Sylvia Jones, Principal of UCL Academy: Everyone will be a learner?

When the UCL Academy opens its doors in September to students in September 2011, Sylvia Jones will be at the helm. Here she tells us about her hopes and plans for the school ? and the day that made her want to become a teacher. Q: Why did you want to become a teacher?. I?ve always really enjoyed working with young people, and I think I?ve got a talent for enthusing them. As a teacher I really enjoyed explaining my subject to young people and watching them gain in confidence ? I just find it very rewarding. I?m a devotee of the state sector ­? I?ve always worked in comprehensive schools, despite my own traditional girls? school education, and both my own children have attended state comprehensives ? because I want to encourage children of all abilities and to do well. I believe if you have high expectations of people, they will almost always do better than previously anticipated.