What led you to work in Education?
A family concern – I come from a long line of teachers and educators and place a huge emphasis on the impact of a good education.
What's the best part of your job?
Definitely supporting the enthusiasms of my team as we bring new students to the School, build networks among our Old Scholars, and tell the stories of all the fantastic things that are happening in School. Sidcot is somewhere where you are able to bring your ideas to life and everyone brings a unique experience to the table. It’s brilliant to witness that among the staff and student body alike.
If you weren't in your current role, what would you be doing now?
Travel writer – what an amazing job!
What's your most memorable moment (so far) from working at Sidcot?
I do love Sidcot’s Got Talent – our annual competition which is a real spectacle and showcases a huge breadth of talent. It’s lovely to see the students (and staff!) give it their all.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Working in a Quaker school, I’m challenged by George Fox’s Advices and Queries. A favourite is: “Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come…then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God (or Good) in every one.”
How do you live adventurously?
I think this can be as much about making the choice that challenges you as doing typically adventurous things. I love to travel (and have done my fair share of skydiving and mountain climbing) but I try to apply our school motto to every day too. How can my skills make a difference today?
What is one subject you are curious about?
My husband works for New Scientist magazine (the editor of which, incidentally, is an Old Scholar) and he always has an interesting Science story to tell at the end of the day. It really is an amazing world we live in.
What is one cause you care passionately about?
The injustice of the effect that the developed world’s pursuit of growth and production of greenhouse gases is having on developing countries. Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change-induced natural disasters such as droughts and floods according to the IFC, and the world should be proportionally responsible for supporting those affected by a problem caused by all.
What is one misconception people have about you?
I think people generally have the measure of me pretty quickly!
What surprises you about Sidcot?
How fast the terms go by! There’s so much going on, it becomes a blur.
What makes you proud of Sidcot?
The acceptance of everyone, of all nationalities and cultures and personal backgrounds. Everyone’s talents are celebrated.
How would you like to be remembered by your colleagues?
Enthusiastic, fair and encouraging.
If you had one word to sum up Sidcot, what would it be?
Lively!
If you had one word to sum up yourself what would it be?
Team-player
What notable individual would you invite to a dinner party and why?
Jessie Burton. I love her novels and her Instagram account shows her to be well-travelled and have really interesting perspectives on art and culture. Plus she could give all the gossip on the other famous authors she knows/has known!