Did you like school?

“I feel as though I have to tell you the truth about this one, I can't lie about this! So I did and I didn’t. I couldn't say that I absolutely loved school, but I did find where I fitted in, and I think that’s why we’re always telling everybody to find where your group of friends are, find where your subjects are that you really like and you’ll excel in, and then from there building on that and making sure that becomes your strength. I loved Maths! It began in primary school when I started to realise that I really enjoy Maths and then I made friends along the way that were like me and who liked Maths, but were also different and liked different subjects. I am still friends with some of them today, just like you two in front of me, you both will be friends in many, many years to come. I feel as though I liked some parts of school and other areas I found to be tricky. However,  I always tried my best and I hope that every pupil in Trinity High feels like they try their best too." 

What has your teaching journey consisted of, and how has this led you to becoming headteacher?

“So, it has consisted of quite a few kinds of different things. First of all, I’ve been teaching for 24 years, I was 8 years as a classroom teacher in two schools, so I was in West Lothian authority and then I’ve been in South Lanarkshire Council now for 20 years this year. I then became a head of a maths department, so I did that for 6 years, and then I did 10 years as I said in Trinity High School, as a deputy head teacher. Again, this is where I want to stay, I don’t want to leave South Lanarkshire Council because I’ve grown up here, went to school here, so I feel as though that’s something I can then give back and I know how you feel, I’ve been where you all are as well in South Lanarkshire, so I can help you all in that sense.”

What is your favourite memory of being a teacher?

“Being in front of a class I suppose, I’ve enjoyed being the head of a maths department, I’ve enjoyed being a deputy headteacher, and obviously I’m loving being headteacher so far. I’ve only done four weeks, but my most favourite memory is in front of a class. I just love being in front of a class, and making maths accessible for everyone. That is one thing I have always really enjoyed and I feel like as a teacher, we come into teaching to try and ensure that you engage in our subject area. So any memory that we have is when we’re in front of a class and the young people are engaging, and as I say, I’m using that strong word ‘enjoy’ for a maths class, and I know some people might never ever find that but I would hope that would be the memory that I leave. That when you come to my class, you go away, and that you are actually enjoying it.”

What is your advice for anybody doing exams or tests this year?

Everybody does this differently, this is going back to remembering that we all are different and we’ll all learn differently, and we all study differently. However for me, the way I would do it for myself and in my own way, is basically to make sure that you start early. So I’m a very prepared person, I like to start everything early, I like to be 2 weeks in front of myself if I possibly can and I feel that’s what you should do with any exam or any test. If you plan your study plan and plan what you’ve got round about it. For example you might have your hobbies, whether it is being a sports hobby or an extra-curricular activity in here, I would take that into your plan. Leave time for your test and your exam, you know whatever you are studying for, and then just basically find that time to learn the way you learn best. So are you somebody who likes mind maps? Are you somebody who likes to take a word and learn a word for each letter that links to the area you are trying to learn about? Are you someone who just likes to write notes? Can you memorise notes? Some people are really lucky that they have a photographic memory that I don't have. So, my advice would be to start early, find the best way that you can do it, don’t leave it too late, and always ask for help.

What are your hopes for the school?

"My hopes for the school are that everyone understands and feels the importance of having faith in your life first and foremost. As I said earlier, it is a school of faith and learning and faith coming first in that statement is important. I believe it’s what that looks and feels like to you, and it’s also about everybody feeling part of it. I hope that everyone feels proud of who they are, I am always reminding everyone of this. You need to be proud of who you are because there’s only one of you, and you’re really unique and that’s a gift. On a daily basis we are here to ensure that we know you and we know your ability in each subject area, and that we get the best from you. I would always hope that you walk out of Trinity High School being the best version of yourself that you possibly can be and that you are also leaving with the best passport of qualifications, and I believe our staff will definitely get the best out of everyone ".