After studying for my degree in English at Oxford Brookes University and then achieving my PGCE with QTS I was eager to get started on my teaching path. My teaching career has spanned nineteen years and has afforded me opportunities to teach both here in Oxford and overseas in Dubai. I have been involved in projects with schools around Europe as well as leading reciprocal relationships with schools in Uganda and Ethiopia.
My area of particular interest lies in the Early Years and Key Stage One, as this is where I have gained the majority of my experience. Most recently I enjoyed the role of Assistant Headteacher. Here I worked towards school improvement on a range of curriculum areas, with specific focus on strategies to develop lesson styles in order to maximise engagement of pupils.
Central to each role that I’ve had has always been the relationships I have built with children and their families. By really getting to know pupils, I am able to ensure that their experiences are relevant to their interests, that they are happy and nurtured and feel comfortably challenged to achieve more. My classroom is always happy – brimming with books, children’s work and colour. My aim is for pupils to succeed and flourish and we achieve this together by setting appropriate goals and endeavouring to take next steps that are specific to the individual children.
At home I am a mum to two young children who keep me busy. We love being outdoors together and spending time with our extended family. When I am afforded time to myself, I love to garden and am working to improve my skills each year. This year I am focussing on developing a cut flower garden as well as toiling away at my allotment. I enjoy being a member of a book club, which keeps my passion for reading alive, and it is wonderful catching up with friends.
