Alfie Benson
Alfie, 21, is currently training with Ormiston Teacher Training and will be joining the staff team at an outstanding school locally, following the completion of his programme. He studied mathematics at the University of Essex, where his passion for education grew during a final-year research project. Outside the classroom, Alfie has been involved in scouting for over a decade and now serves as both an Assistant Cub Scout Leader and a Young Leader Trainer.
Alfie’s decision to teach was shaped by his own learning journey. He didn’t always find maths easy or enjoyable and credits his A-level teacher, who supported him through lockdown, for helping him discover both confidence and passion for the subject. That personal experience of transformation is what drives him to help others.
“Mathematics is everywhere,” Alfie explains. “In our digital world, the ability to understand data and numbers is more important than ever – and great teachers are needed to bridge the gaps left by the pandemic.”
His previous experience as a tutor and his work with young people in scouting helped him prepare for teaching, particularly in behaviour management and supporting individual learners. He describes Flying Start Week as a valuable transition, enabling him to connect existing skills with classroom teaching.
Alfie is particularly appreciative of the support he’s received through OTT: “The tutors are brilliant. They’re approachable, knowledgeable, and make every in-person session something to look forward to.”
What he enjoys most is helping students gain confidence in tackling difficult problems – seeing that moment when it clicks is the most rewarding part. Looking ahead, Alfie is eager to make his mark as an Early Career Teacher (ECT), ideally with his own tutor group and hopes to contribute to wider school life through extracurricular activities. In time, he aspires to take on additional responsibilities, perhaps focusing on whole-school numeracy, while continuing to innovate in his teaching practice
“The tutors are brilliant. They’re approachable, knowledgeable, and make every in-person session something to look forward to.”
Alfie Benson