About me
I have worked in Education for nearly 20 years. After graduating with my Master of Arts from Glasgow University and subsequent Post Graduate Diploma in teaching from Strathclyde University, I taught in Scotland before relocating to Abu Dhabi. After 10 years in the Middle East, I am enjoying being back in the UK and excited to be Head of English at Pangbourne College.
I’ve had a varied and interesting career spanning a number of educational contexts: I have led a Drama department, worked in a Behaviour Unit, I’ve been a KS3 Head of Year and been part of an Outstanding English Department in an Outstanding rated school. I recently gained my NPQML from UCL Institute of Education for the work I did to support vulnerable students through transitions in Secondary. I am passionate about the English language and where it can take us and believe strongly that learning should be fun and full of enthusiasm and energy.
Outside the classroom, I love theatre, travelling, pilates, paddle-boarding and dog walks.
Why do I love teaching?
My love of reading came from my parents who voraciously read books. I associate reading with holidays and sunshine - which sadly aren’t always synonymous! I’ve found great joy in teaching books to my students that I’ve loved reading myself. Theatre stoked my passion for literature, especially Shakespeare, and I was lucky enough to experience live theatre in many forms growing up. As an adult, I’ve acted, directed, produced and watched theatre and it is a huge part of my love for the subject of English. What I have found rewarding in recent years has been engaging all learners with a huge variety of texts and searching for the spark in each student that ignites an interest or passion in a book, play, poem, article or speech. I love to see students achieve their goals, whether that is in a single piece of work, exam grade or a place at University. There’s something for everyone in an English classroom!
My other roles at Pangbourne are...
- Dunbar House Tutor
If I hadn't been a teacher I would have been...
An Actor
My role model is...
I've been lucky enough to work with some incredible teachers and to listen to inspirational educationalists but the one that sticks most in my mind was Sir John Jones. Sir John spoke to our whole staff body in 2017 about the importance of our roles as teachers; he calls teachers 'Magic Weavers'. So much sticks in my mind from the day I spent listening to him speak but two important pieces of advice that I have remembered are: when in the midst of it all in school, hum 'Moon River' - you can't help but slow down! And secondly: a child will not necessarily remember everything that you've taught them but they will remember the way that you made them feel.
I would describe Pangbourne as...
Pangbourne College has a unique feeling of community. The school is rooted in tradition with a clarity of vision for the future and a very clear sense of compassion and care for its staff and students.
