume, an English teacher whose two children have been taught by Mrs Farr, said: “She is an inspirational teacher and it is fascinating to watch her lessons. She has got a great relationship with the students. Her passion for the subject shines through, and the children catch that enthusiasm. I find her mesmerising to watch, and that is from one teacher to another.

“All teachers should be like that.”

It was without a doubt the most enjoyable history lesson I have ever been in. Mrs Farr’s aim of igniting a passion within the students was certainly achieved.

Email me at grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk if you would like your school to be featured for In the Classroom.