What inspired you to be a teacher?

My mum suggested teaching as I enjoyed babysitting and loved children. As it turns out teaching and babysitting aren’t that alike! However, I’m very glad she did suggest it.

Tell us about your path into teaching:

I studied Education with Combined Arts at University straight from school. As a teacher I have been Music lead, IT lead and Drama lead at various times. I did care work for disabled adults in a Cheshire Home during the holidays whilst I was at university. Alongside teaching I have also been very involved in Amateur Dramatics, starting out as a rehearsal pianist/singing teacher for a youth theatre, through to performing on stage myself and now being the Musical Director for productions.

What do you love most about teaching?

I love how every day is different. Music is such a practical and creative subject and seeing children relaxed and enjoying themselves and having the confidence to try something new is just so amazing.

What were you like at school?

I was so shy! I always tried hard and wouldn’t dare to do anything wrong in case someone noticed me.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I dreamt of being a fashion designer.

What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?

Once, teaching a little boy in Reception, he was annoying the children in front of him by poking them. When I asked him to stop, he just looked at his hand and very seriously said ‘Naughty fingers!’

What’s the most important lesson you can teach?

To always have a go. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t brilliant at everything or if something doesn’t go right, but you need to try.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

I think it is always my most recent concert or production that is my proudest. A standout one was when I directed, choreographed and musically directed Mary Poppins for a Year 6 class. Also, more recently, Rhythm of Life in last year’s summer concert and Mary, Did You Know? with the Staff choir and Year 7’s at the Carol Service last term.

What are you most excited about at Marlborough House this term/year?

I am excited about doing a full year in school, as my first year here was interrupted by lockdowns.

What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?

I have found Marlborough House such a welcoming and positive place to work. Every time I am out on playground duty I wonder at how lucky I am to be working in such a beautiful environment.

Quick-fire questions:

Years at MHS: One

Clubs: Junior & Senior Choir, Jam session

Unusual fact: I have taught First Aid to children for many years and one year we got a team through to the Young Lifesavers competition final at the Natural History Museum.

Highlight of my day: There are too many!

The book I am reading: ‘Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman

Most memorable moment at MHS: The excitement of Year 3 when they realised they were going to spend half a term learning violin & cello