Seacole College

What subject do you teach?

Physical Education

How long have you been at The Leigh?

I joined The Leigh in January 2004 so I have been here for over 16 years.

What sorts of things do you do in your job?

I am Head of Seacole College and work closely with my SLT colleagues and Mrs Turner to ensure that all Da Vinci students are supported and meeting the highest standards and expectations. I have additional wider academy responsibilities for the curriculum and timetable.

Do you have any children or any pets?

I have 2 daughters aged 14 and 11.

What is your favourite colour?

Yellow is my favourite as I keep seeing it on the academy sports day trophy.

What is your favourite sport?

Cricket is the sport I have reached the highest level in, closely followed by swimming. I have played everything in my time though, but suffered a serious knee injury in my twenties reducing the amount of sports I could participate in.

Name one thing you have enjoyed about lockdown?

Watching my daughters develop their work independence and seeing their determination to complete challenging tasks without asking for help.

What have you missed most during lockdown?

Coffee shops. Particularly Caffe Nero! I think I would add sport on TV to that too.

What job did you want to have when you were younger?

A footballer. I am an Arsenal fan and wanted to be the next Charlie Nicholas. Still think I might make it!

What advice would you give a new Year 7 student starting at The Leigh?

Relish the opportunity of joining a fantastic academy. You were lucky to get a place so take it with both hands and give it everything you've got.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Muhammad Ali. I admire excellence in any field but particularly sport. Ali stood up for what he believed and and was incredible to watch in his prime. People underestimate how hard the greats have to work to get to the top. People like Ali, Tiger Woods, Usain Bolt and Michael Jordan aren't just talented - it's their work ethic and determination that sets them apart from the rest.

What subject do you teach?

English

How long have you been at The Leigh?

I've been at The Leigh Academy since July 2017, so this will be my 4th year. I have been teaching for 11 years.

What sorts of things do you do in your job?

As Assistant Head of Seacole College, I work closely with Mr Brewer and the Da Vinci team to ensure that all students have the best possible experience of learning at The Leigh Academy and achieve their very best in all aspects of their academic life.

Do you have any children or any pets?

I have two grown up daughters, Charlotte and Rowen. I also have a Pomchi dog called Duke, a bearded dragon called Bryan, four cats, Scrabble, Simba, Rafiki and Mr Stardust. I have four chickens, Daisy, Ebony, Pru and Gladys, and two tortoises, Bert and Ernie.

What is your favourite colour?

I have to say yellow, otherwise Mr Brewer won't speak to me!

What is your favourite sport?

Swimming with football a close second. I am a life long Manchester United supporter.

Name one thing you have enjoyed about lockdown?

Being at home with my dog (I know he's enjoyed it) and the challenge of providing a top class education via distance learning.

What have you missed most during lockdown?

Meeting up with family and friends. I have also missed football and major sporting events that should have taken place this summer.

What job did you want to have when you were younger?

I remember vividly the first job I wanted to do was to be a princess... I very nearly joined the RAF and I was a nurse for many years before I decided to become a teacher.

What advice would you give a new Year 7 student starting at The Leigh?

This is the start of at least 5 wonderful years at the Leigh. Embrace all the opportunities that are given to you, either in the classroom, or in the wider school community.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

John Lennon. His creativity and desire to give peace a chance are definitely attributes to admire, and should be an inspiration to all.

How long have you been at The Leigh?

I have worked at the The Leigh Academy for nearly six years. I previously worked at another school for fourteen years and specialised in attendance and behaviour as a Progress Manager.

What sorts of things do you do in your job?

My job is to support all students at the Academy with their attendance, behaviour and welfare. If a student or parent needs help with anything, I am there to make sure they get the correct help and support and liaise with the various agencies.

Do you have any children or any pets?

I have three children, two daughters of 28 and 25 years old and a 21 year old son. I have a really old cat called Binky and two tortoises of 70 and 60 years old respectively!

What is your favourite colour?

Blue/Purple

What is your favourite sport?

Archery

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My parents and grandparents, all hardworking and all came from non-academic backgrounds and achieved well in their fields.

Name one thing you have enjoyed about lockdown?

How people have helped and supported one another through some difficult times. There are still a lot of kind, caring people in the world. I have also enjoyed the quiet, peaceful walks I am lucky to have close to my home. To see that despite everything thrown at it, nature just keeps going!

What have you missed most during lockdown?

Meeting up with family and friends, especially my two daughters and grandson.

What job did you want to have when you were younger?

Airline pilot.

What advice would you give a new Year 7 student starting at The Leigh?

'Work hard and be nice' is Da Vinci's simple motto. Don't be afraid to ask as we only gain knowledge by asking. Get to know where you can go and who you can ask for help and support. It is okay to be anxious and scared, nearly everybody feels this way when they are not familiar with new people and surroundings, even the teachers!