What is your role at Blackheath High School?
I am Deputy Head Academic. That means I oversee all aspects of the curriculum, making sure that students get an inspiring and enriching education that helps them to realise their potential.
How long have you been teaching for?
Over 25 years.
Where did you study and what did you study?
I studied Music, beginning as a singer at the University in Wales, before taking on a Master’s in Music Composition at York University. After starting my teaching career, I completed DPhil in Music Composition at Sussex University part-time.
How did you know that teaching was the profession for you?
I didn’t at first! Before teaching, I worked at Whitehall in policy. After a while I realised it wasn’t for me, so I tried out a short-term maternity music teacher cover and absolutely loved it from day one. And I have never looked back.
Why Blackheath High School? What sets the school apart from other schools?
Many schools will tell you what makes them special. At Blackheath High, you don’t really need to be told – you feel it. From the moment you walk through the door, there’s a warmth, confidence and intellectual curiosity that pervades everything and is hard to put into words. The girls genuinely enjoy learning, support one another and have an unwavering belief that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.
What inspires you/ gets you out of bed in the morning?
My family are my biggest inspiration and my driving force. I am also hugely inspired by the infinite capacity of students to amaze with new ideas, pieces of work, or works of art.
As to what gets me up in the morning, it tends to be my Cavapoo, Reggie, who gets me out for his walk in the morning. It’s apparently the best time of day to catch squirrels!
What kind of leader are you?
I would describe myself as a leader who is clear, fair and empowering. I believe people do their best work when they understand the expectations, feel trusted to use their judgement, and know that decisions are made consistently.
I am firm where I need to be, particularly around standards, safeguarding, behaviour, deadlines and the quality of provision for students. But I do not believe in micromanagement. Once the direction is clear, I want staff to feel ownership over how they get there. My role is to remove barriers, offer support and challenge, and hold people accountable in a way that is respectful and constructive.
For me, good leadership is about creating the conditions where people feel both trusted and accountable.
Who are your role models?
I don’t have one particular role model to be honest; it’s more that there are lots of people who have specific skills or mindsets that I admire and try to emulate. That could be anything from Obama’s quiet leadership style to the resilience shown by teachers who work in really challenging schools.
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
A long time ago I worked at Buckingham Palace and I once spent an afternoon being a personal escort to the former US First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. She had the most wonderful stories about presidents, kings and queens, and didn’t hold back!
A bonus fun fact: I am completely ambidextrous.
What are you most passionate about in life?
Friends and family are first and foremost in everything I do. As a (lapsed) musician I also always want to get involved in whatever way I can with musical projects.
Literature and cooking are two of my private passions and I am trying to widen my appreciation of these by exploring world literature and cuisine. At the moment, I am honing my sushi-making skills.
If someone made a film of your life, who would you want to play you?
Difficult one. I would have to say Joaquin Phoenix as we both share the same scar on our top lip.
Who is your favourite musician?
My first opera singing teacher at Trinity, John Kitchener who was an incredible vocalist and introduced me to contemporary music. I also think Kendrick Lamar is incredible.
