What is your role at Blackheath High School? 

I am the Director of Sport here at Blackheath High. Within the last year, I have also taken on the TCT (Trust Consultant Teacher) role within GDST - it's a three-year role which essentially means that I act as an advisor for all GDST school PE departments, run GDST sports rallies and several of the major sports events. Today for example, we have the Sports Scholars’ Day with over 300 GDST students, being held at Sutton High School. As always we have a number of inspirational speakers attending – including Paralympic swimmer Grace Harvey, pro sailor Hannah Diamond and pro netballer Georgia Lees, who is also training to be a doctor!  

How long have you been teaching for?  

I have been teaching for 17 years, the last nine of which have been at Blackheath High School.

How did you know that teaching was the profession for you? 

I always knew that I wanted to be a PE teacher. My Dad was a PE teacher (among other subjects!) at Queen’s College, Taunton, where he spent his whole career and where I also went to school. He is very much my role model. I quickly became good at sport thanks to the most incredible encouragement from my parents - my Dad even got me teaching another holiday maker to dive on holiday once and that maybe sub-consciously set me on the teaching path. I did consider going into the Army at one point (my brother is in the Army), but then started my four-year teaching degree instead. 

Why Blackheath High School? What sets the school apart from other schools?  

Before coming to Blackheath, I taught at big, co-ed boarding schools and I liked the idea of moving to a girl-focused environment. Here we very much focus on the child, on the individual, and what they want to be. Being able to drive and inspire girls to take part in sport is what motivates me. I could see the detrimental effect on girls in a co-ed classroom and there is much to be said for them being in an environment where there are no comparisons and nothing you can’t do or try. Blackheath High School is very special. It doesn’t matter who you are, or if you are quirky, academic, eccentric – whoever you are, you are embraced. It is a very positive and creative environment.

What does your role as Director of Sport encompass? 

Essentially everything to do with sports in school – the curriculum, clubs, fixtures, GCSE and A-level studies. I also oversee and teach at the Junior School, which is great and I love seeing the girls move up the school. 

What gets you out of bed in the morning?  

The girls! My favourite part of the day is still teaching – getting them interested and taking part. The girls are very funny, entertaining and always appreciative of the opportunities offered to them.

What kind of leader are you?  

I think it is very important to lead by example and for me, it is all about teamwork and being part of that team, as well as leading it. I am lucky to have a wonderful team, an amazing bunch of women with so many strings to their bows. They are very talented and diverse in their sports – we have yoga instructors, netball players, hockey players to name a few. 

What is your favourite subject? 

PE obviously! But outside of that, Science. I have a very scientific brain, I love doing experiments. I do not like to be sitting still, whatever I am doing! 

What are your favourite hobbies? 

I have played many sports, mainly netball and hockey, although I have stopped netball now and focus mainly on my hockey. I play for the 2s at Blackheath & Elthamians Hockey Club. We have five women's teams overall and we play everywhere in the Southeast. 

Who is your role model? 

My Dad – he took me to all my sporting events. He was a professional footballer and rugby player and I wanted to emulate him. My other role model would be my old PE teacher, Julie Harrison. She was aware of my strengths and weaknesses and very much dedicated to developing each of us. I really looked up to her. 

Where did you study and what did you study?   

I did a four-year Secondary Physical Education degree with Honours at Brunel University, with additional focus on Sports Science. I had eight placements over my course – it was busy and I loved it. I competed in the university athletics and hockey teams throughout my time there. Athletics at a national level and both at university level competition.