Role: French and Spanish teacher and Head of Year 12/13 for the last two years.
Dates: 2001-2025
1. Where was your favourite place on campus, and why?
Music school. One of the biggest treats for me was having the opportunity to watch and listen to the immense talent of so many of our students. Often these students would be quite quiet around campus but then seemed to come alive when performing. I have, of course, very fond memories also of playing that wonderful Steinway in the Staff Showcases each year, especially more recently of duetting with the amazing Ms Milarova.
2. What did you enjoy most about your role?
In my role as language teacher I think what gave me most satisfaction was being able to see a student start from complete beginner in year 7 or 9 and progress to become a fluent speaker by the end of year 13 (if they chose to do A level). Of course I’ll never forget working with the inspirational Richard Tomblin (former head of languages). His legendary sense of humour was often what got me through many a hectic day. Apparently we were sometimes referred to as behaving like ‘two naughty schoolboys’. In my role as head of Year 12/13 I’d have to say that working with the visionary James Travis was a highlight. Playing a part in his transformation of sixth form I found very rewarding. There was certainly never a dull moment!
3. Is there a standout memory from your time at the school?
The staff panto will remain unforgettable. The hard work of Alison Kenyon, Laura Harrison, Sally Boon (and Neil of course) raised it up from its humble origins to something much more accomplished and, though it terrified me, playing the dame was a whole lot of fun. The girls were always such an amazing audience. Also memorable will be my very last act at LHS, dressed as one of the Back Street Boys and singing ‘I want it that way’ (the unofficial school anthem) with the best audience participation I could have hoped for. A lovely way to finish!
4. Was there a particular class or year group you remember especially fondly?
No. Each class was unique and amazing in their own way.
5. What are your plans for the future?
I have yet to decide on the next big thing in life but for the moment I’m enjoying the peace and tranquillity of being able to do what I like when I like. I miss playing in a band so that’s a possibility. My days currently are full of music, sport, languages, reading and looking after mum. In the medium term I’d very much like to move back down to the South coast. I miss being near the sea. I’ve been discovering places like Weymouth and Bournemouth recently, both of which I really like. So long walks along the beach with a couple of dogs would be the dream.
6. Have you returned to the school or stayed connected since you left?
I have only been back to school once since leaving. That was last year to watch the unbelievable Harry the Piano at the Music School.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your time here?
The only thing I’d like to add is how privileged I feel to have been able to spend well over a third of my life doing a job that I loved in a place that felt like my second home. In my last couple of years I had the opportunity to work more closely with Fiona and her team and it gives me great pleasure to know that the longevity of the High School is in the hands of such skilled, talented and caring leaders.
