What led you to be a teacher/work in Education?
My parents were foster carers while I was growing up, so I grew up in a busy, supportive household - that naturally gave me a want to help others.
What's the best part of your job?
There are many brilliant parts of my job: seeing students thrive in whatever they are doing is one of the things I love the most. Seeing a young person truly grow in themselves through friendship, sport, the arts, science, humanities, or any of the other subjects we offer is why I do this job.
If you weren't in your current role, what would you be doing now?
Unfortunately, I would be too old to represent Bristol Bears, but if I wasn't working in education, I would love to be involved in sport - so maybe a strength and conditioning coach, sports nutritionist, or physiotherapist.
What are you looking forward to the most about working at Sidcot?
I am most looking forward to getting to know everyone. The people I have met so far have been amazing, and the community feel at Sidcot is a big part of my decision to join the team.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
How you do anything is how you do everything.
How do you live adventurously?
I have an adventurous side and would never turn down an experience due to fear. The reward is always greater when you complete something you didn't think was possible at first. I completed a bungee jump in Australia and was disappointed to miss out on a skydive.
What is one subject you are curious about?
I love music, although I don't have a musical bone in my body! Visiting the music department and seeing how we nurture and develop our students' amazing talent is something to look forward to.
What is one cause you care passionately about?
I'm passionate about making sure young people can access the support and services they need, when they need them - that's what drives the pastoral and safeguarding work I do every day.
What is one misconception people have about you?
People assume the "Deputy Head" bit means I take myself very seriously. I really don't.
How would you like to be remembered by your students?
I'd like to always be thought of as fair and open. I hope all staff and students find me welcoming and kind.
If you had one word to sum up yourself, what would it be?
Resilient.
What notable individual would you invite to a dinner party and why?
Adrian Carton de Wiart. Although he died in 1963, he lived an extraordinary life through three different wars.
How do you plan to build on the pastoral strengths already present at Sidcot School?
The strengths I've seen so far are the genuine care staff show for students, and the nurturing nature of the school as a whole; it comes through in how people talk about their students and each other. I want to build on that by bringing my experience to develop how we currently do things, strengthening our systems and processes so that the care I've seen is matched by consistency, ensuring every student's needs are identified and met, however and whenever they arise.