“Love what you do – life is no fun if you hate working. Don’t be afraid of doing things at a national level or even an international level! You have been well-educated, so the world really is what you make of it”
A Levels: Geography, History, English Literature, General Studies
University: Birmingham, Worcester & Cambridge (7 degrees)
Degree Course: Geography, Meteorology/Climate, Secondary Geography Teaching, Teacher of the Deaf, Coaching and Mentoring for Leadership in Education, Educational Assessment. BA(Hons), MSc, PGCE, PGDip, (SEN:HI), MA, MEd (Cantab.)
Professional Accreditations: FCCT, MCIEA
Your Loughborough Story
Can you tell us about your memories of your time at Fairfield?
I had Mrs Ward, Mrs Hales (also a radio DJ at the time for a classical show, I think), Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Caldwell for years 3-6. I was pretty happy at Fairfield (although quite ill – I have Cystic Fibrosis). I remember a lot – I have a very good memory. Pooters, Mr Jump, Mr Pole, Mr Kilyon and the handstand competitions at lunchtime on the school field. Strawberry Jam music (Elgar’s Nimrod for Enigma variations) at Drama Workshop (a club) run by Mr Kilyon – the Head – where the walls were closing in on us and we were being squashed to death! I kid you not! When Mrs Ward left her shoes at home and came to school in her slippers!
If not answered above, what is your fondest memory from School?
I remember the trip to the Isle of Wight. It was a week in a hotel in Shanklin.
How did your time at Fairfield influence you as a person?
It gave me a very solid grounding in all the important stuff – maths, English and geography/history and responsibility. I did the bell ringing, for instance at the end of class.
How would you describe Fairfield in three words?
Caring, organised, worthwhile.
Are you still in touch with any of your school friends or teachers today? If so, who?
Of course – I went on to the High School and am still in touch with all of the Class of 1992.
Alumni Career Wisdom
What led you to choose your career path?
I have a passion for geography – the weather in particular. My first Masters is in Climatology/Meteorology.
Could you provide an outline of your job role?
I set the standard for some GCSE exams, and a mark lots of exam papers. I am on GCSE, AL and other exam setting teams.
What are your career highlights?
Where to begin! I teach wonderful students to achieve the success I have enjoyed, get into unis – what is not to love!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Love what you do – life is no fun if you hate working. Don’t be afraid of doing things at a national level or even an international level! You have been well-educated, so the world really is what you make of it.
What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
Experience counts for a lot. Slow and steady makes you a good teacher and an accurate assessor. Fast promotion may work in some careers but learning empathy towards your fellow workers takes a life well lived.
What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Patience, great ICT skills, knowledge of the subjects I assess, kindness /understanding to my teams, accuracy, consistency.
Final notes
What ambitions would you still like to realise?
This year I finished my Masters at Cambridge – I am enjoying a bit of a wallow in that joy at the moment – it was no mean feat while working full time!
As I am now on GM medications, I am aiming to run my first half-marathon later this year.
Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what career path to follow?
Follow your heart – love what you do. Never accept you are not good enough to do anything you set your mind to even if it takes you a bit longer to get there than you first wanted!
Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
I have a husband and two wonderful rescue greyhounds. They are my world away from work. I love them dearly. They make even the hardest days a joy. Also, I have started running in the last year….!
