Meet the Head for A+ Education Magazine
School of thought: Maths or English?
Loved both at school, have taught and led both subjects as a teacher, can’t choose between them. At a push I would have to say English because Maths would be hard if I couldn’t read the questions!
School dinners or packed lunch?
School dinners every time. I was a good eater as a school pupil although have never tried chocolate custard again after having thirds one day when I was in Year 7! Children are so lucky nowadays, our pupils have brilliant meals with so many choices.
Newsletter or Twitter?
I do both as they reach different audiences. As a parent I preferred weekly newsletters with concise information about upcoming events, and reminders to help parents get the right things to school on the right day! Life is too short for waffle!
If you hadn’t become a teacher, what would you have done instead?
I wanted to be a helicopter pilot in the army. However at that time they didn’t take girls in that role. I wrote to the defence secretary, John Nott, and complained.
He replied saying they would consider it, which they did and now women can fly helicopters. I always have been keen on equality for all.
What were your favourite lessons at school?
I was fortunate enough to go to brilliant schools with great teachers. Great teachers can make any lesson into your favourite.
I remember so many lessons fondly and particularly loved ‘nature studies’ where we just appeared to run around wildly in the woods ‘looking’ for wildlife and not surprisingly never finding any!
Was there any type of school dinner that you couldn’t stand?
No, loved school dinners
What is your favourite film?
Love lots; Local Hero, Pocahontas, The Jungle Book – I think I prefer films with good music.
Your Desert Island Disc(s)?
Very varied; Chasing cars (Snow Patrol), Stairway to heaven (Led Zeppelin), Eine kleine Nachtmusik (W.A. Mozart). Rodrigo’s guitar concerto, Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush) and anything by Coldplay.
How do you relax?
Walking the dogs.
What is the one thing that makes you most proud of where you work?
How hard everyone works, staff and pupils…there’s a fantastic upbeat, positive atmosphere.
If you could be the Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first thing you would do?
Let our young people have a greater say.