Shakespeare College

What subject do you teach?

Media Studies and Healthy Minds although my degree was in French and I have also taught some IT in the past.

How long have you been at The Leigh?

I have been here for 7 and a half years now but teaching for another 11 on top of that.

What sorts of things do you do in your job?

I am Head of Brunel so work with Mr Williams and Miss Austin on the running of the college. I also manage teaching and learning in the academy as my main focus.

Do you have any children or any pets?

I have four children (all girls) and one cat. I would love to have a dog but I think my life is busy enough.

What is your favourite colour?

Blue is the colour (although RED is very much the best college!)

What is your favourite sport?

Football is the game... although to take part in, my favourite sport is either skiing, sailing or surfing.

Name one thing you have enjoyed about lockdown?

I have enjoyed spending a bit more time at home with the kids and the way that communities have pulled together.

What have you missed most during lockdown?

I have missed seeing friends and other family members including one of my daughters. I have also missed going out to eat. I have also missed going into work and seeing students and colleagues.

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

I changed my mind all the time but wanted to be the following at various times: train driver, skier, actor, stuntman.

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

Don't worry. Everyone else is (or has been) in the same boat as you. You'll be so settled within a week that you'll forget what you were even worried about at the start. We always say you should be 'in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing'. So long as you stick to that then you will be brilliant!

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration now is probably my kids. When I was younger it was my English teacher. He was fierce and funny but passionate about learning and reading. He made you always want to be the best you could be.

What subject do you teach?

Physical Education and Healthy Minds.

How long have you been at The Leigh?

I've been at The Leigh Academy for six years. I have taught in two schools before and have been teaching for nineteen years

What sorts of things do you do in your job?

I'm Assistant Head of Shakespeare College so I work closely with Mr Shepherd, Mr Jalloh and the Brunel staff. I also lead on Careers and the Personal Social Health Education across the whole academy.

Do you have any children or any pets?

I have one son and a cockapoo dog called Vader.

What is your favourite colour?

Red is my favourite colour.

What is your favourite sport?

Being a PE teacher, I like a lot of sports. I like to take part in triathlons and play golf.

Name one thing you have enjoyed about lockdown?

Being at home and seeing my son learning how to ride a bike properly without stabilisers. I have also enjoyed cooking more at home.

What have you missed most during lockdown?

I have missed seeing my family and friends (although Zoom has helped).

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

I had lots of different ideas such as footballer, policeman and fireman.

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

Just remember that you'll make friends quickly and the staff are always there to help you.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration while I was growing up was a golfer called Ian Woosnam. Now I try to do well for my family.

How long have you been at The Leigh?

I have worked at The Leigh Academy for 10 years. I used to manage a hairdressing salon, then started working with young people and their families. I worked at Joydens Wood Junior School for 7 years before starting here.

What sorts of things do you do in your job?

My job is to support and help all students. I monitor attendance, behaviour and work with parents/ carers to make sure that you are happy at The Leigh. I always try to help any student who is worried, anxious or who has a problem with anything. I work closely with Mr Sheppard, Head of Brunel College and Mr Williams, Assistant Head of Brunel College. I used to be the Year 6 Transitions coordinator which means I know how you are all feeling about settling into life at The Leigh Academy.

Do you have any children or any pets?

I have a daughter who is 25, she teaches History at a Secondary school near Bath where she lives. I am hoping to get a puppy in the next few weeks which will keep me busy during this lockdown.

What is your favourite colour?

My favourite colour is orange.

What is your favourite sport?

I love any sports, but my biggest passion is Netball, I played for Kent when I was younger and now I umpire at a competitive level. I also enjoying skiing and have been lucky enough to go on a few of our school ski trips with students in the past.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My daughter.

Name one thing you have enjoyed about lockdown?

How everyone has helped each other and especially how resilient all of our students have been during this time. It always amazes me how kind and caring people can be. I have enjoyed being able to get outside and go for long walks and bike rides which is something I don't always get the time to do when I am at school every day.

What have you missed most during lockdown?

My family and friends. I have also missed seeing all of the students and staff at The Leigh Academy.

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

I always wanted to be a PE teacher.

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

I think that the most important thing for all new Year 7s is not to worry. All staff and current students are here to help. It is okay to feel anxiety and nerves. These are normal feelings and emotions and even the teachers get scared sometimes! Please do not be afraid to ask someone for help. You will always see me and other key members of staff around the academy and we will always be on hand to support and make you feel at ease.