Olivia Burnett-Armstrong
Olivia Burnett-Armstrong
Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Bedales Prep

BA (Hons), French and Linguistics, University of Exeter
PGCE, French and English, Homerton College, University of Cambridge

What makes a good teacher at Bedales Prep?

Enthusiasm, creativity, good subject knowledge, a desire to know the children and to give them the best opportunities to enjoy and succeed in their learning, and the constant quest to improve that experience.

What are you trying to encourage and instil in your pupils?

A curiosity and love of learning French, and a respect for each other’s learning.

Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?

I’m a Block 2 tutor and I run the Block 2 welfare committee. Being at the top of the school is an important time for Bedales Prep students and they enjoy having a say in what makes this year special. We had a great trip to London to see Les Miserables in the Christmas Term as part of our MFL Victor Hugo module, with a backstage tour and singing and acting workshops, and in Camps Week in the Summer Term we go to Caen and spend a week speaking French and enjoying a wide variety of activities. The Groups children asked for a French Club this term, in which they have chosen to make models of French monuments. I can also occasionally be spotted umpiring a netball match! I enjoy seeing the pupils doing other things outside French lessons.

In your opinion, what makes Bedales Prep special?

The genuine sense of community and the inquisitive approach to education.

What is your best memory of Bedales Prep?

Seeing the Bedales flock of sheep trotting past the classroom door during one of my first lessons here!

Who or what inspires you?

My family, France, selflessness.

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.

I ran the London Marathon in 2002.