Which school tradition do you miss the most or still love participating in?

I really enjoyed the 'Christmas sing-along' we used to do during the first assembly on the last day of the Autumn term (the Christmas Service came later in the morning). Children used to wear Christmas hats and reindeer accessories, and everyone joined in. It was good fun. 

What was your favourite "hidden spot" at Hymers?

The Biology garden. There are a range of apple trees and a little pond that pupils who came to Nature Club raised money to replace. In the spring we usually have a pair of ducks that arrive there from the lake. This year there has been a visiting fox! It is lovely to teach in the classrooms that look out over the garden and watch the birds and squirrels.

How has Hymers changed or stayed the same - since you first arrived?

There have been lots of physical changes in the school during my 25+ years. A new Junior School, swimming pool, music centre and learning resource centre, as well as refurbished science classrooms (although the biology labs remain the same). The school now takes children from age 3, which has been a big change this year.

What I think has stayed the same is the Hymers Community. I continue to work with supportive colleagues - the individuals may have changed but their support for one another hasn't. The Hymers parents continue to play a really important role in how the school operates, their support for the children in all their activities, both academic and co-curricular really makes a difference. The Hymers College Association that has existed in different formats during my time here is another important parental body that works for the good of the school.

Then there are the pupils - again there have been thousands of individuals through the school during my time here, but their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and ambition hasn't changed. It has been a real privilege to have spent time as Acting Head of the Junior School this academic year, I have been lucky to have worked with our very youngest children for the first time altogether on one site and I am really excited to see them progress through the school

What is one thing about this school that has kept you here for so many years?

I have been really lucky to work in a number of different roles during my time here. A biology teacher, part of the games department taking many different teams, as a Head of Year, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, short stints as Deputy Head Academic and Acting Head of the Junior School, and of course as the Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead. I think this has given me an opportunity to see how Hymers works from many different angles and work with so many different colleagues, including governors. This means that my experience has been varied, interesting and challenging. I have also had the opportunity to influence developments in the school, particularly on the pastoral side and this has been a privilege. 

What is the most rewarding experience you've had with an OH after they graduated?

I think it is when we have OH's return to Hymers to talk to our pupils about their careers, there are so many it would be wrong to just name one! It is particularly humbling to see the progress that so many have made in biology-related fields and medicine. Their expertise in a range of important areas; cancer research, environmental impact, veterinary and health care just a few of these. To know that they have been one of our Biology students, or that I may have supported their UCAS application and that they want to come back and share their expertise is something I am really grateful for, it makes such a difference to our pupils.

What is your favourite hobby outside of teaching?

If I am not out in nature walking, I love to go to the theatre, particularly musical theatre. This is one hobby that I can indulge in at school too, the school productions over the years have been fantastic and it was a particular pleasure to watch my own children take advantage of this great opportunity.