In our latest piece on new Harrodian staff we meet Physics teacher Lampros Gkikontis and his Science department colleague, Chemistry teacher, Sheridan Poet
Three years after arriving in London, Athens-born Lampros Gkikontis is enjoying life amidst the green spaces of its South Western suburbs and settling into his new role as a Physics and form teacher (14LGK) at Harrodian. ‘I’ve already made good friends here and the school has a lovely atmosphere.’.
I do miss the sunshine and the seafood of Greece at times but I didn't come here for the weather and there's a lot of other things to like
Lampros Gkikontis, Physics Teacher
He’s not allowing the British winters to dampen his enthusiasm either. ‘I do miss the sunshine and the seafood of Greece at times,’ he admits with smile. ‘But I didn’t come here for the weather and there’s a lot of other things to like…the green spaces of Richmond Park, the variety of sport, here. I really want to find out more about cricket!’
His upbeat approach to life is reflected in Mr Gkikontis’s teaching. ‘Understanding Physics can change the way we look at things we take for granted,’ he enthuses. ‘I want to open a window that allows pupils to make new sense of the world.’
The life path of new Chemistry teacher Sheridan Poet also has an international flavour, Born in the UK, she spent her childhood in Hong Kong before studying Chemistry at Reading University and working and living in Hong Kong, Biarritz and London.
I want my classes to feel open and convivial and to encourage dynamic and creative thinking
Sheridan Poet, Chemistry teacher
Ms Poet shares Mr Gkikontis’s aspiration to catch children’s scientific imagination in her classes (this year from 12s to the Lower Sixth): ‘I want my classes to feel open and convivial and to encourage dynamic and creative thinking,’ she says. ‘I’m easily bored so I like to keep up the pace and to challenge children to think hard and to express their opinions in class.’