What is your role at Blackheath High School? 

I am really lucky to be the Head of Juniors at Blackheath High School - it is a role that I absolutely love and I can’t believe I get to spend every day with such brilliant pupils and outstanding staff. Best job in the world! 

How long have you been teaching? 

I started teaching in September 2001! It seems like such a very long time ago. Over 24 years! I can remember my first class - a Year 3 class at a small C of E Primary School in West Norwood. I found our class photograph the other day and it made me smile to think that they must all be so grown up now with their own children!  

Where did you study and what did you study?  

My degree is in Psychology and I studied at the University of Portsmouth. The Psychology department there had an excellent reputation, and I was really keen to be somewhere on the south coast and by the seaside. I had a brilliant three years. 

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

In a way, I have always known. My mum was a teacher until she retired, and I used to go in to school with her quite a lot on INSET days, helping her with things like displays and cutting up resources. She worked at a school for children with complex disabilities and I always thought that the job she did was so wonderful. She made a real difference to the lives of the children in her class and I think that really inspired me.  

Why Blackheath High School? What sets the school apart? 

I grew up in Southeast London and I used to babysit for a family who lived in Blackheath, so I knew the area well. When I came back from living overseas, I considered applying for a job at this very school, but ended up working over in West London instead. I have always admired the GDST and I love the ethos of all the schools, so when the job of Head of Prep School came up in Brighton I jumped at the chance. However, I missed my family and my friends in London, so, after a few years by the seaside, I decided to move back here. From being part of the GDST, I became familiar with the other GDST schools and Blackheath High really shone and seemed like such an exciting and forward-thinking school. When the job came up I just knew I had to go for it! 

What inspires you/ gets you out of bed in the morning? 

It is mostly Pip (my Cavapoo) who gets me out of bed in the morning - she wakes up in a good mood every day and is always so delighted to welcome the new day and get to school to see everyone. Schools are such important places - you only get your school days once! My own school days were a real mish-mash of different schools and countries and we moved around quite a lot. I also struggled a little bit at school, as I found spelling really tricky. I was also pretty quiet and so I don’t really think I was challenged enough or inspired by my teachers. I decided really early on that I wanted to make a difference to the lives of the pupils I teach - I want them all to feel like they matter and that they’re important. I think that is what really gets me out of bed - it’s being part of the community and spending time with the brilliant people who make that community what it is.  

What kind of leader are you? 

I think I am definitely a kind person. I am a big believer in the power of daily actions and choices and the positive impact they can have on the people around you. I think it’s important to build trust, one small gesture at a time. I try to listen to people, to have empathy and to be kind. I once heard someone describe leadership as filling a jar of marbles - The Marble Jar is a metaphor for something being built slowly, over time, in small moments.  

Who are your role models? 

My most significant role model is a Headteacher I used to work for. She says two things which have got me through tough times: ‘It will be OK in the end; if it’s not OK then it’s not the end.’ She also used to say ‘Model the behaviour you expect of others’. These two short phrases have been really good for reminding me to stay calm and lead by example.  

Most impressive or unusual achievement in your career or life?  

A lot of the girls will know this, but I have written a children’s book which was published by a charity in Malaysia. I spent four years as a child and six years as an adult living in Malaysia, so it’s a place that is really important to me. The book was about stray cats, but also about children who have no one to look after them.  

What are you most passionate about in life? 

That’s a difficult one! I would say my passions have changed over the years. It used to be travelling and I always had the next holiday planned and my next adventure booked. From temples, beaches and jungles to cities, galleries and museums. Now, I would say that my passions are closer to home. I love cooking, reading, taking Pip for a long walk and spending time with my lovely family.  

What is your favourite book and why? 

I love anything written by Kate Morton. She writes really magical stories that have their roots in history and families and mystery. I also love any sort of crime fiction - anything that keeps me guessing! 

What is your favourite school lunch? 

I think it’s got to be Katsu Chicken curry! Rosario (our Head Chef at Junior School) wins over Wagamama every day!